How to Get a Credit Card with a Low CIBIL Score [2025 Guide]

Getting a credit card when you have a low CIBIL score can feel impossible. Banks see you as a “high-risk” applicant — but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

In 2025, several banks and fintech companies in India offer credit cards designed for people with low or no credit history.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to get a credit card with a low CIBIL score, which cards to apply for, and how to use them to rebuild your credit score fast.

🔍 What Is Considered a “Low” CIBIL Score?

CIBIL Score Range	Status	Approval Chances
750–900	Excellent	Very High
700–749	Good	High
650–699	Average	Moderate
550–649	Poor	Low
Below 550	Very Poor	Very Low

If your score is below 700, traditional credit cards may get rejected — but secured and alternative cards can still get approved easily.

💳 Best Credit Card Options for Low CIBIL Score (2025)

1. SBI SimplySAVE Advantage Card (Secured Card)

Type: Secured credit card against fixed deposit
Minimum FD: ₹25,000
Benefits:
- Earn 1 reward point per ₹100 spent
- Fuel surcharge waiver
- Improves credit score with regular payments
Why we recommend it: Easy approval — ideal first step to rebuild credit.

2. ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card (FD-based variant)

Type: Secured
Minimum FD: ₹10,000
Benefits:
- Airport lounge access
- Payback points
- Free movie tickets on BookMyShow
Why we recommend it: ICICI’s FD-linked cards approve instantly through iMobile app.

3. OneCard Credit Card

Type: Unsecured fintech card (modern approval)
Eligibility: 680+ CIBIL or thin file
Benefits:
- 5X rewards on top merchants
- Metal design
- Smart app control (freeze, limit, EMI options)
Why we recommend it: Approves many first-time users or low-score applicants if income proof is strong.

4. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card

Type: FD-backed secured card
Minimum FD: ₹20,000
Benefits:
- 1% cashback
- Easy Axis FD-link approval
- Builds CIBIL within 3 months of usage
Why we recommend it: Axis approvals are quick and reliable with minimal documentation.

5. Bank of Baroda Prime Credit Card

Type: Secured card
Minimum FD: ₹15,000
Benefits:
- Free issuance
- Zero annual fee
- 1 reward point per ₹100 spent
Why we recommend it: No-fee card that directly helps credit rebuilders.

🧩 How to Improve Your Approval Odds

Apply for FD-Backed (Secured) Cards First
Banks love secured cards because the FD reduces their risk.
👉 Open a small FD (₹10K–₹25K) with SBI, Axis, or ICICI and apply against it.
Use Fintech Cards
Fintech players like OneCard, Uni Card, or Slice may approve users with moderate scores if income is stable.
Avoid Applying to Too Many Banks
Each rejection creates a hard inquiry, further dropping your score.
👉 Stick to 2–3 applications max in 3 months.
Show Proof of Income or Salary Credits
Upload salary slips, ITR, or bank statements — even if your CIBIL is low, income stability increases trust.
Pay EMIs and Utility Bills on Time
Regular on-time payments improve your score steadily. Consider setting up auto-debit.

⚙️ How to Use a Secured Card to Rebuild Credit

Step	Action	Timeframe
1	Apply for FD-backed card	Day 1
2	Keep utilization under 30%	Ongoing
3	Pay full amount before due date	Every month
4	Check CIBIL score monthly	3–6 months
5	Apply for unsecured card	After 6 months

Within 6–8 months, your score can jump 100+ points if you maintain consistent usage and repayments.

🚀 Pro Tips

Never withdraw cash from your credit card (hurts CIBIL).
Use your card monthly (small amounts) to show active credit behavior.
Don’t close secured cards too soon — older credit lines improve average credit age.

🏁 Conclusion

A low CIBIL score doesn’t have to hold you back.
Start with a secured credit card, manage it wisely, and within months you’ll qualify for premium cards again.

Whether it’s SBI SimplySAVE Advantage, Axis Insta Easy, or ICICI Coral, all these cards can help you rebuild your credit score in 2025 — one smart swipe at a time.