Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India 2025 | Top Low-Fee Starter Cards
Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India 2025
Choosing your first credit card doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are the best starter-friendly credit cards in India for 2025 — low fees, easy approval, and useful benefits.
What is a Beginner Credit Card?
A beginner credit card is designed for first-time card users: students, freshers, or anyone with limited credit history. These cards usually offer easy approval, low or zero annual fees, and basic rewards so you can build credit history safely.
Top Beginner-Friendly Credit Cards (2025)
1. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
Best for: Online shopping & rewards
Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived on ₹1 lakh annual spend)
- 10X rewards on partner sites (Amazon, BookMyShow, etc.)
- ₹500 e-voucher welcome benefit
2. ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
Best for: Amazon shoppers
Annual Fee: Zero
- 5% back for Prime, 3% for others (on Amazon)
- Cashback into Amazon Pay wallet
3. HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
Best for: Cashback & UPI rewards
Annual Fee: ₹500
- 10X points on UPI spend via RuPay
- Useful for daily purchases
4. Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card
Best for: Entertainment & lifestyle
Annual Fee: ₹500
- Buy 1 Get 1 movie tickets (BookMyShow)
- Discounts on dining & shopping
Comparison Table
| Card | Annual Fee | Best Feature | Who should choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI SimplyCLICK | ₹499 | 10X rewards online | Online shoppers |
| ICICI Amazon Pay | ₹0 | Amazon cashback | Beginners wanting free card |
| HDFC MoneyBack+ | ₹500 | 10X points on UPI | Daily spenders |
| Axis My Zone | ₹500 | Entertainment offers | Movie lovers & youth |
Eligibility & Documents
Eligibility: Age 18+, stable income or student-specific programs. Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, bank statements or salary slips.
How to Avoid Credit Card Debt (For Beginners)
- Pay the full outstanding amount every month.
- Keep utilization under 30% of your limit.
- Never use the card for cash withdrawals unless absolutely necessary.
- Track spending with bank app alerts and SMS.
FAQ
Q: Can a student get a credit card?
A: Yes — via student cards or add-on cards under a parent’s account.
Q: Is paying an annual fee worth it?
A: Only if card benefits/discounts exceed the fee.
Final Recommendation
If you want a completely free starter card → choose ICICI Amazon Pay. If you shop a lot online → go for SBI SimplyCLICK. Choose based on your spending style.
