Getting your first credit card can be difficult if you have no CIBIL score, limited income history, or have been rejected by banks before.
The easiest route is usually an FD-backed credit card. Instead of relying heavily on your credit history or income, the bank issues the card against a Fixed Deposit.
Here are some of the best options to consider if your main priority is getting approved and building your credit history.
Best High Approval Credit Cards in India
| Credit Card | Minimum FD | Credit History | Income Proof | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IDFC FIRST WOW! | ₹20,000 | Not required | Not required | Best overall |
| Kotak811 Super.money | ₹1,000 | Not required | Not required | Smallest FD |
| Kotak811 Dream Different | FD-based | Not required | Not required | Cashback + credit building |
| HDFC PIXEL FD-backed | FD-based | Not required* | Not required* | HDFC users |
| Tata Neu HDFC FD-backed | FD-based | Profile dependent | Profile dependent | Tata ecosystem |
| AU NOMO | FD-based | FD-backed | FD-backed | Alternative option |
*Eligibility and approval remain subject to the issuer’s current policies.
1. IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card (Best overall for easy approval)
IDFC FIRST WOW! is one of the strongest options if you have no credit history or don’t want to provide conventional income proof.
The card is backed by a minimum ₹20,000 FD, and IDFC FIRST Bank states that no credit history or income proof is required. The credit limit starts at 100% of the FD value.
Key Features
- Minimum FD: ₹20,000
- No credit history required
- No income proof required
- Credit limit of at least 100% of FD value
- Lifetime free
- Zero forex markup
- Visa Infinite card
- Useful for building credit
Best for: First-time credit-card users, students, freelancers and people with limited credit history.
2. Kotak811 Super.money Credit Card (Best for a very small FD)
If you don’t want to lock ₹20,000 in an FD, Kotak811 Super.money is much easier on the wallet.
Kotak says you can start with an FD of just ₹1,000, with the credit limit going up to 90% of the FD value. The bank also states that the card can be issued without a CIBIL score.
Key Features
- Minimum FD: ₹1,000
- No CIBIL score required
- No income proof required
- Up to 90% of FD as credit limit
- Lifetime free annual fee
- RuPay card
- UPI-enabled
Best for: Beginners who want to start their credit journey with a very small FD.
Apply for Kotak811 Super.money
3. Kotak811 Dream Different Credit Card (Best for cashback + credit building)
Kotak811 Dream Different is another FD-backed option aimed at people without an established credit profile.
Kotak states that no CIBIL score or income proof is required, while the card offers cashback on eligible spends and UPI transactions.
Key Features
- FD-backed credit card
- No CIBIL score required
- No income proof required
- Flat 2% cashback on eligible spends
- 2% cashback on UPI
- RuPay card
- Multiple FDs can be linked to increase the credit limit
Best for: Beginners who want a secured card with cashback benefits.
4. HDFC PIXEL FD-Backed Credit Card (Best for HDFC users)
HDFC PIXEL also has an FD-backed route, making it an option for applicants who may not qualify for a regular unsecured card.
The FD-backed version is designed to reduce dependence on traditional credit history and income documentation, but approval remains subject to HDFC’s internal policies.
The important point is that an FD-backed application should not automatically be treated as guaranteed approval.
Best for: People who prefer HDFC and want an FD-backed credit card.
5. Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card Against FD (Best for Tata ecosystem users)
Tata Neu HDFC’s FD-backed option can make sense if you already use services such as Tata Neu, BigBasket or Croma.
Instead of depending entirely on your income and existing credit history, the card uses an FD-backed structure.
Best for: Existing Tata ecosystem users looking for a secured credit card.
6. AU NOMO Credit Card (Another FD-backed alternative)
AU Small Finance Bank’s NOMO is another option worth considering if your main goal is to establish or rebuild your credit profile.
Like other secured cards, the FD provides security to the issuer, reducing the dependence on a strong existing credit history.
Best for: Applicants looking for an alternative to IDFC FIRST or Kotak811.
Final Verdict
If your priority is getting a credit card rather than chasing maximum rewards, FD-backed cards are usually the easiest place to start.
🥇 IDFC FIRST WOW!
Best overall if you want a simple FD-backed card with no credit history or income proof requirement.
🥈 Kotak811 Super.money
Best if you want to start with a very small ₹1,000 FD.
🥉 Kotak811 Dream Different
A good option if cashback and UPI rewards matter to you.
HDFC PIXEL FD-backed
Worth considering if you prefer HDFC.
Tata Neu HDFC / AU NOMO
Useful alternatives depending on your banking relationship and preferences.
If you already have a good banking relationship, however, check your bank’s pre-approved credit-card offers first. You may be able to get an unsecured card without locking money into an FD.
FD requirements, fees, eligibility and card features can change. Always verify the latest terms with the card issuer before applying.
I write about credit cards, personal finance, banking products, and money-saving tips for CardZen. My aim is to make financial topics easier to understand and help readers make informed decisions.