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Credit Card Eligibility: Here is How to Check it

FACT CHECKED
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Created on
December 7, 2022

Summary

What’s Inside

Who hasn't dreamed of racking up tons of credit card reward points and having a vacation pay for itself? With social media full of stories about rich folks owning 50+ credit cards that let them travel the world (thanks to converted air miles) and stay in fancy hotels (using reward points), it's hard not to want in on the action.

But let's be real, when was the last time you even looked at your credit card eligibility?

Factors That Determine Your Credit Card Eligibility

Researching different credit card options, comparing features, and understanding the terms and conditions are essential steps in the application process. But some crucial factors determine if you can even get a credit card:

  • CIBIL Score (Credit Information Bureau India Limited)
  • Annual/Monthly Income
  • Profession
  • Credit History

How To Check Your Credit Card Eligibility?

Many card comparison websites allow you to enter the relevant information and tell you what kind of cards you can get from which banks. Alternatively, you can:

  • Visit the official website of the bank or platform you are interested in.
  • Enter the required details, such as your name, income proof, and PAN card number.
  • Also, mention whether you are salaried or self-employed and if you have any existing credit cards, etc.

Note: The details you provide may be linked to your CIBIL score.

Why is a CIBIL Score Important?

Your CIBIL score = Your credit score. It's a result of all your credit history. It is a three-digit number that will range between a score of 300 and 900. Generally, a score between 750 and 900 is considered a strong credit score and will improve your chances of getting approved for a credit card. How well you do in terms of repaying your previous credit card debt or loans will also undoubtedly play a role in determining your credit card eligibility for more cards and loans in the future.

Always Do Your Research

Once you have researched and decided what credit card you want, you can begin your application process. If done offline, it usually starts with checking the credit card eligibility criteria, filling out some forms, and submitting your documents. If your application gets approved, you will likely receive your credit card within a couple of weeks.

However, if you are in a rush, you can opt-in for the 'Instant Approval' option various banks offer.

How Does An Instant Approval For Credit Cards Work?

If you meet the credit card eligibility criteria and upload your documents online, you can get approved for a credit card online instantly. The card will then be dispatched on a priority basis.

Sometimes, you might get an online version of your card, which you can activate instantly and use until your physical card arrives. However, this option is usually only available to those with solid credit scores — not to those with low or medium scores.

How To Get a Credit Card Without a CIBIL Score?

To get a credit card, you need a credit score. If you don't have one, try a prepaid credit card instead. It works like a prepaid service, with a limit that matches the amount you put in.

  • The benefit of doing this is that you can start to build a credit score, making it easier to apply for regular credit cards and even loans later.
  • It is known as a 'secured' credit card because it's backed by some deposit you have already made.
  • You can avail other types of secured credit cards with no credit history. For example, you can get a credit card against a savings account or a fixed deposit account with most major banks.
  • The downside to secured credit cards is that they tend to have higher interest rates and lower credit limits. Some of them might levy higher fees too.

The best strategy is to compare all your options, which you can easily do by checking your credit card eligibility on most banks' websites.

Conclusion

You must carefully review the credit card eligibility requirements before submitting your credit card application. To increase your chances of acceptance, check off each criterion on the checklist. The requirements may vary depending on the card or the bank. Remember that your credit score might take a hit if the terms are not met — and your application gets rejected for any reason. Learn more about the benefits of a good credit score with this video.

Apply for a Credit Card Online: A Quick and Paperless Process

Fi, a financial management app, gives its users access to a Savings Account and a co-branded Credit Card with Federal Bank. The Credit Card offers a 5% valueback, welcome vouchers worth ₹5k, and rewards that change based on spending. It also has perks like Lounge Access and 1% Forex, with accelerated rewards on over 20 top brands like Amazon, Myntra, Zomato, and Uber. Apply for the Credit Card online from Fi Money.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the minimum eligibility to get a credit card?

To get a credit card, you need to have a credit history and a credit score of at least 700, along with a stable source of income, either from a monthly salary or a business. The actual income criteria vary from bank to bank, but you will need at least ₹2-3 lakh annually to qualify. These are the top three factors to keep in mind, although there are other factors to consider as well.

2. Can I get a credit card with a ₹12,000 salary?

Yes, getting a credit card is possible even if your salary is fixed. If you've been employed by a company for a long time, say over a year, it'll be easier to get a credit card, even with your current salary. It might be easier to get a credit card if it's tied to your salary account too.

3. What kind of documents do I need to apply for a credit card?

To be eligible for a credit card, you need to have your KYC documents like a government-approved ID, such as a PAN card or Aadhaar card. You may also need to provide bank statements, salary slips, and proof of address with your name on it, such as an electricity bill.

4. How long does it take to get a credit card?

If you're pre-approved, you can get your credit card almost instantly. If you're not, it could take a week or two for approval to come through. But don't worry, even if you have to wait for the physical card, you can usually access the virtual card online as soon as you're approved.

5. Can I get a credit card if I don’t have a CIBIL score?

Yes, you can get a credit card even if you don't have a CIBIL score. However, it might be a little more difficult. You can try getting a credit card connected to your savings account or apply for a credit card using a fixed deposit account as collateral. Some banks also have "add-on" credit cards that allow you to share a family member's credit limit between two cards, so you can have one for yourself.

Disclaimer

Fi Money is not a bank; it offers banking services through licensed partners and investment services through epiFi Wealth Pvt. Ltd. and its partners. This post is for information only and is not professional financial advice.
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