
There is no doubt that credit cards are loaded with numerous benefits like rewards, cashback, lounge access, exclusive discount and more. Most of the cards that offer decent benefits come with a high joining fee and are offered to people who have a good credit score. However, some cards are designed for people who have just started their credit journey.
If you are looking for a card that offers good value at a reasonable fee, you can apply for an entry-level credit card. These cards are best suited for beginners who have just started their professional journey and would like to build a good credit score and avail benefits at the same time. The minimum income requirement on these cards usually ranges from 25,000 to 35,000 per month. Here we have listed the top credit cards for beginners in India offering varied benefits to the users.
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Best Entry Level Credit Cards in India December 2023
Credit Card | Annual Fee* | Card Category | Best Benefits on |
Axis Ace Credit Card | Rs. 499 | Cashback | Google Pay, Swiggy, Zomato, Grofers (now Blinkit), BigBasket and Ola |
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card | Rs. 499 | Shopping | Amazon, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Lenskart and Netmeds |
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card | Rs. 500 | Cashback | Flipkart, Myntra, MMT, Goibobo, Uber and PVR |
HSBC Cashback Credit Card | Rs. 750 | Cashback | Amazon, BookMyShow, Tata Cliq |
Cashback SBI Card | Rs. 999 | Cashback | Not specific |
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card | Nil | Cashback | Amazon and its partner merchants |
HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card | Rs. 500 | Reward Points | Not specific |
YES Prosperity Rewards Plus | Rs. 499 | Reward Points | Not specific |
Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card | Rs. 250 | Cashback | Amazon |
RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card | Rs. 600 | Cashback | BookmyShow, Swiggy |
*GST Extra.
Axis Ace Credit Card: Great Value Back on All Spends; Low on Travel Benefits
Annual Fee: Rs. 499
Minimum Income: Communicated at the time of application
Axis Ace is one of the best entry-level credit cards in the market offering the highest cashback rate of 2% on all* transactions. Its 5% uncapped cashback on all utility bill payments on Google Pay is also a generous offer. So, if you pay electricity bill of Rs. 5,000, you get a cashback of Rs. 250. Most of us pay huge amounts in utility bills and getting such a generous cashback on these essential payments is truly a good deal. The two main reasons why it is on top of our list is its generous rate and a simple cashback model. Comparing with other cashback cards like HDFC Millennia and HSBC Cashback, the earnings are much higher with Axis Ace Credit Card.
Key Features of Axis Ace Credit Card:
- 5% cashback on utility bill payments like electricity, gas and internet on Google Pay
- 4% cashback on Zomato, Swiggy and Ola
- 2% cashback on all other spends
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits in a year
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 4,000 (max. 500 waiver in a month)
*Fuel transactions, e-wallet loading, EMI transactions and cash advances are not eligible for the cashback benefit.
Should you get this card?
You must consider Axis Ace, especially if you are looking for good value back across all your spends instead of focusing on a particular category like travel, shopping or fuel. Moreover, the card has a simple cashback system and the amount is automatically credited to your card account in each billing cycle. A lot of people look for simple benefits like these instead of a reward earning and redemption model and this is an additional advantage with Axis Ace Card. |
Check Eligibility For Similar Credit Cards|Read More about Axis Ace Credit Card
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card: Good for Online Shoppers; Extra Rewards with Partner Websites
Annual Fee: Rs. 499
Minimum Income: 20,000 p.m.
The rewards programme of SBI SimplyCLICK is designed around online purchases with extra benefits on shopping with their exclusive partner brands. Though its basic reward rate of 1% stands lower than the MoneyBack card, 5% rewards across all online shopping is clearly a better deal to count it as one of the best shopping credit cards in India. With exclusive partners including Amazon / BookMyShow / Cleartrip / Lenskart / Netmeds, you will get 10% rewards.
Key Features of SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card:
- Amazon gift card worth Rs. 500 as joining benefits
- E-voucher worth Rs. 2,000 each on reaching annual spends of Rs. 1 Lakh and Rs. 2 Lakh
- 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent on the card
- Accelerate your rewards 5-times when shopping online
- 10-times more rewards when shopping online with partners like BookMyShow, Amazon, UrbanClap and Lenskart
Should you get this card?
SBI SimplyCLICK is one of the best credit cards for beginners, especially if you are a frequent online shopper. You get generous rewards of 5% on all online spends which is provided with very few credit cards. The annual fee of this card is only Rs. 499 but the waiver condition is at 1 Lakh per annum. For this fee range, this spending milestone is high. You can also consider SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card if your focus is on earning extra rewards mainly on offline expenses. |
Apply for this Credit Card | Read more about SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card: Good Cashback on Shopping & Travel (Only at Flipkart and its Partner Merchants)
Annual Fee: Rs. 500
Minimum Income: Communicated at the time of application
One of the key highlights of this Axis Bank credit card is its cashback rate of 1.5%, which happens to be the second-highest in the market. This means that even on an offline purchase of Rs. 3,000, you will get Rs. 45 as cashback.
Moreover, the card substantially rewards you for your shopping and travel expenses offering 5% cashback on Flipkart and 4% cashback on preferred merchants (Cure.fit, Swiggy, PVR and Uber). Though limited to certain platforms, this is a substantial cashback rate for an entry-level card, not common among cards in this fee range. Also, since Flipkart does not have a wallet system like Amazon, the cashback is directly credited to your card account, making the cashback model simpler.
Key Features of Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card:
- Welcome benefit worth Rs. 1,100 in the form of coupons
- 5% cashback on Flipkart
- 4% cashback on preferred merchants (Cure.fit, Swiggy, PVR and Uber)
- 1.5% unlimited cashback on Myntra and flight & hotel payments on Flipkart
- 1.5% cashback across all other categories
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits in a year
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 4,000 (Max. Rs. 400 waiver in a month)
Should you get this card?
Flipkart Axis Bank Card will be the best choice for someone who shops a lot on Flipkart and other partner merchants. Unlike Axis Ace card that offers no additional benefits on travel, the Flipkart card takes care of your travel needs as well. In addition to this, the 1.5% cashback across all other spends is a really good deal if you can make the most of the other benefits on this card. However, if you are not sure whether you would be able to avail the benefits on Flipkart, Swiggy, Myntra, etc., Axis Ace card could be a better choice for you owing to its higher default cashback rate. |
Apply for this Credit Card | Read more about Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
HSBC Cashback Credit Card: Cashback on all transactions; Zero joining fee
Annual Fee: Rs. 750
Minimum Income: Rs 4,00,000 annually
HSBC Cashback Credit Card is one of the best entry level credit cards that offer decent cashback on your transactions. The card enables contactless payments and cashback on all payments, at a Nil joining fee. Besides basic benefits, the additional offers on brands like Amazon, Myntra, BookMyShow and more, makes this card a great option to shop and save.
Key Features of HSBC Cashback Credit Card:
- Welcome benefits: Amazon voucher worth Rs. 500; 3 airport lounge access at domestic and international lounges or 3 meal-vouchers to be used at airport restaurants in India; 50% discount (up to Rs. 100) on the first Google Pay transaction if you make a single transaction of a minimum of Rs. 1,000 within 30 days of issuance of the card
- 1.5% cashback on all online spends, excluding online transfer to wallets and 1% on all other spends
- 5% discount when you spend Rs. 1,000 or above on Amazon, subject to a maximum discount of Rs. 250 per card per month
- Up to 15% discount on select products at Tata Cliq
- Book one and get one free ticket at BookMyShow on Saturdays (ticket price up to Rs. 250)
Should you get this card? HSBC Cashback Credit Card is a good option to earn unlimited cashback on all transactions. Further, even the annual fee of Rs. 750 (chargeable from the second year currently) is reversed if the total annual spend exceeds Rs 1,00,000. The card offers exclusive offers on Amazon, thereby, if you make frequent purchases on Amazon, then, this card is undoubtedly a good option for you. |
Check Eligibility for Similar Credit Cards | Read more about HSBC Cashback Credit Card
Cashback SBI Card: Good cashback across all online spends
Annual Fee: Rs. 999
Minimum Income: Communicated at the time of sourcing
Cashback SBI Card is another credit card to opt for if you are looking for great cashback options on your credit card transactions. The card does not require higher-income eligibility yet provides good cashback features such as 5% cashback on online spends. Apart from that, you can earn 1% cashback on other expenses. The cashback earned on this card is auto-credited to your SBI Card account.
Key Features of Cashback SBI Card:
- 5% cashback on all online spends
- 1% flat cashback on all offline transactions
- 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits in a year, capped at 1 visit per quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps in India on transactions between Rs. 500 to Rs. 3,000
- Annual fee reversal on spending Rs. 2 lakh in a year
Should you get this card? Cashback SBI Card is a good option if you have a low income, but want to save more with a credit card. It is a perfect combination of cashback and online shopping credit cards. The good thing is that there are no merchant restrictions. The cashback rate offered on this credit card is the highest among other cashback credit cards. This can be a great addition to your wallet if you frequently shop online and are looking for an option to save on your online transactions. |
Check Eligibility for Similar Cards | Read more about Cashback SBI Card
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Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card: Good for Amazon Loyalists, Low Default Cashback Rate
Annual Fee: Nil
Minimum Income for ICICI Bank Customers: 25,000 p.m.
Minimum Income for Others: 35,000 p.m.
Amazon Pay ICICI card was among the first cards launched with a major e-commerce brand. Though the card’s universal cashback rate is comparatively low at just 1%, it still offers good value back for Amazon Loyalists, especially PRIME Customers. Since Amazon Pay has 100+ merchants listed on it, the 2% cashback is also quite a decent deal. However, the cashback is not credited to your Amazon Pay Balance and not to your card account restricting the usage only through the platform.
Key Features of Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card:
- 5% cashback on Amazon purchases for PRIME customers
- 3% cashback on Amazon purchases for Non-PRIME customers
- 2% cashback on 100+ partner merchants when using Amazon Pay as payment method and using this card
- 1% cashback on all other expenses
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations
Should you get this card?
You should consider getting Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card if you make frequent purchases on Amazon whether they are big purchases or regular essentials, as such transactions are generously rewarded. And it is a good idea to take PRIME membership if you don’t already have one, as PRIME members get 2% higher cashback on Amazon purchases. Even if you do not make payments like utility or phone bills via Amazon Pay Balance, you should start doing so when you get this card in order to make the most of its features. |
Apply for Similar Credit Cards |Read more about Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card: High Reward Points
Annual Fee: Rs. 500
Minimum Income: Rs. 25,000 per month for salaried
Rs. 6 lakh per annum for self-employed
HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card is a go-to card if you are keen on saving more with rewards. The card comes with a benefit of 500 cash points, as a welcome benefit. The Card prompts easy contactless payments, secure and convenient payments for outlets. Further, you get extra reward points for making online purchases.
Key Features of HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card:
- 2 reward points on every Rs. 150 spent and
- 4 reward points on every Rs. 150 spent online
- Gift voucher worth Rs. 500 on spending Rs. 50,000 and above in each quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India
- First year membership fee is waived off on spending Rs. 20,000 and above in the first 90 days
Note: The reward points on HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card are valid for redemption for two years from the date of accumulation. (1 reward point= Re. 0.20)
Should you get this card?
HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for beginners that offers good reward points on your online transactions. The card comes with a low annual fee and is easily accessible for you if you have started earning recently. You can save more, without spending much on the card in terms of joining fees and annual fees. |
Apply for this Credit Card | Read more about HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card
YES Prosperity Rewards Plus: High Reward Rate; Good for Groceries
Annual Fee: Rs. 499
Minimum Income: Rs. 25,000 p.m.
When it comes to reward points, this YES Bank credit card is a great option for those earning Rs. 25,000 or more in a month. The card offers extra rewards on groceries and supermarket spends which are among the most common spends for a larger segment. All other categories get 4 points for every Rs. 200 spent which is also quite generous for this fee range. Though reward points can be converted into Air Miles, the conversion ratio stands too low at 8:1.
Key Highlights of YES Prosperity Rewards Plus Card:
- 6 reward points per Rs. 200 on groceries and supermarket spends
- 4 reward points per Rs. 200 on all other spends
- Redeem rewards against items from rewards catalogue and Air Miles (Intermiles or Club Vistara)
- 12,000 bonus reward points on spending Rs. 3.6 Lakh in a year
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all fuel stations
Should you get this card?
The card is best suited for people who want to get a low-fee high-rewards card. The base rate is better than most cards that are offered at a similar annual fee. Also, if you wish to get value back for your indispensable expenses like groceries and supermarket spends, this card will help you save big. However, if rewards are not your thing and you would prefer getting direct cashback, you should probably look for cashback credit cards like Axis Bank Ace or Amazon Pay ICICI Card. |
Check Eligibility for Similar Credit Cards | Read more about YES Prosperity Rewards Plus
Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards: High Reward Rate on fuel and dining
Annual Fee: Rs. 250
Minimum Income: Not specific but stable source of income
Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card has a good reward rate across dining and fuel spends. The card comes with a welcome benefit worth Rs. 500 as you get an Amazon Pay gift card worth this price. You can make contactless and secure payments with 3D secure OTP verification. You can also extend the benefits of this card to your family members by getting lifetime free supplementary credit cards.
Key Highlights of Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Card:
- 5 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on hotels, restaurants and fuel
- 1 reward point, for every Rs.150 spent on all other categories
- When you spend Rs. 60,000 or above in a year, the annual fee is waived off
- Within the first 90 days, get 100% cashback up to Rs. 500 on restaurants
Should you get this card?
Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card is a good card to earn rewards on dining and fuel. Further, there is no annual cap on the number of rewards earned. In comparison to various rewards-specific cards, the reward rate is good when it comes to fuel and dining. However, the card offers a low reward rate on other categories in comparison to other leading credit cards. |
Check Eligibility for Similar Credit Cards | Read more about Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards
RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card: Cashback on multiple categories
Annual Fee: Rs. 600
Minimum Income: Specified by the bank at the time of application
RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card is a good credit card to earn rewards, cashback and get offers on groceries and bill payments. The card offers various milestone benefits as monthly treats to help you save more as you spend more.
Key Highlights of RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card:
- 1 reward point on spending Rs. 100 on offline purchases other than fuel
- 2 reward points on spending Rs. 100 on online purchases
- Monthly fee waiver on spending Rs. 3,000 each month, along with 10% cashback
- On spending additional Rs. 2,000 in a month, 10% cashback on BookMyShow, Swiggy & Utility bill payments
- Fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India for transactions ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 4,000
Should you get this card?
RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card is a good cashback credit card that helps you save more across multiple categories. It can be a go-to card if you are a beginner looking for a decent credit card experience at a low annual fee. Though the cashback is good, yet it can be earned only when you spend a minimum of Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 5,000. Thus, if you spend low, you may not necessarily get to avail the cashback benefits on this card. |
Check Eligibility for Similar Credit Cards | Read more about RBL Monthly Treats Credit Card