Boost Your CIBIL Score with Secured Credit Cards: Top Bank Options and Tips

Secured credit cards, also known as credit cards against fixed deposits (FD), are an excellent way for individuals with a low CIBIL score or no credit history to build or repair their credit. These cards are backed by a fixed deposit, which acts as collateral and reduces the risk for the card issuer. Using a secured credit card responsibly can help improve your CIBIL score over time. In this article, we will discuss how secured credit cards can help repair your CIBIL score and provide examples of products available from various banks in India.

I. How Secured Credit Cards Help Repair CIBIL Score

1. Timely repayment: By using a secured credit card and making timely repayments, you demonstrate responsible credit behaviour, which can positively impact your CIBIL score.
2. Credit utilisation: Maintaining a low credit utilisation ratio (the percentage of your available credit that you use) can help improve your credit score. Aim to keep your credit utilisation below 30%.
3. Diversification: A secured credit card adds diversity to your credit profile, which can positively influence your credit score.

II. Examples of Secured Credit Cards from Various Banks in India

1. ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card against Fixed Deposit: This card offers benefits such as complimentary lounge access, dining discounts, and reward points on every purchase. It requires a minimum fixed deposit of INR 20,000.
2. State Bank of India (SBI) Unnati Credit Card: The SBI Unnati Credit Card offers cashback on fuel purchases, reward points on every transaction, and no annual fee for the first four years. A minimum fixed deposit of INR 25,000 is required.
3. Axis Bank Insta Easy Credit Card: This card offers flexible credit limits, fuel surcharge waivers, and reward points on domestic and international purchases. A minimum fixed deposit of INR 20,000 is needed.
4. Kotak Mahindra Bank Aqua Gold Credit Card: The Aqua Gold card offers benefits like fuel surcharge waivers, dining discounts, and a minimum 10% savings on transactions at partner establishments. It requires a minimum fixed deposit of INR 25,000.
5. HDFC Bank Regalia First Credit Card against Fixed Deposit: This card offers complimentary airport lounge access, dining benefits, and reward points on every purchase. A minimum fixed deposit of INR 40,000 is required.

III. Tips for Using a Secured Credit Card to Repair CIBIL Score

1. Make timely payments: Pay your credit card bill on time every month to establish a positive payment history.
2. Keep a low credit utilisation ratio: Use only a small portion of your available credit to maintain a low credit utilisation ratio.
3. Monitor your credit report: Regularly check your credit report for errors and discrepancies that could negatively affect your credit score.
4. Upgrade to an unsecured card: After using a secured credit card responsibly for an extended period, you may become eligible for an unsecured credit card. Upgrading to an unsecured card can further improve your credit score.

Conclusion

Secured credit cards, or cards against fixed deposits, offer an effective way to repair your CIBIL score by demonstrating responsible credit behaviour. By choosing the right secured credit card based on your needs and using it responsibly, you can gradually improve your credit score and become eligible for better credit products in the future. Make sure to research and compare various secured credit cards from different banks to find the one that best suits your requirements.