About eight years ago, I took my first step into the world of credit cards by applying for an ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card. It was FD-backed, with a credit limit of ₹17,000. I remember ordering a Samsung phone on EMI through Flipkart using that card. That experience sparked my curiosity—I gradually learned how credit cards worked: understanding billing cycles, due dates, statements, and responsible usage.
Later, at a mall, I met a sales executive from SBI Card. I applied for the SBI StyleUP Card using my ICICI card as a reference. To my surprise and delight, it was approved with a limit of ₹1,01,000. There was only an office verification via phone. That was a proud moment for me.
Eventually, this card was upgraded to the SBI SimplyCLICK Card. I used it wisely, earned a lot of reward points, and redeemed them for useful things like a table fan and more. This card proved to be a financial cushion during a difficult phase. I had to use nearly 90% of the limit and paid only the minimum due for a few months, but thankfully, my CIBIL score wasn’t severely impacted.
Eventually, I arranged funds, cleared all dues, and closed the SBI Card. I believe I also closed my ICICI FD-based card around the same time.
One day while traveling in a MEMU train, I checked the iMobile app and found a pre-approved credit card offer—either Coral (LTF) or Ferrari Platinum (₹500 annual fee). I chose the Ferrari card because of its stylish design. The digital card was issued instantly—ICICI's tech was impressive, far ahead of HDFC's at that time.
Later, I applied for the HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card online. Even though I wasn’t home during house verification, the process went through and the card was approved with a ₹41,000 limit. I was thrilled to finally have an HDFC card. Over time, I earned several gift vouchers through promotional and quarterly spend-based offers.
Despite several attempts, I couldn’t get a limit increase due to my then-low income. Eventually, I closed my ICICI card. Later, HDFC's customer service assured me of an upgrade to Millennia, recognizing my consistent card usage over 34 months. They only asked for a signed form, no income proof. I was overjoyed—but at the final stage, the last officer unexpectedly declined the upgrade. It felt like a betrayal, and I was deeply disappointed. Feeling misled, I closed all my HDFC cards, ending a 34-month journey. However, I kept my HDFC savings account.
Before closing the HDFC card, I had been approved for the Axis Freecharge Credit Card, and shortly after, got the Axis Ace card with a ₹15,000 limit (Freecharge had ₹12,000). Eventually, the limit increased to ₹25,000. I used the Ace card well and enjoyed cashback benefits. I also had the Axis Rewards Card. But eventually, I closed all Axis cards due to low credit limits.
After some time, I maintained a good balance in my HDFC account and received another pre-approved card offer, this time with a significant ₹1.23 lakh limit—but it was for the MoneyBack Plus card. I declined the offer, thinking the product wasn’t worth it. In hindsight, that was a mistake, as I could have later upgraded it to Millennia thanks to the high limit. The offer disappeared, and I later got a new one for just ₹25,000—so I applied for the PayZapp Pixel card but closed it within days.
Around the same time—two years ago in February—I applied for the ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card, which was approved with an ₹80,000 limit. It was technically my second Amazon Pay card. The first one had only an ₹18,000 limit and was closed along with other ICICI cards earlier. Later, I also received an LTF Coral RuPay card, Platinum, Mine Credit Card, and even an Expressions Card, but eventually, I closed all except the Amazon and Expressions cards—and then, those too. I completely exited the ICICI credit card ecosystem.
Now, the painful part: No banks are willing to issue me a new credit card. SBI has rejected my Cashback Card applications multiple times. HDFC is also reluctant, even though I’ve maintained a strong relationship through my savings account. What hurts the most is how HDFC misled me with the Millennia upgrade promise—only to deny it after raising my hopes.
That’s my six-year credit card journey—full of lessons, small wins, and a few heartbreaks.