सिक्योर्ड बनाम अनसिक्योर्ड क्रेडिट कार्ड: क्या फर्क है?
If you’re planning to apply for a credit card in India, you’ll likely come across these two terms:
Secured Credit Card & Unsecured Credit Card.
But what exactly do they mean? And which one should you choose?
Hindi Intro:
क्रेडिट कार्ड दो तरह के होते हैं — Secured और Unsecured.
ये दोनों देखने में एक जैसे लगते हैं, लेकिन इनका base, eligibility और use-case अलग होता है।
Let’s understand the key differences, benefits, and best choice for you.
🛡 What Is a Secured Credit Card?
सिक्योर्ड क्रेडिट कार्ड क्या होता है?
A secured credit card is issued against a fixed deposit (FD).
This FD acts as security/collateral for the bank.
Example:
You open a ₹20,000 FD. The bank gives you a credit card with ₹16,000–₹18,000 limit.
✅ Best For:
- People with no credit history
- Those with a low CIBIL score
- Students, homemakers, freelancers
Hindi Explanation:
अगर आपके पास income proof नहीं है या credit score खराब है, तो आप FD के बदले में secured credit card ले सकते हैं।
💳 What Is an Unsecured Credit Card?
अनसिक्योर्ड क्रेडिट कार्ड क्या होता है?
An unsecured credit card is issued without any deposit or collateral.
It is given based on your:
- Monthly income
- Credit score (CIBIL)
- Employment or financial history
✅ Best For:
- Salaried professionals
- People with stable income & decent credit profile
Hindi:
Unsecured cards वो हैं जो बैंक आपको बिना किसी guarantee के देता है—बशर्ते आपकी profile strong हो।
📊 Comparison Table: Secured vs Unsecured Cards
| Feature | Secured Credit Card | Unsecured Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| 🔒 Backed By | Fixed Deposit (FD) | No deposit required |
| 📄 Documentation | Minimal (FD proof, basic KYC) | Income proof, PAN, salary slips, CIBIL |
| 🧍♂️ Who Can Apply | Anyone (even with low credit score) | Only those with good credit or income |
| 💸 Credit Limit | Based on FD amount (50–90%) | Based on income and credit score |
| 📈 Credit Score Building | Helps start or rebuild credit history | Maintains or boosts existing credit |
| 💰 Fees | Usually low or zero | May include joining/annual charges |
| 🏦 FD Access | Locked until card is closed or upgraded | Not applicable |
| 🔁 Upgrade Option | Can be upgraded to unsecured later | Already unsecured |
✅ Pros of Secured Credit Cards
सिक्योर्ड कार्ड के फायदे
- 🔰 Easy approval (no income proof needed)
- 📉 Ideal for low or no credit score individuals
- 🧱 Start building credit from scratch
- 💼 Helps freelancers/self-employed get a card
- 🔄 Can be upgraded to unsecured card later
- 💰 Your FD still earns interest!
Hindi:
ये एक safe तरीका है credit world में entry करने का। पैसे आपके पास ही रहते हैं, बस बैंक उसे security की तरह hold करता है।
❌ Cons of Secured Credit Cards
नुकसान क्या हैं?
- 🏦 FD requirement (₹10,000 – ₹25,000 minimum)
- 🚫 Limited credit limit (depends on deposit)
- 🔒 FD locked until card closure
- 💳 Fewer premium card options available
✅ Pros of Unsecured Credit Cards
अनसिक्योर्ड कार्ड के फायदे
- 🛍️ Higher credit limits
- 🎁 More reward programs, cashback, lifestyle offers
- ✈️ Better access to premium services (lounges, insurance)
- 📊 Flexible EMI and add-on card features
- 🔄 No need to block any funds (no FD)
❌ Cons of Unsecured Credit Cards
नुकसान क्या हैं?
- 📑 Tougher approval process
- ❌ Rejected if credit score is low
- 💸 Higher chances of debt if misused
- 💥 Missed payments = credit score damage
Hindi Caution:
अगर आप irresponsible हैं, तो unsecured card जल्दी आपको debt trap में फंसा सकता है।
🧠 Which Card Should YOU Choose?
| Your Profile | Recommended Card Type |
|---|---|
| Student with no income | ✅ Secured Card |
| Freelancer/self-employed | ✅ Secured Card |
| Poor CIBIL or first-time user | ✅ Secured Card |
| Salaried person with good CIBIL | ✅ Unsecured Card |
| Want to build or rebuild credit | ✅ Start with Secured Card |
🔄 Can You Upgrade from Secured to Unsecured?
Yes!
If you use your secured card responsibly for 6–12 months (on-time payments, low usage), many banks offer to:
- Upgrade your card to unsecured
- Release your FD
- Offer a higher limit
Hindi:
बैंक आपकी अच्छी performance देखकर आपका secured card को unsecured में upgrade कर सकता है।
🏁 Final Verdict
Both cards have their own purpose.
| Want to start credit journey? → Go for Secured
| Have good income & score? → Choose Unsecured
Hindi Conclusion:
जरूरी नहीं कि सबसे महंगा कार्ड सबसे सही हो। जरूरी ये है कि आप अपने खर्च और credit profile के हिसाब से सही कार्ड चुनें।
