Many people hear about credit cards and wonder whether they will ever qualify for one. Banks often ask for income proofs, long employment records, and a solid repayment history. That might not be easy for someone who has just started saving.
An FD credit card offers a simple route around those strict checks. You place a fixed deposit with the bank, and the bank sets aside part of that deposit as security. Your deposit keeps earning interest; the bank simply holds it as a safety net.
Key Benefits You Can Count On
- Quick approval: The deposit acts as a guarantee, so paperwork is light and the decision arrives fast.
- Credit history building: Every on-time payment is reported to credit bureaus. Over a few months, your score begins to rise.
- Interest on savings: You do not sacrifice growth. The fixed deposit earns interest while you use the card.
- Spending control: The limit is tied to the deposit, so you avoid the risk of taking on more debt than you can manage.
Why the AU NOMO Credit Card Deserves a Look
The AU NOMO Credit Card proves that a secured product can feel rewarding. Here’s why –
Feature | Benefit |
Lower foreign markup | 0.99% fee on international purchases, reducing travel costs |
Fuel relief | 1% surcharge waiver on spends ₹400–₹5,000 (max ₹100 per bill cycle) |
Airport comfort | 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter (on spends of ₹20,000) |
Reward milestones | 500 points at ₹25,000 spend + 500 more at ₹50,000 spend per quarter |
Railway lounge access | 2 complimentary visits every quarter |
Zero liability for loss | No liability for fraudulent use if the card is reported lost promptly |
Tap-and-go ease | Contactless payments up to ₹5,000 without PIN |
Simple Steps to Begin
This is how you can start your credit card journey –
1. Fix your deposit size
Choose an amount that still leaves you with an emergency fund. A deposit of ₹40,000 may unlock a ₹32,000 limit – ample for groceries, fuel, and utility bills.
2. Apply online or at a branch
Most banks let you request an FD credit card through their website or mobile app in a few minutes.
3. Enrol in automatic payments
Link the card to your savings account and set full-balance auto-debit. This habit keeps interest charges away and raises your credit score steadily.
4. Track your benefits
Use the bank’s app to see reward points, fuel savings, and lounge eligibility in real time.
5. Review after a year
When your score improves, ask the bank to lift your limit or convert the card to an unsecured version. That frees up your deposit while you keep the same account number and reward structure.
Everyday Tips for Smooth Use
- Stay below 30 per cent of your limit; this practice signals good money management to lenders.
- Pay by the statement date, not the grace date, to avoid any chance of late fees.
- Keep the deposit until maturity if you can; breaking an FD early may reduce interest earnings.
A Quick Word on Fees and Interest
Secured cards often charge slightly lower interest on unpaid balances than beginner unsecured cards. Even so, try to clear the full amount each month. Treat the card as a tool for convenience, not as long-term debt.
Closing Thoughts
Starting a financial journey can feel challenging, yet small, steady steps bring lasting results. Credit cards give you a formal repayment record, and a secured option removes the usual entry barriers. Products such as the AU NOMO Credit Card add travel comforts, fuel savings, and milestone rewards to that basic structure.