Best Credit Card Against FD in India (2026): 5 Top Picks

I have been using credit cards for 20 years, and for the last 8 years I have not paid for a flight, a hotel stay, foreign exchange markups, or card service fees. That experience has taught me exactly which cards make sense for which stage of life—and the best credit card against FD in India is often the first step for someone who cannot get a regular unsecured card.

If you are in a hurry, here is my ranked list of the top 5 FD-backed credit cards you can get today. Then I will explain why each one earns its place and how to choose.

Quick Answer: Top 5 FD Credit Cards Ranked

• IDFC FIRST WOW! – Zero forex, lifetime free, FD from ₹2,000.
• SBM ZET – FD from ₹2,000, up to 15% cashback on vouchers.
• IDFC FIRST EARN – UPI-friendly RuPay card with up to 1% cashback.
• Kotak811 Super Money – 5% cashback on Myntra, free forever.
• AU NOMO – Low 0.99% forex markup, 8 lounge visits per year.

Now, let me walk you through each card in detail, starting with my top pick.

Why a Credit Card Against FD Is the Smart Starting Point

A credit card against fixed deposit is the simplest way to get a credit card when you have no credit history, a low CIBIL score, or irregular income. You open a fixed deposit with the bank, they place a lien on it as collateral, and in return they give you a credit card with a limit that is usually 80% to 90% of the FD amount. Your FD keeps earning interest, and you get a card that helps you build a credit score.

This type of card is perfect for:

• Students with no income
• First-time credit users
• Homemakers or non-earning individuals
• Self-employed people with irregular income
• Anyone rebuilding a low credit score
• Low-income earners who do not meet unsecured card criteria

Approval is almost guaranteed because the bank has your FD as security. Documentation is minimal—usually just KYC and the FD amount. That makes it the safest way to enter the credit card world.

If you are unsure which card fits you, take the 2-minute quiz and I will match you with the right one based on your spending habits.

How I Pick the Right FD Credit Card

I have been using credit cards for two decades, but I do not rely on old assumptions. I reviewed the current FD card market specifically for this list, looking at the factors that matter most for a first-time cardholder:

• Minimum FD amount – Lower is better, especially for students.
• Fees – Joining and annual fees; free is always preferred.
• Rewards and cashback – Does the card give useful rewards on everyday spending?
• Extra benefits – Lounge access, forex markup, UPI support.
• Ease of application – Can you apply online with minimal documentation?

With that, here are my top 5 picks for the best credit card against FD in India.

The 5 Best Credit Cards Against FD in India

1. IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card is the best all-round FD credit card in India right now. It is lifetime free, has zero forex markup, and accepts a fixed deposit as low as ₹2,000. That combination is rare.

Who it suits: Students, first-time users, and anyone who shops on international websites or travels abroad occasionally. If you want a first card with no fees and genuine travel value, this is my top recommendation.

Key benefits:

• Zero joining and annual fees
• 0% forex markup on international transactions
• Minimum FD of ₹2,000 (verify on bank site)
• No income proof required

Drawback: The card has a modest rewards program compared to paid cards, but at zero cost that is acceptable. It is a credit builder first, rewards card second.

You can read the full IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card review on our site.

2. SBM ZET Credit Card

The SBM ZET Credit Card is another zero-fee secured card with a very low entry barrier. You can start with just ₹2,000 FD, and the card gives up to 15% cashback on selected brand vouchers. It is an excellent choice for someone with no credit score at all.

Who it suits: Those with an ultra-low budget who want to build credit from scratch. If you are a student or someone who does not want to lock a large amount in an FD, this is a strong pick.

Key benefits:

• Lifetime free card
• Minimum FD of ₹2,000
• Up to 15% cashback on brand vouchers
• No prior credit score needed

Drawback: The cashback is limited to partner brands and voucher purchases, not everyday spending. Check the current offers on the bank's website before applying.

3. IDFC FIRST EARN Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST EARN Credit Card is a RuPay card that works with UPI, making it ideal for QR-code payments. It offers up to 1% cashback on UPI spends and has zero joining fee. For those who pay through UPI daily, this card builds credit without changing spending habits.

Who it suits: UPI users, everyday spenders, and anyone who pays via phone at stores and online. If you want a free card that works exactly where you already pay, choose this.

Key benefits:

• RuPay card linked to UPI
• Up to 1% cashback on UPI spends
• Zero joining fee; annual fee may apply
• No income proof required for FD-backed variant

Drawback: The annual fee is sometimes listed as ₹499, and the forex markup is 3.5%—not ideal for international spends. Confirm the current fee structure before applying.

We have a detailed IDFC FIRST EARN Credit Card guide that covers all the fine print.

4. Kotak811 Super Money Credit Card

The Kotak811 Super Money Credit Card is a free secured card with zero joining and annual fees. It gives 5% cashback on Myntra and 3% savings on Cleartrip. For shoppers who use those platforms regularly, it is a simple way to earn while building credit.

Who it suits: Online shoppers, especially frequent Myntra or Cleartrip users. If you already spend on those sites, you might as well get cashback without paying a fee.

Key benefits:

• No joining or annual fees
• 5% cashback on Myntra
• 3% savings on Cleartrip
• FD-backed, easy approval

Drawback: Rewards are limited to specific partner merchants. If you do not shop on Myntra or Cleartrip, the card offers little everyday value. Merchant offers may change, so verify before applying.

5. AU NOMO Credit Card

The AU NOMO Credit Card is an underrated secured card for travellers. It has a low forex markup of 0.99%, 8 domestic lounge visits per year, and no annual fee. The joining fee is ₹199, which is small compared to the benefits.

Who it suits: Frequent domestic travellers who want lounge access without paying high fees. If you fly often and need a first card with real travel perks, this is a hidden gem.

Key benefits:

• 0.99% forex markup
• 8 domestic lounge visits per year
• No annual fee; joining fee ₹199
• FD-backed with easy approval

Drawback: Lounge access may have spending requirements or caps, so check the latest terms. Also, the card is from a smaller bank, which may be an issue for some applicants.

If you want to see how these cards compare side by side, use our credit card comparison tool.

Which Card for Which Profile?

Not every FD card fits every person. Here is my quick matching guide:

• Student with no income: IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card or SBM ZET Credit Card—both start with just ₹2,000 FD and have no fees.
• First-time credit user: IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card for overall value, or Kotak811 Super Money if you shop on Myntra.
• Homemaker or non-earning individual: SBM ZET Credit Card with minimum FD, or IDFC FIRST WOW! for simple, free credit building.
• Self-employed with irregular income: IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card for zero forex and no fees, or AU NOMO if you travel often.
• Rebuilding a low credit score: Any of these cards work; choose the one with the lowest fee and a low minimum FD to start.
• Low-income earner: SBM ZET Credit Card with ₹2,000 FD is the cheapest entry point.

Take the quiz to find the card made for you—it only takes two minutes and considers your spending patterns.

What Most People Get Wrong About FD Credit Cards

After seeing hundreds of first-time card applications, I have noticed three common mistakes:

Mistake 1: Thinking the FD stops earning interest

Many people believe the fixed deposit is frozen and stops earning interest. That is false. The FD continues to earn interest even while the lien is active. The bank only uses it as security; you keep the interest.

Mistake 2: Picking a high-fee card when a free option works

Some secured cards come with joining or annual fees, but top free options like IDFC FIRST WOW! and SBM ZET deliver everything a beginner needs. Do not pay for benefits you will not use.

Mistake 3: Ignoring whether the card reports to credit bureaus

Most major bank FD cards report to CIBIL, Experian, and Equifax, but it is worth verifying. The whole point is to build credit, so make sure the card issuer reports your usage.

Building Your Credit Score With Your FD Card

Getting the card is only half the job. To actually improve your CIBIL score, follow these three rules:

• Pay bills on time every month. Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Set up autopay or reminders.
• Keep credit utilisation under 30%. If your limit is ₹50,000, try not to spend more than ₹15,000 in a billing cycle. High utilisation signals risk.
• Hold the card for at least 12–18 months. Credit history length matters. Do not close the card too early; keep it active and in good standing before applying for an unsecured card.

With disciplined use, you should see a decent credit score within a year. Then you can consider upgrading to a regular card with better rewards.

If you want to explore next steps, check our list of lifetime free credit cards for when your score improves.

FAQs About FD Credit Cards

What is the minimum FD amount to get a credit card against FD?

Most banks in India require a minimum FD between ₹2,000 and ₹25,000 for a secured credit card. Some cards, like IDFC FIRST WOW! and SBM ZET, start as low as ₹2,000. The actual limit depends on the bank and card type.

Can I get an FD credit card with no credit score?

Yes, FD credit cards are designed for people with no credit score or a low score. Because the FD acts as collateral, banks do not rely on your credit history for approval. You only need to complete KYC and open the FD.

Do FD credit cards help improve my CIBIL score?

Yes. As long as the bank reports to credit bureaus (which all major banks do), your on-time payments and low credit utilisation will gradually improve your CIBIL score. It typically takes 6–12 months of consistent use to see a positive impact.

What is the credit limit on an FD-backed credit card?

The credit limit is usually 80% to 90% of your FD amount. For example, a ₹50,000 FD would give you a limit of ₹40,000 to ₹45,000. Some banks may offer up to 100% in certain cases.

Can I close my FD while the credit card is active?

No, you cannot close or withdraw the FD as long as the credit card is active. The lien stays in place until you close the credit card. Once you close the card, the bank releases the FD, and you can withdraw the full amount plus interest.

Still unsure which FD card to choose? Try the CardBuddy quiz and get a personalised recommendation in minutes.

Before you apply, remember that fees and benefits change, so confirm the latest details on the bank's website. And if you want to explore more options, read our full guide on the best FD-backed credit card in India for additional insights.