Synopsis: The FD-backed credit cards in India function as secured credit cards, which require users to have a fixed deposit as their security deposit. The cards provide travel benefits, which include complimentary or conditional airport lounge access and additional reward-earning opportunities.
In recent years, banks and fintechs in India have introduced FD-backed (secured) credit cards that use your fixed deposit as collateral to issue a credit card. The system enables users who lack credit history and no income proof statements, they can get credit cards against their FDs. They can get FD-backed credit cards and also enjoy interest rates and many other card benefits. People can obtain FD-backed cards with easier requirements than traditional cards, which demand high spending or income criteria.
What Are FD-Backed Credit Cards?
FD-backed credit cards function as secured credit cards, which require users to use a fixed deposit (FD) as collateral at a bank or credit card issuer. The FD functions as security, which enables the issuer to grant you a credit card even with your minimal credit score and lack of income verification. You maintain your FD interest earnings while the card provides you a credit limit, which depends on your FD balance. The cards provide rewards and cashback benefits to customers, and they also include travel perks that allow airport lounge access through complimentary services or spending requirements. This enables customers to grow their savings while accessing credit and enjoying various lifestyle advantages.
1. Stable Money Suryoday Bank Credit Card
This credit card is lifetime free with zero joining and annual fee. This card is most beneficial for people who don’t have income-proof.
- 0.5% Cashback on eligible transactions on online, offline, and UPI spends
- 8.25% interest return on your Fixed Deposit
- Credit limit 90% of your FD amount, letting your FD continue earning interest. example- For a fixed deposit of ₹3,00,000, 90% of 3,00,000 = 2,70,000 credit limit
- Complimentary domestic airport lounge access: Up to 8 visits per year, 2 visits per quarter, applicable only to physical cardholders
- Nominal ₹2 charge per lounge visit.
- Exclusive RuPay merchant offers across categories
- Insurance benefits up to ₹2 lakh (Platinum) and ₹10 lakh (Select)
- RuPay Select variant includes wellness benefits such as gym, spa, health check-ups, and golf
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
2. NOMO FD Credit Card – AU Small Finance Bank
- Joining Fee: ₹199 + applicable taxes (one-time)
- FD Requirement: Minimum deposit of ₹20,000.
- Benefits
- Welcome Reward: Earn 500 reward points on your first transaction within 30 days of card setup.
- Reward Points
- 2 Reward Points per ₹100 on retail spends and 1 Reward Point per ₹100 on utility & insurance spends
- Reward points can be redeemed for e-vouchers, recharges, travel, and more via the AU Rewardz portal.
- Milestone Benefits
- Spend ₹25,000 in a quarter and earn 500 bonus points
- Spend ₹50,000 in a quarter and earn an additional 500 bonus points
- Lower Forex Markup: Enjoy a 0.99% forex markup fee on international transactions lower than many standard cards.
- Airport Lounge Access: 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter upon completing ₹50,000 spends in a quarter. (With effect from 10th April 2026)
- Railway Lounge Access: 2 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter for you and add-on cardholders.
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
3. IDFC FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹750 + GST
- Annual fee: ₹750 + GST (waived on ₹1.5L spend)
- FD Requirement: Minimum FD ₹20,000 (may vary by eligibility)
- Benefits
- Forex Fee: 0% forex markup on international spends.
- Welcome Benefits Worth ₹5,000+ (travel/lifestyle offers like flight/hotel discounts, memberships, & vouchers).
- Bonus Reward Points on Travel: 50 bonus RPs on hotel bookings via app and 30 bonus RPs on flight bookings via app (1 RP = ₹0.50 on travel via app)
- Airport Lounge Access: 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits (limited to 1 per quarter) per year. With effect from 10th April 2026, customers will need to spend ₹50,000 in a calendar quarter to avail domestic airport lounge access in the next calendar quarter.
- Insurance & Protection: Personal accident coverage & lost card liability protection.
- To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
Also read: 3 Best Credit Cards That Offer Unlimited Airport Lounge Access in 2026
| Feature | Stable Money – Suryoday Bank | AU NOMO Credit | IDFC FIRST WOW! Black |
| Joining Fee | ₹0 | ₹199 + taxes | ₹750 + GST |
| Annual Fee | Lifetime free | Nil from 2nd year | ₹750 + GST (waived on ₹1.5L spend) |
| Minimum FD | Varies (variant-based) | ₹20,000 | ₹20,000 |
| Airport Lounge Access | 8 visits/year | 8 visits/year (spend-based) | 4 visits/year (1 per quarter) |
| Lounge Spend Condition | Minimal / variant-based | Required (₹50,000/quarter) | Required (₹20,000/quarter) |
| Cashback / Rewards | 0.5% cashback | Reward points + milestones | Reward points + travel perks |
| Forex Markup | Not highlighted | 0.99% | 0% |
| UPI Support | Yes (RuPay) | Yes (RuPay) | Yes (virtual RuPay) |
| Extra Perks | Insurance + RuPay Select benefits | Railway lounge, EMI, fraud cover | Forex-free spending, insurance, travel offers |
Who Should Opt for FD-Backed Credit Cards?
- First-time credit card users
- People who have not established any credit background
- People who are studying or working their first job
- People who want to establish or enhance their credit rating
- Users who already have a fixed deposit and want to leverage it for credit access
- People who want to use credit but need to manage their spending through set limits.
Conclusion
The FD-backed credit cards provide a secure method to enter the credit system while customers maintain their fixed deposit and continue to earn interest. Many credit cards offer airport lounge access as a common benefit, but eligibility and usage conditions vary. Each card provides solutions that meet various requirements from customers who want daily rewards to those who need to spend internationally and travel. Your spending patterns together with your travel habits and your financial objectives will determine which option is most suitable for you.
Written By Ameet S
