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FD-Backed Secured Credit Cards in India 2026

Key Takeaways

An FD-backed credit card lets you get a credit card against a fixed deposit, with zero documentation.
Your FD continues to earn interest for its full tenure even while you get to also enjoy the benefits of your card.
Responsible use over 12 to 24 months can help you build a CIBIL score of 750 plus from scratch.

25 Aug 2026 by Team FinFIRST

IDFC FIRST Bank FD-backed secured credit cards comparison FIRST WOW Hello Cashback FIRST EARN Quantum+

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An FD-backed credit card gives you a card secured against a fixed deposit instead of your income or CIBIL score. You place the FD, the bank issues a card against it, and you start building a credit profile from your very first bill. Here is what to know before you pick one, and the best FD-backed credit card options available in India right now.

Your guide to choosing the right credit card with no annual fee

Take a step to financial inclusion with an add-on credit card

What is an FD-backed secured credit card?

An FD-backed credit card uses your fixed deposit as collateral instead of a salary slip or an existing credit score. The bank sets your credit limit as a percentage of the FD amount, so a larger deposit gets you a higher limit. IDFC FIRST Bank sets the credit limit for its FD-backed cards at 100% of the FD amount.

The FD keeps earning interest at the applicable rate for its full tenure, on top of the card you get to use. This is what makes the eligibility so simple, since the deposit itself stands in as collateral for income proof and a credit history.

Who should get an FD-backed credit card?

Students aged 18 to 23 without income proof

First-time credit card users with no or low CIBIL score

Homemakers without a formal salary

Self-employed individuals without income documents

For most of these applicants, an FD-backed card turns out to be the best secured credit card in India, since approval depends on the deposit rather than a pay cheque.

How does an FD-backed card help build your CIBIL score?

If your loan or credit card application is getting rejected because of low credit score, FD-backed credit card is one of the best solutions to get a credit card and work on building the credit score.

Every payment made on time gets reported to the credit bureaus, exactly as it would on any other credit card, and this repayment history becomes the foundation of your credit score. Used responsibly for 12 to 24 months, an FD-backed card can help take a person with zero credit history to a score of 750 plus.

Best IDFC FIRST Bank FD-backed credit cards

IDFC FIRST Bank offers some of the best FD backed credit cards.

FIRST WOW! credit card

Built for frequent international travellers and online shoppers.

Zero joining and annual fee, minimum FD of ₹20,000

Zero forex markup on international spends

Up to 4X reward points on all spends, valid for 24 months

1% fuel surcharge waiver of up to ₹200 per month, personal accident cover of ₹2,00,000

Hello Cashback credit card

Suits online shoppers and everyday spenders who want a simple cashback structure.

Joining fee waived under the current offer, annual fee of ₹1,000 waived on ₹2 lakh spends, minimum FD of ₹10,000

Up to 5% cashback on online spends

1% cashback on in-store and UPI spends via the app

FIRST EARN credit card

The lowest entry point among these cards, built for UPI-first spenders.

Zero joining fee, annual fee of ₹499+GST

1% cashback on UPI spends via the app, 0.5% on all other spends

25% off on movie tickets via District by Zomato once a month

Quantum+ credit card

A lifetime free credit card, that earns cashback on everyday spends.

Zero joining and annual fee

Up to 2% cashback on online spends

1% on UPI via the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app

1% on offline spends (POS & in-store payments)

The 4 FD-backed credit cards compared

Card	Annual fee	Min FD	Best for
FIRST WOW!	₹0	₹20,000	Zero forex, international travel
Hello Cashback	₹1,000, waived on ₹2L spends	₹10,000	Online shopping cashback
FIRST EARN	₹0	₹5,000	Cashback on everyday UPI spends & movie offers
Quantum+	₹0	-	Cashback on everyday spends, with no joining & annual fees

What to look for in an FD-backed credit card

Minimum FD amount: Check how much you need to save in the FD to qualify

Annual fee: Look at the fee and its waiver conditions (if any)

Reward structure: Compare cashback or reward points against your spends

FD interest: Confirm the deposit keeps earning its full rate while acting as a security for your credit card

Credit limit: See what percentage of the FD it covers

Tips for using an FD-backed card to build credit

Make full payments: Clear the outstanding balance in full every month

Keep utilisation low: Keep credit usage below 30% of your limit

Use the card regularly: Swipe the card for small everyday purchases too

Pay dues on time: Never miss a payment due date

Conclusion

An FD-backed secured credit card is a practical starting point for students, homemakers, and first-time users who lack income proof or a credit history. Your fixed deposit keeps earning interest while your spending builds a credit profile. The right pick among the best FD-backed credit card options depends mainly on how you spend, whether that is travel, online shopping, or UPI use. Explore IDFC FIRST Bank FD-backed credit cards to find the one that matches your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FD-backed secured credit card?

It is a credit card issued against a fixed deposit, with the deposit standing in as collateral for a salary slip or prior credit history.

What is the minimum FD required for an IDFC FIRST Bank credit card?

FIRST EARN requires a minimum FD of ₹5,000, Hello Cashback of ₹10,000, and FIRST WOW! of ₹20,000. Quantum+ is also issued against a linked FD.

Can I get a credit card without income proof or CIBIL score?

Yes. FD-backed cards are made exactly for this, which makes them the best secured credit card in India option for students, homemakers, and anyone applying for their first card.

Does my FD earn interest when linked to a credit card?

Yes, your fixed deposit continues to earn interest throughout its tenure even while linked to your credit card.

How long does it take to build a CIBIL score with an FD-backed card?

Most users see a meaningful score build up within 12 to 24 months of consistent, responsible usage.

What happens to my FD if I close the credit card?

Once all dues are cleared, the FD is released and continues as a normal deposit or matures as per its original terms.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirst.bank.in for latest updates.