Credit Cards Against Fixed Deposit (FD)

A credit card against a fixed deposit is a secured card offered by various Indian banks such as SBI, ICIC Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, etc., where the FD serves as collateral. The credit limit typically ranges from 80% to 90% of the FD amount, which continues to earn interest. The bank can recover dues by redeeming the FD in case the payments are missed. These cards usually come with lower fees than unsecured credit cards and have easier approval procedures. 

Updated On - 06 Sep 2025
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What is Credit Card Against Fixed Deposit?

Credit cards against fixed deposit, technically termed as Secured Credit Cards, are an ideal option to those who have a no credit history or poor/no CIBIL score.

Unlike regular credit cards, which require a stable income and a good credit score, secured credit cards only require a minimum fixed deposit with the issuing bank.

Top Credit Cards Against Fixed Deposits

Compare the amount of Fixed Deposit required to apply for the secured credit cards or the credit cards against FD among the below top banks in the India in 2025.

Credit Card Variant

Fixed Deposit Required

Joining Fee/Annual Fee

Age Criteria

SBI Card Unnati

Rs.25,000

First 4 years – NIL 5th year onwards – Rs.499

18-70 years

IDFC FIRST Bank - FIRST WOW! Credit Card

Rs.20,000

Nil

18 - 70 years

Axis Bank - Insta Easy Credit Card

Rs.15,000 

Rs.500 joining fee (often waived) 

18 - 70 years 

AU Small Finance Bank - NOMO Card

Rs.20,000 

₹499+GST annual fee 

21 - 65 years 

Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card

Rs.10,000

Nil

18 - 75 years

Axis Bank MY ZONE EASY Credit Card 

Rs.15,000 to Rs.25 lakh

Rs.500

Minimum 18 years

Bank of Baroda - Prime Credit Card

Rs.15,000 or more 

Nil

18 - 85 years

DCB Payless Select Credit Card

Rs.25,000 

350 + GST

18 to 75 years

SBM Bank - Step UP Credit Card 

Rs.2,000 

No joining fee (if FD >₹5,000) 

21-65 years 

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Credit card against FD

How Does a Secured Credit Card Work?

When you open a fixed deposit (FD) and apply for a credit card against it, no additional income proof is required. The FD acts as collateral for the credit card, and in case of payment default, the bank or issuer has the right to liquidate the deposit. Here are more details about how credit card against FDs work:

  1. FD-Backed Credit Cards: Many Indian banks offer credit cards secured against fixed deposits, known as secured credit cards. 
  1. Collateral Requirement: You must open an FD with a specified amount, which acts as collateral for the card. 
  1. Ideal for Low Credit Score: These cards are suitable for those with low or no credit history, as the FD reduces the bank’s risk. 
  1. Similar Functionality: Secured cards work like regular credit cards, offering a fixed credit limit for purchases and transactions. 
  1. Alternative to Unsecured Cards: They provide a viable option when eligibility for a traditional credit card is limited. 

Features of Credit Card against Fixed Deposit

The features of credit card against fixed deposit are mentioned below: 

  1. Affordable FD amount - The minimum fixed deposit amount usually ranges from Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000 and is hence affordable.
  2. Credit limit - Credit limit offered on secured credit cards typically depends on the fixed deposit amount. Generally, banks offer 75% to 85% of the deposit amount as total credit limit on the card.
  3. Minimum documentation - To apply for secured credit cards, you do not need to submit a lot of documents.
  4. Minimum tenure - The minimum tenure of the fixed deposit that you are giving as security to the bank should be six months.
  5. Interest free period - Generally, banks offer an interest free period of 48 days to 55 days on secured credit cards.
  6. Rewards - These cards offer multiple rewards such as reward points, cashback, etc., to the customers.
  7. Interest on fixed deposit - Cardholders will continue earning interest on their fixed deposit.
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How to Apply for a Credit Card Against Fixed Deposit?

  1. For non-FD account holders: If you wish to apply for a secured credit card, you need to have a fixed deposit account with the respective bank.
  1. Create an FD either by visiting the bank or by online procedure. 
  1. Fill in a form to apply for the credit card against FD. 
  1. Submit the required KYC (Know Your Customer) documents, such as address and identity proof. 
  1. Review your application form and submit it to complete the application procedure and wait for approval. 

Note: reach out to the preferred bank by either visiting physically or via bank website, as some bank allows paperless application 

  1. For FD account holders: If you already have a fixed deposit account with the bank from which you would like to avail the secured credit card, you can simply apply online by visiting the bank’s website.

Benefits of having a credit card against fixed deposit

Having a secured credit card provides the following benefits –

  1. No income proof required: Have a credit card without any income proof. This is helpful for students, senior citizens, home makers, freelance workers, etc.
  2. Helps to build credit history: Having a credit history has become a norm to avail any credit-related products. Having a secured credit card and using it properly would allow you to build a good credit history.
  3. Access to other credit lines: Once you have credit history and the associated credit score, you do not find any problem in applying for other loan products including personal loan, home loan, auto loan, etc. Thus, secured cards introduce you to the world of credit.
  4. Quick approval: Ensures instant approval of credit card application on booking an FD. 

Who is Suitable to Apply for Credit Cards Against Fixed Deposit?

The individual who can apply for credit cards against FD are listed below:

✔ Low or No Credit Score – People with low credit score or no credit history. 

✔ Below Minimum Income Requirement - No need to meet high salary criteria.

✔ One without a regular source of income – Freelancers, gig workers, or self-employed individuals.

✔ Blacklisted Locations/Employers - Bypass lender restrictions based on residency or workplace.

Key Things to Know Before Getting an FD-Backed Credit Card

1️⃣ Minimum FD Amount

  1. Most banks require at least ₹2,000 as a fixed deposit to issue the card.

2️⃣ Lower Credit Limit

  1. You’ll only get a percentage of your FD amount as credit - usually less than unsecured cards offer.

3️⃣ Locked Funds

  1. Your FD stays blocked until you clear dues or close the card - reducing emergency cash access.

4️⃣ Default Risk

  1. Missed payments? The bank can liquidate your FD, and you might lose accrued interest.

5️⃣ Hidden Charges

  1. Watch for annual fees, late penalties, and GST - read the terms carefully!
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FAQs on Credit Cards Against Fixed Deposit

  • Can I apply for a credit card against FD online?

    Yes, you can apply for a credit card against FD online no matter whether you are a non-FD accountholder or an existing FD accountholder.

  • Can I avail myself of an interest-free period through credit card against FD?

    Yes, you can avail yourself of an interest-free period of 48 to 55 days through credit card against FD.

  • Does the credit limit of FD credit cards increase?

    Yes, the credit limit of FD credit cards can increase by selecting multiple eligible FDs while applying for FD credit cards.

  • Am I allowed to use my credit card against a fixed deposit for withdrawing cash at an ATM?

    Yes, some banks allow you to withdraw money from an ATM up to 100% of the credit limit. The credit limit on your card will be 85% of your fixed deposit amount.

  • Will I get 100% of my fixed deposit amount as my limit for the credit card?

    No, you cannot get 100% of your FD amount as credit limit for credit cards against FDs as banks usually offer around 80% to 90% of the amount of your fixed deposit as your credit limit.

  • Are foreigners allowed to get a credit card against their fixed deposits?

    No, Indian banks do not allow the facility of credit cards against fixed deposits for any foreign national.

  • What happens to my credit card if I close my FD?

    The credit card needs to be closed before you close your FD, as the cards are linked to the FD. As these cards cannot exist without the linked FDs, some banks offer credit cards against FD with auto-renewing FDs only.

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