Do you have a poor credit score and feel trapped in a financial slump? No need to worry! We’re here to help with our comprehensive guide to the best credit cards for bad credit in India. Whether you want to improve your credit or start building it from scratch, there’s a card that suits your needs. From cashback perks to competitive interest rates, we’ll provide all the details you need to choose the right card and work towards financial independence!
Understanding Bad Credit
Before diving into the world of credit cards, let’s first understand what bad credit really means. Your credit score is like your financial report card—it tells lenders how reliable you are when it comes to borrowing money. A low credit score usually indicates a history of missed payments, defaults, or high credit utilization, making it challenging to qualify for traditional credit cards. But fear not! With the right strategy and the right card, you can turn things around and improve your creditworthiness over time.
What Makes a Credit Card Suitable for Bad Credit?
In the selection of a credit card for poor credit in India, specific characteristics can greatly impact your path to economic recovery:
- No Credit Check: Some cards don’t require a credit check, making them accessible to individuals with poor credit scores.
- Low Fees: Look for cards with minimal fees and charges to avoid adding to your financial burden.
- Credit-Building Tools: Opt for cards that offer tools and resources to help you monitor and improve your credit score.
- Secured Options: Secured credit cards, backed by a security deposit, can be a great option for rebuilding credit.
- Flexible Payment Options: Choose cards that offer flexibility in payment schedules to accommodate your financial situation.
Top Credit Cards for Bad Credit in India
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into our top picks for credit cards tailored to individuals with bad credit in India:
SBI Unnati Credit Card
The SBI Unnati credit card is accepted worldwide and can be obtained by pledging fixed deposits. Your credit limit can be up to 85% of your total fixed deposit amount.
Key features of SBI Unnati Credit Card:
- SBI Card Unnati is free for first 4 years
- Withdraw cash from over 1 million Visa or MasterCard ATMs across the globe
- Convert your SBI Unnati Credit Card spends into EMIs with Flexipay.
- Apply for add on cards for spouse, siblings, children or parents.
Charges:
Annual fee: Nil (First 4 Years)
Renewal fee: Rs.499 p.a.
Add on charges: Nil
Interest charges: 2.5% per month or 30% p.a.
Late payment charges: 5% of the total outstanding amount
SBI Advantage Plus Credit Card
The SBI credit card is accepted globally and is offered against fixed deposits. Up to 85% of your total fixed deposit amount can your credit limit.
Key features of SBI advantage plus:
- Enjoy cash withdrawal from several ATMs across the globe.
- Apply for add on cards for spouse, siblings, children or parents.
- Convert your SBI Advantage Plus Credit Card spends into EMIs with Flexipay.
Fees:
Annual fee: Rs.500
Renewal fee: Rs.500 p.a.
Add-on charges: Nil
Interest charges: 2.25% per month or 27% p.a.
Late payment charges: Up to Rs.750 depending on the spend amount
Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card
This Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card can be obtained based on your salary or fixed deposit. This card is suitable for those looking to improve their credit score with minimal paperwork.
Key features of Axis bank Insta Easy Credit Card:
- Get a credit limit up to 80% of your FD.
- 1% fuel surcharge waived on all fuel transactions.
- Cash withdrawal of up to 100% of credit limit.
- No joining fee or annual fee.
Fees and charges:
Joining fee: Nil
Annual fee: Nil
Add on charges: Nil
Interest rate 2.50% per month or 34.49% p.a.
Late payment fee: Up to Rs.700
Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card
Experience interest-free cash withdrawals, rewards on every purchase, a credit limit of up to 90% of your term deposit amount, and a complimentary Credit Card for life with the Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card.
Key features of Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card:
- Interest-free cash for up to 48 days throughout the year.
- Fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions above Rs.500 up to Rs.3,500.
- Railway surcharge waiver on transactions in IRCTC website for a maximum of Rs.500.
Fees:
Joining fee: Nil
Annual fee: Nil
Add on charges: Nil
Interest rate 2.99% per month or 35.88% p.a.
Late payment fee: Up to Rs.700
Over limit charge: Rs.500
HDFC Money Back Credit Card
The HDFC Money Back Credit Card can be availed on your salary. The ease of obtaining this card makes it a good option for people trying to improve their credit scores. Some of the details of the card are mentioned below.
Key features of the HDFC Money Back Card:
- Earn 2 reward points for every Rs.150 spent.
- Convert spend to EMIs using SmartEMI.
- No lost card liability after reporting loss of the card.
Fees:
Joining fee: Rs.500
Annual fee: Rs.500
Add on charges: Nil
Minimum amount due: 5% of total outstanding
Late payment fee: Up to Rs.750
Over-limit charge: Rs.500 minimum
FAQs about Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Q: Can I get a credit card with bad credit in India?
A: Absolutely! Many banks and financial institutions offer credit cards specifically designed for individuals with bad credit.
Q: Will getting a credit card for bad credit help improve my credit score?
A: Yes, using a credit card responsibly by making timely payments and keeping your credit utilization low can gradually improve your credit score over time.
Q: Are there any drawbacks to credit cards for bad credit?
A: While these cards can be beneficial for rebuilding credit, they often come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits compared to traditional cards.
Q: How long does it take to rebuild credit with a credit card for bad credit?
A: The time it takes to improve your credit score depends on various factors, including your payment history and credit utilization. With consistent, responsible use, you can start seeing improvements within a few months to a year.
Conclusion
Don’t let bad credit hold you back from achieving your financial goals! With the top credit cards for bad credit in India, you have the power to rebuild your credit and take control of your financial future. Remember to choose a card that aligns with your needs and goals, and always use it responsibly to maximize its benefits. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embark on your journey towards better credit and brighter financial prospects!
