Add-on credit card - Your first step towards financial inclusion

Shefali, a housewife, did most of the shopping for her household, like groceries, school supplies for her children, online shopping, and utility bills. While she was managing her household effectively, her friend informed her about the credit card benefits she was missing out on.

Shefali learned about reward points, cashbacks, discounts and more perks of owning a credit card. She wanted one for herself, but there was one problem - the lack of credit history.

Shefali’s case is not unique. Many students, homemakers, and others with no credit history are ineligible for any form of credit. How can they complete their journey of financial inclusion?

In today’s digital age, financial inclusion is the need of the hour to achieve financial independence. Do you understand what it means?

Financial inclusion - The concept
 

Financial inclusion does not mean knowing how finance works. It offers the possibility of accessing all types of financial services, regardless of your income or credit history.

In simpler terms, financial inclusion allows you to enjoy all types of financial products - bank accounts, loans, deposits, credit cards, etc., without restrictions. In this context, not having access to credit defeats the meaning of the concept.

How to be financially independent?
 

One of the most effective ways to become financially included is through an add-on credit card.

An add-on credit card is a supplementary credit card that is issued in addition to a primary card. In other words, if any family member owns a credit card, they can request an add-on card for other members.

Add-on credit cards differ from primary credit cards. Here’s how -

How do add-on credit cards work?
 

The primary cardholder can apply for an add-on card for their family members. For instance, Shefali’s husband applies for an add-on card for Shefali’s use.

A supplementary credit card is issued to the family member, and it is similar to the primary credit card. The add-on credit card is linked to the primary card and has all its benefits, like -

1. Reward points on transactions
2. Cashbacks
3. Discounts and offers across partnered merchants, etc.

The credit limit, however, is shared between the primary and the add-on card. For instance, if the credit limit on the primary card is ₹1 lakh, the add-on card will also have access to this limit only. The aggregate credit access of the primary and add-on cards cannot exceed ₹1 lakh.

The primary cardholder can set spending limits on add-on cards to manage the card’s usage. The primary cardholder is also responsible for paying the bills on the add-on credit cards.

Role of add-on credit cards in financial inclusion
 

For individuals who are otherwise ineligible for credit, an add-on card, such as the IDFC FIRST Bank Add-on Credit Card, provides them with access to credit. This establishes their credit history. They can use the credit card for their transactions, and by paying their dues on time, they can build a good credit history.

With responsible credit card usage and timely payments, such individuals can build a good credit score. Over time, a clean credit history and a good score make them eligible for different forms of credit. As such, add-on credit cards serve as stepping stones in an individual’s journey toward financial inclusion.

Benefits of add-on credit cards
 

Besides financial inclusion, add-on credit cards offer various benefits to cardholders. Some of these benefits of add-on credit cards are as follows -

1. A lesson in credit usage
 

For first-time credit users, an add-on credit card can be a learning experience. They can understand -

a. How credit limits work

b. How to use credit within limits

c. How to spend affordably

Moreover, since the primary cardholder can track the transactions, they can teach responsible credit behaviour to add-on cardholders.

2. Enhanced access to digital payments
 

Credit cards are widely accepted as a mode of payment by both online and offline merchants. Users who do not have a bank account, debit card, or UPI ID can use the add-on card for easy digital payments without the need for cash.

3. Access to credit card perks
 

Credit cards offer various benefits that make your transactions more rewarding. With the right add-on credit card, like an IDFC FIRST Bank Add-On Credit Card, your family members can save on their transactions. They can unlock the credit card perks that you enjoy.

For instance, Shefali unlocked attractive savings on her shopping bills, allowing her to manage the household budget more effectively.

Moreover, you can accumulate more reward points on transactions done using add-on credit cards. More reward points mean added savings, as they can be redeemed instantly to pay for transactions or credit card bills.

4. No repayment burden
 

Since add-on cardholders do not bear the burden of paying off the credit card dues, they can enjoy the benefits of the card without the financial strain. Primary cardholders can also manage the card’s usage by imposing spending limits. This allows family members to enjoy the credit card perks without burdening the primary cardholder to deal with sky-high bills.

5. Helpful in emergencies
 

Add-on credit cards offer access to credit, which can be particularly helpful in emergencies, especially when the primary cardholder is unavailable. Take the example of Shefali. Her husband was unexpectedly hospitalised. Since Shefali had an add-on credit card, she was able to easily pay for the medical expenses.

These benefits make add-on credit cards beneficial for both primary and secondary cardholders, making them one of the best credit cards for families.

How to apply for an add-on credit card?
 

Here’s a simple guide to apply for an add-on credit card with IDFC FIRST Bank -

1. Step 1 - The primary cardholder applies for the add-on card and enters their details.
2. Step 2 - The primary cardholder provides the details of the member for whom the add-on card is being availed.
3. Step 3 - The add-on card member receives an SMS to continue the application for the card.
4. Step 4 - The add-on card member opens the link in the SMS to apply for the card.
5. Step 5 - The add-on member enters their Aadhaar and PAN details.
6. Step 6 – The add-on member completes the video KYC within 3 days.
7. Step 7 – After the video KYC is completed, the add-on card is activated and ready to use.

What makes IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards stand out?
 

1. Dynamic, low interest rates starting from just 8.5% p.a. (0.71% per month)
2. Earn never-expiring reward points on every transaction and redeem them anytime
3. Exclusive merchant discounts and offers on shopping, dining, travel, and more
4. Flexible repayment options with affordable interest rates on carried balances
5. Instant online approval and seamless, hassle-free application process
6. Enjoy financial flexibility for lifestyle upgrades, emergencies, or everyday expenses
7. Safe, secure, and seamless transactions across physical and online merchants
8. Recognised among the World’s Best Banks 2025 by Forbes in partnership with Statista

Financial inclusion made possible with add-on credit cards
 

Add-on credit cards bridge the gap for your loved ones on their path to financial inclusion. They offer credit access and also allow them to enjoy the perks of a credit card. Whether it is your child, spouse or parent, an add-on credit card can give your family the gift of financial freedom.

With the right add-on card, like IDFC FIRST Bank Add-On Credit Cards, you and your family can enjoy a low Annual Percentage Rates (APR) starting from just 8.50% p.a., plus other perks.

Explore some of the best credit cards for families issued by IDFC FIRST Bank, check your eligibility and apply for the add-on card today!