Hey guys, are you also thinking of getting a credit card for the first time, but are confused with the options? Imagine a card that makes your spending smart, gives rewards and does not make your wallet heavy. Today we will talk about India’s best credit cards for beginners, which are simple, have low fees and are a perfect fit for beginners.
This guide is specially for those people who are just stepping into the credit world and want to avoid mistakes. Let’s go into detail and see Top Credit Cards for Beginners in India and which cards will be right for you.
What a Credit Card Should be Like for Beginners
A good card offers low annual fees, easy approval, cashback or rewards and basic benefits like fuel surcharge waiver. There are a lot of options in India in 2025, but we have shortlisted the top picks based on user reviews and features. These cards are from trusted banks like HDFC, SBI, Axis that help beginners build credit score.
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Top Credit Cards for Beginners in India
First of all, why are these cards best for beginners? Because their eligibility is simple – if your salary is Rs. 15,000-25,000 monthly and age is between 21-60, then you can apply. Plus, these cards come with no joining fee or lifetime free options. Now let’s see the list:
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
This is a beginners’ favourite as it is lifetime free and you get 5% cashback on Amazon shopping. Extra benefits for Prime members. 1% rewards on fuel and groceries as well. Annual fee? Zero! Approval is fast if your CIBIL score is 700+.
HDFC Millennia Credit Card
Cashback king! 5% cashback on every transaction (up to Rs. 1,000 monthly). Shopping, groceries, or online payments – benefit on everything. Joining fee Rs. 1,000, but first year is free if you spend Rs. 1 lakh. There are also easy EMI options for beginners.
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
This card of SBI is best for online shopping. 10X rewards on Amazon, BookMyShow. Annual fee Rs. 499, which is waived on a spend-based basis. Fuel surcharge waiver and movie tickets discounts are available.
Axis Bank MYZONE Credit Card
For entertainment lovers! 40% discounts on Swiggy, SonyLIV. Joining fee Rs. 500, but first year free. Cashback on groceries and fuel. Beginners find this card good for credit building.
IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card
Lifetime free and no joining fee. 3-10X rewards on every spend. Extra benefits on fuel, groceries. Salary Rs. 25,000 is required for approval, but it is simple and reliable.
These are the top 5 picks that are trending for beginners in 2025. Before choosing these cards, look at your spending pattern – if you do a lot of online shopping, then choose Amazon Pay or SBI SimplyCLICK.
| Credit Card Name | Key Specs |
|---|---|
| Amazon Pay ICICI | Lifetime free, 5% Amazon cashback, 1% fuel |
| HDFC Millennia | Rs. 1,000 fee (waivable), 5% cashback, EMI options |
| SBI SimplyCLICK | Rs. 499 fee (waivable), 10X online rewards, fuel waiver |
| Axis MYZONE | Rs. 500 fee (waivable), 40% entertainment discounts, cashback |
| IDFC FIRST Classic | Lifetime free, 3-10X rewards, no forex charges |
You can easily compare the benefits of each card from this table. The benefits of each card are designed for beginners, like low fees and easy rewards.
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Eligibility and Application
For beginners, CIBIL score should be 700+, otherwise approval can be tough. Documents required include PAN, Aadhaar, salary slip and bank statement. To apply, go to bank apps or websites like Paisabazaar, which provide the option to compare multiple cards. You can get the best deals from here.
Fees and Charges
Do not ignore fees and charges. Some cards have high interest rates (3-4% monthly) if the bill is not paid on time. Always pay more than the minimum due so that the credit score improves. Plus, use bank apps to track rewards.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Avoid common beginner mistakes: Don’t over-spend, use only as much as you can repay. These cards can boost your financial journey if used correctly.
- Look at your needs to choose from these cards. If you are a student or in your first job, start with lifetime free options like IDFC or Amazon Pay.
- If you need more details, check official sites like HDFC Bank’s page to see the benefits of Millennia card. Or understand the application process from SBI’s app.
- This was an overview of top credit cards for beginners. Make smart choices and manage your finances!
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FAQs
Which is the best credit card for beginners?
Amazon Pay ICICI is the best because it is lifetime free, especially for online shopping.
What is the minimum salary required to apply for a credit card?
For most cards, you need Rs. 15,000-25,000 monthly income, and CIBIL score 700+.
Can credit card fees be waived?
Yes, like in HDFC Millennia, fees are waived after spending Rs. 1 lakh.
What are the benefits of credit card for beginners?
Rewards, cashback, and credit. It helps in building your credit score, but use it responsibly.
What are the charges for a credit card?
Annual fee Rs. 0-1,000, interest 3-4% monthly if the bill is paid late. Fuel surcharge waiver is also available.
