Credit cards are usually the ones where you don't need to give anything valuable to use them. But, there are also special ones called 'secured' credit cards. These cards are connected to a fixed deposit. They are good for people who want to make their credit score better but can't get the regular credit cards. Here is all you need to know about what a secured credit card is and how it works.
Secured credit cards are kind of like regular credit cards, but you have to put some money in first (called a fixed deposit). After that, they work the same way as a regular card. You get a limit, usually 70-90% of what you put in (90% for Step UP Credit Card). You can buy things online or in stores and pay the bill later. But, if you don't pay the full amount on time, they might charge you extra fees, like regular credit cards do.
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Benefits of Secured Credit Cards | ||
How does a Secured Credit Card Work? | ||
Secured Credit Cards | ||
FAQs |
Secured credit cards offer various advantages for their users. Here are some of the benefits:
A secured credit card is linked to a fixed deposit that you make with a bank. This card is designed for people who are unable to get regular credit cards due to low income or a poor credit history. The key feature is that the bank can use the deposit to cover your debts if you can't make the required payments. It's a way for individuals to build or rebuild their credit.
If you have a secured credit card, you need to keep the fixed deposit with the bank as long as you use the card. Usually, the bank allows you to use up to around 85% of the deposit as a credit limit. So, these cards cards work very much similar to those of regular credit cards, and you can even earn interest on the deposit with the bank or another financial institution.
A few of the popular secured credit cards are mentioned in the table below:
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Fixed Deposit Amount | Best Suited For |
---|---|---|---|
ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card | Rs. 500 | Rs. 30,000 | Entertainment, Travel |
ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 75,000 | Travel, Shopping |
SBI Advantage Plus Card | Rs. 500 | Communicated at the time of sourcing | Building Credit Score |
SBI Card Unnati | NIL (first 4 years) Rs. 499 (5th year onwards) | Rs. 25,000 | Rewards, Fuel |
ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card | NIL | Rs. 20,000 | Dining, Entertainment |
Kotak DreamDifferent Credit Card | NIL | Rs. 10,000 | Entry-level Consumers |
Yes, you can avail a secured credit card against the fixed deposit in the bank.
If a bank rejects your credit card application because you don't meet their requirements, you might consider applying for a secured credit card instead.
The credit limit on the secured credit card is typically between 80% to 85% of the amount you deposited in the fixed deposit with the bank.
Putting a higher amount in the fixed deposit increases your likelihood of securing a higher credit limit on your secured credit card.
First, you'll need to put money into a fixed deposit. After that, you can apply for a secured credit card with the same bank.