Looking for the best credit cards for beginners in India? Compare top cards with low fees, rewards, cashback, and easy approval. Find the perfect starter card in 2026.
Introduction
Credit cards are no longer just for rich people or frequent travelers. Today, many banks offer simple and affordable cards specially made for first-time users. If you are new to credit, choosing the right card is very important. This guide on Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India will help you understand how credit cards work, how to choose the right one, and which features matter the most in 2026.
For beginners, a good credit card helps you manage expenses, earn rewards, and build a strong credit score. But picking the wrong card can lead to high fees and debt. That is why this article is written in easy English, step by step, to help you make the right decision.
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RBI ke Credit Card Rules & FAQs – Official Guidelines
What Is a Credit Card?
A credit card is a payment card issued by a bank. It allows you to spend money up to a fixed limit. You do not need to pay immediately. The bank gives you time, usually up to 45–50 days, to repay the amount.
If you pay the full bill on time, you do not pay any interest. If you delay, the bank charges interest.
For beginners, credit cards are useful to:
- Build credit history
- Handle emergency expenses
- Make online payments
- Earn cashback and reward points
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Why Beginners Need the Right Credit Card
Choosing from the Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India helps you avoid common mistakes. Many first-time users apply for cards without checking fees or benefits. This can cause financial stress later.
A beginner-friendly card should have:
- Useful daily benefits
- Low or zero annual fee
- Simple reward or cashback system
- Easy approval
Top Credit Cards for Beginners – Explained
BankBazaar: “Best Credit Card Reviews & Features Comparison.”
1️⃣ SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card
Annual / Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST (Often waived via offers or minimum spends)
Key Benefits:
- 10× reward points on dining, groceries & movies
- 5× reward points on department stores & apparel
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Points redeemable for vouchers & rewards
Best For: Everyday spends like dining, shopping & groceries
Apply Now: SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card
2️⃣ Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
Joining / Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST
(Joining fee waived on ₹10k spend in 45 days; annual fee waived on ₹2L yearly spend)
Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on bills & recharges via Google Pay
- 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato & Ola
- 2% cashback on other spends
- 4 domestic airport lounge visits/year
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
Best For: High cashback on bills, recharges & everyday spends
Apply Now: Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
3️⃣ HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
Annual / Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST (Waivable on spend criteria)
Key Benefits:
- 1–2 reward points per ₹150 spent
- Up to 5X points in select categories
- Redeem points for vouchers or statement credit
- Fuel surcharge waiver on petrol
- Basic travel & lifestyle perks
Best For: Beginners & everyday users wanting simple reward points
Apply Now: HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
4️⃣ ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card (Lifetime Free)
Annual / Joining Fee: ₹0
Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on Amazon (Prime), 3% (non-Prime)
- 2% cashback at Amazon Pay partner merchants
- 1% cashback on other spends
- Cashback credited directly to Amazon Pay balance
- Fuel surcharge waiver
Best For: Frequent Amazon shoppers & online spenders
Apply Now: ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
5️⃣ IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card
Annual / Joining Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
Key Benefits:
- 3X / 10X reward points (big-ticket & birthday spends)
- ₹500 welcome voucher on first spends
- Fuel surcharge waiver (1% up to cap)
- 4 complimentary railway lounge visits/quarter
- Roadside assistance & merchant offers
- EMI conversion on transactions
Best For: Rewards, UPI benefits & lifestyle offers
Apply Now: IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card
6️⃣ AU Bank Altura Credit Card
Annual / Joining Fee: ₹199 + GST
(Waived on ₹10k spend in first 90 days; ₹40k annual spend)
Key Benefits:
- 2% cashback on groceries & utility bills (capped)
- 1% cashback on other spends
- ₹50 milestone cashback on ₹10k monthly spend
- 2 railway lounge visits/quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Contactless payments & EMI conversion
Best For: Beginners & low-spend users wanting a low-fee cashback card
Apply Now: AU Bank Altura Credit Card
How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Beginners in India
1. Check Annual and Joining Fees
Always start with fees. Beginners should choose:
- Lifetime free credit cards, or
- Low annual fee cards with easy fee waiver
High-fee cards are not suitable when you are just starting.
2. Look for Simple Rewards or Cashback
Complex reward systems are confusing. Beginners should prefer:
- Cashback cards (easy to understand)
- Simple reward points that convert easily
This is why cashback cards are often listed among the Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India.
3. Easy Eligibility Criteria
Most beginner cards have:
- Low income requirement
- Approval even with limited credit history
Some cards are specially designed for first-time salaried or self-employed users.
4. Daily Use Benefits
Good beginner cards offer:
- Grocery and shopping rewards
- Bill payment cashback
- Fuel surcharge waiver
These features help save money on regular expenses.
5. Digital and EMI Features
Modern credit cards allow:
- EMI conversion for big purchases
- Mobile app tracking
- Contactless payments
These features make card usage safe and easy.
Key Features of the Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India
Low Risk, High Value
Beginner cards focus on value, not luxury. You get:
- Basic rewards
- Easy control on spending
- Safe credit limit
Credit Score Building
Using the Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India responsibly helps improve your CIBIL score. This helps you get:
- Better loan rates
- Premium cards in the future
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Most beginner cards offer 1% fuel surcharge waiver. This is helpful if you use your card for petrol payments.
Types of Beginner Credit Cards
1. Cashback Credit Cards
These give direct cashback on spending like shopping, bills, and online payments.
2. Reward Point Credit Cards
You earn points that can be redeemed for vouchers or statement credit.
3. Co-Branded Credit Cards
These cards are linked to brands like Amazon or Flipkart and are popular among beginners.
Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Many people make mistakes while using their first credit card. Avoid these errors:
- Paying only minimum due
- Missing payment due dates
- Using full credit limit
- Applying for too many cards
Using the Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India correctly helps you stay debt-free.
How to Use a Credit Card Smartly (Beginner Tips)
- Always pay full bill on time
- Keep usage below 30% of credit limit
- Track spending using bank apps
- Do not withdraw cash using credit card
- Use EMI only when necessary
Are Credit Cards Safe for Beginners?
Yes, credit cards are safe if used responsibly. Banks provide:
- OTP security
- Card blocking via app
- Fraud protection
Most Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India come with strong security features.
Future Benefits of Starting Early
When you start using a credit card early:
- You build long credit history
- You get higher credit limits
- You become eligible for premium cards
Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India – Who Should Apply?
You should apply if you are:
- A salaried employee
- A self-employed professional
- A college graduate with income
- A first-time credit user
Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India (Comparison Table:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI SimplySAVE | ₹499 | Daily expenses | 10x rewards, grocery & dining benefits |
| Axis Bank ACE | ₹499 | Cashback | 5% bill payment cashback, 2% general cashback |
| HDFC MoneyBack+ | ₹500 | Online shopping | 5x rewards on top sites |
| ICICI Amazon Pay | ₹0 | Amazon users | 5% cashback (Prime), no annual fee |
| IDFC FIRST Millennia | ₹0 | Beginners | Lifetime free, fuel benefits |
| AU Bank Altura | ₹0–₹199 | UPI & cashback | 2% UPI cashback, fuel perks |
Conclusion
The Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India in 2026 are those with low fees, simple rewards and easy approval. SBI SimplySAVE, Axis ACE, IDFC FIRST Millennia, Amazon Pay ICICI and HDFC MoneyBack+ are great options.
Choose a card based on your spending habits, keep usage low and always pay bills on time. This helps you build a strong credit score and stay debt-free.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Which is the best credit card for beginners in India?
SBI SimplySAVE, Axis ACE, HDFC MoneyBack+ and Amazon Pay ICICI.
Q2. Can beginners get a credit card with no credit score?
Yes, many banks allow first-time users.
Q3. Which beginner card has zero annual fee?
IDFC FIRST Millennia and Amazon Pay ICICI.
Q4. What is the minimum income required?
Most banks need ₹15,000–₹20,000 monthly income.
Q5. Which credit card gives the best cashback?
Axis ACE and Amazon Pay ICICI.
Disclaimer
The information in this article “Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India (2026)” is for educational purposes only. Credit card features, fees, and offers may change as per the bank’s latest updates. Please verify details from the official bank website before applying.