Yes, in India, banks sometimes look beyond just credit scores when deciding on loans. They also consider factors such as the stability of your income, your job type, and your debt-to-income ratio.

If you’re dealing with public sector banks (PSUs), it’s a good idea to have a salary account with them for at least six months. Try to keep your debt-to-income ratio under 40%, and avoid applying for multiple loans within 90 days — yes, they really do have this "cooling-off" period. If you're just starting out, consider getting a secured credit card first to help build some trust with the PSU bank.

If keeping up with the minimum balance is getting tough, wouldn't switching to a zero-balance account be better? It seems smarter than paying penalties, especially if hidden fees eat up the "free" perks anyway.