Credit score for a credit card in India: what you actually need
If you're applying for your first plastic — or upgrading to a premium card — the single biggest question is usually the same: what credit score for a credit card do banks really want? In India, the short answer is that most issuers look for a CIBIL score of roughly 750 and above for unsecured cards, but that number alone doesn't decide your application. Your income, existing debts, employment stability and the specific card all matter too.
This guide breaks down the typical score bands lenders use, how the bar shifts by card type, and what to do whether you're below the cut-off or starting from zero. Figures here are illustrative ranges for 2026 — the exact policy is always set by the lender.
How credit scores work in India
Four RBI-licensed credit bureaus operate in India: CIBIL (TransUnion CIBIL), Experian, Equifax and CRIF High Mark. CIBIL is the most widely referenced by card issuers, and its score runs from 300 to 900. The higher your score, the lower the perceived risk, and the better your odds of approval at favourable terms.
Your score is built from your borrowing history — how reliably you've repaid loans and cards, how much of your available limit you use, the age of your accounts, your mix of credit types, and how often you apply for new credit. If you want a deeper walkthrough of the maths and how to climb the ladder, our guide on reaching a 750+ CIBIL score covers it in detail, and you can check where you stand on the credit score page.
Typical score ranges issuers use
Banks don't publish hard cut-offs, but in practice most Indian issuers map scores to broad risk tiers something like this:
| CIBIL band | How issuers typically read it | Card outlook (illustrative) |
|---|---|---|
| 750–900 | Excellent / low risk | Strong odds across most unsecured cards; premium variants in reach |
| 700–749 | Good | Approvable for many mainstream cards; terms may vary |
| 650–699 | Fair / borderline | Mixed; entry-level cards possible, often with conditions |
| 550–649 | Subprime | Unsecured approval unlikely; secured cards a realistic route |
| Below 550 / NTC | High risk or no history | Build credit first, usually via a secured card |
"NTC" means new-to-credit — you have no borrowing history yet, so there's no score to read. That isn't a rejection in itself; it just means issuers look at other signals or steer you toward a starter product.
What else issuers check beyond the score
A high score helps, but card approval in India is a package decision. Alongside CIBIL, issuers commonly weigh:
- Income — a minimum monthly or annual income, which rises for premium cards.
- Employment type — salaried applicants at recognised employers often clear easier than the self-employed, who may face extra income proof.
- Existing obligations — current EMIs and card balances reduce the headroom a new issuer is willing to extend.
- Credit utilisation — habitually maxing out existing limits signals stress, even at a decent score.
- Recent enquiries — several card or loan applications in a short window can look like credit-hungry behaviour.
- Stability — time at your current address and job adds confidence.
This is why two people with the same 760 score can get different outcomes: the one with low utilisation, steady income and few recent enquiries is the stronger file.
Score expectations by card type
Not every card needs a top-tier score. The bar generally tracks the card's richness:
- Secured credit cards (against a fixed deposit): Often available even with a low score or none at all, because your FD backs the limit. The most reliable on-ramp for NTC applicants and score-rebuilders.
- Entry-level / lifetime-free cards: Tend to sit comfortably with scores in the high 600s to 700s, subject to income.
- Mainstream rewards / cashback cards: Usually smoother from around 750 upward.
- Premium and super-premium cards: Generally expect a strong score plus a materially higher income; approval is more selective.
You can compare features across issuers on the credit card hub, and review individual programmes such as IDFC FIRST Bank, SBI Card and HDFC Bank before you apply.
If your score is below 750
A score under the comfort zone isn't the end of the road. Practical moves:
- Consider a secured card against an FD to start (or restart) building positive history; many convert to unsecured after consistent on-time use.
- Pay every bill in full and on time — payment history is the heaviest factor, and a single missed due date hurts.
- Lower your utilisation to a modest share of your limit, ideally well under a third.
- Avoid scattering applications — space out requests so enquiries don't pile up.
- Check your report for errors. Disputing an incorrect late mark or a closed account showing as live can lift your score without any new borrowing.
Improvement is gradual, not overnight — bureaus update as lenders report, typically monthly. Give responsible habits a few cycles to show.
Building credit from scratch (new-to-credit)
No history yet? You're not stuck. Common starting points include a secured credit card, becoming an add-on cardholder on a family member's account, or building a track record through a small, well-managed loan such as a personal loan or a car loan repaid on schedule. Once a few months of clean repayment land on your report, a score forms and unsecured cards open up. To plan repayments before you borrow, the EMI calculator and loan eligibility calculator help you size a comfortable commitment.
A quick word on hard enquiries
Every formal card application triggers a hard enquiry that can nudge your score down slightly and stays on your report for a couple of years. A few are normal; a cluster in weeks is a red flag to issuers. Apply selectively for cards you're genuinely likely to qualify for, rather than testing several at once. Comparing options first — using the compare tools or browsing lenders — lets you shortlist before you commit to an enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum credit score for a credit card in India?
There's no single legally fixed minimum — each issuer sets its own policy. As a general guide, many unsecured cards are smoother to obtain from a CIBIL score of around 750+, while secured cards backed by a fixed deposit can often be opened with a low score or no history at all. Your income and existing debts also weigh on the decision.
Can I get a credit card with no credit history?
Yes. New-to-credit applicants commonly start with a secured card against an FD, or as an add-on holder on a family member's card. After a few months of on-time activity, a score builds and unsecured options become accessible. Check your current standing on the credit score page.
Does checking my own credit score lower it?
No. Viewing your own report is a "soft" enquiry and does not affect your score. Only a "hard" enquiry — generated when a lender pulls your report for an actual application — can have a small, temporary impact. Monitoring your score regularly is encouraged.
General information, not financial advice. Confirm current terms with the lender.
