"Rejected." That is the message you will see when you apply for your first Personal Loan or Credit Card if you have no CIBIL score. In India, "No Credit History" is almost as bad as "Bad Credit History." Whether you want to buy an iPhone on EMI, get a bike loan, or apply for a Premium Credit Card, you need a CIBIL score of 750 or higher . But how do you build a score if no bank will give you a loan? This is the classic "Chicken and Egg" problem. Fortunately, in 2025, there are 3 guaranteed ways to build a perfect score without having a job or salary slip. 1. The "FD-Backed" Credit Card (The Golden Ticket) This is the fastest way to build a score from scratch (0 to 750). How it works: You give the bank a small Fixed Deposit (e.g., ₹2,000 or ₹5,000). In return, they give you a Credit Card with a limit of 90% of your deposit. Why banks love it: Since they have your deposit, there is zero risk for them. Best Cards for this: IDFC First WOW...
Let's be honest. We all want that latest iPhone or a flagship Samsung phone. But spending ₹80,000 or ₹1 Lakh on a phone when you are a student feels like a crime (and your parents definitely won't agree).
But what if I told you that you could buy that same phone for ₹30,000 or ₹40,000, and it would look and work like new?
Welcome to the world of Refurbished Smartphones. In 2025, smart students don't buy "New"; they buy "Renewed."
1. What is "Refurbished"? (It's Not "Second Hand")
There is a difference.
Second Hand: You buy a used phone from a stranger on OLX. It might have hidden scratches or a bad battery. Risky.
Refurbished: A company (like Amazon or Cashify) buys old phones, fixes them, tests them for quality, and sells them with a Warranty.
2. Where to Buy Safely?
Don't trust random local shops. Stick to these 3 trusted platforms in India:
Cashify: They categorize phones as "Superb," "Good," and "Fair." Stick to "Superb" for a like-new experience.
Amazon Renewed: These phones come with a minimum 6-month warranty from Amazon. If you don't like it, you can return it.
Flipkart 2GUD: Another good option for budget Android phones.
3. The Price Difference (Example)
Let's look at the math for an iPhone 13 (Prices fluctuate):
New Price: ₹52,000.
Refurbished (Good Condition): ₹32,000.
Savings: ₹20,000. That is enough money to buy a laptop or pay your college fees!
4. What to Check Before You Keep It
When the phone arrives, check these 3 things immediately. If they fail, return it.
Battery Health: For iPhones, ensure it is above 85%.
Screen Touch: Type a message and scroll. Ensure there are no "dead spots."
FaceID / Fingerprint: These sensors are expensive to fix, so make sure they work instantly.
Conclusion
A phone is a tool, not a status symbol. But if you do want the status symbol, don't go broke buying it. Buy refurbished, put a case on it, and no one will ever know the difference.
Want to save money on your mobile recharge too?
Read my guide on budgeting here: 👉
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