How to Apply For a Credit Card?

Devam is a Software Engineer who works in an IT Company. He earns ₹1,50,000 per month. Devam applies for a Credit Card because he knows that a Credit Card offers discounts and rewards points.

Devam buys things through a Credit Card (transaction) and he gets discounts on every transaction.

What is a Credit Card & How Does it Help Us?

A credit card is a little piece of plastic that allows you to purchase an item now but pay for it at a later date. The bank lends you a credit limit (the most you are allowed to use). You need to return the money that you spent, in full or in instalments (EMIs). Extra charges (interest) apply if you pay late.

How is a Credit Card Beneficial?

• Buy Now, Pay Later: You don’t need cash immediately; repay later.
• Emergency Help: Useful in urgent situations like medical bills.
• Rewards & Discounts: Earn cashback, discounts, or reward points.
• Builds Good Credit Score: Timely payments improve credit history.
• Safe & Convenient: Safer than carrying cash; can be blocked if lost.

Example: How to Shop Smartly?

Devam wanted a new laptop (₹40,000), but didn’t have cash. He purchased it by means of his credit card.

Benefits for Devam:

• Emergency Use: Bought a laptop without cash.
• No Extra Cost: Paid on time, no interest.
• Rewards: Earned cashback (₹400) on his purchase.
• Credit Score Boost: Good repayment improved his loan chances.

Read More - How to Add Credit Card in Google Pay 
 

Key Points to Remember

• Always pay bills on time to avoid extra charges.
• Don’t spend more than you can repay.
• Use rewards whenever you want to save money.

Credit cards are helpful if used carefully, just like Devam does!

How to Apply Credit Card Online and Offline (With Example Of Devam)?

A credit card allows you to purchase things today and pay at a different time. There is no hassle applying for one, either through the internet(Online) or offline. Let’s see how Devam qualifies for his first credit card.

Who Can Apply for a Credit Card?

Before applying, check these basic requirements:

• Age: At least 18 years old (21 in some banks).
• Income: Regular salary or business earnings (minimum amount varies).
• Credit Score: Good history (no past loan defaults).
• Documents: ID proof, address proof, income proof (salary slips/bank statements).

How To Apply Credit Card (Online & Offline)

Online Process

Online Process (Faster & Easier). Devam applies online in just a few steps.

Benefits of Online Application:

• Fast approval (sometimes instant).
• No branch visits needed.
• Easy comparison of different cards.

Offline Process

Offline Process (Through Bank Branch). Devam can also be applied for by visiting a Bankn Branch.

Benefits of Offline Application:

• Personal help from bank staff.
• This process is easy for those uncomfortable with the online process.

How to Choose the Right Credit Card According to Your Needs?

Selecting a credit card may be confusing, but once you know what you need, it’s easy. Let’s see how Devam chooses the best card for himself.

Step 1: Understand Your Spending Habits

First, check where you spend the most money every month.

• Devam’s Monthly Spending:
• Groceries & Shopping: ₹10,000
• Fuel: ₹5,000
• Dining & Movies: ₹3,000
• Travel (Flights/Trains): ₹2,000 (occasionally)

Step 2: Know Different Types of Credit Cards

Different cards give benefits for different spending.

Step 3: Match the Card to Your Spending

Devam compares cards based on his spending:

• Option 1: HDFC Millennia (Cashback Card)
• 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart
• 1% on other expenses
• Best if he shops online a lot
  
  
• Option 2: BPCL SBI Card (Fuel Card)
• 4.25% fuel waiver
• Best if he drives daily
  
  
• Option 3: SBI SimplyCLICK (Rewards Card)
• 5x rewards on online spends
• Best if he loves rewards over cashback

Devam’s Choice: Since he shops a lot on Amazon, he picks HDFC Millennia for maximum cashback.

Also Read – Pay Credit Card Bill Using Another Credit Card
 

Step 4: Check Fees & Charges

Always compare:

• Annual Fee (Some cards are free, some charge ₹500-₹5,000)
• Interest Rate (If you don’t pay the bill, interest is 24-49% per year)
• Late Payment Fee (₹500-₹1,000 if you miss the due date)

Devam’s Check:

• HDFC Millennia has a ₹1,000 annual fee (waived if spends ₹1 lakh/year)
• No joining fee
• Good deal for him

Step 5: Check Additional Benefits

Some cards give extra perks:

• Free airport lounge access
• Buy 1, Get 1 free on movies
• Insurance coverage

Devam’s Priority:

• He doesn’t travel much, so lounge access is not important for Devam.
• He prefers cashback over rewards.

Conclusion

Getting a credit card and applying for it becomes easier if you know the right steps you should take. First, learn to track your spending patterns like Devam did, and find a card that would reward you the most for your standard spending. Examine various cards and consider their fees and rewards; you should know the interest rate before applying. 

Online application is fast and simple, and offline offers personal assistance if needed. Read the terms, never lose your card, pay all bills on time, and do not overspend it. Whatever your inclination, be it cashback, fuel savings, or travel perks, the right credit card can make your life easier and save you some money. Like Devam, make time, think smart, and enjoy those benefits!!!

FAQs on How to Apply for a Credit Card?

1. What documents do I need to apply for?

You’ll need ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN), address proof (electricity bill, passport), and income proof (salary slips/bank statements).

2. Can I apply with a low credit score?

Some banks offer cards for beginners, but a good score (750+) increases approval chances.

3. How long does approval take?

Online applications get approved in 2-5 days; offline applications may take 7-14 days.

4. Is there a fee for credit cards?

Many cards have annual fees, but some waive them if you spend a certain amount yearly.

5. Can I apply without a salary proof?

Yes, some banks accept ITR or bank statements if you’re self-employed.

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About the Author

LoansJagat Team

‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.