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Credit cards have become a part and parcel of our financial routine. They not only bring in convenience but also help tide over short-term crunches.
Have you given a thought to why some of us end up getting our credit cards on the first time we apply, but certain applications are turned down? Have you wondered what the process followed while issuing a credit card is?
We are glad to share with you the nitty gritty of the credit card approval process.
How do you apply for a credit card?
There are multiple ways to apply for a credit card. You can apply for one online or by visiting the nearest branch. Often, they can be applied through many promotional stalls set up at various events or through the field service officers of the bank. If you submit an online application, a representative of the bank will visit you to collect your documents.
What are the documents needed to apply for a credit card?
The documents you would need to submit with a filled-up application form are:
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Identity Proof
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Address Proof
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A copy of your PAN card
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Income/ Employment proof
The Processing and Verification of your Application
Once you have submitted all the necessary documents, the bank starts the process of verifying the authenticity of your documents. They will check all the documents and may also call and talk to the references provided in your application. Your employer may also be approached to check for the correctness of the details that you have provided. Also, the verification may be expediated if you operate a salary or loan account of a fixed deposit with that bank.
Credit Score Check
Credit Score is an important determinant for your application getting accepted or rejected. A credit card is an unsecured credit, so the issuer of your card would want to be doubly sure about your creditworthiness before your application is accepted. The only way to do this is through your credit score. A good credit score indicates that you behave responsibly towards credit and that makes you eligible for further credit.
The Final check
After the credit score and the initial documents check, a final check of all documents is carried out before taking a call on either accepting or rejecting the application. If the application is accepted, the issuing bank sets your credit limit based on your income and other deciding criteria like your credit score, etc. The individual is intimated about the acceptance of the application. The approved credit card is then sent with all the relevant documentation regarding the terms and conditions to the applicant.
Time taken for the approval
Generally, the entire process from submission to approval may take about 10-15 days depending upon the kind of card you have applied, and the documents submitted.
Key Takeaway
Getting a credit card application approved is not a very difficult process if you are creditworthy and have all the documents in place. However, once the card is approved, the more important part here is to make repayment on your outstanding balances regularly and never get into rolling over your credit card debt so that you remain creditworthy at all times.
FAQs:
- What is the minimum salary required to apply for a credit card?
Most credit card companies look for a minimum salary of Rs.15,000 per month.
- Is it safe to apply for a credit card online?
Yes, it is safe to apply for a credit card online. You only have to submit some of your basic details to initiate the process. Once applied, an executive from the bank will get in touch with you for the next steps.
- How long does it take to get a credit card in India?
Depending on the type of card you've applied for and the documentation you've submitted, the entire process from submission to acceptance will take anywhere from 10 to 15 days.
- What is the minimum age to get a credit card in India?
You have to be at least 18 years old to get a credit card in India.
- Are there credit cards in India with no annual fees?
Yes, there are many credit cards that don’t have any annual fees. Some of them are: YES Bank Prosperity Reward Plus Credit Card, ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card, & MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card