How to Get a Credit Card Without a Job in India

Below mentioned are the ways to get a credit card if you are unemployed or do not have a regular flow of income-

1. Consider getting a Secured Credit Card

Secured credit cards provide similar benefits as their regular counterparts but are issued against an individual’s fixed deposits. Secured credit card safeguard lenders from the risk of default and hence allows them to offer comparatively more flexible eligibility criteria as that of a standard credit card.

2. Include other sources of Income

If you are unemployed but have a steady income from other sources like dividends from mutual funds, professional fees and so on, include that in your application. The credit card issuers mainly check your repayment capacity of paying back the credit card dues on time.

3. Become an Add-on/Supplementary User

If you neither have income proofs nor investments in fixed deposits, you can opt for any add-on credit card if someone in your family owns a primary or standard credit card. An add-on card is an additional card issued under the primary credit card and can be availed by the primary card holder’s spouse, parents, siblings and children aged above 18 years.

Can I get a credit card without a salary slip or ITR?
Yes, it is possible to get a credit card without a salary slip or ITR, but options may be limited. The card issuer may offer credit cards against a fixed deposit (FD) or cards to existing customers with a good banking relationship. These options can help you get a credit card without any income proof.

Which banks offer credit cards without income proof?
Several banks, including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and IDFC FIRST Bank, offer secured credit cards against a fixed deposit. Additionally, some banks offer entry-level credit cards to their existing account holders if they have a strong banking history or maintain a good average balance.

Can I use my bank account as proof of income?
Yes, in many cases, banks accept your savings account statements as an alternative proof of income. If you maintain a healthy average balance or have regular transactions, it can work in your favour when applying for a credit card without any income proof.

How to get a credit card with no income proof?
You can apply for a secured credit card by opening a fixed deposit with the bank or requesting a card based on your existing account relationship. In some cases, if you have a pre-approved credit card offer from your bank, you may not need to submit income documents at all.

What is the minimum income required for getting a credit card?
The minimum income required for a credit card varies by issuer and also depends on the type of card. Premium cards typically require a higher income, while secured cards don’t have any income requirement since they are backed by a fixed deposit (FD).

Can I get an SBI credit card without income proof?
Yes, you can get an SBI secured credit card like the SBI Advantage Plus Credit Card or the SBI Unnati Credit Card against a fixed deposit. This eliminates the need for salary slips or ITR, making it suitable for those without regular income proof.

What are the alternatives to getting a credit card without salary proof?
Alternatives include secured credit cards or add-on credit cards (linked to a family member’s account). You can also explore BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) options if you only need short-term credit and don’t want to open an FD.

I am a college student. Is it possible to get a credit card without income proof?
Yes, students can apply for a student credit card, which often requires minimal documentation and no income proof. Alternatively, you can opt for a secured credit card against a fixed deposit or become an add-on cardholder on a parent or guardian’s credit card.

Not having a job should not come as a barrier to credit card approval if you have a good credit history and a source of income you can use to pay the bills. If you are a business person or a professional, you should keep income proofs like ITR, Form-16 or your business’s financial statements.