Yes, it is very much possible. Either a secured credit card, a fintech backed card or an add-on card can be the optimal and hassle-free way to get a credit card with a low credit score below 600. A score below 600 signals a credit profile with issues indicating delayed payments, over-utilisation, defaulted loans or even excessive inquiries. Most traditional banks will hesitate to issue an unsecured credit card at this range. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any options. There are three viable paths:
1. Secured Credit Cards
The most straightforward way to get a credit card with a low credit score is by applying for a secured credit card. These are backed by a fixed deposit (FD) that you open with the issuing bank. For example, if you open an FD of ₹20,000, the bank might give you a credit limit of ₹15,000–₹20,000. The FD acts as security, so the bank isn’t too concerned about your poor credit history. These cards work just like any regular credit card and also report your repayment activity to credit bureaus, which means they help improve your score over time. Best picks are SBI Advantage Plus Card, Axis Insta Easy Credit Card, Bank of Baroda Prime Credit Card, Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card.
2. Fintech and Credit Builder Cards
Many modern fintech companies have stepped in to offer credit products to those who don’t meet the usual score requirements. Platforms like Slice, OneCard, RuPay, and Scapia are more flexible and use different criteria, like your income, bank activity or even UPI transaction patterns. These cards often come with smaller limits and basic features, but they’re easier to get and excellent for building credit. Having similar features to credit cards, these cards work on the concept of Buy Now Pay Later. Highly recommended ones are Scapia Federal Credit Card, OneCard Metal Credit Card, Slice Super Card.
3. Add-On Cards
Another option is to ask a trusted family member (like a parent or spouse) to add you as an add-on user on their existing credit card. These are essentially duplicate cards with access to the same credit limit. Even if it doesn’t directly affect your credit score, it allows you to practice responsible usage and helps when you apply for your own card later. Credit cards like HDFC Regalia Gold and ICICI Bank Plus cards offer the add-on facility, but it’s not an exhaustive list. Nearly all personal credit cards offer the add on facility now, including access to Priority Pass for international flights.
Also read: Best ICICI Credit Cards in June 2025 – Are You Eligible? Find Out!
Points to Keep In Mind
- Understand Your Score First: Before applying for anything, it’s important to know where you stand and why. Download your credit report from CIBIL and look at the issues. Fixing small errors or settling old dues can sometimes give your score a quick boost and even 30–40 points can open new doors.
- Choose Your Path Strategically: If you have some savings, go for a secured card with a major bank — it’s the safest way to rebuild your credit. If you don’t have the savings but have a steady income, try a fintech-backed credit line or card that considers other factors beyond your score. And if you’re living with a financially sound family member who’s willing to help, getting an add-on card is an easy way to get started.
- Don’t Apply Everywhere at Once: One common mistake people make when desperate for credit is applying to multiple banks and fintechs in a short span. Every application leaves a mark on your credit report, and too many inquiries can actually make your score drop further. Instead, use platforms that offer pre-approval or soft eligibility checks so you know where you stand without risking your score.
- Use Your Card Smartly: Once you get the card, how you use it is just as important as getting it in the first place. Keep your spending within 30% of your credit limit, pay your bills before the due date, and avoid withdrawing cash using the card. This sends a signal to credit bureaus that you’re responsible and that’s exactly what helps your score rise again over time.
- Monitor Your Progress: Most modern credit apps, including those by banks and fintechs, let you monitor your credit score for free. Keeping track of it can steadily cause you to seek out ways to improve the score.
Conclusion
Getting a credit card with a credit score under 600 in India isn’t impossible, you just need to know where to look and what to do. Secured credit cards, credit-builder products, and even family-supported add-on cards are all smart, realistic options. And once you have that card in hand, remember that it’s not just a tool for spending, but your ticket back to financial credibility.
Written by Teertha Ravi
