âYour first credit card shouldnât be the flashiest, it should be the smartest.â
If youâre asking âWhich credit card is best in India for beginners?â or âWhich credit card is the best to build credit for beginners?â, this guide will answer you. This blog pits the best credit cards for beginners in India, particularly among those that have no annual fee, easy approvals, and benefits that are suitable for new users and first-time applicants. Be it a student, a salaried employee or someone eligible to establish a credit score, these beginner credit cards in India are the ideal choice to start your financial career.
If youâre completely new to credit, itâs important to first understand the different types of credit available in India like revolving credit, installment credit, and more. Learn more about the 4 types of credit here.
Why Should Beginners Choose the Right Credit Card?
Choosing the best credit card in India as a beginner isnât about fancy airport lounges, itâs about building good credit, learning responsible usage, and saving on basic expenses.
Entry-level users should look for:
- No/low annual fees
- Reward points or cashback on everyday spends
- Simple approval (with or without a credit score)
- Secured options if youâre new-to-credit
Source: CRED discussions highlight how early mistakes, like choosing a high-fee or complex carb, can hurt your credit history before it even begins. (CRED.Club)Â
Top 10 Credit Cards for Beginners in India â 2025
| Credit Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Key Benefits |
| Amazon Pay ICICI | Online shoppers, zero fee | âš0 | 5% cashback for Prime, 1% elsewhere, lifetime free |
| HDFC Millennia Credit Card | Brand-conscious beginners | âš1,000 | 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato |
| SBI SimplyCLICK | E-commerce usage | âš499 | 10X rewards on Amazon, Apollo, BookMyShow; voucher on joining |
| IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card | All-rounder, zero fee | âš0 | Lifetime free, 3Ă rewards offline, 6Ă online, interest-free cash withdrawal |
| ICICI Platinum Chip | Beginners with no CIBIL | âš0 | Secured via FD, helps build credit history, EMIs available |
| AU Bank LIT Credit Card | Customisable benefits | âš0 (âš49/month) | Pick your own cashback or lounge pack; FD-based approval possible |
| Axis Bank My Zone | Entertainment lovers | âš500 | BOGO on BookMyShow, 40% off on Swiggy; free SonyLiv subscription |
| OneCard (SBM/Federal) | App-based card management | âš0 | Lifetime free, low forex markup, smart UI; available to limited Tier 1 cities |
| Bank of Baroda Prime Credit Card | Students/low income segment | âš0 | Lifetime free, FD-based, simple approval process |
| HDFC Freedom Credit Card | Utility + EMI beginners | âš500 | 5% cashback on groceries, bill payments, IRCTC; EMI options on purchases |
What Makes a Credit Card âBeginner Friendlyâ?
- FD-backed secured credit cards like ICICI Platinum Chip and BOB Prime are ideal for those without a credit score.
- Lifetime-free cards such as Amazon Pay ICICI and IDFC FIRST Classic help beginners avoid unnecessary costs.
- Cards with flat cashback or easy reward redemption systems are better suited for first-time users.
- Many beginner cards support fully digital, paperless applications, making the process simple and accessible.
- Popular beginner cards like HDFC Millennia and SBI SimplyCLICK offer rewards on everyday platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Zomato.
Which Credit Card To Get?
- No credit history at all? Start with ICICI Platinum Chip (secured) or BOB Prime Credit Card.
- Online shopper? Choose Amazon Pay ICICI (no fee, up to 5% cashback).
- Want rewards + premium design? Try OneCard or IDFC FIRST Classic.
- Heavy user of food delivery, movies? Go for Axis MyZone or HDFC Millennia Credit Card.
Disclaimer : The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only. Credit card features, benefits, and charges may vary over time or based on individual eligibility. Readers are strongly advised to conduct their own research and carefully review the terms and conditions before choosing a credit card that best suits their personal financial needs and lifestyle.
Pro Tips for First-Time Credit Card Users
- Always pay in full to avoid interest (which can go up to 42% APR).
- Donât max out the limit, keep credit usage below 30%.
- Use secured credit cards if you donât have income proof or a CIBIL score.
- Regular usage + timely payments can build your score from zero to 750+ within 12 months.
Start Smart, Grow Strong
The best credit cards for beginners in India are not something fancy but rather they are a growth tool. Need to develop credit, easy cashback, or financial responsibility? You can be sure that cards, such as Amazon Pay ICICI, IDFC FIRST Classic, or HDFC Millennia Credit Card are built for you.
Choosing wisely now sets the stage for future upgrades to premium cards with lounge access, insurance, travel perks, and more. Let your first credit card in India be a smart, strategic decision, not just a status symbol.
Once youâve built your credit profile with an entry-level card, you can start exploring premium options that offer added lifestyle perks. If travel is a priority, check out our blog on Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access in 2025 to discover cards that elevate your airport experience.
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