Entering the credit card world can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first card. You want something simple, with low costs, but also useful benefits. For new credit users in India, choosing the right card helps build credit history without overcommitting.
Here are some of the best credit cards in India for beginners, plus tips on what to look for when picking your first card.
What Beginners Should Look for in a Credit Card
When choosing your first credit card, focus on:
- Low or No Annual Fee: As a beginner, you don’t want to pay a big fee just for holding a card.
- Simple Rewards: Cashback or reward points that are easy to understand and redeem.
- Good Acceptance: A card from a well-known bank or network means wide acceptance.
- Credit Building: Using the card responsibly helps you build your credit score.
- Reasonable Eligibility: Some entry-level cards have lower income or credit score requirements, making them easier to get.
Top Credit Cards for Beginners in India
Here are some of the top credit cards in India that are beginner-friendly, based on low fees, good rewards, and ease of eligibility.
- This is a lifetime-free card — no joining fee or annual fee.
- Offers up to 5% cashback on Amazon (especially good for Amazon Prime users) and a lower cashback rate on other spends.
- Ideal for people who shop online frequently, especially on Amazon.
- The IDFC FIRST Millennia credit card is highly recommended for beginners. It has no annual fee.
- It gives accelerated reward points for online spending.
- According to FlukyFacts, the IDFC FIRST Classic card is also lifetime free and gives rewards on normal spending.
- These cards are good for young professionals starting their credit journey.
- No joining fee and lifetime-free for many users.
- You earn reward points on every transaction, helping you build up points even with small spends.
- Good for a beginner who wants a card with rewards, but does not want a complicated or premium card.
- It gives 10× reward points on online shopping for partner sites like Amazon, BookMyShow, etc.
- The annual fee is modest, but can be managed or waived with spending.
- Ideal for someone who prefers reward points rather than cashback and spends a lot online.
- A very basic card with no annual fee, making it very beginner-friendly.
- Helps build credit history without risk.
- Comes with a chip & PIN for enhanced security.
Axis Bank ACE / Neo or Other Entry-Level Cards
- According to TradeBrains, Axis Bank ACE is good for everyday cashback: 5% on bills via Google Pay, and other categories.
- For movie or lifestyle spenders, some entry-level Axis cards or first-tier cards have low fees and decent rewards.
- These cards give you a balance between no-frills usage and good benefits.
Pros and Cons of These Beginner Cards
Pros:
- Low or zero annual cost
- Easier to get approved
- Good for building credit history
- Rewards/cashback that are simple to use
- Safer experimentation with credit
Cons:
- Limited premium benefits (no big travel perks or lounges)
- Reward rates may be lower than high-tier cards
- Credit limit may be modest initially
- Some cards may require a minimum spend to waive the fee
Smart Tips for New Credit Card Users
- Pay your entire credit card bill every month to avoid interest.
- Keep your credit utilisation low — don’t spend close to your card limit.
- Use the card for regular, manageable expenses — like online shopping or bills — rather than impulse purchases.
- Track your reward points or cashback so that you actually redeem them.
- Be careful about applying for too many cards at once; each application may affect your credit score.
Should You Get a Credit Card as a Beginner
Yes — but only if you are ready to use it responsibly. A beginner-friendly card can help you build credit history, gain access to rewards, and enjoy financial flexibility. But if you are not disciplined, the risk of debt or high interest is real.
Choose a card that is aligned with how you spend. If you mostly shop online, a cashback or reward-point card is better. If you want to keep costs very low, go for a no-annual-fee or lifetime-free card.