October 27, 2025 · 9 mins read
Santosh Kumar
Ever wondered, “Which credit card is best without a job? Can I get a credit card if I’m unemployed?” You’re not alone. Most homemakers, freelancing experts, and Indian students ask themselves this question these days, thanks to the increased number of digital payments. As NDTV has mentioned, according to RBI data, “The number of credit cards has more than doubled to around 10.80 crore at the end of December 2024, compared to December 2019 when there were 5.53 crore cards in circulation”.
The good news? Being unemployed doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting a credit card. Various Indian banks have launched secured or fixed-deposit-backed cards specifically for individuals without a regular salary. In this article, we'll explore how you can qualify, which cards are the best options, and practical tips that will guide you to use your credit card responsibly, even without a job.
Banks check creditworthiness first before granting a credit card. Proof of income helps banks decide whether you can repay borrowed funds in a timely manner. For example, salaried applicants prove income with salary slips or recent bank statements, while those who aren't employed can still qualify for credit cards with other proofs of income.
1: Ensures financial security and repayment viability.
2: Reduces the chance of defaults or late payments.
3: Allows banks to fix the credit limit according to your salary.
Even without a salary, you can show financial stability by using or having:
1: Fixed Deposits (FDs): Collateral for the purpose of secured credit cards.
2: Savings & Investments: Demonstrates a sound monetary relationship with the bank.
3: Add-On or Co-Applicant Cards: Possibly, the earning amount of a relative can be a reason to get approval.
Also Read: What is the 7 year rule on credit cards?
If you don't have a full-time salary, there are many ways to qualify for a credit card in India. Banks will consider other ways to display financial stability to repay the bank on time.
1: Your FD is considered collateral in case you default, and it reduces the risk to the bank.
2: Approval is usually quick and easy, with little documentation. Example banks: SBI, Axis Bank, HDFC, ICICI.
1: Your spouse or parent could have a card, and you can share the benefits and credit limit equally by getting an add-on card.
2: This is a surefire way to add your credit options while benefiting.
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1: Student cards are common for college-age or young adults with low or no income.
2: The credit limit is usually limited to help you get into good financial practices, responsibility, and savings plans.
1: The banks also offer credit cards if your account balance or investment is sound.
2: No fixed income is needed; the approval relies upon your relationship value with the bank.
1: A relative may co-sign the card, which will improve chances of approval.
2: Co-applicants share responsibility, ensuring banks feel secure about repayment.
Even when you are without a job, options like FD-backed cards, add-on cards, student cards, or joint applications enable you to access credit, experience the rewards, and start building credit history responsibly.
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If you’re unemployed, a number of banks have easy-to-get secured or FD-backed credit cards that will help you establish your credit score. Here are a few options of good quality:
Type: Secured
Minimum FD: ₹25,000
Important Features: Cashback on purchases, EMV card security, global acceptance
Most Appropriate For: Senior citizens, stay-at-home moms
Category: Secured
Minimum Fixed Deposit: ₹20,000
Important Features: Immediate approval, 80% of the FD limit
Most Suitable For: College students, freelancers
Also Read: Foreign Transaction Fees on Indian Credit Cards
Type: Secured
Minimum FD: ₹10,000
Key Features: Discounts on dining and films
Best For: Housewives
Type: Secured
Minimum FD: ₹50,000
Key Features: Cash back on online purchases
Ideal For: Unemployed professionals
Also Read: Best Spending Categories to Earn Maximum Rewards
Type: FD-based
Minimum FD: ₹15,000
Key Features: Simple to get, EMI payment facility
Ideal For: Newbies
All secured credit cards mentioned above will work perfectly for those who are unemployed. You'll get easy approval, earn rewards and discounts, and get to spend funds elsewhere, all while establishing good credit history.
Also Read: Should You Use a Credit Card for High-Value Purchases?
The benefits of having a credit card in terms of financial management and independence are numerous, even if there is no regular salary.
1: If you put the secured card, or even add payment for the secured card, on your credit report, it will establish a positive credit history.
2: Will enhance future lending eligibility for loans and other credit products.
1: It can be a backup fund for unexpected expenses.
2: Facilitates budgeted acquisitions without current disbursement of funds.
1: Use the benefits at active rewards, online cashback, shop discounts or dining rewards.
2: FD-backed and add-on cards often have the same perks as regular credit cards.
1: Especially helpful for homemakers, students, and freelancers.
2: It creates a sense of freedom in personal finance.
Also Read: When to Convert Credit Card Payments into EMI?
Before considering a credit card without a job, it would be wise to read up and follow best practices before applying to ensure chances of approval and responsibly using it later.
1: Keep your FD or your savings account active and operational.
2: Banks often consider your account balance and relationship history when approving cards.
1: Pay your credit card dues always on time to avoid a penalty.
2: Late payments may result in deductions from your FD for secured cards and affect your credit score.
1: Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit so that your credit score will be good.
1: If several applications are submitted at once, it may lead to a lower chance of approval.
1: The use of the card is confined strictly to the specific purchases listed.
2: Keep checking statements to prevent overdraft.
In the end, you got your answer of 'can I get a credit card if I'm unemployed?' Just because you are unemployed does not mean you must miss the advantages of using a credit card. There are several cards available that could allow you to obtain credit benefits, cash-back, rewards, or build a stronger credit profile, while not being employed, such as FD-backed secured cards, add-on cards, student cards, or a joint credit card. They will provide financial flexibility when funds are low, a way to obtain funds for emergencies, and encourage proper money management even without a salary.
So if you've been asking yourself, "Which credit card is best without a job? Can I get a credit card if I am unemployed?" then the answer would be, yes, but in the right way. You can utilise these types of cards and safely enjoy all the benefits they provide if you do so in a responsible manner.
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Of course, you can do this. A number of banks offer secured credit cards where the credit limit is set equal to the deposit amount, with no need for income documentation.
The bank can regain its liabilities from your FD, penalties can be assessed, and your credit score may drop after the bank reports to credit bureaus.
Sure, definitely, a homemaker can apply for FD-based secured credit cards or add-on credit cards against a family member's account or their own savings (FD).
Yes, they work like any other credit card; as long as you make payments on time, they will help you build, or change, improve, or go down, your credit score.
Not for all. Secured and add-on credit cards don’t require income proof.
It usually is from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the bank.
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