Looking for the best FD-backed credit cards in India 2025? Compare SBI CDL, OneCard, and Kotak FD Credit Cards. Get guaranteed approval, UPI payments, rewards & welcome vouchers.
Best FD Credit Cards in India 2025 – Detailed Review & Application Guide
Introduction
If you’re just starting your credit card journey and finding it difficult to get approval for a regular unsecured credit card, FD-backed credit cards are the best way to begin. These cards are issued against a fixed deposit, provide guaranteed approval, and help you build a strong credit score from day one.
In this guide, we’ll compare the Top 3 FD Credit Cards in India 2025 and explain why the SBI CDL FD Credit Card stands out as the best option.
3. Kotak Mahindra, IDFC & Other FD Credit Cards
Several banks including Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank, and others offer FD-backed credit cards. While they provide basic benefits and sometimes lifetime free usage, the major drawback is the high minimum FD requirement.
- Minimum FD required: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000
- Limited rewards and welcome benefits
- Not suitable for beginners with low savings
For this reason, these FD credit cards rank third on our list.
2. OneCard FD Credit Card & AU Small Finance NOMO Card
The OneCard FD Credit Card and AU Bank NOMO Card are relatively better because of easy online application and virtual card issuance.
- Minimum FD required: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
- Instant virtual card activation
- UPI linking option available
However, OneCard’s approval rate has dropped significantly, and the overall rewards are not competitive compared to other FD cards. That’s why this ranks second on our list.
1. SBI CDL FD Credit Card – The Best FD Credit Card in India 2025
The SBI CDL Credit Card is currently the most rewarding FD-based credit card in India. It combines strong welcome benefits, lifetime rewards, and UPI compatibility.
Key Features & Benefits
- Minimum FD Required: ₹5,000 only
- Credit Limit: Up to 90% of FD value (e.g., FD of ₹5,000 → Credit Limit ₹4,500)
- Welcome Benefits: Vouchers worth up to ₹5,000 (Nykaa, Yatra, BookMyShow, Swiggy, etc.)
- UPI Compatible: Can be linked with PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm for seamless UPI payments
- Fuel Benefits: 10X reward points on fuel spends
- Guaranteed Approval: No rejection if FD is created
- FD Interest: Up to 7% per annum on your deposit
- Unlimited Lifetime Rewards: Reward points never expire
- Entertainment Offers: 1+1 free movie ticket every month via BookMyShow
- Security: FD is insured under DICGC up to ₹5 lakh
Why SBI CDL FD Card is the Best?
- Lowest FD requirement (₹5,000)
- Maximum welcome benefits matching FD value
- UPI + rewards + lifetime free usage
- Builds CIBIL score quickly with timely repayments
Application Process – How to Apply for SBI FD Credit Card Online
Applying for the SBI CDL FD Credit Card is simple and fully digital through the Novo app:
- Download Novo App from Play Store.
- Register with Mobile Number & Email ID → Verify with OTP.
- Complete KYC using PAN & Aadhaar.
- Select FD Amount (minimum ₹5,000).
- Pay FD via UPI/NetBanking.
- Video KYC Verification → SBI agent will verify your PAN & Aadhaar live.
- Instant Virtual Card Issuance → Card details provided immediately.
- Manage & Track via Novo application.
Conclusion
FD-backed credit cards are the easiest way to build a credit history in India. Among all available options in 2025, the SBI CDL FD Credit Card offers the best balance of low deposit requirement, high welcome benefits, UPI compatibility, and guaranteed approval.
If you are a beginner or want to improve your CIBIL score, this card is highly recommended.