January 24, 2026 · 5 mins read
Santosh Kumar
A secure credit card application usually requires fewer documents than an unsecured credit card application because the secure credit card is secured by a fixed deposit with the bank. Since this reduces the bank’s risk to almost zero, banks do not require the applicant to prove that they have a salary. Therefore, secured credit cards are typically the best option for people who do not have a regular or formal job.
To comply with the KYC requirements of the regulators, proof of identity is required. An applicant can use their Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, etc., to prove their identity as all of these documents show proof of identity. It is important to supply one of these documents to verify your identity, regardless of whether or not you are employed.
In addition to proof of identity, many banks will require proof of address. In most cases, an applicant can use the same document they used for proof of identity as proof of address, if it has the current address of residence. If the address on an applicant’s identity document is different from their current address, the bank will ask the applicant to provide a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months as secondary proof of residence.
In order to have links to credit bureaus, an applicant must also provide their PAN (Permanent Account Number) to the bank for reporting repayment behaviour related to the credit card. Not having a PAN makes it impossible for a bank to report on how borrowers repay the loans they borrow through credit cards. This negatively impacts people who would like to use secured credit cards, such as housewives, to establish their financial independence.
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Applicants must also have a fixed deposit, which is the requirement for obtaining a secured credit card. Some banks require the applicant to create an FD (fixed deposit) with them; others allow applicants to use an existing FD as collateral for the secured credit card. The size of the FD often dictates the maximum credit limit offered by the bank.
Some banks might request basic information regarding where the funds for the FD originated from; however, these banks typically require only a simple statement of where the funds came from and not formal documentation of income. In some instances, a photo and signature might be requested from the applicant for record-keeping. If the application was completed using an online form, these processes are often performed digitally and/or via video or KYC verification.
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The credit card documentation process is less complicated than that required for an unsecured credit card. However, the same terms are still required to be followed with respect to payments being due. Every cardholder's account must be paid on time and any abusive usage will negatively impact a person's credit score. If a cardholder does not keep up with their payments, the financial institution has the right to collect the debt through the cardholder's fixed deposit.
Secured credit cards can help provide a pathway into the world of credit for many housewives. They allow access to a growing number of digital payment options, provide better transparency in managing one's finances and establish a credit profile over an extended time frame. All of these can benefit a person down the line when seeking loans through the bank for joint purposes, education, or future goals.
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ZETAPP makes credit easier to track and manage by providing an overview of a user's obligations to make timely payments and receive any necessary reminders.
No, stay-at-home moms do not have to provide proof of income to obtain this type of credit card. Secured credit cards are backed by a fixed deposit.
Yes, the PAN is necessary if you want to connect your card account with the credit bureau for reporting.
Depending on the bank, stay-at-home moms may use their existing FD as collateral or may have to open a new one to be able to obtain a secured credit card.
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