SBI Credit Card Against Fixed Deposit

Ever tried applying for a credit card but didn't get it because you didn't meet the eligibility criteria? If you don't have a credit card yet, you've probably faced this situation (or, better said, frustration). Even if you're an active credit card holder now, think back to when you were trying to get one—possibly to build your credit score from scratch. 

The moment you see "Rejected" on the screen for your credit card application, you surely feel like screaming loud and saying to the bank, "Jab credit card hi ni doge to credit score/history kaha se banega".

But what if there was a way for you to get a credit card without worrying about proof of income or credit history? Well, one way to do it is with the SBI credit card on Fixed Deposit (FD). In return (other than the interest, obviously) for the savings that you've parked in an FD, SBI can give you a credit card with a limit linked to your FD. 

So, whether you're a student, a homemaker, or someone building (or maybe rebuilding) their credit score, an FD-based credit card from SBI can turn your savings into a method for cashless transactions without actually spending them. 

Let's understand how an SBI credit card against FD works and why it might be the smartest financial move you make today.

Table of Contents:

• How Does an FD-Based SBI Credit Card Work?
• Best SBI Credit Cards Against Fixed Deposit (FD)
• Benefits of Opting For an FD-Based Credit Card
• Eligibility Criteria for an SBI Credit Card Against Fixed Deposit (FD)
• What is the Minimum FD Amount Required For an SBI Credit Card?
• Who Should Apply for an SBI FD-Based Credit Card?
• How to Apply for an SBI Credit Card Against FD (Step-by-Step)

How Does an FD-Based SBI Credit Card Work?

An SBI FD-based credit card works by converting your fixed deposit into a secured credit facility, giving you structured access to credit. The process works in a simple, step-by-step way:

1. Select card and FD amount: Choose your SBI FD-based card (e.g., SBI Card Unnati) and the deposit amount. The minimum FD for Unnati is ₹25,000. This deposit forms the security for the card.
    
2. Create the Fixed Deposit: Open the FD in your name with the chosen bank branch or online portal.
    
3. Lien placement by the bank: SBI places a lien on your FD, meaning the funds cannot be withdrawn or closed until all outstanding credit card dues are cleared.
    
4. Credit limit allocation: SBI assigns a credit limit based on the FD, typically 75–90% of the deposited amount. The exact limit depends on the card variant and internal assessment.
    
5. Card activation and usage: Once approved, the card functions like a regular credit card. You can make payments, pay bills, and carry out transactions within the assigned limit.
    
6. Repayment and FD security: Timely payments keep the card in good standing. In case of missed payments, SBI recovers dues from the FD, ensuring a low-risk system for the bank.

In short, the FD-based SBI credit card is a structured, low-risk way to access credit. It uses your deposit as collateral, speeds up approval, and provides a predictable credit limit while keeping the FD intact.

Best SBI Credit Cards Against Fixed Deposit (FD)

When we talk about SBI credit cards on fixed deposit, one name stands out — SBI Unnati Card. It is designed specifically for users who don’t meet the usual eligibility criteria but can maintain a small fixed deposit

SBI Unnati Credit Card - Best SBI Credit Card Against FD

The SBI Unnati Credit Card is ideal for beginners, students, homemakers, and anyone without a stable income. It’s a no-frills secured credit card designed for quick approval and smooth credit-building against a fixed deposit.

Key Features / Benefits

• 1 reward point per ₹100 spent
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver on ₹500–₹3,000 transactions (max ₹100/month)
• ₹500 cashback on annual spending of ₹50,000 or more
• Zero annual fee for the first 4 years
• Credit limit: 75%–90% of your FD amount

SBI Card Unnati - Fees, Charges & FD Requirements 

Category	Details
Joining Fee	₹0
Annual Fee	₹499 (waived for first 4 years)
Finance Charges	3.50% per month
Late Payment Fee	₹0–₹1,300 (slab-based)
Overlimit Charges	2.5% of overlimit amount (min ₹600)
Cash Advance Fee	2.5% (min ₹500)
Minimum FD Amount Required	₹25,000
Credit Limit on FD	75%–90% of the deposit
FD Tenure Required	Minimum 1 year (standard SBI FD rules apply)

Benefits of Opting For an FD-Based Credit Card

Suppose you bought a ticket for the next "Coldplay" concert (cross your fingers to make it happen soon), and instead, you got a VIP pass for it because you promised not to sell your ticket (chahe koi kitne bhi paise de). That's exactly how an FD-based credit card works. You'll get to enjoy multiple perks of a credit card just by parking your money in an FD.

Here are the benefits of choosing an SBI credit card against FD:

• Easy approval: Since the credit card is secured against your FD, you don't need to provide salary slips or proof of income. This makes it an ideal choice for students, homemakers, or anyone with an irregular income. And one can get this credit card even if they don't have a credit history.
• A credit limit linked to FD: The limit of an SBI credit card against FD is usually 75-90% of your fixed deposit amount. This means the more you save in your FD, the higher your credit card's limit can be.
• Build or rebuild credit score: By responsibly using an FD credit card of SBI (i.e., paying bills on time), you can build or significantly improve your credit score. It's an excellent way to build a credit history from scratch or repair a damaged one.
• Risk-free for the bank: There will be minimal risk for the bank to issue you this card, as it's secured against your FD. If you fail to pay your credit card dues, SBI can simply recover the amount from your FD.
• Enjoy regular credit card perks: You can take advantage of all the perks of a regular credit card, such as reward points, cashback, discounts on shopping, etc., with your SBI FD card.
• No annual fees in some cases: Certain SBI FD-based credit cards, like the SBI Unnati Credit Card, come with zero annual fees (for the first 4 years), making them a cost-effective choice for beginners.
• Continuous interest earning: Your FD continues to earn interest while you keep on enjoying the benefits of an SBI credit card against the FD limit.

So, if you're looking for a smart and secure way to start building or improving your credit score, an FD-based credit card from SBI is worth considering. Now, let's understand how much money you need to lock in an FD to enjoy the benefits of an SBI credit card against an FD. 

Eligibility Criteria for an SBI Credit Card Against FD

To apply for an FD-backed SBI credit card, you must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:

• You must hold an FD with SBI (amount varies by card type).
• The FD must be for a minimum of 6 months.
• Applicant must be 18 years or above.
• FD must be in single name (not joint with “Either or Survivor”).

These cards come with benefits where no income proof or credit score is required.

What Is the Minimum FD Amount Required for an SBI Credit Card?

SBI credit cards against Fixed Deposit (FD) are designed to be accessible even for beginners or users without a steady income. The minimum FD requirement varies by card type:

• General range for SBI FD cards: ₹2,000 – ₹50,000
• SBI Card Unnati: ₹25,000 minimum FD

Your credit limit is determined based on the FD amount, usually 75–90% of the deposit. For example:

FD Amount	Possible Credit Limit (75–90%)
₹25,000	₹18,750 – ₹22,500
₹30,000	₹22,500 – ₹27,000
₹50,000	₹37,500 – ₹45,000

Key points to note:

1. Even a modest FD of ₹25,000 can unlock a fully functional credit card.
2. The card provides rewards, cashback, and bill payment options, similar to regular SBI credit cards.
3. The FD continues to earn interest, so your money grows even while securing your credit facility.
4. The exact credit limit depends on the bank’s assessment and the specific SBI FD card variant.

Not sure where your credit score stands before applying? Check Credit Score for free and make a confident decision before choosing any card.

Who Should Apply for an SBI FD-Based Credit Card?

An SBI credit card against FD is ideal for:

• Students without income proof
• Homemakers managing family finances
• Self-employed individuals with irregular income
• New-to-credit users who want to build a credit score
• People with a low credit score are looking to repair their profile
• Users who want guaranteed approval

If you want a safe, low-risk entry into the credit card ecosystem, this fits perfectly.

How to Apply for an SBI Credit Card Against FD (Step-by-Step)

To apply for an SBI Credit Card Against FD, you can choose either the online method or visit a nearby SBI branch:

Step 1: Open an FD with SBI (₹20,000–₹50,000 or more)
Step 2: Ensure the FD tenure is at least 6 months
Step 3: Visit the SBI Card website or the nearest SBI branch
Step 4: Choose “SBI Credit Card Against Fixed Deposit”
Step 5: Submit KYC documents (PAN, Aadhaar)
Step 6: SBI will lien-mark the FD
Step 7: The Credit card gets approved and dispatched

The entire process takes around 7–10 working days.

Conclusion

An SBI credit card against FD is one of the smartest ways to start or improve your credit journey. With easy approval, lower risk, 75–90% credit limit, and the ability to earn interest on your FD, it offers both convenience and financial discipline. Whether you're a beginner or rebuilding your credit profile, this FD-backed credit card gives you a reliable and secure way to enter the credit ecosystem.

Turn your FD into a powerful tool for cashless payments and credit growth. Apply online, track your credit card application easily, and start building your financial foundation with confidence.

Want to compare more options beyond SBI? Check this complete guide on Credit Card Against FD to see eligibility, benefits, and top bank offerings before applying.

FAQs

1. Can I withdraw my FD before closing the credit card?
No. Since the FD is lien-marked, you cannot withdraw or prematurely close it until the credit card is closed and all dues are cleared. Your FD will continue earning interest throughout.

2. How long does it take to get an SBI FD-based credit card?
Approval is quick because the card is secured. After submitting documents, it typically takes 7–10 working days to receive the card.

3. Does using an FD-based credit card improve my credit score?
Yes. Timely repayments and low credit utilisation can help improve your credit score significantly within a few months, making it ideal for first-time or rebuilding users.

4. Can I upgrade my SBI FD credit card to an unsecured card?
Yes. After maintaining a good repayment record for several months, SBI may offer you an upgrade to an unsecured card with a higher limit.

5. What happens if I don’t pay my credit card bill?
If you fail to make payments, SBI will recover the dues from your FD. This will also negatively impact your credit score, so timely repayment is essential.