While credit card eligibility criteria vary from bank to bank and the type of card, you need to fulfill the following basic conditions for instant approval:
- Should be an Indian citizen
- Minimum 21 years old; some credit card companies even have a lower limit of 18 years
- A credit score of at least 750
- A stable income of at least Rs. 15,000 to Rs.20,000 per month
- Or, you can go for a secured credit card against an FD
A credit card is considered a necessity these days. You can get a lot of discounts and offers when using a credit card as opposed to a debit card or net banking. The rewards program also allows you to accumulate points that can be later redeemed for cool merchandise or heavy cash back on your card.
How to get a credit card?
- A credit card is just like a loan; so there are a host of eligibility criteria you need to meet to get a credit card.
- You have to first do some shopping to find the best credit card to meet your needs.
- After submitting the necessary documents, you need to wait for at least 7-14 days to receive your credit card.
What are instant credit cards? How do they work?
An instant credit card, as the name suggests, is issued instantly. The banks will process the application instantly and give you the card details. You can use the card number and other details to make purchases. The physical card will take a week or 10 days to reach you.
Instant credit cards come in handy in times of emergencies. This is instant credit and does not have any restrictions on its end-use. Many consumers seek to get instant credit cards to meet any familial contingency they may face.
Since the card is issued instantly, it naturally comes with stricter eligibility norms. Check the below list to see if you can qualify for an instant credit card:
- The applicant should be an Indian citizen; however, many banks are now offering credit cards to NRIs too. Check with your bank on that aspect.
- The applicant’s age should be between 21-65 years. And some banks even offer credit cards as soon as you turn 18.
- The credit score of the applicant should be at least 750. This is a very important point to be noted. Since credit cards are a type of loan, it is imperative that the banker checks your credit score. Though you can get a credit card with a credit score as low as 650, instant credit cards need a higher credit score of at least 750.
- You should have an impeccable credit track record. You shouldn’t have any defaults or missed payments on your loans or other credit cards. Bankers don’t like to see any negative remarks on your credit report. If you are going for an instant credit card, make sure that your credit report is positive and sorted.
- The next factor to consider is your income. Banks want to know that credit card bills will be paid on time. They favor applicants who have a steady source of income to back up their ability to pay their debts.
- Documentation: This is also very important if you want to get an instant credit card. Provide all the required documents to process your application. When all your documents are in order, there is nothing for the banker to reject your application. So ensure that you have all the right documents for an instant credit card.
- Go for a secured card: If you are really in need of an instant credit card, you could check to see if you can get a secured credit card against an FD you hold with the bank. Secured credit cards are issued against an FD account you hold with the same bank. The FD shall serve as collateral or security against your credit card. If you hold an FD in the bank, it will be easier to get a credit card instantly.
Documents Required Applying For an Instant Credit Card
The document's requirements vary from bank to bank. However, these are some of the primary documents required by all bankers to process your instant credit card application:
ID Proof
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Passport
- Driving license
Address Proof
- Aadhaar card
- Driving license
- Rental agreement
- Electricity bill
- Telephone bill
- Passport
Income proof for self-employed
- Bank statement
- Business continuity proof
- Statement of recent ITR (Income Tax Returns)
- Balance sheet or audited profit and loss statement
Income proof for salaried
- Recent salary slip/s
- Bank statement
- IT returns
- Form 16
How can I apply for an instant credit card?
Credit card companies allow you to apply for their credit cards online on their website. You just have to fill in some basic details and the bank representative will get in touch with you to complete the remaining application process. These days, you just have to submit soft copies of the required documents through email. In case they need hard copies, they will send the representative for the doorstep collection.
Endnote:
An instant credit card is the same as any other credit card, except for the processing time. Also, you get the card details before getting the physical card and you can start using it instantly. Remember to check all the terms and conditions of an instant credit card before applying for one. Shop around to find the best credit card to suit you and your expenses.
