Credit Cards · Guide
Credit card eligibility criteria
Card issuers decide two things: whether to give you a card, and how big a limit. Both rest on your income, your credit record and how much you already owe. This guide sets out the usual thresholds by card tier, explains how limits are set and how utilisation then affects your score, and covers the routes in if you do not qualify yet.
By FinancePaisa Editorial Team · Research & editorialUpdated · 4 min read
On this page (8 sections)
Typical thresholds by card tier
Every issuer sets its own criteria, and they change, so treat these as typical rather than exact:
| Card tier | Typical annual income | Credit score |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (fee up to ~₹500) | ₹3 lakh+ | 700+ |
| Mid-tier (fee ~₹1,000 – ₹3,000) | ₹6 lakh+ | 720+ |
| Premium (fee ~₹3,000 – ₹10,000) | ₹12 lakh+ | 750+ |
| Super-premium (fee ₹10,000+) | Much higher; often by invitation | 780+ |
Entry-level (fee up to ~₹500)
- Typical annual income
- ₹3 lakh+
- Credit score
- 700+
Mid-tier (fee ~₹1,000 – ₹3,000)
- Typical annual income
- ₹6 lakh+
- Credit score
- 720+
Premium (fee ~₹3,000 – ₹10,000)
- Typical annual income
- ₹12 lakh+
- Credit score
- 750+
Super-premium (fee ₹10,000+)
- Typical annual income
- Much higher; often by invitation
- Credit score
- 780+
What else issuers check
- Age: usually 21 to 60 for the primary cardholder, with add-on cards available from 18.
- Employment: salaried with a few months at the current employer, or self-employed with ITRs showing the required income.
- Existing obligations: EMIs and limits on other cards. A large total limit elsewhere can mean a smaller new limit.
- Recent enquiries: several applications in a short period suggest credit hunger.
- Relationship: a salary account or deposits with the bank often unlock pre-approved offers.
- Location: some cards are issued only in serviceable cities or PIN codes.
How your credit limit is set
Issuers set the limit from your income, existing debt and credit record, and often start conservatively. A first card might come with a limit of one to three times monthly income, sometimes less for new-to-credit applicants. Limits are usually raised after six to twelve months of on-time payment; many issuers offer increases in their apps. RBI rules require your consent before an issuer increases your limit.
Why the limit matters for your score
Credit utilisation, your balances as a share of your total card limits, is one of the factors in your credit score. Spending ₹60,000 a month on a single card with a ₹1,00,000 limit shows 60% utilisation even if you pay in full, because the statement balance is what gets reported. With a second card and ₹2,50,000 of total limit, the same spending is 24%. Keeping utilisation around 30% or below helps; you can also pay part of the bill before the statement date to report a lower balance.
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If you do not qualify yet
- Secured card: issued against a fixed deposit, with a limit of 75-90% of the deposit. It builds a credit history like any other card.
- Add-on card: on a parent's or spouse's account. It is convenient, but the history usually belongs to the primary holder.
- Pre-approved offers: check your bank's app; existing customers are often approved without income documents.
- Fix the report: dispute errors and clear overdue amounts before reapplying.
If your application is declined
Ask the issuer for the reason. Common ones are a low score, too many recent enquiries, high existing debt, an income below the card's threshold, or an address outside the service area. Wait until you have fixed the reason, usually three to six months, before applying again, and apply for one card at a time.
Frequently asked questions
Can a self-employed person get a premium credit card?
Yes. Issuers ask for ITRs, often for two years, showing income at the required level. A card against a fixed deposit is an alternative while you build a record.
Can I get a credit card with no credit history?
Yes. A secured card against an FD, a pre-approved offer from your bank, or an entry-level card with a modest limit are the usual routes.
Do NRIs get Indian credit cards?
Usually against an NRE or NRO fixed deposit. A few banks issue unsecured cards to NRIs with a strong relationship.
Does a credit card application affect my score?
Yes, slightly: the issuer makes a hard enquiry. One application has a small, temporary effect; several in a short period have more.
Sources & references
- RBI — Master Direction: Credit Card and Debit Card – Issuance and Conduct — Reserve Bank of India
- CIBIL — Understanding your credit report — TransUnion CIBIL
Rates, fees, eligibility, and product terms cited on this page reflect the sources above at the time of publication and may have changed since. Always verify directly with the lender or regulator.