Best Entry-Level Credit Cards in 2025

If you're new to credit cards and want good value at a low cost, entry-level credit cards are a great choice. These cards are ideal for beginners starting their careers who want to build a credit score while enjoying basic rewards and offers. Most of these cards require a minimum monthly income of ₹25,000 to ₹30,000. Here’s a list of the best beginner credit cards in India with useful benefits for first-time users.

HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card

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Joining Fee ₹500 + Tax
Renewal Fee ₹500 + Tax
Best Suited For Dining | Reward Points | Entry-Level
Reward Type Reward Points
Welcome Benefits 500 CashPoints on spending ₹5,000 within 90 days of card issuance
Dining
Reward Points
Entry-Level
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  • Welcome Benefit: 500 CashPoints on card activation.
  • EMI Rewards: Earn 5X CashPoints on EMI payments at select merchant stores.
  • Everyday Spends: Get 2 CashPoints per ₹150 spent (excluding fuel, wallet reloads, vouchers, and prepaid card reloads).
  • Partner Brands: Enjoy 10X CashPoints on purchases at Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, Swiggy, and Reliance Smart SuperStore.
  • Dining Offers: Up to 15% discount at 2,000+ partner restaurants across India.

HDFC IndianOil Credit Card

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Joining Fee ₹500 + Tax
Renewal Fee ₹500 + Tax
Best Suited For Shopping | Fuel | Entry-Level
Reward Type Reward Points
Welcome Benefits Get ₹250 fuel gift voucher and 100% cashback (up to ₹250) on first fuel transaction.
Shopping
Fuel
Entry-Level
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  • Earn up to 5% fuel points on IndianOil transactions
  • Additional fuel points on groceries and bill payments
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on IndianOil outlets
  • Easy EMI options and cashback redemption
  • Renewal fee waived on annual spends of ₹50,000
  • Accepted at over 50,000 IndianOil fuel stations

Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card

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Joining Fee ₹499 + Tax
Renewal Fee ₹499 + Tax
Best Suited For Cashback | Entry-Level
Reward Type Cashback
Welcome Benefits
Cashback
Entry-Level
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  • 2% cashback on online transactions (up to Rs. 1,000 per month)
  • 1% cashback on offline transactions (up to Rs. 500 per month)
  • Extended interest-free credit period of 90 days on retail spends
  • Low-interest EMI facility: convert purchases above Rs. 2,000 into EMIs at 0.99% per month with zero processing fee
  • Cashback redemption via the 360° Rewards portal, credited within 3 working days
  • Inclusion of utility bills (Gas, Electricity, Water, Telecom) in cashback program