First products

Good first credit products

Starter products may include secured cards, FD-backed cards, UPI credit lines, or small consumer loans you can repay comfortably.

A secured or FD-backed credit card is often the safest first product. You deposit a fixed amount (say Rs. 10,000) and get a card with a similar limit. Pay on time for 6 to 12 months and most lenders open up unsecured options.
A UPI credit line on RuPay can be a small starter facility — but treat it like any loan: check interest, fees, and grace period.
Buy Now Pay Later sounds free but missed payments can be reported to bureaus and damage your score. Use only what you can clear in full.
Choose the smallest product that helps you build history without stress.
If income is uneven, prefer products with repayments you can handle even in a slow month.

Always ask for the Key Fact Statement: total cost, monthly payment, all fees, foreclosure charges, and when the first payment starts.
Verify the lender on sachet.rbi.org.in and check that the app is on RBI's published list of regulated digital lenders.
Do not borrow only because someone says approval is quick or easy.
Never pay an upfront 'processing fee' before disbursal to a personal account or UPI ID. That is the single most common scam pattern.
If you feel confused, pause and ask for a smaller amount or a simpler product.

Myth: No credit score means I will never get credit.

Fact: No score often just means you are new. Some products are meant for first-time users.

Myth: A bigger loan helps me build score faster.

Fact: A manageable product paid on time is usually safer than a bigger loan.

Myth: EMI is all that matters.

Fact: You should also understand total repayment, charges, and what happens if you pay late.