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Some of the Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit Score in India 2026

Vatsal G Posted on Jul 17, 2026

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If you have a fair credit score, finding the right credit card can feel overwhelming, but the right card exists for you. Credit approval is subject to the issuer’s eligibility criteria, including income, employment profile, and credit history.

What is a Fair Credit Score in India?

In India, credit scores are measured on a scale of 300 to 900, issued by bureaus such as CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark. A score of 750 and above is generally considered excellent and qualifies you for the best credit card offers and loan terms. A fair credit score is typically considered to be in the range of 650 to 699, though exact classifications may vary slightly across lenders.

Here's a quick breakdown of the CIBIL score ranges:

750 – 900: Excellent
700 – 749: Good
650 – 699: Fair
300 – 649: Poor / No History

If your score falls in the fair range, you are not disqualified from getting a credit card but your approval odds and card options may be limited compared to those with higher scores. Issuers may offer cards with lower credit limits, higher interest rates, or fewer rewards. That said, these credit cards are designed to support this segment and help improve your profile over time.

How to Get a Credit Card with a Fair Credit Score

Getting a credit card with a fair CIBIL score requires a strategic approach:

1. Apply Through Your Primary or Salary Account Bank
Your bank already has visibility into your transaction patterns, which can improve approval chances. Many banks offer pre-approved cards even with moderate scores.

2. Opt for a Secured Credit Card Against a Fixed Deposit (FD)
A secured credit card is backed by an FD, with a credit limit of around 80–90% of the deposit. Approval is highly likely regardless of your score.

3. Consider an Add-on Card
You can become an add-on cardholder on a family member’s card. While this may support credit exposure, the impact depends on how the issuer reports usage to credit bureaus.

4. Choose the Right Card
Apply only for entry-level or fair credit-focused cards. This reduces rejection risk and avoids unnecessary hard enquiries.

Some of the Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit in India 2026

Finding the right credit card with a fair credit score can be challenging, but there are several options available to suit different needs. On Bajaj Markets, you can explore a range of credit cards designed for individuals with moderate credit profiles, offering accessible eligibility, useful rewards, and opportunities to build your credit score through responsible usage.

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Joining Fee
SBM ZET Credit Card	Nil	Nil
YES Bank Klick Credit Card	Nil	Nil
IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST Millennia Credit Card	Nil	Nil
IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST CLASSIC Credit Card	Nil	Nil
IDFC FIRST Bank Wealth Credit Card	Nil	Nil
IDFC FIRST Bank WOW! Credit Card	Nil	Nil
IDFC FIRST Bank SELECT Card	Nil	Nil
Kotak League Platinum Card	Nil	Nil
IDFC FIRST Bank Power Credit Card	₹199	₹199
IDFC FIRST Bank SWYP Credit Card	₹449	₹449
SimplySAVE SBI Card	₹449	₹449
Indian Oil Kotak Credit Card	₹449	₹449
SimplyCLICK SBI Card	₹499	₹499
BPCL SBI Card	₹499	₹499
Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card	₹499	Nil
IDFC FIRST Bank EARN Credit Card	₹499	₹499
IRCTC RuPay SBI Card	₹500	₹500
SBI Card OCTANE	₹1,499	₹1,499
SBI Card PULSE	₹1,499	₹1,499
SBI Card PRIME	₹2,999	₹2,999
SBI Card ELITE	₹4,999	₹4,999

Note:  Credit card features, and benefits may vary by issuer. Always read the terms and conditions before applying.

Secured Credit Cards to Build Credit Score

If your score is below 600 or you have no history, a secured credit card is often the most reliable entry point.

How Secured Credit Cards Work

You place a fixed deposit, and the bank issues a card against it. The credit limit is usually 80–90% of the FD value. Your deposit earns interest while acting as collateral.

Example of Secured Card: IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card

Key highlights:

Lifetime free
Minimum FD: ₹20,000
Credit limit: Up to 100% of FD
Zero forex markup
Reward points on transactions

Benefits of Using a Secured Card

Builds credit with timely payments
Improves utilisation ratio
Upgrade to unsecured cards possible after responsible use

How to Improve Your Credit Score with a Credit Card

1. Pay Your Full Bill On Time
Payment history has the highest impact on your credit score.

2. Keep Credit Utilisation Below 30%
Lower utilisation signals better financial discipline.

3. Do Not Close Old Cards
Older accounts strengthen your credit history.

4. Avoid Frequent Applications
Too many hard inquiries may lower your score.

5. Maintain a Healthy Credit Mix
Managing different credit types responsibly improves your profile.

FAQs on Credit Cards for Fair Credit

Q: What CIBIL score is needed for a credit card in India?

Ans: Most premium cards require 750+, but options exist from around 600–650, depending on eligibility factors.

Q: Can I get a credit card with a 650 credit score in India?

Ans: Yes, several entry-level cards are accessible, though approval depends on income and overall profile.

Q: Which bank gives credit cards easily with a low CIBIL score?

Ans: Banks such as IDFC FIRST Bank may offer accessible options, particularly secured cards, subject to eligibility and applicant profile.

Q: How long does it take to improve your credit score?

Ans: Improvement timelines vary, but noticeable changes can be seen within 6–12 months, while significant improvement may take longer depending on credit behaviour.

Q: Is a secured credit card good for building credit?

Ans: Yes, secured cards are one of the most effective ways to build or rebuild credit when used responsibly.

Hi! I’m Vatsal G

Financial Content Specialist

Vatsal is someone with a backbone of crafting content around professional upskilling and workplace-related certifications. With over two years of experience covering domains like compliance, project management, communication, mobile technology, and the social media terrain, he now brings this expertise to the BFSI space. He writes to provide clarity and practical insight, helping readers from all walks of life navigate complex BFSI concepts with confidence. When Vatsal is not crafting content for the search engines, he's zoned into music.