25 April, 2024 Synopsis
To apply for a Credit Card, you must fulfil the card issuer’s eligibility criteria.
Prerequisites include age, income, credit score and residential status.
Other eligibility criteria include employment, existing obligations and location.
A Credit Card is one of the most convenient payment instrument that allows you to pay without cash. To apply for a Credit Card, you have to meet the bank’s eligibility criteria. Here, you can get information on the eligibility for Credit Cards.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Credit Cards?
The five essential eligibility criteria for getting Credit Card include:
Residential status
The applicant should be a resident of India. Some lenders may offer cards to Non-Resident Indians too.
Age
This factor differs from lender to lender. The average age requirement for an applicant for all types of cards should be minimum 21 years old and maximum 60 years old in the case of salaried individuals. For self-employed individuals, the minimum and maximum age to apply for a Credit Card is typically 21 years old and 65 years old, respectively.
Income
Salary is a crucial deciding factor for Credit Cards. Typically, you should either be salaried or self-employed individual to apply for a Credit Card. When you use the card’s credit limit, you should have the means to pay repay it. Furthermore, the type of Credit Card you’re eligible for, will depend on your income.
An individual earning, say, ₹1,00,000 per month may be eligible for an HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card. On the other hand, an individual earning ₹25,000 per month can be eligible for an HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card. You may be asked to submit your latest Income Tax Returns copy as income proof if you’re self-employed.
Some card issuers may issue Credit Cards to individuals who are unable to meet the issuer’s income requirements. However, the Card may be backed by security such as a Fixed Deposit. The credit limit offered on such cards is usually a certain specific percentage of the Fixed Deposit value. Such cards may also come with spending limits.
Bank account
When you apply for a Credit Card, you don’t necessarily need to hold a bank account with the card issuing bank. However, you do need a bank account to provide the card issuer with proof of income. A Salary Account is where your employer credits your monthly pay, bank statements of which can serve as income proof for your Credit Card application.
Credit History
Your credit history is a reflection of your debt repayment habits. Financial institutions send your debt repayment data to credit information bureaus that compute a score based on your credit worthiness. This score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 900. The higher your score, the better are your chances of getting approved for a Credit Card. Generally, a score of 750 and above is considered good. Your credit score also reflects on your ability to pay back Credit Card bills.
Other factors typically include purpose of the card and the city in which you live.
Get a Credit Card from HDFC Bank
At HDFC Bank, we offer a wide range of Credit Cards, each with varying features and eligibility criteria. There’s a Credit Card for almost everyone. You can get access to perks like cashback and rewards points, discounts on dining and complimentary lounge access, to name a few. What’s more, you can conveniently start your application online. Get started here.
*Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circ*mstances. Credit Card approvals at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Limited. Credit Card approvals is subject to documentation and verification as per Bank's requirement. Interest rates are subject to change. Please check with your RM or closest bank branch for current interest rates.
