Credit Cards for Salaried Individuals: Fee Comparison & More

Best Credit Cards for Salaried Individuals

Roshani Ballal Posted on February 11, 2026

Top Credit Cards for Salaried Individuals

There is no single universally best credit card for salaried employees. Instead, the right option depends on how you spend and whether you value low fees, cashback, lifestyle, or travel benefits more. On Bajaj Markets, you can find multiple credit cards from top providers to suit salaried customers with different spending needs, fee budgets, and income levels.

Credit Cards	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Best Use Case
Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card	Nil	₹499	Cashback and discounts on daily spends
Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card	Nil	₹1,499	UPI cashback + savings on the Tata Neu app
YES Bank Klick Credit Card	Nil	Nil	UPI-enabled lounge access with milestone rewards
SimplySAVE SBI Card	₹499	₹499	Welcome benefit + benefits on lifestyle spends
IRCTC RuPay SBI Card	₹500	₹300	Railway travel perks: lounge access + booking valueback
SBI Card ELITE	₹4,999	₹4,999	Welcome voucher + global airport lounge access
SimplyCLICK SBI Card	₹500	₹500	Amazon voucher as joining gift and easy EMI conversion
SBI Card PRIME	₹2,999	₹2,999	Lifestyle welcome rewards + global lounge access
Central SBI Select Credit Card	₹2,999	₹2,999	Welcome voucher + accelerated rewards at Central stores
FBB SBI STYLEUP Card	₹499	₹499	10x rewards at Big Bazaar family-stores + EMI flexibility
BPCL SBI Card OCTANE	₹1,499	₹1,499	Fuel-focused rewards with welcome benefits
BPCL SBI Card	₹499	₹499	High fuel cashback plus easy balance transfer
SBI Card PULSE	₹1,499	₹1,499	Free annual healthcare membership + EMI conversion
IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card	Nil	Nil	Fuel surcharge waiver + monthly movie discounts
IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card	Nil	Nil	Welcome voucher + non-expiring reward points
IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card	Nil	Nil	10× rewards on eligible spends with low forex markup
IDFC FIRST Wow! Credit Card	Nil	Nil	FD-secured credit line + interest-free period
IDFC FIRST SWYP Credit Card	₹499	₹499	Travel booking coupons + Zomato dining discounts
IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card	₹199	₹199	Fuel savings + FASTag recharge discounts
IDFC FIRST EA₹N Credit Card	₹499	₹499	Movie ticket discounts + first-EMI cashback offer
Kotak League Platinum Credit Card	Nil	Nil	Free movie tickets + high reward points earning rate
IndianOil Kotak Credit Card	₹449	₹449	Reward points on fuel purchases + welcome points
Zet Credit Card	Nil	Nil	High FD interest returns + shopping discounts

Disclaimer: The abovementioned fees and charges are as per currently available data, confirm exact amounts and waivers from the card issuer before applying. Use cases are interpretive and intended to help salaried readers match card patterns to their spending habits.

What Makes a Credit Card Ideal for Salaried Individuals

A suitable credit card for salaried users usually balances affordability, day‑to‑day usability, and rewards that match salary‑backed spending patterns.

Low fees and charges

Low and transparent fees matter because many salaried employees prefer predictable costs. On Bajaj Markets, you can explore credit cards with different joining and annual fees. These range from zero‑fee or low‑fee products to premium cards with higher charges and richer benefits. An ideal card may keep fixed yearly costs reasonable while still offering enough rewards to justify its place in your wallet.

Rewards structure

Rewards and cashback structures also influence suitability. Reward cards allow users to accumulate points on everyday spends, redeemable for vouchers, discounts, or even air miles. Other cards may emphasise online shopping, travel, or supermarket spends as key rewards categories. So, salaried professionals who spend mainly on groceries, fuel, bills, or online purchases may prefer cards that give higher rewards in those specific categories.

Welcome offers

Welcome offers and milestone benefits can add extra value if they align with your normal expenses. For example, some cards might offer joining bonuses, vouchers, or accelerated points in the first few months. This may appeal to salaried users planning upcoming purchases.

Salary account linkage

Linkage with salary accounts or ease of autopay can be a convenience that many salaried credit cardholders want. Several issuers allow setting standing instructions from your salary account. This may help you pay on time and avoid interest or late fees, as long as you maintain enough balance every month.

How Salaried Income Affects Your Card Eligibility

Monthly income is a central factor in deciding which credit card for salaried employees you may qualify for, and what credit limit you might receive. Your income, along with credit score and employment stability, forms a key part of overall eligibility.

Entry-level income slabs

For basic or entry-level cards, many banks may start minimum income requirements from around ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per month, depending on issuer and specific card. Different banks list their own minimum salary slabs, and some cards may only require proof of regular income rather than a very high amount. Such cards can suit first‑time salaried users who mainly want to build credit history and enjoy simple rewards.

Mid-range and lifestyle cards

As income rises, access to lifestyle‑oriented products improves. Some popular lifestyle or travel cards require a higher annual income, often in the range of ₹4.5 Lakhs to ₹6 Lakhs per year or more. These products may come with higher credit limits, better lounge access, or richer category‑based rewards. This makes them more aligned with mid‑income salaried professionals who spend more on travel, dining, or premium services.

Premium cards

Premium cards are usually offered for those with a strong financial profile. Such cards often require higher monthly or annual income, along with a good credit score and stable employment history. Aspirational cards, where the minimum income is clearly higher, can suit senior salaried employees or those with significant monthly take‑home pay. For such users, issuers may offer higher credit limits, travel benefits, and curated lifestyle privileges.

Key Benefits Salaried Individuals Should Look for in a Credit Card

Salaried professionals may benefit by mapping card features to their regular expense pattern and financial goals rather than only chasing high reward rates.

Reward and benefits

Rewards programmes are often central to the best credit card for a salaried person. Many featured cards offer bonus points or higher earn rates on categories like online shopping, groceries, or fuel. On Bajaj Markets, you can also find reward structures for several cards and how to redeem points for vouchers, merchandise, or statement credit. This can help you estimate how much value your typical spending may generate.

Milestone benefits

Milestone benefits can reward consistent usage without forcing overspending. For example, some cards may offer annual fee waivers, bonus points, or vouchers once you cross certain annual spend levels. This structure may appeal to salaried users whose regular monthly expenses naturally add up. It lets them unlock benefits without changes in spending behaviour.

Fuel surcharge waivers

Fuel surcharge waivers are useful for those who drive or commute frequently. Many cards on Bajaj Markets offer partial or full fuel surcharge waivers at selected fuel stations, typically subject to transaction limits. Though the savings per transaction may appear small, they can gradually add up over a year for regular vehicle users.

Insurance covers

Insurance covers such as accidental death insurance, air accident cover, or purchase protection can offer an additional safety layer. However, not every credit card for a salaried person includes these, and the coverage amount may vary. So, salaried individuals should read benefits pages and terms carefully before depending on them for risk protection.

How to Apply for a Credit Card Online as a Salaried Professional

Applying for a credit card for salaried applicants through Bajaj Markets is largely digital and may be completed in a few steps:

Step 1: Select the ‘Check Card Offer’ option displayed at the top of this page
Step 2: Enter your mobile number, choose your employment type as salaried, and agree to the applicable terms and conditions to receive an OTP
Step 3: Authenticate your details by entering the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and proceed to the application form
Step 4: Review the auto-filled information like your PAN, full name, date of birth, and email address. Provide any additional details required, including your income particulars.
Step 5: Browse through the eligible credit card options available to you, select your preferred card, and submit the application after a final review
Step 6: Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation and may be contacted for verification or further instructions by Bajaj Markets or the issuing bank

Applying online offers a quick, secure, and paperless experience, eliminating the need for branch visits and enabling faster approvals.

Note: The application journey may differ slightly depending on the specific credit card or issuer.

Tips to Maximise Rewards and Minimise Fees

Using a credit card for salaried employees effectively involves both smart spending and disciplined repayments.

Align spends with reward categories

Focus your major monthly purchases on the card that gives better rewards on those categories, such as online shopping, groceries, or travel.

Pay full dues on time

Revolving balances may attract high finance charges; salaried users should aim to pay the total amount due by the due date to avoid extra interest.

Use milestone benefits wisely

If your card offers bonuses after a certain annual spend, plan big purchases to cross those thresholds only when affordable, instead of overspending solely for rewards.

Monitor fee–benefit balance

Review whether the yearly rewards, cashback, and offers from your card roughly match or exceed the annual fee. Consider an upgrade if the card no longer suits your salary and lifestyle.

Redeem rewards regularly

Note that some reward points may have expiry dates, so salaried cardholders should track balances and redeem them in time for vouchers, merchandise, or statement credit.

Limit multiple cards early on

Despite many attractive options, new salaried earners might want to start with one or two well-chosen cards. This reduces the risk of missed payments and complex management.

Common Mistakes Salaried Cardholders Should Avoid

Even the best credit card for salaried employees can feel expensive if misused or poorly monitored. Recognising common mistakes may help you avoid unnecessary stress and charges.

Spending beyond repayment capacity

Using the credit limit as extra spending money may lead to large outstanding balances that eat into future salaries through interest and EMIs.

Paying only the minimum due

Interest rates on unpaid balances can be high. Paying only the minimum amount due each month might keep the card active but can lead to heavy interest and a long repayment period.

Ignoring fees and charges

Some salaried cardholders focus only on rewards and overlook joining fees, annual fees, or late payment charges. Reading the fee schedule can prevent unpleasant surprises.

Missing due dates

Late payments may trigger penalties and can negatively impact your credit score, which is important for eligibility. Setting up autopay or reminders can help avoid this.

Applying for too many cards at once

Multiple applications in a short span may lead to several hard inquiries on your credit report and might reduce approval chances. It is usually better to shortlist wisely and apply selectively.

Not updating contact or job details

If you change jobs or contact numbers and do not update the bank, you might miss important credit card alerts, including payment reminders and statement information.

Disclaimer:

The information on this page, including any “Top” or “Best” lists, is based on data from our Partner institutions and objective parameters such as interest rates, loan amounts, tenure, and other factual criteria. These lists are not exhaustive and do not cover the entire market. We do not claim that featured products are universally the best or suitable for everyone. Details are accurate as of the date shown and may change without notice. Rankings are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice or personal recommendations. They should not be considered endorsements or guarantees of suitability. BM operates as a neutral marketplace and shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.

FAQs

Credit Card

Which credit cards are most suited for salaried professionals in India?

Salaried professionals can choose from several entry‑level or lifestyle cards listed online on financial platforms like Bajaj Markets. It depends on one’s income and lifestyle needs. The best credit card for a salaried person can vary based on whether they prioritise low fees, online shopping benefits, or travel and lifestyle perks.

What benefits should salaried individuals look for when choosing a credit card?

Salaried users usually benefit from cards that offer meaningful rewards on their main expense categories, reasonable fees, and clear milestone bonuses. Features like fuel surcharge waivers, basic insurance covers, and convenient online account management may also be useful over the long term.

Are there credit cards that offer welcome bonuses specifically for salaried applicants?

Many cards offer welcome benefits such as bonus points, vouchers, or introductory offers, which salaried applicants may access if they meet eligibility norms. These offers often require a first transaction or minimum spending in a defined period, so reading the terms is important before counting on them.

Can salaried individuals with moderate income get premium credit card benefits?

Moderate‑income salaried individuals may qualify for mid‑range cards that provide some premium‑style benefits. These can include lounge access, enhanced rewards, or lifestyle offers, provided they meet the issuer’s income and credit score criteria.

Do the best credit cards for salaried individuals in India have flexible eligibility criteria?

Eligibility criteria vary across issuers and card types. Many entry‑level and lifestyle cards are available to a broad set of salaried applicants with regular income and acceptable credit scores. Premium offerings generally have stricter conditions, including higher minimum salary and stronger credit history requirements.

What documents are typically required for salaried individuals to apply for a credit card?

Salaried applicants usually need identity proof (such as PAN or Aadhaar), address proof, and income proof like recent salary slips and Form 16. These documents help partner banks verify your profile, determine your credit limit, and assess whether a credit card for salaried use is suitable for you.

How can salaried professionals choose between cashback and travel benefits on a credit card?

Salaried professionals who spend more on daily essentials, fuel, or bills may find cashback or high‑reward online shopping cards more practical. Those who travel frequently for work or leisure might lean towards cards with lounge access, travel rewards, and airline‑linked benefits. It is key to check if one meets the minimum income criteria and fee levels.