3 Easy-to-Get Credit Cards in India (2026): Approved Even With Low or No CIBIL Score
“Easy to get” is not the same as “lowest fee” or “best rewards” — it means high approval odds even if you have a thin file, a low CIBIL score, or no income proof. In India, the surest route is a secured credit card backed by a fixed deposit (FD): because your own FD is the collateral, the bank’s risk is near zero, so approval is almost guaranteed regardless of your credit history. The card still reports to the bureaus every month, so it quietly builds your score while you use it. Below are three of the easiest legitimate cards to get in 2026 — each one we have reviewed in full.
Why these three are easy to get
- Approved regardless of CIBIL score. An FD-backed card does not depend on your score, so even “NA/NH” or sub-650 applicants qualify.
- No income proof needed. Students, homemakers, freelancers and the newly employed can apply without salary slips or ITR.
- Your money keeps working. The FD continues earning interest (typically 5–7% p.a.) while it secures the card.
- They build credit fast. Pay on time and most people see a usable score in 6–12 months.
1. IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card — best all-round starter
A lifetime-free card issued against a fixed deposit, with no joining fee, no annual fee, and zero forex markup — unusual at this level. Your credit limit is set against your FD, you earn reward points on spends, and the FD continues to earn interest. The zero forex markup makes it genuinely useful abroad, which most beginner cards are not. It is the card we most often suggest to someone building credit from scratch. Read the full breakdown in our IDFC FIRST WOW review.
Best for: first-time users who want a no-fee card they can keep forever.
2. Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent — best for online shoppers
A lifetime-free secured card against an FD (commonly from around ₹10,000, with a minimum FD tenure). It leans towards digital spenders, earning accelerated reward points on online transactions, and is fully app-managed through Kotak 811. If most of your spending is on Amazon, Flipkart, food delivery and bills, the rewards add up faster here than on a plain starter card. Full details in our Kotak 811 DreamDifferent review.
Best for: online-first spenders who want rewards while building credit.
3. SBI Unnati — best for existing SBI customers
Issued against a fixed deposit (commonly ₹25,000), SBI Unnati is free for the first four years; from year five a modest renewal fee applies that is waived on reaching a low annual-spend threshold. It carries the trust and acceptance of India’s largest bank and is ideal if you already bank with SBI and want a simple, low-cost way into credit. See our SBI Unnati review for the current fee and reward specifics.
Best for: SBI account holders who want a no-frills, low-cost starter.
Quick comparison
| Card | Type | Annual fee | Stands out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDFC FIRST WOW! | Secured (FD) | Lifetime free | Zero forex markup, no fees ever |
| Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent | Secured (FD) | Lifetime free | Accelerated online rewards |
| SBI Unnati | Secured (FD) | Free 4 years, then waivable | SBI trust and acceptance |
Fees, FD minimums and reward rates are revised by issuers from time to time — always confirm the current terms on the bank’s official page before applying.
Secured vs unsecured: which should you pick?
If your CIBIL score is low, thin, or non-existent, start secured — approval is near-certain and you are building history. Some banks also offer “easy” unsecured cards to existing salaried customers, but those still depend on income and score, so approval is not guaranteed. The smart play for most beginners: take a secured card, use it lightly and pay in full for 9–12 months, then graduate to an unsecured card once your score crosses ~750.
How to actually get approved
- Apply where you already bank. An existing relationship (especially for the FD) speeds approval.
- Open the FD with the same bank whose card you want — the card is issued against it.
- Keep documents ready: PAN, Aadhaar and the FD details. No salary slip is needed for secured cards.
- Apply for one card at a time. Multiple applications create several hard enquiries and look risky.
How these cards build your CIBIL score
Every secured card reports your limit, balance and payments to the bureaus monthly — exactly like an unsecured card. Pay on time and keep usage below 30% of your limit, and your score climbs. To understand the mechanics and estimate where you stand, use our free CIBIL score tool and read how credit cards affect your CIBIL score. New to cards entirely? Start with our beginner’s guide or the best first credit cards in India.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the easiest credit card to get in India?
A secured (FD-backed) card such as IDFC FIRST WOW!, Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent or SBI Unnati — approval does not depend on your CIBIL score or income.
Can I get a credit card with a 600 CIBIL score?
Yes. A secured card is approved against your FD regardless of score, and using it responsibly will lift your score over time.
Do secured credit cards build credit?
Yes — they report to all bureaus monthly, so on-time payments build your score just like an unsecured card.
Will my FD be locked?
The FD stays as collateral while the card is active and keeps earning interest. You typically get it back when you close the card and clear dues.
Can students or homemakers get these cards?
Yes — no income proof is required for FD-backed cards, so students, homemakers and freelancers can apply.
This article is for general education only and is not financial advice. Card features and fees change; verify current terms with the issuer before applying. CreditSmart may earn a referral fee on some links, which never affects our ratings or coverage.
