April 11, 2025 · 14 mins read

What is the minimum credit score for credit cards?

Santhosh Kumar

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Your credit score is a crucial element that banking institutions use to decide whether to approve your credit card application. Lenders also check your credit score to judge your ability to handle debt responsibilities before deciding whether to approve your loan application. India trusts CIBIL (Credit Information Bureau India Limited), together with other credit bureaus, as one of the country's top credit score monitoring and maintenance institutions.

The credit card application process demands that banks establish a base CIBIL score to reduce potential risks for approval. The information in this score enables lenders to approve or deny credit applications. Banks and their partner credit cards determine the minimum CIBIL thresholds for obtaining credit card approval. Higher credit scores enhance the probability of approval and offer better credit allowances and reward opportunities.

Bank clients need a minimum CIBIL score of 750 for simple credit card approval because most financial institutions share this preference. A lower credit score creates obstacles for credit card approval while secured cards remain an alternative for such cases. Knowledge about positive credit scoring enables better access to improved financial possibilities with enhanced credit products during future transactions.

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Understandings Credit Score

The creditworthiness of individuals goes by the name of a three-digit credit score. The evaluation method computes creditworthiness through historical billing records, expenses, and details of monetary practices. Financial institutions use this numerical value to determine loan eligibility for their customers. The appropriate minimum credit score requirement to obtain a credit card differs between banks but applicants with higher scores receive better approval chances.

Purpose of Credit Scores

Credit bureaus, including CIBIL, Equifax, and Experian, assign credit scores between 300 and 900 points. The score shows how capable someone is of making timely payments for borrowed funds. The rating system helps lenders establish minimum acceptable CIBIL scores needed to approve credits, including personal loans and credit cards. The lender assesses patients with superior scores as less risky, which leads to better terms and rates for borrowers.

How Credit Scores Are Calculated

Multiple elements determine the calculation of credit scores:

1: The calculation of credit scores depends mostly on payment history at 35% because on-time payments advance scores, yet delayed payments decrease them.

2: The percentage structure of your credit score consists of 30% of the credit utilization ratio.

3: The scores benefit from an extended credit management track record (15%).

4: Multiple new credit inquiries between potential lenders contain adverse effects that can hurt your score rating.

5: Experienced users should have both loans and credit card accounts since they strengthen their credit score by 10%.

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Factors Affecting Credit Scores

Several factors influence minimum credit scores for credit cards, including:

1: Repayment behavior

2: High credit utilization

3: Frequent loan applications

4: Credit history length

5: Debt-to-income ratio

Understanding of CIBIL Scores together with its significance.

People who seek loans need to understand that their CIBIL score plays a leading role in proving their creditworthiness throughout India. The Credit Information Bureau India Limited (CIBIL) management streaming service evaluates applicants seeking loans or credit cards. The approval process becomes more likely when your CIBIL score is high, yet a poor score may result in loan denials or elevated interest costs. Everyone wishing to get a credit card requires knowledge about the minimum CIBIL rating needed for approval.

Understanding the function of CIBIL

The leading credit bureau in India, CIBIL, maintains financial records from people and businesses. The organization gathers banking and financial data to prepare credit reports and provide credit scores between 300 and 900. The higher the score, the better the creditworthiness.

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Here’s how CIBIL works:

1: CIBIL acquires financial records by obtaining information from lending institutions regarding loans, payment chronicles, and credit card activities.

2: CIBIL uses received financial data to create a credit report representing the individual's financial standing.

3: CIBIL's proprietary algorithm evaluates client data to calculate credit scores, which lenders use to decide the minimum CIBIL required for credit card approvals.

CIBIL Scores determine credit approval

The credit rating mechanism provided by CIBIL plays an essential role in deciding loan approvals. Financial institutions, including banks, depend on the score as the main factor in gauging a candidate's creditworthiness for loan and credit card approval procedures.

1: Applicants with CIBIL scores above 750 receive better benefits when obtaining credit cards, including extensive limits and minimized interest rates.

2: A credit score between 600 and 749 will lead to approval, yet the credit terms might be less favorable. Certain financial institutions approve credit cards for customers who accept reduced credit access or higher annual costs.

3: Credit applications for unsecured cards have significantly reduced odds when an individual maintains a CIBIL score under 600 points. The best option for such situations involves using secured credit cards that require fixed deposit assets as collateral.

Most banks require applicants to show good credit scores for credit card approval; thus, a strong credit history is an essential condition for smooth acceptance.

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Differences Between CIBIL and Other Credit Bureaus

The leading credit bureau for India is CIBIL, but Experian Equifax, CRIF High Mark, and CIBIL operate as credit score providers. Here’s how they differ:

1: Each bureau's computer systems operate using separate evaluation procedures, which can result in possible score discrepancies.

2: CIBIL focuses on India, whereas Experian and Equifax conduct business globally.

3: Most Indian banks choose to work with CIBIL records, yet a small number will approve scores from various credit reporting organizations.

Why do Banks Require a Minimum CIBIL Score?

Financial institutions and banks establish base requirements for CIBIL score assessment before approving new credit card applicants as part of their creditworthiness assessment. Self-loans on credit cards do not need security because they exist without collateral. Lenders depend on the CIBIL score to establish whether applicants possess credit competence enough to become responsible borrowers.

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Risk Assessment and Lending Policies

Banks' specific CIBIL requirement for approving credit card candidates enables them to analyze repayment probabilities. Credit risk grows exponentially when an individual possesses a low CIBIL score because the score reveals payment imperfections, significant debt utilization, and past default incidents. Banks choose loan applicants who demonstrate proper debt repayment to prevent losing money from unpaid debts.

Creditworthiness and Loan Repayment Behavior

Bank approval possibilities rise when applicants demonstrate financial discipline through their high CIBIL score (750+). Potential defaults cause banks to deny unsecured credit cards to applicants whose CIBIL score remains below 650.

Relationship Between Credit Score and Credit Limit

The credit scores required for accepting credit cards determine how much credit a customer can receive. People who achieve high scores during the credit application process can receive larger credit limits, better rewards, and reduced interest rates on their accounts. Credit applicants with scores at the border of the scoring scale face the risk of receiving either limited credit limits or elevated interest rates on their accounts.

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Minimum CIBIL Score for Credit Card Approval

Banks' threshold CIBIL score for accepting credit card applications ranges from 700 to 750. Most banking institutions want applicants to possess CIBIL scores equal to or above 750 because this demonstrates reliable financial practices and reduces default risks. Some institutions provide credit card approvals to applicants with scores between 650 and 700, although they separately assess income levels, employment history, and credit history.

The following shows the basic standards for credit scores:

1: With a credit score of 750 and above, there is a high chance of approval, with better benefits and higher limits.

2: The range of credit scores, including 700-749, has moderate approval chances but slightly lower limits.

3: Certain credit banks accept applications between 650 and 699 points, yet these approvals involve elevated interest rates and limited benefits.

4: Applicants between 600 and 649 scores find the credit card approval process difficult, so they should consider secured credit cards.

5: Alternative secured cards become the most suitable option because approval chances are nonexistent below this level.

6: Minimum Credit Scores for Different Types of Credit Cards

Basic Credit Cards (Score between 650-700)

1: The minimum entry-point cards feature essential rewards at limited spending thresholds.

2: Suitable for individuals with limited credit history.

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Rewards & Cashback Credit Cards (Scores between 700-750)

1: Users of this card system get cashback features combined with reward point programs and discount benefits.

2: To obtain the cards, someone must have a secure income and a respectable credit standing.

Premium and Travel Credit Cards (Score between 750 and 800)

1: Premium cards feature airline lounges together with coverage insurance and luxury rewards benefits.

2: A top-tier credit rating and robust financial health are necessary for qualification.

Business and Corporate Credit Cards (Score at 750 and above)

These credit cards are made specifically for businesses seeking high credit spending capacities. The acquisition of such credit cards needs significant financial support and outstanding credit records.

Secured Credit Cards (Score Below 650)

1: Issued against fixed deposits.

2: Low credit scores and credit-history-less persons can opt for these credit options.

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Variations in Minimum Credit Score Requirements Across Banks

Every banking institution operates with unique rules for issuing credit cards. Eligibility checks for bank credit cards depend on CIBIL score standards with additional consideration for client profiles and risk evaluation procedures.

1: HDFC Bank Prefers a minimum CIBIL score of 750 for unsecured cards.

2: Anonymous customers with credit scores between 700 and 750 can secure ICICI Bank credit cards and access secured credit options for lower scores.

3: When applying for premium SBI Card products, you need at least a 720 CIBIL score, yet entry-level cards appear to accept applicants with 650-700 credit scores.

4: The credit card evaluation process at Axis Bank supports both high-scoring applicants and candidates with lower scores.

5: Kotak Mahindra Bank provides two types of credit cards: those for people with CIBIL scores between 700 and those with secured credit cards.

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How to Improve CIBIL Score for Credit Card Eligibility

A robust CIBIL score is needed for a credit card with attractive benefits. A lower score will improve your financial approval possibilities. Higher CIBIL scores above 750 enable customers to receive better credit limits and rewards during credit card approval according to banks' minimum requirements.

Pay Your Bills on Time

Payments made on schedule to your credit cards, loans, and EMIs have a prominent effect on your credit score. Mishandled payments trigger CIBIL score declines, which lead financial institutions to consider you less eligible for new credit cards. You should activate automatic payment methods to prevent tardiness of payments.

Maintain a Low Credit Utilization Ratio

Exceeding thirty percent of the available credit causes your score to decrease. When calculating your credit score, maintain your utilization at or under 30% of your credit limit. If your credit limit stands at ₹1,00,000, your usage should not surpass ₹30,000.

Avoid Multiple Credit Applications

Every time you submit a credit card application, your credit score will decrease due to the "hard inquiry" record on your report. The quick submission of numerous credit card applications indicates financial hardship to lenders who may deny your application.

Check Your Credit Report Regularly

Issues in your credit report will reduce your score. Your CIBIL report requires regular checks to identify inaccurate entries, which you must dispute to keep your credit score in good condition.

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Keep Old Credit Accounts Open

The duration of your credit accounts plays a role in determining your score. Having older accounts open and maintaining their good standing consistently enhances your credit score as time passes.

Common Reasons for Low Credit Scores and How to Fix Them

Missed Payments and Defaults

Any delayed payments you make on credit cards, loans, and EMIs will negatively affect your credit score. Most credit record defaults remain active in your report for extended periods, making it harder to qualify for approvals.

How to Fix It:

1: Establish programmed systems that remind you and automatically pay your payments before due dates.

2: People who have missed payments should make immediate payments to resolve their outstanding debt.

3: Your credit score will strengthen once you establish a successful loan or payment fulfillment for six months.

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High Credit Utilization

Your financial dependency status increases when you exceed thirty percent usage of your total available credit limit, which leads to reduced credit score values. A bank treats high credit utilization as risky behavior that influences what CIBIL score level can approve a credit card application.

How to Fix It:

1: Keep your credit utilization below 30%.

2: Appeal for a bigger credit limit, which will decrease your balance usage percentage without increasing your actual purchases.

3: You should clear all your outstanding debt in its entire amount at the end of each month.

Frequent Loan or Credit Card Rejections

Obtaining several loans and credit accounts simultaneously through hard inquiries can decrease one's creditworthiness and diminish approval odds.

How to Fix It:

1: Look for credit cards that match your profile criteria when applying.

2: The best results come from delaying another application until your credit score improves.

3: You should examine your credit report for errors, which you can dispute to remove them.

Conclusion

A good CIBIL score is essential to obtain favorable credit card conditions. An advantage of good credit scores lies in enhancing bank approval possibilities and the availability of improved credit limits, rewards, and reduced interest rates on credit cards. People with good CIBIL scores demonstrate superior financial performance and outstanding repayment practices while presenting minimal default risks, which attracts lenders to consider them favorably.

People with low credit scores should take responsibility by paying their debts on time, lowering their debt-to-limit ratio, and reducing their applications to enhance their credit standing. A clean CIBIL score emerges from routine credit report verification and the sustained maintenance of open credit accounts. Secure credit cards backed by deposit funds provide an effective solution for people who fail to qualify for regular unsecured credit cards since they help rebuild credit ratings.

Each bank operates with its own set of minimum criteria regarding CIBIL checks, although typically, you need scores between 700 and 750 to qualify for a credit card. A solid comprehension of maintaining good credit scores enables people to gain improved financial possibilities in the future.

Responsible financial practices coupled with proper credit management can help you get credit card approval without difficulty, achieve the minimum required scores for credit cards, and lead to permanent financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which CIBIL score classifies as the absolute minimum requirement for obtaining a credit card?

All banks require candidates to have a minimum CIBIL score of 750 or higher for new credit card applications. Different banks will accept applications for credit cards from people with ratings between 650 and 700, yet they provide reduced borrowing capacities and elevated interest rates.

Are there any options to obtain a credit card if your CIBIL score remains below minimum standards?

Yes, but options are limited. Applicants with scores under 650 receive secured credit card options as banks accept them against fixed deposits. Good score improvement gives you better opportunities to access desirable credit card options.

What impact does my score on the CIBIL report have on my ability to be approved for a credit card?

Banks use the CIBIL score as their primary tool to determine whether you qualify for credit. Users with higher credit scores obtain better credit options, increased credit limits, and improved rewards. A low score negatively affects bank approval and interest costs.

Which steps should I take to enhance my CIBIL score so I become eligible for credit cards?

The key to credit card approval through CIBIL is making timely bill payments, lowering your debt utilization ratio, decreasing the number of applications, and maintaining regular monitoring for credit report mistakes.

What can be behind my rejected credit card application, given my positive CIBIL score?

Curricula for establishing credit also assess bank applicants through income verification, together with their employment situation and current debt amounts. Your credit card application may be denied by banks when you maintain an unstable job situation or have a high debt-to-income ratio, regardless of possessing an excellent CIBIL score.

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