Can NRIs Apply For Credit Cards in India? What Are The Best Options?

So, you are an NRI and is looking to get a credit card in India. What are your options? Let’s take a look.

If you are an NRI, it’s good to get a credit card from one of the Indian banks. Reasons below.

• You are traveling to India and would want to pay off your expenses on credit cards.
• Your current credit cards might incur a foreign transaction fee.
• Just for emergency purposes.

Whatever may the reasons be, it is good to have an additional credit card. But how do you get one?

Well, as for the banks, a credit card is just another unsecured personal loan. Therefore, they have their concerns and will be extra cautious. Having said that, if you can prove to the bank that you have a good transaction history or funds in your bank, most new-generation banks will offer a credit card. Let’s see what banks look for in NRIs for eligibility.

Eligibility for NRIs to apply for credit card

1. Solid transaction/banking history of over 2 -3 years
   If you have been banking with a bank for more than 2 years, that is a good place to start, as they already know you. All kinds of transactions from deposits to withdrawals and foreign deposits are good enough.
2. NRO/NRE account
   This is a no-brainer but having an NRE or NRO account helps. If you have one, you are more likely to do foreign transactions and banks like that kind of security. Credit cards can be linked to these accounts as well.
3. Fixed deposits
   If you don’t have a money trail/history, show some cash and flex your muscles. Create a fixed deposit of say 1 Lakh Rupees or more and that should convince the bank that you are serious about this. Keep in mind that the more money you put in, the bigger your credit limit will be.

Best Banks Offering Credit Cards for NRIs

Most banks offer credit cards if you can prove your credit worthyness (irrespective of whether you are an NRO or not). So then it becomes your choice whether you wan to get a credit card that you can use in India or abroad. Here are some of the best credit cards.

• Kotak Mahindra
• State Bank of India
• Standard Chartered
• ICICI

Here is a list of best bank accounts for NRIs.

NRIs, How to apply for a credit card

This is the tricky part. But generally, the best bet to get a credit card is when you are in India on vacation. Assuming that your NRE/NRO accounts have been active and you have a transaction history to show, get to a bank as soon as you land in India, so you can get started with the formalities.

Visit the nearest local branch and offer them the valid documents as below.

• Valid Passport
• Bank statements for the last X years
• Aadhaar card
• PAN Card
• Document showing NRI status

Essentially, what you need to prove to the bank is that you have funds in your account to pay back the card and/or that you have an active status. Banks will try best to avoid you if you are an “untraceable” person, being an NRI. If you have any active financial relationships in India, show it off (like property for rent or folks residing), banks will take that for a guarantee. And irrespective of whether you are an NRI or not, they want “credit worthy” individuals.

Best Credit Cards for NRIs

SBI Advantage Platinum Card

• 5X Reward Points on Dining and Grocery
• Earn 2 Reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on all other categories
• Get a complimentary membership to the Priority Pass program worth $99
  – 5X Reward Points on Dining and Grocery
  – Get spend rewards on annual spending of Rs. 4 lakhs and 5 lakhs, each
  – e- Gift Voucher worth Rs. 3,000 from any of the following brands: Yatra, Hush Puppies/Bata, Marks & Spencer, Westside, Shoppers Stop
  Details here

NRI Royale Signature Credit Card from Kotak Mahindra Bank

• Earn 2X rewards on spends outside India; i.e. earn 2 rewards points for every Rs. 200/- spent
• Earn 1 reward point for every Rs. 200/- spent within India
• Accumulate your reward points and redeem them across a host of redemption options like Movie tickets, Air tickets,
• Airmiles, cash and more.
• 1 Reward Point = Re 1/-

Details here

Bonus: It might be a good idea to get your credit report ready before application so you can fix any errors that may be on there. All the best!