Credit cards are now considered as one of the best financial tools for individuals. You need to have a good credit score and payment history to get a credit card. However, students, retired senior citizens, or first-time job holders might find it hard to get a credit card. Therefore, an add-on credit card is an alternative solution. An add-on credit card can be acquired without any credit history. Let’s know more about these add-on cards in detail.

What is an add-on credit card?

These are additional credit cards that are issued with a primary credit card. They can also be called as supplementary or secondary cards. An add-on card can’t be issued without a primary credit card.

For example: If Mr. A holds a primary credit card, then he can request for an add-on credit card for his daughter Ms. E. The add-on card is linked with the primary one in every aspect. Let’s get into details about how an add-on credit card works.

How Add on credit card works?

As mentioned above, an add-on credit card is linked with the primary credit card. If you are a primary credit card holder, you can apply for an add-on card for other members of your family. Your credit score and payment history will be considered before issuing this supplementary card. Moreover, timely or default on payments for the add-on card will directly affect your (as in primary credit card holder) credit score and history.

One can issue up to 3-4 add-on credit cards with their primary credit card. The number varies from one bank to another. Additionally, the primary credit card holder should make the bill payments on time for add-on cards. An add-on card can be acquired for your children, spouse, and parents.

Related read: What Is Credit Card Statement?

To explain with the above-mentioned example, Mr. A is the primary credit card holder. Ms. E (his daughter) doesn’t have any credit history. Therefore, Mr. A applies for an add-on card against his primary credit card. Ms. E’s credit card bills should be paid regularly by Mr. A. Any default for Ms. E’s add-on credit card bill can affect Mr. A’s credit score.

Now, let’s quickly go through some important details about these add-on cards.

Credit Limit

You must be wondering how the credit limit of an add-on card is determined. Since the add-on card holder doesn’t have any credit history, the credit limit is decided against the primary credit card holder. Usually, the credit limit of a primary and an add-on credit card is equal. However, in some cases, it might be lower than the primary one depending on the bank’s policy. If you wish to keep the credit limit lower for the add-on card, you can talk to the issuer directly.

Credit Score

As mentioned above, add-on credit cards are billed to the primary cardholder. If there’s a delay or default in the payment for the add-on card, it will most definitely affect the primary cardholder’s credit score. Therefore, it is important for the primary cardholder to keep a track of the add-on cards and expenses to make sure the bill doesn’t shoot up, and payments are manageable. The primary cardholder can also check where the card is used for transactions. This feature is quite helpful for parents.

Features & Benefits of Add-on credit card

Add-on credit cards are a great tool. Here are some features and benefits:

• Add-on cards can help young individuals learn how to manage finances better.
• These cards can be used for both domestic and international (online/offline) purposes.
• Primary cardholders can enjoy double rewards and offers with an add-on card.
• It can help senior citizens to be financially independent.
• Can be helpful in emergencies.
• Primary cardholders can keep track of the transactions.

Related read: Credit Card charges on International Transactions

How to Apply for Add-on Credit Card?

Currently, the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card provides some good offers for their add-on cards. The joining and annual fee for the add-on card of Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is waived off. You can apply for the add-on credit card from the Axis Bank website. If you are confused about the process, you can reach out to both Airtel and Axis Bank’s customer care team for assistance.

If you wish to apply for the primary Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, you can do so from the Airtel Thanks app.

• Download the Airtel Thanks app.
• Head to the Shop section.
• Tap on the financial services icon.
• And start your application for Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card.

The process is paperless and requires minimal documentation. Once your primary card is approved, you can request for an add-on card from the bank.

Also read: How to Get Cashback on Credit Card Bill Payment?