Credit Cards for Beginners in India: Top Options to Explore
Credit cards have rapidly become one of India’s most popular payment methods, thanks to their convenience, cashback offers, lifestyle perks, and growing digital adoption. Whether you want to improve your credit score, earn rewards, or get cashback, credit cards can be a valuable financial tool. Many issuers now offer completely online applications through video-KYC, making it easier for first-time users to get started.
With so many options available, choosing the right credit card can be challenging for beginners. Here’s a curated list of some of the best credit cards for newbies in India:
1. HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card
Perfect for first-time users, this card offers a cashback program and multiple rewards on everyday spending.
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Fees: ₹500 + taxes (renewal fees waived on annual spends ≥ ₹50,000)
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Eligibility: 21–60 years; ₹25,000 monthly income (salaried) or ₹6 Lakh annual ITR (self-employed)
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Key Features:
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2 Reward Points per ₹150 spent (online transactions earn 2x points)
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Quarterly gift vouchers worth ₹500 on spends ≥ ₹50,000
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Up to 50 days interest-free credit
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Dining privileges and 1% fuel surcharge waiver
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Welcome benefit: 500 Cash Points
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Contactless payments & EMI conversion
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2. ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card
A no-frills card ideal for beginners with zero joining or annual fees.
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Fees: Nil
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Eligibility: 20–60 years; resident of India; annual income ≥ ₹2.5 Lakh
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Key Features:
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Fuel surcharge waiver
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Earn 2 Reward Points per ₹100 spent
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Contactless payment-enabled
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3. HSBC Platinum Card
Designed for travellers, offering airline perks and lounge access.
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Fees: Nil
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Eligibility: 18–65 years; annual income ≥ ₹4 Lakh; residents of major metro cities
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Key Features:
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Introductory benefits up to ₹6,350
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Complimentary domestic & international airport lounges
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Air miles conversion with partner airlines
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Up to ₹3,000 savings on fuel surcharge
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4. DBS Vantage Card
For first-time luxury credit card users, offering premium rewards and lifestyle benefits.
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Fees: ₹10,000–₹50,000 depending on bank relationship
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Eligibility: Varies by applicant’s bank relationship
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Key Features:
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Unlimited airport lounge access
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Zero forex markups
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4–8 Vantage Points per ₹200 spent
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Welcome bonus: 10,000 Vantage Points
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Exclusive deals on flights, hotels, dining, and golf sessions
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5. HDFC Bank Times Platinum Credit Card
Ideal for utility bill payers with cashback and reward points.
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Fees: ₹1,000 (waived on spends ≥ ₹2.5 Lakh/year)
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Eligibility: 18–60 years; salaried income ≥ ₹35,000/month or self-employed income ≥ ₹6 Lakh/year
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Key Features:
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Complimentary Times Prime membership
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Up to 5% cashback on utility payments
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3 Reward Points per ₹150 spent
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Discounts on dining, movies, and online/offline transactions
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Welcome vouchers worth ₹5,000
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EMI conversion & contactless payments
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6. Bajaj Finserv DBS 7X Rewards SuperCard
A co-branded card with exclusive offers and accelerated rewards.
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Fees: ₹1,499 + taxes
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Eligibility: 21–70 years; Indian citizen; regular income; credit score ≥ 720
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Key Features:
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20,000 welcome Cash Points
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2 Cash Points per ₹200 spent, up to 20X on DBS Delights purchases
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8 complimentary domestic lounge visits
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Fuel surcharge waiver & interest-free cash withdrawal
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Special health plans and lifestyle offers
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7. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
A beginner-friendly card for online shoppers with milestone rewards.
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Fees: ₹499 + taxes
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Eligibility: 18–70 years; resident of India
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Key Features:
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Welcome Amazon gift card worth ₹500
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10x Reward Points on partner spends
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Milestone rewards up to ₹2,000
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Contactless payments & worldwide acceptance
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EMI conversion and easy utility bill payments
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Why First-Time Users Should Consider a Credit Card
Credit cards provide easy access to credit, cashback, reward points, discounts, lounge access, and concierge services. They also help in building a healthy credit history if used responsibly, making them a powerful financial tool for beginners.
FAQ: Beginner-Friendly Credit Cards in India
1. What is the best credit card for beginners in India?
For beginners, cards like HDFC MoneyBack, ICICI Platinum Chip, and SBI SimplyCLICK are ideal due to low fees, simple eligibility criteria, and beginner-friendly rewards.
2. Do I need a high income to apply for a credit card in India?
Not necessarily. Many starter cards have modest income requirements, e.g., ICICI Platinum Chip requires an annual income of ₹2.5 Lakh, while SBI SimplyCLICK requires no minimum salary for some applicants.
3. How do credit cards help in building a credit score?
Regular, responsible use of a credit card—paying bills on time and maintaining low credit utilization—improves your CIBIL/credit score, which is crucial for future loans.
4. Are there fees for first-time credit cards?
Some cards have no joining or annual fees, like ICICI Platinum Chip and HSBC Platinum. Others may charge fees, which can sometimes be waived if you meet a minimum annual spend.
5. What rewards can I earn as a beginner?
Rewards vary by card:
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Cashback on shopping, fuel, and utility bills
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Reward points on online/offline spends
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Milestone rewards and welcome benefits
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Travel perks and airport lounge access
6. Is contactless payment available for beginner cards?
Yes, most modern credit cards for beginners, including HDFC MoneyBack, ICICI Platinum, and SBI SimplyCLICK, are contactless-enabled.
7. Can I convert big spends into EMIs?
Many beginner-friendly cards, like HDFC MoneyBack and HDFC Times Platinum, allow EMI conversion on large purchases, helping manage expenses efficiently.
8. Do I need to link my Aadhaar or bank account?
Yes, linking your Aadhaar with your bank account is recommended for KYC verification and smooth payments, especially for first-time applicants.
9. Can I get supplementary cards for family members?
Yes, most beginner-friendly credit cards allow add-on or supplementary cards for family members, which also earn rewards.
10. How do I choose the right credit card for me?
Consider these factors:
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Annual/Joining fees
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Eligibility criteria (age, income)
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Rewards program and cashback offers
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Additional perks like lounge access, utility bill cashback, or travel benefits
