Key takeaways

  • NRIs need an NRE or NRO account with the issuing bank, and most banks issue NRI cards only to existing customers.
  • The easiest route is a card backed by a fixed deposit, since no Indian credit history is needed.
  • Some banks restrict NRO-linked cards to domestic transactions.
  • Tell your bank when your residential status changes.

Non-resident Indians often want an Indian credit card for family expenses, Indian subscriptions, travel within India, or to keep an Indian credit history alive. It's possible, but the rules are different from resident cards. Here's how it works.

Basic eligibility

  • An NRE or NRO account with the bank issuing the card. This is required by virtually every issuer.
  • An existing relationship. Most banks offer NRI cards to their own NRI customers rather than to walk-in applicants.
  • Relationship value or deposits. Some programmes set high thresholds. ICICI Bank, for example, is reported to require a customer relationship value of ₹50 lakh and an age of at least 25 for its NRI credit cards.
  • KYC documents: passport, visa or residence permit, overseas address proof and PAN (where applicable).

Route 1: a card against a fixed deposit (the easiest)

Open an NRE or NRO fixed deposit (often a few lakh rupees) and get a secured credit card with a limit of around 80–90% of the deposit. There's no need for an Indian credit history or income proof in India, and approval is quick because the bank's risk is covered. It's the most common way NRIs get a card, and it builds an Indian credit history while you're abroad.

Route 2: an NRI credit card programme

Major banks including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak and IDFC FIRST offer NRI credit card programmes or NRI-eligible variants of their regular cards. These usually need a significant banking relationship. Benefits vary: some are simple spending cards, others include travel perks.

NRE vs NRO: why it matters

  • NRE accounts hold repatriable foreign earnings.
  • NRO accounts hold income earned in India, like rent or dividends.
  • Some banks allow cards linked to NRO accounts to be used only for domestic transactions within India. If you need international usage, check with the bank before applying.

Paying your bill

Bills are in rupees. NRIs typically pay from their NRE or NRO account with the same bank, set up an auto-debit, or remit funds from abroad. Set up auto-pay for the full amount so a missed payment doesn't damage your Indian credit record while you're away.

Things to watch

  • Forex markup on spending outside India. Consider a zero-forex card if you'll use it abroad. See our travel cards.
  • OTPs to an Indian mobile number. Most online transactions need an OTP. Keep your Indian number active, or check whether the bank supports an international number for OTPs.
  • Annual fees on cards you rarely use. Ask for a lifetime-free variant or a fee waiver.
  • Tax and FEMA questions. For complex situations (large balances, repatriation), speak to a tax adviser.

Returning to India

When you move back, inform your bank about your change in residential status. NRE and NRO accounts need to be re-designated as resident accounts, and your card may need to be converted or reissued. Your Indian credit history from the NRI card helps you qualify for regular resident cards. Check options with our eligibility calculator.

Which is best for you?

  • Occasional Indian spending: an FD-backed card from your NRE/NRO bank.
  • Regular family expenses in India: a card with an add-on for a family member in India. See add-on cards explained.
  • Planning to return: start building Indian credit history now with any card you'll use and pay in full.

Step by step: getting an FD-backed card as an NRI

  1. Open or use an existing NRE or NRO account with a bank that offers FD-backed cards to NRIs.
  2. Create a fixed deposit. The size sets your limit (usually 80–90% of the FD).
  3. Apply for the card through the bank's NRI desk or app, with passport, visa and overseas address proof.
  4. Choose where the card is delivered, either to your Indian address or, with some banks, abroad.
  5. Set up auto-pay from your NRE or NRO account and turn on transaction alerts.

FAQs

Can NRIs get a credit card in India?

Yes. You'll usually need an NRE or NRO account with the bank. The easiest route is a card backed by a fixed deposit.

Can I use an NRI credit card abroad?

Often yes for NRE-linked cards, but some banks restrict NRO-linked cards to domestic transactions. Check before applying.

Does an NRI credit card build my Indian credit score?

Yes. Paying it on time builds an Indian credit history, which helps if you return to India.

Do I need an Indian income to get an NRI card?

Not for FD-backed cards. Unsecured NRI cards usually depend on your relationship and deposits with the bank.

Can the card be delivered outside India?

Some banks deliver NRI cards to overseas addresses, while others deliver only within India. Ask the bank's NRI desk.

Can NRIs use UPI with a credit card?

RuPay credit cards can be linked to UPI in India. NRI eligibility for UPI depends on the bank and your Indian mobile number, so check with your bank.

What happens to my NRI credit card if I close my NRE account?

The card is usually linked to your NRI relationship. Ask the bank before closing accounts, and clear the card balance first.

Sources

About the author

Deepak

Founder & Editor, CardPicker

Deepak founded CardPicker and writes and fact-checks its credit card guides, comparisons and news.

✓ Fact-checked 26 September 2026Prices, dates and card terms in this article were checked against issuer websites, official pages and news reports listed under Sources. Card figures come from our database, which is re-verified regularly. Offers change often, so confirm on the issuer's site before you buy or apply. Spotted an error? Tell us.