There’s something special about having your own credit card. It makes you feel independent, like a real adult. Maybe you’ve seen your parents use theirs and thought, “I want one too!” Now that you’re earning, it’s time to pick the best credit cards for beginners in India.
Best Credit Cards in India
But with so many options, how do you choose? Don’t worry! We’ll help you find the perfect card that fits your needs—whether you love shopping, traveling, or just want extra cashback.
Why Should Beginners Get a Credit Card?
A credit card is not just for spending. It helps you:
- Build a good credit score (important for loans later).
- Earn rewards, discounts, and cashback on purchases.
- Manage money better by tracking expenses.
But remember—always pay your bills on time! Late payments can hurt your credit score.
How to Pick the Best Credit Card for Beginners?
Ask yourself:
- Where do I spend the most? (Shopping, travel, fuel, etc.)
- What rewards do I want? (Cashback, discounts, reward points)
- Can I afford the fees? (Some cards have no annual fees.)
Now, let’s look at the 10 best credit cards for beginners in India.
10 Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India
Here’s a simple comparison table:
| Credit Card Name | Annual Fee | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citibank Cashback Credit Card | ₹500 | Shopping, Bills | 5% cashback on movies, bills |
| American Express Membership Rewards Card | ₹1,000 | Travel, Dining | 4,000 bonus points on joining |
| Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Card | ₹750 | Fuel, Utility Bills | 5% cashback on fuel & bills |
| HSBC Visa Platinum Card | ₹0 | No Fees | 2 reward points per ₹150 spent |
| HDFC Regalia Credit Card | ₹2,500 | All Spending | 4 reward points per ₹150 spent |
| HDFC Diners Club Rewards Card | ₹1,000 | Intl. Travel | 10x rewards on intl. spends |
| SimplyCLICK SBI Card | ₹499 | Online Shopping | 10x rewards on partner sites |
| Axis Bank Neo Credit Card | ₹250 | Movies, Shopping | 10% off on BookMyShow |
| AmazonPay ICICI Card | ₹0 | Amazon Shopping | 5% cashback for Prime users |
| SBI Card Elite | ₹4,999 | Luxury Spends | 2 reward points per ₹10 spent |
1. Citibank Cashback Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹500
- Best For: Shopping, bills
- Why Pick It?
- 5% cashback on movies, phone bills, utilities.
- 0.5% cashback on other spends.
- 15% off at partner restaurants.
2. American Express Membership Rewards Card
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000
- Best For: Travel, dining
- Why Pick It?
- 4,000 bonus points on joining.
- 1 reward point per ₹50 spent.
- 20% off at partner restaurants.
3. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Card
- Annual Fee: ₹750
- Best For: Fuel, bills
- Why Pick It?
- 5% cashback on fuel & utility bills.
- 1 reward point per ₹150 spent.
Here are the remaining credit card details in the same simple, beginner-friendly format:
4. HSBC Visa Platinum Card
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (No joining or renewal fee)
- Best For: No-fee card users
- Why Pick It?
- Zero fees forever – save money!
- 2 reward points for every ₹150 spent.
- 15% discount at partner restaurants.
- Convert reward points to air miles.
5. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (waived if you spend ₹3L/year)
- Best For: All-round spending
- Why Pick It?
- 4 reward points per ₹150 spent.
- 12 free airport lounge visits yearly.
- Free travel insurance coverage.
- Many ways to redeem points.
6. HDFC Diners Club Rewards Card
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000 (waived if you spend ₹1L/year)
- Best For: International travel
- Why Pick It?
- 3 reward points per ₹150 on shopping.
- 10X points on foreign currency spends.
- Free airport lounge access.
- Use points to book flight tickets.
7. SimplyCLICK SBI Card
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived if you spend ₹1L/year)
- Best For: Online shoppers
- Why Pick It?
- Get ₹500 voucher when you join.
- 10X rewards on partner sites like Amazon.
- 5X rewards on all online shopping.
- Easy bill payments through SBI app.
8. Axis Bank Neo Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹250
- Best For: Movie lovers
- Why Pick It?
- 10% discount on BookMyShow.
- 15% off at partner restaurants.
- 2 reward points per ₹200 spent.
- Discounts on Myntra, Freecharge.
9. AmazonPay ICICI Bank Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (No fees ever)
- Best For: Amazon shoppers
- Why Pick It?
- 5% cashback if you’re Prime member.
- 3% cashback for non-Prime users.
- 2% rewards on bill payments.
- No minimum spending requirements.
10. SBI Card Elite
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999
- Best For: Luxury lifestyle
- Why Pick It?
- 2 reward points per ₹10 spent (best rate!).
- 5X points on dining & shopping.
- Free Club Vistara membership.
- 9 reward points per ₹100 on Vistara flights.
Final Tips for Beginners
- Pay bills on time – Avoid late fees & protect credit score.
- Don’t overspend – Use only what you can repay.
- Check rewards – Pick a card that matches your spending habits.
Also Read: NABARD Internship 2025: ₹28,000 Stipend, Benefits & How to Apply
FAQs About Credit Cards For Beginners
1. How do I apply for a new credit card launch in India?
Visit the bank’s website or branch, fill the form, and submit documents like ID proof, income proof, and address proof.
2. Can I get a credit card with no income?
Most banks need proof of income. Students can try secured cards or ask parents for an add-on card.
3. Which credit card is best for beginners online shopping?
The AmazonPay ICICI Card (5% cashback) or SimplyCLICK SBI Card (10x rewards) are great.
4. Do all credit cards charge annual fees?
No! Some like HSBC Visa Platinum and AmazonPay ICICI have zero fees.
5. How do I improve my credit score?
Pay bills on time, keep spending low (under 30% of limit), and avoid too many card applications.
Now that you know the best credit cards for beginners in India, pick one and start enjoying the benefits! 🎉
