Best 5 Credit Cards for Low Credit Score in 2026

1. With responsible usage, it helps establish or rebuild credit over time. 

Credit Builder Cards 

1. Specifically designed to improve or rebuild credit scores. 

1. Often come with lower credit limits and fewer perks. 

Store Credit Cards 

1. Offered by retail brands or shopping outlets. 

1. Usually have relaxed credit score requirements. 

Student Credit Cards 

1. Ideal for college students and often available with minimal income or credit requirements. 

1. Useful for students with low scores aiming to start their credit journey. 

Prepaid Credit Cards 

1. Not traditional credit cards; you load funds in advance to use them. 

1. Ideal for managing spending without increasing debt as no credit check required. 

1. Helps avoid further damage to your CIBIL score while maintaining financial discipline. 

Best Credit Cards for Low CIBIL Score Holders

Check out credit card options suited for low CIBIL score holders:

SBI Unnati Credit Card

One of the key features of this SBI Unnati Credit Card is the absence of an annual fee. This card is a secured card that can be obtained against a fixed deposit of Rs.25,000 and above.

Key features of SBI Unnati:

1. Contactless transactions can be made using this card.
2. Enjoy cash withdrawal from several ATMs across the globe.
3. Apply for add on cards for spouse, siblings, children or parents.
4. Convert your credit card spends into EMIs with Flexipay.
5. No annual fee for the first four years.

Benefits of SBI Unnati Credit Card: 

1. Earn 1 reward point per Rs.100 spent. 

1. Offers cashback of Rs.500 of spending Rs.50,000 or more within 15 days. 

1. On fuel transactions of Rs.500 and Rs.3000, a 1% fuel surcharge is offered. 

Fees and charges:

1. Annual fee: Nil for the first for four years
2. Renewal fee: Rs.499 from the 5th year onwards
3. Add on fee: Nil
4. Interest charges: 3.75% per month or 45% p.a.
5. Minimum amount due: 2% of the total outstanding amount

HDFC Money Back Credit Card

The HDFC Money Back Credit Card can be availed on your salary. The ease of obtaining this card makes it a good option for people trying to improve their credit scores. Some of the details of the card are mentioned below.

Key features of the HDFC Money Back Card:

1. Convert spend to EMIs using SmartEMI.
2. No lost card liability after reporting loss of the card.

1. Contactless payment 

1. Revolving credit at a low interest rate 

1. Interest free period of up to 50 days 

1. Dining benefits

Benefits of HDFC Money Bank Credit Card:

1. On spending Rs.50,000 per calendar year, the card offers gift voucher worth Rs.500. 

1. On making purchases from Flipkart, Amazon, Reliance Smart SuperStore, Swiggy, and BigBasket, card offers 10X cashpoints. 

1. On other spends for every Rs.150, 2 cashpoints offered. 

1. Offers 10% additional discount on Swiggy Dineout. 

1. On payment of membership fee, the card offers 500 cashpoints as welcome benefit. 

1. Renewal fee is waived off on spending Rs.50,000 or more in an annual year. 

1. On fuel transaction between Rs.400 and Rs.5000, the card offers 1% fuel surcharge waiver. 

1. Gift voucher worth Rs.500 (up to Rs.2000 per year) offered on quarterly spend of Rs.50,000 or more. 

Fees and charges:

1. Joining fee: Rs.500
2. Annual fee: Rs.500
3. Add on charges: Nil
4. Minimum amount due: 5% of total outstanding
5. Late payment fee: Rs.1,300 for outstanding amount more than Rs.50,000
6. Over limit charge: 2.5% of overlimit amount

IDFC FIRST WoW Credit Card

The WoW credit card is provided to individuals who do not have a credit history. The credit card is offered to everyone and comes with a guaranteed approval. A higher interest rate can be earned against the FD account.

Key Features of the IDFC First WoW Credit Card

1. Reward points can be redeemed at any given time online.
2. No income proof needs to be provided.

Rewards and benefits of IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card 

1. 4x reward points on every transaction. 

1. 3x reward points on all UPI spends. 

1. 100% cashback up to Rs.200 on first four UPI transactions. 

1. 1x reward points on utility bill and insurance premium payments. 

Fee and Charges

1. Joining Fee: Nil
2. Annual Fee: Nil

ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card

In case you want a free and instant credit card, you can opt for the ICICI Bank Instatnt Platinum Credit Card. You must have an FD account of Rs.50,000 and above to apply for the card.

Key features of the ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card:

1. Earn 2 reward points for every Rs.100 spent on retail purchases except fuel.
   

1. 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transaction up to Rs.4000. 

1. 25% discount on movie two tickets up to twice a month on purchasing via www.bookmyshow.com. 

Fee and Charges

1. Joining Fee: Nil
2. Annual Fee: Nil

Kotak811 Dream Different Credit Card

You must have a term deposit with Kotak Mahindra Bank to apply for the Kotak811 Dream Different Credit Card. Up to 90% of the term deposit may be provided as the credit limit.

Key features of the Kotak811 Dream Different Credit Card:

1. Earn 4 reward points for every Rs.100 spent online.
2. Earn 1 reward point for every Rs.100 spent offline.

1. 1% fuel surcharge waiver 

1. Railway surcharge waiver of 1.8% and 2.5% for transactions on irctc.co.in and Indian railway booking counters, respectively. 

1. Offers Amazon voucher worth Rs.250 and Rs.1000 on spending Rs.36,000 and Rs.72,000 in an anniversary year, respectively. 

Fee and Charges

1. Joining Fee: Nil
2. Annual Fee: Nil

SBM Bank Rupicard

The SBM Bank Rupicard is a credit card that helps in building your credit score. You will need to have a FD with the bank to apply for the card.

Key features of the SBM Bank Rupicard:

1. No proof of income needs to be provided.
2. No credit score check is done.

Fee and Charges

1. Joining Fee: Nil
2. Annual Fee: Nil

Features to Look for in a Credit Card for Low CIBIL Score

It iss essential to focus on features that support credit rebuilding and long-term financial improvement when choosing a credit card with a poor credit score. 

1. Reports to All Major Credit Bureaus: Ensures your payment history is tracked by bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, helping improve your credit score over time. 

1. No or Low Annual Fee: Reduces your cost, especially if you do not plan to use the card frequently. 

1. Option to Increase Credit Limit: Some cards offer limited enhancements over time based on usage and payment behaviour, giving you more spending power. 

1. Pathway to an Unsecured Credit Card: After responsible usage over a period, some cards allow you to upgrade to unsecured cards. 

Who Should Apply for Secured Credit Cards? 

Secured credit cards are a practical option for individuals who may not meet the eligibility criteria for regular (unsecured) cards.  

1. Entry-Level Job Holders 

1. Retired Individuals Without Stable Income 

1. Applicants Denied Unsecured Cards by Banks 

1. People Without Income Proof 

1. Homemakers

How to Apply for a Secured Credit Card?

The steps to apply for a secured credit card are mentioned below: 

1. You can apply for the specific card through the official website of the bank.  

1. Start by entering your mobile number and completing the OTP verification process. 

1. View the list of secured credit cards and the offers available. 

1. Choose the card that best fits your needs and eligibility. 

1. Provide essential documents, such as PAN, Aadhaar, and other required KYC details. 

1. You will be redirected to the bank’s website to create a Fixed Deposit, which will act as collateral. 

1. Once approved, your card will be delivered to your registered address within five to seven working days. 

Tips for Using a Credit Card for Low CIBIL Score Responsibly

After receiving your credit card, responsible usage is key to rebuilding your credit. Here are some practical tips: 

1. Timely payments help avoid interest and positively impact your credit score. 

1. Keep your utilisation ratio healthy by using less than 30% of your credit limit. 

1. Regularly monitor your credit report periodically to spot errors or fraud. Get a free copy annually from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. 

1. Use the card for small, easy-to-repay purchases and start with manageable expenses, such as groceries or mobile bills.