June 11, 2025 · 10 mins read
Santhosh Kumar
You're in a busy market, considering a nice gadget or planning a weekend holiday, but you don't have a bank account, and cash is insufficient. Credit cards are convenient, can provide rewards (like cash back), and help build your credit score. However, you may wonder, can I get a credit card without a bank account?
It's a typical question for navigating the Indian financial ecosystem where millions are bankless or rely on cash and other financial services. There is good news! Yes, you can! From a secured card to fintechs, there are many ways to obtain a credit card.
Credit cards are more than just a means of payment; they are also a convenient method for online shopping, paying bills, and building a strong CIBIL score. However, if you do not have a bank account, you may feel like joining the credit card world is impossible.
So, can I apply for a credit card without a bank account? Yes, with the advent of India's expanding financial space, the answer is Yes—you have choices. Whether you want to buy something fancy online, book travel, or start building credit, you have options.
Let's examine some of the options available and how they align with India's own financial landscape.
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Secured credit cards are among the easiest ways to get a credit card in India without a bank account. Secured Cards are secured by a fixed deposit (FD) you have with the bank. The FD limits your credit limit and is regarded as security for the card.
Fixed Deposit: You generally need to open an FD that typically starts at ₹ 20,000- ₹ 25,000. You are generally provided a credit limit that equals approximately 75-90% of your fixed deposit.
No Bank Account Required: The fixed deposit can be funded with cash or money order at a bank branch; you are not required to have a savings account.
Build Credit: Your payments will be reported to CIBIL, which helps you build and/or improve your credit score.
Examples: A secured card is offered by most banks, such as SBI, ICICI Bank, or Bank of Baroda.
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Pros: Easy to be approved for; no proof of income required; fixed deposit earns interest; build credit
Cons: Requires a cash upfront deposit for the fixed deposit; your credit limit will depend on the deposit amount; some cards may have fees and/or annual fees.
Secured credit cards are perfectly suited for individuals who are just starting to build credit or have a very low CIBIL score. Reputable banks offer them and are almost a guarantee of approval, as you will have an FD to secure the credit card.
To apply, visit a bank branch and bring your ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID) and proof of address. Some banks do allow online applications, but you will likely have to confirm that they take cash or money orders for the FD.
Once approved, it is essential to use the card responsibly by paying on time and maintaining a low balance to help build your credit score. After some time, you may be able to upgrade this card to an unsecured credit card.
Prepaid cards are not proper credit cards, but they are very popular in India for online and in-store payments. Unlike a credit card, you do not need a bank account to obtain one. Prepaid cards work like debit cards; once you put money on the card, you can spend it until the balance runs out.
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No credit check: Since you're spending your own money, your credit history is not a factor.
Funding: You can add funds using several different methods, including visiting retail outlets with cash, UPI, or money orders.
Widely accepted: As long as your prepaid card displays Visa or Mastercard, you will be able to use it with just about any merchant online or offline.
If you want convenience, such as paying utility bills or shopping online, then prepaid cards are a good option. They are easy to get, requiring very little documentation (often just your Aadhaar or PAN). They will not help you build credit, as they do not report to CIBIL for credit rating purposes.
Prepaid cards are ideal for small transactions, such as purchasing movie tickets, paying for subscriptions, or dining out. You can have prepaid cards "topped-up" at a multitude of retail points throughout India, providing access even in small towns.
Furthermore, prepaid cards are safer than carrying cash, especially when traveling or making online purchases. Please also be aware of the fees, which we will discuss later.
Some retail or co-branded cards in India allow you to apply without a bank account, especially if the issuer accepts other non-bank alternative payment methods for bill payments.
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Relaxed Approval: The cards typically have more lenient approval standards, which may be especially beneficial if you don't have a bank account or have a limited credit history.
Flexible payments: Accept payments by UPI, (mobile) wallet, or in-store cash payments from your paychecks or other income.
Rewards: Earn cash back or discounts on eligible purchases at partner merchants or categories, including fuel and dining.
Limited function/purpose: Many are limited-function store cards, available only to specific retailers or limited to partner networks.
Credit is expensive: A.R.P. can be as high as 30% or more if you carry a balance at some retailers.
You will only need basic ID proof (Aadhaar or PAN) and, in some cases, proof of address to apply for these potential credit lines. Additionally, some retailers partner with banks to issue these cards, so verify whether they accept cash payments at their store locations or through their UPI-linked stores or wallets.
Getting an add-on card on a family member's credit card is a very popular option in India, particularly for students or homemakers who may not have a bank account.
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Primary Cardholder: A family member (parent, spouse, or sibling) who has a credit card and adds you as an authorized user.
No Bank Account Required: You are not responsible for making payments, so you don't need a bank account.
Credit Benefits: If the primary cardholder (your family member) pays their credit card bill on time, your timely payment habits can positively impact your CIBIL score. Things to Keep in Mind
Dependence: You will have the same credit limit as the primary cardholder and depend on their payment habits.
Limited Control: You will not be able to manage the credit card account or set your limit for the add-on card.
Before becoming an add-on cardholder, it is essential to discuss spending limits and payment responsibilities with the primary account holder. It is also critical to discuss such topics to prevent potential surprises later, like having maxed-out limits or missing payments, that could negatively impact both of your credit ratings.
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There are choices available, but there are some things to keep in mind:
Payment Options: While most issuers prefer bank transfers for bill payments, it's best to check if the issuer accepts cash, money orders, UPI, wallet payments, or other methods.
Fees: While secured cards and prepaid cards may have typical annual fees, transaction fees and fees to reload your card can add up to significant costs.
Options: Not every bank or fintech provider allows customers to pay bills without a bank account. In certain cases, you will need to do your research.
Credit Building: Prepaid cards - and some fintech cards - do not report and, therefore, do not help you in the long term with CIBIL building your credit.
Documentation: If you do not have a bank account, new verification practices could still require ID proof (such as Aadhaar or PAN), and in some instances, proof of address may be a barrier for you.
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Pay on Time: Making on-time payments will help build your credit history, and you will avoid penalties, which is especially important with secured cards and store cards.
Start Small: A secured card may be accepted with a low deposit, and prepaid cards should have a low fee. This minimizes your risk.
Keep an Eye on Spending: Pay attention to prepaid crap balances. Prepaid or secured cards will decline transactions on even a small balance.
Choose Trusted Brands: Select banks or trusted fintechs that offer transparent terms, excellent customer service, and online account access.
Consider Opening a Bank Account: You may want to wait if you're looking for the best options for premium credit cards and prefer less hassle with payments.
Can I get a credit card without a bank account? The answer is definitely yes. There are so many options available to you. Secured cards help you build credit and offer some incentive for the repayments, prepaid cards offer an easy way to spend your day-to-day money and save you from debit card fees, and fintech cards just make online payments easy.
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Yes, secured credit cards, prepaid cards, store cards, add-on cards, and fintech virtual cards are all accepted in this space. Please verify with the issuer to confirm that you can use cash, UPI, or money orders to make the payment.
Yes, many banks and fintech companies let you apply for secured, prepaid, or virtual cards online. Just verify they accept non-bank payment types for deposits or bills.
Prepaid cards do not report to CIBIL and are, therefore, not considered to have a credit history. If you're looking to establish or rebuild credit, consider a secured credit card.
Yes, secured credit cards and prepaid cards may come with a combination of annual fees, transaction fees, or reload fees. Be sure to read their terms to understand all costs associated.
Yes, secured credit cards, prepaid cards, and fintech virtual cards are widely accepted for online payments in India.
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