Planning to start your credit journey? Here’s everything you need to know about credit cards for beginners!
Getting a credit card for beginners can help you improve your credit score, manage daily expenses, make the most of your spending, and more. Additionally, it is a financial tool that can help you achieve these goals without burdening your savings.
You can apply for lifetime-free credit cards that can give you access to exciting benefits like rewards, lounge access, and easy EMI conversions, without paying the annual fee. This can help you boost your financial history and also, offer you stability when on a budget.
The best credit card for beginners is subjective and based on how you use it. As such, you must compare their features, benefits, costs, and more.
Here are some of the best entry-level credit cards that you can choose from if you’re just starting your credit journey:
Credit Card |
Fees and Charges |
Card Category |
Ideal for |
IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card |
|
Rewards |
Travel |
MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card |
|
Cashback |
Travel |
MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card |
|
Cashback |
Travel |
IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card |
|
Rewards |
Travel |
IndusInd Bank Platinum Master Credit Card |
|
Rewards |
Travel and Shopping |
Axis Bank Freecharge Plus Credit Card |
|
Cashback |
Shopping |
ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card |
|
Rewards |
Secure Payments |
SBI Unnati Credit Card |
|
Rewards |
Shopping |
Disclaimer: Some of the listed cards are not available on Bajaj Markets. Kindly head to the respective issuers’ official website for the application process.
Here are key features of some of India’s top credit cards for beginners:
Would you like to make the most of your adventures and excursions? Get the IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card and gain access to the following features:
2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on weekends
Priority Pass Program
Forex discounts
1 complimentary airport lounge visit per quarter
Concierge service benefits
Planning for your next dream holiday? The ICICI MMT Platinum Credit Card is the perfect add-on as it offers the following:
₹500 My Cash upon joining
MakeMyTrip holiday voucher worth ₹3,000
Benefits worth up to ₹15,000*
Complimentary domestic airport and railway lounge access
Extended validity of 1.5 years on My Cash
Disclaimer: *As per the illustration mentioned in the applicable T&Cs on the official website.
The MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card is a premium travel-friendly credit card designed to help avid travellers get more out of every transaction. Here are the key features:
Onboarding benefit of My Cash worth ₹1,500
MakeMyTrip voucher worth ₹2,500
Complimentary MMTBLACK Exclusive membership
My Cash on domestic and international spends
Milestone benefits worth up to 4,000 My Cash
Secure your travels and go big on shopping with the IndusInd Bank Platinum Master Credit Card! Here’s what you get:
1.5 reward points for every ₹150 spent through the card
Lost baggage cover of up to ₹1 Lakh
1% fuel surcharge waiver
Air Accident Cover of up to ₹25 Lakhs
Save on your travel bookings to the maximum! Get the IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card with features including:
Redemption of reward points against outstanding dues or for airmiles
4 points for every ₹100 spent on departmental store expenses
4 points for every ₹100 spent on hotel expenses
4 points for every ₹100 spent on restaurant bills
1% fuel surcharge waiver
Make everyday expenses exciting with the Axis Bank Freecharge Plus Credit Card. It offers exclusive features like
Get cashback on every spend
Accelerated 5% cashback on Freecharge spends
Best of dining with Axis Bank Dining Delights Program
2% cashback on buses, cabs, and other local commute
The ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card is a lifetime-free credit that offers great value and a hassle-free experience. Here are the features:
Lifetime-free cards
Enjoy quick and convenient payments with contactless technology
Fuel surcharge waiver
Redeem reward points against exciting gifts and vouchers
Enhanced security to keep you protected from fraud
It is a great beginner-friendly card that comes with some exciting and exclusive features, including:
Get 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent
Redeem your rewards against attractive gifts from the Rewards Catalogue
Receive milestone benefits worth up to ₹500
Complete fuel freedom with a 1% fuel surcharge waiver
Wave and pay with contactless technology
Here are some things you should consider before getting your first credit card:
When it comes to your finances, it is always wise to take a measured approach. Hence, when choosing your first credit card, pick the one that is easy to manage.
While a credit card can support you when it comes to expenses and savings, it can impact your journey to a good or bad credit score. Hence, you must ensure that you are ready for a credit card.
Your first credit card could be a means to help you practice better financial management. Go through the fees and charges associated with it to ensure you choose a feasible option.
Multiple credit cards allow you to earn while you spend, with multiple offers like cashback, reward points on spends, vouchers, and more. Ensure you keep an eye for such spend-based rewards.
The ideal credit card is one that offers a number of benefits while still being affordable for you. If you’re just starting out, then you can consider getting a lifetime-free credit card.
The charges of a credit card for beginners vary depending on the card and issuer. It can range from being free with no annual or joining fee to ₹500 and upwards.
A secured credit card that’s backed by a fixed deposit is one of the easiest ways to get your hands on a credit card without a credit score. You can build your credit score using these cards and then get a different card if you need to.
Applying for a credit card is quite easy and can be done online in a few easy steps. You may also apply for a credit card on Bajaj Markets. Enjoy a fully digital application process, along with different eligibility terms, rewards, and cashback on spends.
There are many credit cards that are specifically for new-to-credit customers who have no or limited credit history. Alternatively, you may also opt for a secured credit card that’s backed by a fixed deposit.
There are a number of great credit cards that come with no annual fee. Some zero annual fee credit cards that are worth looking into are the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card, SBI Unnati Credit Card, and ICICI Bank Platinum Master Credit Card.
Yes, you can get started with a secured credit card, which is backed by a fixed deposit with the issuer. These are relatively easy to get. You can use them to build your credit score and then switch to one that offers exciting benefits.
It can be quite challenging to get a credit card if you are unemployed. However, if you absolutely need a credit card, you can ask a family member to authorise you as an add-on cardholder.
Alternatively, you may apply for a secured credit card. Since credit on these cards is usually issued on a lien on a fixed deposit, they’re comparatively easy to obtain.
Getting a credit card is relatively easy these days, especially if you have a good credit score and a regular source of income. If you’re looking to get a credit card with minimal effort, you can apply for a credit card on Bajaj Markets.
You can choose from several travel-friendly, cashback, lifetime-free credit cards or others that offer a great rewards program.
Yes, you can get a credit card with a salary of ₹9,000. Make sure to choose a secured credit card and pick one that has a low annual fee.
As a beginner, you could pick a lifetime-free credit card which has NIL joining or annual fees. If your daily commute depends on your personal vehicle, you can opt for a fuel credit card with refuelling benefits.
You can also choose a shopping credit card if you shop frequently. Additionally, if you travel often, special travel credit cards can offer you exclusive discounts and privileges. You can find many credit cards that fit these categories on Bajaj Markets.