Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India

Getting your first credit card is a big deal. It’s like stepping into the adult world of finances, where you get to make the rules. You’ve probably seen how your parents handle their cards with ease, and now it’s your turn to navigate this new territory.

So, how do you find the perfect credit card amid all the options? You’re looking for a card that doesn’t just sit in your wallet but actively works for you. Think of rewards, cashback, lounge access, and other perks that make life a little sweeter. But since you’re just starting out, you’ll want something that not only fits your current needs but also helps you build a solid credit history.

What Are Credit Cards for Beginners?

Credit cards for beginners are designed to be friendly for those new to credit. They come with lower eligibility criteria, manageable fees, and some pretty nice perks to get you started. These cards help you establish a good credit score, offer reasonable credit limits, and often include welcome bonuses or cashback.

Here’s a closer look at some of the top credit cards in India that are perfect for newcomers. They’re tailored to fit various spending habits and financial goals, so you can find the one that’s just right for you.

Best Credit Cards for Beginners

1. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card

• Joining Fee: ₹499
• Annual Fee: ₹499
• Minimum Income Requirement: ₹20,000 per month
• Welcome Benefits: ₹500 Amazon gift voucher upon joining fee payment
• Cashback Features & Rewards:
  • 5X Reward Points on all online shopping
  • 10X Reward Points at partner brands (BookMyShow, Dominos, Myntra, etc.)
  • 1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent
• Additional Benefits:
  • E-Voucher worth ₹2,000 for annual spends of ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakhs
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions of ₹500 and above
  • Contactless payment technology
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty, and fraud liability cover
• Best For: Frequent online shoppers seeking high reward rates and additional benefits with budget-friendly fees

2. HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card

• Joining Fee: ₹500
• Annual Fee: ₹500
• Welcome Benefits: 500 CashPoints after joining fee payment
• Cashback Features & Rewards:
  • 10X CashPoints on Flipkart, Amazon, Swiggy, Reliance Smart SuperStore & BigBasket
  • 5X CashPoints on EMI spends at merchant locations
  • 2 CashPoints per ₹150 spent across other categories
  • 500 CashPoints for paying the annual fee and renewal fee
• Additional Benefits:
  • Gift vouchers worth up to ₹2,000 annually as milestone benefits
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000
• Best For: Reward-seekers who want to earn high points on online purchases and benefit from gift vouchers

3. Axis Ace Credit Card

• Joining Fee: ₹499 (reversed if spends exceed ₹10,000 within 45 days)
• Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived if annual spends exceed ₹2 lakh)
• Minimum Income Requirement: Not specified
• Cashback Features & Rewards:
  • 5% Cashback on utility bill payments and mobile/DTH recharges via Google Pay
  • 4% Cashback on Zomato, Swiggy, and Ola
  • 1.5% Cashback on all other spends
  • 4 Complimentary Domestic Lounge Visits per year (on spending ₹50,000 in the previous quarter)
  • 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000 (maximum ₹500 waiver per month)
• Additional Benefits:
  • 20% discount at partner restaurants across India
  • EMI options available for high-value purchases
• Best For: Individuals looking for high cashback on utility bills and everyday spends, along with additional perks like lounge access and dining discounts

4. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

• Joining Fee: ₹500
• Annual Fee: ₹500
• Welcome Benefits: Coupons worth ₹600, ₹500 Flipkart voucher after the first transaction
• Cashback Features & Rewards:
  • 5% Cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip
  • 4% Cashback on preferred merchants (Cult.fit, Swiggy, PVR, Uber)
  • 1% Cashback on all other transactions
• Additional Benefits:
  • 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually (on spending ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months)
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000 (up to ₹400 per month)
  • Instant 50% discount on the first Swiggy order
• Best For: Shoppers and travellers who frequently use Flipkart and Cleartrip, seeking high cashback rates and additional travel benefits

5. HSBC Visa Platinum Card

• Joining Fee: ₹0
• Annual Fee: ₹0
• Renewal Fee: ₹0
• Welcome Benefits: ₹500 Amazon voucher upon card activation
• Cashback Features & Rewards:
  • 2 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent
  • 5X Reward Points on purchases over ₹15,000
  • 15% Off at partner restaurants
  • Convert air miles for flight ticket bookings
• Additional Benefits:
  • Save up to ₹3,000 annually on fuel surcharges
  • Zero liability for lost cards
  • Emergency card replacement via phone call
  • Complimentary airport lounge access
  • Travel insurance coverage
  • Discounts on flights and hotels
• Best For: Beginners looking for a cost-effective card with strong rewards, travel benefits, and no annual fees

6. Citibank Cashback Credit Card

• Joining Fee: ₹0
• Annual Fee: ₹0
• Renewal Fee: ₹0
• Welcome Benefits: ₹500 Amazon voucher upon card activation
• Cashback Features & Rewards:
  • 2 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent
  • 5% Cashback on telephone and utility bill payments
  • 0.5% Cashback on all other transactions
  • 15% Discount at partner restaurants
  • Convert Air Miles for flight tickets
  • More rewards and offers with increased spending
• Additional Benefits:
  • Save up to ₹3,000 annually on fuel surcharges
  • Contactless payment technology for added convenience
  • Zero liability for lost cards, with emergency replacement options
  • Travel benefits including complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and discounts on flights and hotels
• Best For: Beginners seeking a cost-effective credit card with robust rewards, dining discounts, and travel benefits

7. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

• Joining Fee: ₹0
• Annual Fee: ₹0
• Cashback Features & Rewards:
  • 5% Cashback on Amazon purchases for Prime customers
  • 3% Cashback on Amazon purchases for non-Prime customers
  • 2% Cashback on bill payments and recharges via Amazon Pay
  • 1% Cashback on all other spends
  • 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver at all fuel stations
• Additional Benefits:
  • No joining or annual fee
  • Contactless payment technology
  • Apply easily through the Amazon app
  • Rewards can be redeemed for Amazon shopping
• Best For: Frequent Amazon shoppers, especially Amazon Prime members, seeking high cashback on Amazon purchases and additional benefits with no annual fees

8. Cashback SBI Card

• Joining Fee: ₹999
• Annual Fee: ₹999 (reversed on spending ₹2 lakh in a year)
• Minimum Income Requirement: Not specified
• Cashback Features & Rewards:
  • 5% Cashback on all online spends
  • 1% Cashback on all offline transactions
  • 4 Complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge Visits per year (1 per quarter)
  • 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver on transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000
• Additional Benefits:
  • Automatic cashback crediting to the SBI Card account
  • Contactless payment technology
  • Spend-based annual fee reversal
• Best For: Beginners seeking high cashback rates on both online and offline transactions with additional travel benefits

Tips for Beginners Applying for Credit Cards

1. Choose the Right Credit Card: Navigating through the sea of credit cards gets overwhelming. Start with a basic card that has no annual fee and offers rewards or cashback on everyday expenses like groceries and fuel. Also, look for low-interest rates and a credit limit that suits your spending habits.
2. Set a Budget: A budget is your best friend when it comes to credit cards. Know how much you earn and spend so you don’t overshoot. Plan your purchases and stick to it, so you can avoid debt and keep your finances in check.
3. Pay On Time, Every Time: Staying punctual here is extremely important. Set reminders or automate payments so you never miss a due date.
4. Keep an Eye on Credit Utilization: Watch how much of your credit limit you’re using. If you’ve got a limit of Rs. 50,000 and spend Rs. 10,000, you’re at 20%. Aim to keep it under 30% to keep your credit score happy. High utilization can raise a red flag for lenders.
5. Avoid Cash Advances: Cash advances might seem tempting, but they come with steep interest rates and fees. Stick to using your card for purchases and paying it off to avoid these extra charges. It keeps your credit life simpler and cheaper.
6. Review Your Statements Regularly: Check your credit card statements regularly to keep tabs on your spending and catch any mistakes or fraud. If something looks fishy, get in touch with your card issuer ASAP
7. Utilize Reward Programs Wisely: Credit card rewards can be great, but make sure they fit your lifestyle. Choose a card that offers perks for the stuff you buy most and redeem those rewards regularly to avoid expiration.
8. Monitor Your Credit Score: Your credit score will affect your financial life directly. Keep an eye on it to see how your credit habits are shaping up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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