Credit Card for Beginners

Here are some of the best credit cards for beginners.

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Credit cards are a nifty financial tool that gives you access to interest-free credit and helps you make easy payments. They come with exciting benefits like cashback, rewards, lounge access, offers, easy EMI conversions, and much more. Thanks to these benefits, you can now get more out of everyday expenses like utility, fuel, grocery, entertainment, etc.

So, it’s no surprise that everyone wants a credit card. If you are new to the world of credit cards, choosing the right card can be tricky. But, you’ve got nothing to worry about! In this article, we’ll go over some of the top credit cards for beginners in India to help you choose your ideal credit card.

Some of the Best Credit Cards for Beginners

There are hundreds, if not thousands of cards available in the market. While this can give you endless options to consider, it can also cause a lot of confusion. So, we’ve rounded up some of the best credit cards for beginners to help you make an informed decision:

Credit Card	Fees and Charges	Card Category	Ideal for
ICICI MMT Platinum Credit Card	Joining Fees: ₹500 Annual Fees: Nil	Cashback	Travel
SBI Unnati Credit Card	Joining Fee: Nil Annual Fee: ₹499, fifth year onwards	Reward points	Shopping
ICICI MMT Signature Credit Card	Joining Fee: ₹2,500 Annual Fee: Nil	Cashback	Travel
Axis Bank Freecharge Plus Credit Card	Joining Fee: ₹350 Annual Fee: ₹350, waived off for the first year. Annual fee will be waived off on annual spends of ₹50,000 and above.	Cashback	Shopping
ICICI Platinum Visa Credit Card	Joining Fee: Nil Annual Fee: Nil	Reward points	Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card	Joining Fee: ₹1,000 Annual Fee: ₹4,500	Reward points	Rewards and Shopping
Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card	Joining Fee: ₹750 Annual Fee: ₹750	Reward points	Fuel and Bill Payments
HSBC Visa Platinum Card	Joining Fee: Nil Annual Fee: Nil	Lifestyle	Lifestyle Benefits
HDFC Regalia Credit Card	Joining Fee: ₹2500 Annual Fee: ₹2500	Cashback	Shopping and Travel

Disclaimer: Some of the listed cards are not available on the Bajaj Markets website. Kindly head to the respective providers' official website for the application process.

Features of Some of the Best Credit Cards for Beginners

Credit cards can be a great way for you to get more out of your spending. These days, you can choose a credit card that’s tailored to your spending habits to help you make the most of your credit card. For example, if you’re someone that enjoys travelling, then consider getting a travel-focused credit card. Such a credit card will likely give you accelerated reward points on travel expenses.

Additionally, you can also enjoy benefits like complimentary lounge access, discounted forex-markup, travel memberships, and more!

As we know, there are a wide variety of credit cards available in the market. So, before making any decision, it’s important to shop around. This will help you explore all viable options and make a sound decision. Here are key features of some of India’s top beginner-friendly credit cards:

1. ICICI MMT Platinum Credit Card

Planning for your next dream holiday? The ICICI MMT Platinum Credit Card is sure to be your best buddy!

A. Key Features

₹500 My Cash upon joining
MakeMyTrip holiday voucher worth ₹3,000
Benefits worth up to ₹20,000
Complimentary domestic airport and railway lounge access
Extended validity of 1.5 years on My Cash

2. SBI Unnati Credit Card

The SBI Unnati Credit Card is a great beginner-friendly card that comes with some exciting and exclusive features. What’s more, this card is free for the first four years!

B. Key Features

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 1% surcharge waiver
Wave and pay with contactless technology

3. ICICI MMT Signature Credit Card

The ICICI MMT Signature Credit Card is a premium travel-friendly credit card designed to help avid travellers get more out of every spend.

C. Key Features

Onboarding benefit of My Cash worth ₹1,500
MakeMyTrip voucher worth ₹2,500
Complimentary MMTBLACK Exclusive membership
Accelerated rewards on hotel and flight bookings
Milestone benefits worth up to 4,000 My Cash

4. Axis Bank Freecharge Plus Credit Card

Make everyday expenses exciting Axis Bank Freecharge Plus Credit Card. It offers exclusive cashback benefits on utility bills, daily commute, entertainment, dining, and more!

D. Key Features

Welcome benefit of vouchers worth up to ₹700
Get cashback on every spend
Accelerated 5% cashback on Freecharge spends
Best of dining with Axis Bank Dining Delights Program
2% cashback on local commute

5. ICICI Platinum Visa Credit Card

The ICICI Platinum Visa Credit Card is a lifetime-free credit that offers a great value, fuss-free experience.

E. Key Features

Lifetime-free, no annual or joining fees
Enjoy quick and convenient payments with contactless technology
Fuel surcharge waivers
Redeem reward points against exciting gifts and vouchers
Enhanced security to keep you protected from fraud

6. American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card

The American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card is a beginner-friendly, premium credit card that opens you up to a world of luxury and indulgence.

F. Key Features

Bonus membership reward points of up to 5,000
Convert big purchases into easy EMIs
Redeem your reward points against vouchers of up to ₹14,000from luxury brands like Taj, Shoppers Stop, Vistara, Tanishq, and more
Zero lost card liability and emergency card replacement
Dining discounts of up to 20%

7. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card

The Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card is designed to help you make the most of everyday expenses with attractive cashback on utility bills and fuel.

G. Key Features

5% cashback on fuel and utility bills
1 point for every ₹150 spent
Complimentary Priority Pass membership
Easy, convenient EMI options
Lifetime-free supplementary cards

8. HSBC Visa Platinum Card

The HSBC Visa Platinum Card is thoughtfully designed to open doors to a world of incredible experiences.

H. Key Features

No joining or annual fees
Introductory benefits up to ₹6,350
3 complimentary airport lounge access at domestic and international airports
Air miles conversion on InterMiles, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines
Fuel surcharge savings worth up to ₹3,000

9. HDFC Regalia Credit Card

The HDFC Regalia Credit Card is a mighty premium credit card that is designed to help you escape into a world of luxurious indulgences.

I. Key Features

12 complimentary domestic airport lounge access
Bonus reward points of up to 10,000
Complimentary Priority Pass for you and your loved ones
Low foreign currency markup of just 2%
24/7 concierge services

How to Choose Your First Credit Card

Getting your first credit card can be quite the experience, it’s probably your first foray into adulthood. A credit card can help you get more out of everyday expenses, but it can also be rather dangerous if not used judiciously. So, it’s crucial that you weigh your options and consider your circumstances before getting a credit card. Here are some things worth looking into before applying for that exciting, new credit card:

1. Incentives and Rewards

It’s a common misconception that beginner-friendly credit cards offer little to no rewards. These days, there are a whole host of credit cards for people who are just getting started with credit cards. Whether you’re a student, avid traveller, shopping enthusiast or a foodie, there’s a credit card out there that’s specifically designed to delight you! So, it’s important that you look into the rewards offered by credit cards before settling on one. For example, if you’re quite the travel bug, then consider getting a credit card that offers accelerated points for travel bookings. It’s likely that this card will also come with other offers like exclusive travel memberships, lounge access, low markup on international transactions, and much more!

2. Ease of Use

Credit cards these days are very convenient and simple to use. Most cards come equipped with contactless technology that helps you make instant payments with just a wave. Before getting a credit card, make sure you try using their netbanking app or website to get a sense of how intuitive and convenient the experience is. On that note, you might also want to look into other benefits offered by credit cards that can help make your life easier. This can include global acceptance, zero lost card liability, high credit limit, longer interest-free periods, low interest rates, etc.

3. Credit Score

It’s important that you take a look at your credit score before getting a credit card. Why? Because a credit card can have a considerable impact on your credit score. If your credit score is on the lower end, a credit card can help you improve it, provided that you use it diligently. This means that you will have to pay your credit card dues in full, on time, and keep your credit utilisation as low as possible.

On that note, low credit scores can make it difficult to get your hands on a credit card. If that’s the case with you, you can consider going for a credit card that's backed by a fixed deposit. Secured credit cards are usually easier to obtain and can help you build your credit score.

Another point to note is that if your credit score is already quite low, you might want to avoid making too many credit card applications as it signals that you might be desperate for credit. This can raise some red flags for credit card companies and can lower your credit score, too. So, it’s advisable to be conservative with credit card applications.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided by BFDL herein above is related to the Non-Partnered Banks/ NBFCs and is just for the purpose of information and under no circumstances the information provided hereinabove is intended to be source of advice or recommending any financial advice or endorsement of any sort.

The information including interest rates or fees and charges with regard to any credit card, provided on this website is gathered through publicly available sources over the internet and is considered as accurate and reliable to the best of our knowledge. BFDL disclaims any responsibility or liability regarding inaccuracies, omissions, mistakes etc. as well as offers by the Non-Partnered Banks or NBFCs. The use of information set out is entirely at the User’s own risk and User should exercise due care prior taking of any decision, on the basis of information mentioned hereinabove. You are advised to visit/ contact the respective Banks/ NBFCs to verify the information before making any application or opening an account. Further, BFDL does not undertake any responsibility or liability to update this information. YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LIABILITY OR DAMAGE YOU INCUR THROUGH ACCESS TO OR USE OF THE SITE OR SUCH INFORMATION OR MATERIALS EXCEPT WHERE THE LAWS AND REGULATIONS OF A PARTICULAR JURISDICTION CONCERNING WARRANTIES CANNOT BE WAIVED. Additionally, display of any trademarks, tradenames, logo and other subject matters of intellectual property owners. Display of such Intellectual Property along with the related product information does not imply BFDL’s partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property of such products.

Credit Cards Partners at Bajaj Markets

Non Partners Credit Cards

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.

Almost all credit cards come with some type of charge or the other. It’s always a good idea to reach out to your credit card issuer before getting a credit card to familiarise yourself with the charges associated. Having said that, here are some of the most common credit card charges - annual fees, joining fees, late payment charges, interest charges, and processing fees (when purchases are converted to EMIs). Make all credit card payments on time to avoid unnecessary charges.

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. Your credit limit will likely be your fixed deposit amount. You can build your credit score using these cards and then get a different card, if you need to.

Applying for a credit card these days is quite easy and can be done online from the comfort of your home. You may also apply for a credit card on Bajaj Markets and enjoy a fully digital application process, along with exciting welcome bonus, rewards, and cashback!

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 zero annual fee. Here are some zero annual fee credit cards that are worth looking into - ICICI Platinum Visa Credit Card, HSBC Visa Platinum Card, and ICICI MMT Signature Credit Card.

Yes, it’s absolutely possible for you to get a credit card even if you don’t have a credit history/score. You can get started with a secured credit card, these credit cards are backed by a fixed deposit with the issuer, so they’re relatively easy to get hold of. Bear in mind that these cards are usually not the best for rewards and cashback. But, the good news is that they’re also mostly free or come with very minimal fees. Make sure to be conservative with this card, make all repayments on time and keep credit utilisation to a minimum. This way, you can build your credit score with this card and once your credit score has improved considerably, you can switch over to a credit card 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 also apply for a secured credit card. Since credit on these cards are usually issued on a lien on a fixed deposit, they’re comparatively easy to obtain.

Getting a credit card is relatively easy these days. You can apply for a credit card entirely online within a matter of minutes. However, banks do verify their applicants before offering a credit card. So, if you have a good credit score and a regular source of income, you should be able to get a credit card quite easily. If you’re looking to get a credit card with minimal effort, you can apply for a credit card on Bajaj Markets. You can find a number of travel-friendly, lifetime-free credit cards with a great rewards program on this platform.

Yes, you can get a credit card with a salary of ₹9,000. Make sure to choose a credit card that’s lifetime-free or has a very low annual fee. Some popular credit cards chosen by low-income professionals include SBI Unnati Credit Card. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card and HSBC Visa Platinum Card.

College students, newly minted graduates, and young professionals should consider opting for fuss-free credit cards. This would include credit cards that come with very little to no annual fees, a low rate of interest, and a good rewards program. Some popular choices for freshers include Citibank Cashback Credit Card, HSBC Visa Platinum Card, SimplyCLICK SBI Card, and Axis Bank Neo Credit Card.