What it is
Credit-card approval depends on income, credit history and your relationship with the bank. Cards differ in fees, rewards and interest on unpaid balances; the interest is high, so a card works best when the bill is paid in full every month.
Who it suits
- Salaried people building a credit history
- Frequent spenders who can clear the full bill each month
- Anyone consolidating spending onto one card for rewards
Which lenders fit
Typical appetite by lender type for a well-documented profile. Your own answers can change this — run a Match Check.
Possible
Private banks price well for strong scores and documented income, and move quickly.
Possible
Public sector banks often have the lowest rates, with stricter paperwork and slower turnaround.
Unlikely
Small finance banks lend to thinner files and smaller towns, usually at a higher rate.
Strong fit
Fintech lenders decide quickly on digital data and suit smaller unsecured amounts.
Typical eligibility
Salaried
- Age 21 or above
- Minimum income set by the card and issuer
Self-employed
- ITR showing steady income
Each lender sets its own criteria. These are common starting points, not guarantees.
Documents to keep ready
- PAN and Aadhaar
- Income proof: salary slip or ITR
You share documents only with your advisor or the lender, never on this website.
Indicative rates
| Lender type | Rate range | Processing fee | Max tenure | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public sector banks sample | 30.00 – 42.00 % | Card fee varies | — | 19 Sep 2026 |
| Private banks sample | 36.00 – 45.00 % | Card fee varies | — | 19 Sep 2026 |
| Fintech lenders sample | 36.00 – 46.00 % | Card fee varies | — | 19 Sep 2026 |
Questions
Will a card improve my credit score?
Using a small share of your limit and paying on time helps. Carrying unpaid balances hurts.
What is a secured card?
A card issued against a fixed deposit, useful if you have no credit history yet.