Best Entry-Level Credit Cards in India

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Credit cards come with various perks like rewards, cashback, and exclusive discounts. The ones with better benefits often have a high joining fee and are given to those with a good credit score. Yet, there are also cards for beginners in the credit world.

If you want a Credit card that gives you good perks without a high fee, you can go for a beginner-level card. These cards are great for people who are just starting their careers, helping them build a good credit score and enjoy some benefits. Usually, you need a monthly income of 25,000 to 35,000 to qualify for these cards. Check out our list of the best beginner credit cards in India for different benefits.

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Best Entry Level Credit Cards in India

Credit Card Annual Fee Card Category Best Benefits on
Axis Ace Credit Card Rs. 499 Cashback Google Pay, Swiggy, Zomato, Grofers (now Blinkit), BigBasket and Ola
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card Rs. 499 Shopping Amazon, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Lenskartand Netmeds
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card Rs. 500 Cashback Flipkart, Myntra, MMT, Goibobo, Uber and PVR
HSBC Cashback Credit Card Rs. 750 Cashback Amazon, BookMyShow, Tata Cliq
Cashback SBI Card Rs. 999 Cashback Not specific
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card Nil Cashback Amazon and its partner merchants
HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card Rs. 500 Reward Points Not specific
YES Prosperity Rewards Plus Rs. 499 Reward Points Not specific
Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card Rs. 250 Cashback Amazon
RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card Rs. 600 Cashback BookmyShow, Swiggy
Find The Credit Card With The Best Benefits for You

*GST Extra.

1. Axis Ace Credit Card: Offers excellent cashback on all purchases; limited travel benefits

Axis Ace Credit Card
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Annual Fee: Rs. 499 Minimum Income: Communicated at the time of application

The Axis Ace Credit Card stands out as one of the best starter credit cards. It gives you a high cashback rate of 2% on all transactions, and there's a generous 5% cashback on utility bill payments through Google Pay. For example, if you pay a Rs. 5,000 electricity bill, you'll get Rs. 250 cashback. This is a great deal since many of us have substantial utility bills. The card's simplicity and high cashback rate make it our top choice, especially when compared to other cashback cards like HDFC Millennia and HSBC Cashback, where the earnings are not as lucrative.

Key Features of Axis Ace Credit Card:
  • Get 5% cashback on utility bills like electricity, gas, and internet when paid through Google Pay.
  • Enjoy 4% cashback on Zomato, Swiggy, and Ola transactions.
  • Earn 2% cashback on all other purchases.
  • Receive 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually.
  • Avail a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 4,000, with a maximum waiver of Rs. 500 per month.

*Fuel transactions, e-wallet loading, EMI transactions and cash advances are not eligible for the cashback benefit.

Should you get this Card? If you want a credit card that gives you good cashback on everything you buy, not just in specific categories like travel or shopping, Axis Ace is a great choice. It keeps things simple – you get cashback automatically on your card every month, without needing to worry about complicated reward programs. This straightforward benefit is something a lot of people prefer, making Axis Ace Card even more appealing.
Must Read : Best Grocery Credit Cards in India| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

2. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card: Ideal for online shoppers, offers additional rewards when used on partner websites

SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
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Annual Fee: Rs. 499 Minimum Income: 20,000 p.m.

SBI SimplyCLICK is all about rewarding you for online shopping, especially with their exclusive partner brands. While the basic reward rate is 1%, the real perk is the 5% rewards you get on all online shopping. It easily earns its spot as one of the best credit cards for shopping in India. Plus, if you shop with their exclusive partners like Amazon, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Lenskart, or Netmeds, you'll enjoy a whopping 10% in rewards.

Key Features of SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card:
  • Receive a Rs. 500 Amazon gift card as a joining bonus.
  • Get e-vouchers worth Rs. 2,000 each when you spend Rs. 1 Lakh and Rs. 2 Lakh annually.
  • Earn 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent using the card.
  • Boost your rewards 5 times when shopping online.
  • Enjoy 10 times more rewards when shopping online with partner brands like BookMyShow, Amazon, UrbanClap, and Lenskart.
Should you get this Card? If you're new to credit cards and love shopping online, SBI SimplyCLICK is a top choice. It's one of the best for beginners, offering a generous 5% reward on all online spending, a feature not common with many credit cards. While the annual fee is Rs. 499, keep in mind the waiver condition at Rs. 1 Lakh per year, which might be high for this fee range. If your spending focus is more on offline expenses, you might want to consider SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card as an alternative.
Must Read : Best Rewards Credit Cards in India| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

3. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card: Offers attractive cashback on shopping and travel, exclusively available at Flipkart and its partner merchants.

Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
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Annual Fee: Rs. 500 Minimum Income: Communicated at the time of application

The Axis Bank credit card from Flipkart is a standout choice because it gives you a cashback rate of 1.5%, which is the second-highest in the market. This means that even if you spend Rs. 3,000 offline, you'll get Rs. 45 as cashback.

What's great is that the card rewards you significantly for your shopping and travel. You get 5% cashback on Flipkart and 4% cashback on preferred merchants like Cure.fit, Swiggy, PVR, and Uber. While it's limited to specific platforms, this is a substantial cashback rate for a beginner-level card, which isn't common in this fee range. Also, because Flipkart doesn't have a wallet system like Amazon, the cashback is directly added to your card account, making the whole cashback process simpler.

Key Features of Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card:
  • Receive a welcome benefit worth Rs. 1,100 in the form of coupons.
  • Enjoy 5% cashback on Flipkart purchases.
  • Get 4% cashback on preferred merchants such as Cure.fit, Swiggy, PVR, and Uber.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on Myntra and on flight & hotel payments made on Flipkart.
  • Receive 1.5% cashback on all other spending categories.
  • Avail 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually.
  • Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 4,000, with a maximum waiver of Rs. 400 per month.
Should you get this Card? If you're someone who loves shopping on Flipkart and other partner merchants, the Flipkart Axis Bank Card is an excellent choice. It not only gives you great benefits for your shopping but also covers your travel needs. The 1.5% cashback on all other expenses is a fantastic deal if you can make the most of the card's benefits. However, if you're unsure about using the benefits on platforms like Flipkart, Swiggy, Myntra, etc., the Axis Ace card might be a better fit for you, especially with its higher default cashback rate.
Must Read : Best Cashback Credit Cards in India| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

4. HSBC Cashback Credit Card: Earn cashback on all transactions; No joining fee.

HSBC Cashback Credit Card
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Annual Fee: Rs. 750 Minimum Income: Rs 4,00,000 annually

The HSBC Cashback Credit Card is a top choice for beginners, providing good cashback on all your transactions. With the added convenience of contactless payments and no joining fee, it's a hassle-free option. Beyond the standard benefits, the extra offers on popular brands like Amazon, Myntra, BookMyShow, and others make this card an excellent choice for both shopping and saving.

Key Features of HSBC Cashback Credit Card: 1. Welcome Benefits:
  • Amazon voucher worth Rs. 500
  • 3 airport lounge access at domestic and international lounges or 3 meal-vouchers for use at airport restaurants in India
  • 50% discount (up to Rs. 100) on the first Google Pay transaction with a minimum transaction of Rs. 1,000 within 30 days of card issuance
2. Cashback Rates:
  • 1.5% cashback on all online spends (excluding online wallet transfers)
  • 1% cashback on all other spends
3. Discounts:
  • 5% discount on Amazon when you spend Rs. 1,000 or more (up to a maximum discount of Rs. 250 per card per month)
  • Up to 15% discount on select products at Tata Cliq
4. Entertainment Benefits:
  • Buy one, get one free ticket at BookMyShow on Saturdays (applicable to tickets priced up to Rs. 250)
Should you get this Card? The HSBC Cashback Credit Card is a great choice for earning unlimited cashback on all transactions. What's more, the annual fee of Rs. 750 (applicable from the second year onward) gets reversed if your total annual spending exceeds Rs. 1,00,000. If you're a frequent shopper on Amazon, the exclusive offers on the platform make this card a particularly attractive option for you.
Must Read : Best Fuel Credit Cards in India| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

5. Cashback SBI Card: Good cashback across all online spends

Cashback SBI Card
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Annual Fee: Rs. 999 Minimum Income: Communicated at the time of sourcing

The Cashback SBI Card is a smart choice if you want excellent cashback on your credit card transactions. You don't need a high income to qualify, and it offers attractive features like 5% cashback on online spending. Additionally, you can earn 1% cashback on other expenses, and the cashback is automatically credited to your SBI Card account.

Key Features of Cashback SBI Card:
  • Get 5% cashback on all online purchases.
  • Earn a flat 1% cashback on all offline transactions.
  • Enjoy 4 complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges each year, with a cap of 1 visit per quarter.
  • Avail a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all petrol pumps in India for transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000.
  • Have your annual fee reversed by spending Rs. 2 lakh in a year.
Should you get this Card? The Cashback SBI Card is a great choice if you don't have a high income but still want to save money with a credit card. It's a perfect mix of cashback and online shopping benefits, and the best part is there are no restrictions on where you can use it. This card offers the highest cashback rate compared to other similar cards. If you're someone who often shops online and wants to save on those transactions, this card can be a valuable addition to your wallet.
Must Read : Best Credit Cards for International Travel| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

6. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card: Good for Amazon Loyalists, Low Default Cashback Rate

Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
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Annual Fee:Nil Minimum Income for ICICI Bank Customers: 25,000 p.m. Minimum Income for Others: 35,000 p.m.

The Amazon Pay ICICI card was one of the first cards introduced with a big e-commerce brand. Even though the cashback rate for all purchases is relatively low at just 1%, it's a good deal for loyal Amazon customers, especially those with Prime memberships. The card offers a decent 2% cashback for over 100 listed merchants on Amazon Pay. However, it's essential to note that the cashback isn't added to your Amazon Pay Balance; instead, it's limited to use within the Amazon platform and cannot be used elsewhere.

Key Features of Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card: 1. For PRIME Customers:
  • 5% cashback on Amazon purchases.
2. For Non-PRIME Customers:
  • 3% cashback on Amazon purchases.
3. Partner Merchants:
  • 2% cashback on purchases from 100+ partner merchants when using Amazon Pay as the payment method with this card.
4. All Other Expenses:
  • 1% cashback on all other expenses.
5. Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations.
Should you get this Card? Getting The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card is a smart move if you're a regular shopper on Amazon, whether it's for big purchases or everyday essentials. It's particularly beneficial if you also have a PRIME membership, as PRIME members receive an extra 2% cashback on Amazon purchases. Even if you haven't used Amazon Pay Balance for bills before, it's a good idea to start using it with this card to maximize its features.
Must Read : Best Credit Cards for Shopping| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

7. HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card: High Reward Points

HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card
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Annual Fee:Rs. 500 Minimum Income: Rs. 25,000 per month for salaried Rs. 6 lakh per annum for self-employed

The HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card is a great choice if you're looking to save more through rewards. It offers a welcome benefit of 500 cash points and allows for easy and secure contactless payments at various outlets. Additionally, you earn extra reward points for your online purchases.

Key Features of HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card:
  • Earn 2 reward points on every Rs. 150 spent.
  • Get 4 reward points on every Rs. 150 spent online.
  • Receive a Rs. 500 gift voucher for spending Rs. 50,000 or more each quarter.
  • Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India.
  • The first-year membership fee is waived off when you spend Rs. 20,000 or more in the first 90 days.
Note: Reward points on The HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card are valid for redemption for two years from the date of accumulation, and each reward point is equivalent to Re. 0.20.
Should you get this Card? >The HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card is an excellent choice for beginners, providing solid reward points, especially for online transactions. With a low annual fee, it's accessible for those who have recently started earning. This card allows you to save more without the burden of high joining and annual fees.
Must Read : Best Dining Credit Cards in India| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

8. YES Prosperity Rewards Plus: High Reward Rate; Good for Groceries

YES Prosperity Rewards Plus
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Annual Fee:Rs. 499 Minimum Income: Rs. 25,000 p.m.

The YES Bank credit card is an excellent choice for individuals earning Rs. 25,000 or more per month, particularly for those who frequently spend on groceries and supermarkets. It provides additional rewards for these common expenses. In other categories, you earn 4 points for every Rs. 200 spent, which is quite generous given the card's fee range. However, it's worth noting that while the reward points can be converted into Air Miles, the conversion ratio is relatively low at 8:1.

Key Highlights of YES Prosperity Rewards Plus Card:
  • Earn 6 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent on groceries and supermarket purchases.
  • Get 4 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent on all other transactions.
  • Redeem rewards for items from the rewards catalogue and Air Miles (Intermiles or Club Vistara).
  • Receive 12,000 bonus reward points on spending Rs. 3.6 Lakh in a year.
  • Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations.
Should you get this Card? This card is perfect for those who want a low-fee card with great rewards. The base rate is better compared to similar cards with a similar annual fee. If you want to save on essential expenses like groceries and supermarket shopping, this card offers significant benefits. However, if you prefer getting direct cashback instead of rewards, you might want to consider cashback credit cards like Axis Bank Ace or Amazon Pay ICICI Card.
Must Read : Best Entertainment Credit Cards in India| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

9. Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards: High Reward Rate on fuel and dining

Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards
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Annual Fee:Rs. 250 Minimum Income: Not specific but stable source of income

The Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card offers a favorable reward rate, especially on dining and fuel expenses. Upon joining, you receive a welcome benefit of a Rs. 500 Amazon Pay gift card. The card allows for secure and contactless payments with 3D secure OTP verification. Additionally, you can share the perks of this card with your family members by obtaining lifetime free supplementary credit cards.

Key Highlights of Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Card:
  • Earn 5 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on hotels, restaurants, and fuel.
  • Get 1 reward point for every Rs. 150 spent on all other categories.
  • Enjoy an annual fee waiver when you spend Rs. 60,000 or more in a year.
  • In the first 90 days, receive 100% cashback up to Rs. 500 on restaurant expenses.
Should you get this Card? The Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for earning rewards, especially on dining and fuel. Unlike some other cards, there's no annual cap on the number of rewards you can earn. While the reward rate is favorable for fuel and dining when compared to other rewards-specific cards, it's important to note that the rate is relatively lower for other spending categories compared to some leading credit cards.
Must Read : Best Co-branded Credit Cards in India| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

10. RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card: Cashback on multiple categories

RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card
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Annual Fee:Rs. 600 Minimum Income: Specified by the bank at the time of application

The RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card is a great choice for earning rewards, cashback, and accessing special offers on groceries and bill payments. With various milestone benefits, the card provides monthly treats, enabling you to save more as your spending increases.

Key Highlights of RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card:
  • Earn 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent on offline purchases (excluding fuel).
  • Get 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on online purchases.
  • Enjoy a monthly fee waiver by spending Rs. 3,000 each month, along with a 10% cashback.
  • Spend an additional Rs. 2,000 in a month for a 10% cashback on BookMyShow, Swiggy, and utility bill payments.
  • Avail a fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India for transactions ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 4,000.
Should you get this Card? The RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card is a solid choice for a cashback credit card, offering savings across various categories. It's particularly suitable for beginners seeking a decent credit card experience with a low annual fee. However, it's important to note that while the cashback is attractive, it requires a minimum spend of Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 5,000. If your spending is on the lower side, you may not fully enjoy the cashback benefits of this card.
Must Read : Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards| Check Eligibility for Top Cards

More Cards to Consider for Income above Rs. 25,000 p.m.

Apart from the top 10 credit cards mentioned earlier, you may also want to check out the following cards that align with your income criteria.

Credit Card Annual Fee Minimum Monthly Income Best Suited For
RBL World Safari Rs. 3,000 Rs. 25,000 International Travel
YES Prosperity Rewards Credit Card Rs. 299 Rs. 25,000 Reward Points
Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card Rs. 750 Rs. 55,000 Fuel & Bill Payments

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