How To Get A Credit Card With No Credit History?

15^th Sep 2025...

Published By : Team 811

Applying for a credit card is a special time when you are a first-time credit card user or upgrading to a new card. When evaluating a credit card application, banks typically assess an applicant’s creditworthiness through credit scores as a part of financial norms.

A minimum score of 750 usually opens doors to premium credit cards in India. Those looking for credit cards with no credit history or a low credit score might find themselves in a challenging position. Securing a credit card without a credit score can be tricky, as banks evaluate past payment behaviour.

This blog will help you explore strategies to acquire low credit score credit cards, ensuring financial accessibility for a broader audience.

Understanding credit history

Credit history is a detailed record implying your borrowing and repayment behaviours, which is essential for evaluating creditworthiness. Your credit history begins to take shape when you use credit through cards or loans. It is categorised into two types: good and low credit history.

A good credit history reflects responsible financial conduct, a key factor for obtaining credit cards. However, individuals with no credit history, often first-time credit card users, might face challenges. Understanding the basics of credit history is essential, particularly when exploring options for credit cards tailored for those with low credit scores or no credit history.

Also Read: How To Use A Credit Card To Build Credit

Importance of credit history

Let's understand why a credit history is important when securing a credit card without a credit score:

1. Creditworthiness assessment:

Credit history is crucial in evaluating an applicant's creditworthiness by credit card issuers. It provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's past borrowing and repayment behaviour, helping banks assess the risk of extending credit. The information gathered from credit history influences decisions regarding credit approvals, interest rates, and credit limits.

2. Self evaluation and eligibility check:

Another significant advantage of maintaining a credit history is that individuals can use it as a tool for self-evaluation. Regularly checking their credit history gives them insights into their current credit standing. This self-assessment empowers individuals to gauge their eligibility for new credit cards or other financial products and take appropriate actions to improve their credit health.

3. Opportunities for new users:

Obtaining a credit card is still viable for individuals without a credit card history. When someone is a new user with no previous credit card history, their credit report won't reflect any negative or positive credit card-related information. It offers a pathway for new users to secure a credit card without needing an established credit score, allowing them to kickstart their credit journey responsibly.

How to get a credit card with no credit history?

Getting a credit card without a credit score may seem challenging, but it's possible through various options. Here are effective ways to secure a credit card with no credit score:

1. Secured credit card:

Opt for a secured credit card, an accessible option for those with a low or no credit score. By opening a fixed deposit account with the issuing bank, you can obtain a credit card with a limit, generally matching your deposit, boosting credit score building. For example, the Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card is readily available to anyone with a minimum fixed deposit (FD) of Rs 5,000. It provides a credit limit of up to 90% of your FD.

Also Read: Benefits Of Using A Secured Credit Card

2. Add on credit card:

Consider getting an add-on credit card if you have a family member with a primary credit card. This additional card inherits features from the primary card, helping with short-term financial needs.

3. Credit card against savings account:

Some banks extend credit cards against savings accounts. Deposit a specified amount, and the bank will issue a credit card with a limit determined by the deposited sum.

4. Prepaid Credit Card:

Obtain a prepaid credit card by prepaying an amount to the bank, mirroring the fixed deposit credit card model. Ideal for poor credit scores, it ensures responsible spending within the prepaid limit.

5. Credit card based on salary statement:

Beyond credit scores, banks may consider salary statements for credit card approval. Salaried employees with a six-month work history can apply by submitting a letter of employment from the HR department and salary statements.

What is the minimum cibil score required to get a regular credit card?

Understanding the importance of CIBIL scores is crucial when applying for a regular credit card. The score ranges typically from 300 to 900, a higher score, nearing 900, enhances your chances of accessing top-tier credit cards in India.

While the minimum CIBIL score required is usually set at 750, banks may also consider applicants with low or no credit history. If you need a credit history, securing a credit card is still possible, maybe with limited benefits. It's essential to note that the minimum CIBIL score stipulated by credit card issuers may vary, emphasising the importance of checking their specific requirements.

Additionally, maintaining a more extended credit card history can be advantageous, so avoid closing old credit accounts for an extended credit line, potentially surpassing the minimum CIBIL score and facilitating credit card approval.

Conclusion

Getting a credit card, especially the 811 Dream Different Credit Card from Kotak, is hassle-free with easy eligibility criteria. Anyone can acquire this card by opening a minimum fixed deposit of Rs.5,000 without any income proof or credit score. Applying for the 811 Credit Card is simple and provides an opportunity to build credit while enjoying benefits. The application process is designed to be easy, making credit card access more inclusive.

With the Kotak811 Dream Different Credit Card, you can take your first step on your credit journey without stringent prerequisites, making financial aspirations more achievable. Apply now for a seamless credit experience!

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This Article is for information purposes only. The views expressed in this Article do not necessarily constitute the views of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“Bank”) or its employees. Bank makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the material and articles contained in this Newsletter. The information contained in this Article is sourced from empanelled external experts for the benefit of the customers and it does not constitute legal advice from Kotak. Kotak, its directors, employees, and contributors shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss resulting from or arising due to reliance on or use of any information contained herein.