How to Get a Credit Card with a Low CIBIL Score in India (2026)

A low CIBIL score doesn't have to mean no credit card. Millions of Indians — students, first-time earners, freelancers, and people who've had past payment issues — are shut out of traditional credit card approvals. But that's changing.

Here's everything you need to know about getting a credit card with a low CIBIL score in India in 2026.

What is a CIBIL Score and Why Does It Matter?

Your CIBIL score is a 3-digit number between 300 and 900 that banks use to decide whether to approve you for credit cards and loans.

• 750–900: Excellent. Most cards available.
• 650–749: Good. Some cards available with conditions.
• 550–649: Fair. Traditional banks will often reject you.
• 300–549: Low. Most unsecured card applications will be declined.

If your score is below 650, don't worry. You have options.

Why Traditional Banks Reject Low CIBIL Score Applicants

Banks use your CIBIL score as a proxy for risk. A low score signals missed payments, no credit history, or high existing debt. For unsecured credit cards, banks won't take that risk.

But there's a product specifically built for this situation: FD-backed secured credit cards.

What is an FD-Backed Credit Card?

An FD-backed credit card is linked to a Fixed Deposit you place with a bank. The bank uses your FD as collateral and gives you a credit card with a limit equal to 80–90% of your FD.

Example: You open an FD of ₹20,000. You get a credit card with a ₹16,000–₹18,000 limit.

Because the bank holds your FD as security, your CIBIL score doesn't matter as much. These cards are available to:

• People with low CIBIL scores
• Students with no credit history
• Freelancers without salary slips
• Anyone rejected for a regular credit card

How FD-Backed Cards Help You Build Credit

Every time you use the card and pay your bill on time, that activity gets reported to CIBIL. Your score typically improves within 6–12 months of responsible use. Once you cross 700+, you can apply for unsecured cards with better rewards, higher limits, and no FD requirement — including premium cards with airport lounge access and high credit limits.

How DigiKard Helps

DigiKard is a credit card marketplace that matches you to the right card based on your actual profile — including your CIBIL score. If your score is low or you're new to credit, DigiKard recommends FD-backed secured cards suited to your situation.

The entire process is online. No branch visit. No paperwork. Video KYC (VKYC) handles verification from your phone in minutes. DigiKard redirects you to apply directly with the issuing bank, which makes the final decision.

Tips to Improve Your CIBIL Score Faster

• Pay your full bill on time every month — even one missed payment sets you back
• Keep utilisation below 30% of your credit limit
• Don't apply for multiple cards at once — each application creates a hard inquiry
• Check your CIBIL report for errors — wrong entries drag your score down

Who Should Get an FD-Backed Credit Card?

• Students applying for their first credit card
• Freelancers or self-employed individuals without salary slips
• Anyone rejected for a regular credit card
• People with a CIBIL score below 650
• Anyone building credit history from scratch

The Bottom Line

A low CIBIL score is not a dead end. FD-backed secured credit cards exist specifically for your situation — and they work. Use one responsibly for 6–12 months and your score will improve enough to qualify for better cards.

DigiKard makes finding the right card quick and simple — matched to your profile, applied in 30 minutes.

*As per RBI guidelines, DigiKard is a credit card marketplace. Card issuance is at the sole discretion of the issuing bank.*

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