The Government of India has taken another major step toward empowering small businesses and street vendors by expanding the PM SVANidhi Scheme with the introduction of the PM SVANidhi Credit Card. This new initiative is designed to bring roadside vendors, hawkers, and pushcart sellers into the formal financial system and give them easy access to working capital without the burden of high interest rates.

Traditionally, credit cards were associated with salaried individuals or affluent urban consumers. However, in 2026, even a vegetable seller, tea vendor, or small roadside shopkeeper can own and use a government-backed credit card to manage daily business expenses and grow their livelihood.

What Is the PM SVANidhi Credit Card?

The PM SVANidhi Credit Card is a special financial product launched for street vendors who are already part of the PM SVANidhi micro-loan scheme. The card provides short-term, flexible credit to help vendors restock goods, manage cash flow, and expand their businesses without depending on informal moneylenders.

One of the most attractive features of this card is that it is UPI-enabled. Vendors can make digital payments simply by scanning QR codes using their mobile phones, reducing the need to carry cash and encouraging safe, transparent transactions.

Credit Limit: From ₹10,000 to ₹30,000

The card starts with an initial credit limit of ₹10,000. Vendors who use the card responsibly and repay dues on time can gradually increase their credit limit, up to a maximum of ₹30,000.

This card works on a revolving credit system, which means:

• You can use the available credit as needed

• Once you repay the amount, the credit becomes available again

• There is no need to reapply every time you need funds

This flexibility makes the card especially useful for small vendors with daily or weekly cash requirements.

Interest-Free Period and Additional Benefits

Unlike regular credit cards that often carry high interest rates, the PM SVANidhi Credit Card has been designed with vendor-friendly terms.

• Interest-free period: Vendors get 20 to 50 days of interest-free credit. If the amount is repaid within this period, no interest is charged.

• Digital transaction cashback: To promote cashless payments, the government offers up to ₹100 cashback per month, credited directly to the vendor’s bank account.

• Long validity: The card is valid for 5 years, reducing the hassle of frequent renewals.

• No collateral required: Like the PM SVANidhi loans, this credit card does not require any security or guarantee.

These benefits ensure that vendors can access credit without falling into debt traps.

Who Is Eligible for the PM SVANidhi Credit Card?

The credit card is not issued to everyone automatically. Applicants must meet specific eligibility conditions:

• The applicant must be a street vendor registered under the PM SVANidhi Scheme

• Vendors who have successfully repaid their first and second PM SVANidhi loans on time are eligible

• Vendors eligible for the third-stage loan (up to ₹50,000) can apply for the credit card

• A vending certificate or identity card issued by the local Urban Local Body (ULB) is mandatory

These criteria ensure that the benefit reaches disciplined borrowers with a proven repayment record.

How to Apply for PM SVANidhi Credit Card

The application process is simple and accessible:

Online Method

1. Visit the official PM SVANidhi website: pmsvanidhi.mohua.gov.in

2. Click on the “Apply for Credit Card” option

3. Enter required details and complete OTP verification

Offline Method

• Visit your nearest bank branch or Common Service Center (CSC)

• Fill out the application form with assistance from officials

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card

• Bank passbook

• Vending certificate or ID card

• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar (for OTP verification)

Once verified, the credit card is issued and linked to the vendor’s bank account.

Why This Scheme Matters

The PM SVANidhi Credit Card is more than just a financial tool. It represents dignity, financial inclusion, and economic independence for millions of street vendors. By providing affordable credit, digital access, and protection from exploitative moneylenders, the scheme strengthens the grassroots economy.