Yes, if you are a freelancer or running your own small business, then credit card can change the game! Banks become a bit strict due to lack of regular income, but getting the right card can be beneficial in terms of rewards, cashback, and tax time.
I looked at the latest trends of 2025 – Focus on easy approval cards for people with ITR 4-6 lakh. Let’s talk in a simple way, which cards are best for gig workers like you, their benefits, and how to apply. These cards offer extra miles on business expenses like tools, travel, or subscriptions!
Why is a credit card necessary for freelancers?
Being self-employed doesn’t mean you can’t get a credit card. Banks now require ITR, CIBIL score (700+), and 1-3 years of business proof. A minimum annual income of 2-5 lakh rupees is required, but there are flexible options.
With these cards, you can track business expenses, earn rewards, and take tax deductions. Just make full payment every month, otherwise interest will be eaten up!
Top Credit Cards: Based on Your Budget and Needs
Here are the top picks for 2025 – focused on cashback, rewards, and low fees. I’m sharing their key features and eligibility, which are perfect for freelancers.
1. HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
If you spend on online shopping or digital tools, this card is a perfect fit! Joining fee ₹1,000 (first year free on spends), and annual fee ₹1,000.
Rewards: 5% cashback on apps like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy; 1% on others.
Freelancer Benefit: Extra points on subscriptions and ads – redeem for cash or vouchers.
Eligibility: ITR 4 lakh+, CIBIL 700+; easy upgrade se approval.
Limit: 1-5 lakh starting.
2. ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
Simple and beginner-friendly card, low-risk option for freelancers. Joining fee ₹500, annual ₹500.
Rewards: 2 reward points per ₹100 on retail; 2x on groceries, airlines.
Freelancer Benefit: Milestone benefits like 1% fuel surcharge waiver (₹400-5,000 pe), and lounge access on spends.
Eligibility: Self-employed with 2 lakh ITR, 1 year business; Coral Rupay variant mast for UPI.
Limit: 50k-3 lakh.
3. Axis Bank Neo Credit Card
For digital-savvy freelancers – zero fees card! No joining/annual fee.
Rewards: 10% cashback on Zomato, Swiggy, Uber; 5% on Select merchant (Amazon, Flipkart).
Freelancer Benefit: EMI conversion on big purchases like laptop, and 1% unlimited cashback.
Eligibility: ITR 3-5 lakh, CIBIL 750+; Easy access to pre-approved offers.
Limit: 1-4 lakh.
4. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
Want rewards in budget? This is an entry-level card. Joining ₹499, annual ₹499.
Rewards: 10X points on partner sites (BookMyShow, Uber); 5X on online spends.
Freelancer Benefit: Discounts on movie tickets and online tools – useful for client meetings.
Eligibility: Self-employed with 2.5 lakh ITR; Approval from decent score.
Limit: 50k-2 lakh.
5. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
If you spend a lot on Amazon (tools, gadgets), take this lifetime free card!
Rewards: 5% cashback on Amazon, 3% on Amazon Pay partners, 2% on others.
Freelancer Benefit: No expiry on rewards, and UPI integration – freelance payments easy.
Eligibility: ITR 2 lakh+, no income proof for basic variant.
Limit: 1-3 lakh.
Eligibility and how to apply?
On self-employed banks, ITR (last 2 years), business proof (GST if any), and bank statements (6 months, 30k+ average balance) are required. CIBIL 700+, and pre-approved offers by checking (in HDFC/ICICI apps).
Don’t fear rejection – Banks like OneCard or IndusInd help without branch visits. Apply online via BankBazaar or directly on the bank site, and upload documents.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum ITR | ₹2-5 lakh per annum |
| Credit score | 700+ (CIBIL) |
| Joining fee | ₹0-₹1,000 (many free) |
| Annual fee | ₹0-₹1,000 (waivable on spends) |
| Rewards | 1-10% cashback/points (online, travel, grocery) |
| Benefits | Fuel waiver, lounge access, EMI conversion |
| Approval time | 7-21 days (fast from pre-approved) |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible eligibility – based on ITR, no salary slip required.
- Rewards on business expenses like ads, tools, travel – can save ₹10,000-15,000 annually.
- Tax deductions easy – track business expenses.
- Long software support like 6+ years of updates (like Samsung, but rewards validity in cards).
Cons:
- High interest (3-4% monthly) if bills are not paid.
- Approval difficult if ITR is low or business is new.
- Annual fees add up, but are waived based on expenses.
- Foreign transaction fees are high (3.5%) for international clients.
Conclusion
For freelancers and self-employed people, cards like HDFC Millennia or ICICI Coral are game-changers in 2025 – cover expenses with rewards and grow your business. Check your ITR and expenses, then choose. If you’re active on Amazon, use Amazon Pay or ICICI; otherwise, use Axis Neo for zero fees.
Check your CIBIL before you go, and follow the full payment rule. Let us know in the comments what your current card is, and which one from this list would you like to try? Also check out the offers on Flipkart; you’ll get discounts!
