Top 4 Credit Cards for Beginners:A credit card can be a smart way to manage your expenses—if used wisely. But when is the right time to get one? 🤔
👉 The ideal time is when you start earning a stable income, as this helps you build a strong credit history. For beginners, starting with an entry-level credit card is the best choice.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- ✅ Minimum income requirement for beginners
- ✅ Credit limits for entry-level cards
- ✅ Features to look for in a good card
- ✅ 4 popular entry-level credit cards with benefits
💰 Minimum Income Requirement for a Credit Card
Banks require you to have a stable income (salary or self-employment). The minimum income usually ranges between:
👉 ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 per month
📌 HDFC Bank Note:
- Income decides the type of card you qualify for.
- Premium cards need a higher salary and spending capacity.
💳 Credit Limit for Entry-Level Credit Cards
Entry-level cards usually come with a low credit limit because you’re new to credit. The limit depends on:
- Age 👤
- Monthly income 💵
- Repayment ability ✅
As you build a good repayment history, banks increase your limit over time.
🌟 Features of a Good Entry-Level Credit Card
When choosing your first card, look for:
- 💸 Low or zero joining/annual fees
- 🛒 Cashback & rewards on groceries, fuel, and utility bills
- ⚡ Simple approval process (sometimes without a credit score)
- 🔐 Secured credit cards (against Fixed Deposits) for beginners
👉 Example: With an FD of just ₹10,000, you can get a secured card. These often have 100% cash withdrawal benefits and minimal fees.
🔝 4 Popular Entry-Level Credit Cards
1️⃣ Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card
💳 Joining Fee: Nil
💳 Annual Fee: Nil
Eligibility:
- Indian citizen, age 21+
- Salaried: ₹20,000/month
- Self-employed: ₹3.6 lakh/year
✨ Benefits:
- 5% cashback on Amazon (Prime members)
- 3% cashback for non-Prime
- 2% cashback on 100+ Amazon Pay partners
- 1% cashback on all other spends
- ✅ No expiry on reward points
2️⃣ Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
💳 Joining Fee: ₹499
💳 Annual Fee: ₹499
Eligibility:
- Age: 21–60 years
✨ Benefits:
- 5% cashback on utility bills & recharges via Google Pay
- 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato & Ola
- 1.5% cashback on all other spends
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver (₹400–₹4000 transactions, max ₹500 benefit)
3️⃣ SimplyCLICK SBI Card
💳 Joining Fee: ₹499 + taxes
💳 Annual Fee: ₹499 + taxes
Eligibility:
- Age: 21–70 years
✨ Benefits:
- Free Amazon Gift Card worth ₹500 (on fee payment)
- 10X Reward Points on online spends with Apollo, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Domino’s, Myntra, Netmeds, Yatra & more
- 5X Reward Points on all other online spends
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver (₹500–₹3000 transactions)
4️⃣ HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
💳 Joining Fee: ₹500 + taxes
💳 Annual Fee: ₹500 + taxes
Eligibility:
- Salaried: 21–60 years, income > ₹20,000/month
- Self-employed: ITR > ₹6 lakh/year
✨ Benefits:
- 10X CashPoints (3.3% valueback) on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Reliance Smart, BigBasket
- 2 CashPoints per ₹150 spent on other purchases
- ₹500 gift voucher on ₹50,000 quarterly spends
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. While credit cards offer rewards and convenience, they also carry risks like high interest rates, late fees, and hidden charges. Always consult a certified financial expert before applying.
