What you need at 18
- Proof you are 18 (Aadhaar or PAN)
- Your own PAN card
- Aadhaar linked to your mobile number
- ₹2,000 or more for the fixed deposit
Why regular cards usually say no
Regular cards need salary slips or ITR and often a CIBIL score of 700+. At 18 you have neither, so a card against an FD is the realistic first card.
Steps to apply
- Make sure your PAN and Aadhaar details match exactly (name and date of birth).
- Enter your name and mobile in the form on this page.
- Complete registration and KYC on the page that opens.
- Open the FD online.
- Get your card once the bank approves it.
Tips for your first months
- Set up autopay for the full bill.
- Use it for one or two small spends a month.
- Never share your card number, CVV or OTP.
Example
Sana turned 18 in March. She applied for PAN in January so it arrived in time, opened a ₹2,000 FD on her birthday week and got her first card in her own name.
Read more for students who just turned 18.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a credit card at 18 without income?
Yes, with a card against a fixed deposit.
Can I get a credit card at 17?
No. You need to be 18. Until then you can only be an add-on cardholder on a parent's card.
Which documents prove my age?
Your Aadhaar or PAN shows your date of birth.
Keep reading
Eligibility & DocumentsCheck if you qualify in 30 secondsDocuments Needed for a Student Credit CardThe full checklist, and how to avoid KYC problems.How to Build a CIBIL Score as a Student (Step by Step)Six steps to go from no score to a strong one while you study.CIBIL Score -1 or NH: What It Means for StudentsWhy most students see -1 or NH, and how to change it.