Choosing the right first credit card is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. With the growing popularity of digital payments, banks in India offer dozens of credit cards—but not all of them are beginner-friendly. Some have high fees, some require a strong credit score, and some offer benefits that new users don’t really need.

This guide lists the Top 7 Best Credit Cards for Beginners in India (2025) that are easy to get approved for, come with low charges, and offer excellent everyday benefits like cashback, rewards, and bill payment offers.

1. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card

The Ace card is one of the best beginner options due to its simple flat cashback structure.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• 5% cashback on bill payments via Google Pay
• 4% cashback on food delivery (Swiggy, Zomato), Ola
• No hidden complications
• High approval chances

Annual Fee: ₹499 (easily waived)

If you spend monthly on food, travel, and bills, this card gives the highest real value.

2. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card

This is India’s most popular entry-level card, especially for online shoppers.

Best features:

• 10X reward points on Amazon, BookMyShow, Apollo24x7, Cleartrip
• Gift voucher benefits on yearly spending
• Easy approval even for new credit users

Annual Fee: ₹499

If you frequently shop online, this card gives excellent beginner-friendly rewards.

3. HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card

HDFC Bank cards have the widest acceptance and offer solid rewards for daily spending.

Why it’s ideal for beginners:

• 10X reward points on Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket
• Good EMI offers
• Simple redemption options
• Fast approval and low documentation

Annual Fee: ₹500

Perfect for managing monthly online shopping and household purchases.

4. AU Bank LIT Credit Card (Fully Customizable)

This card stands out because it allows you to “build your own benefits”.

Top features:

• You choose your own cashback or rewards pack
• No hidden charges
• Great for controlling benefits and spending
• Digital-first approval process

Annual Fee: Flexible

Ideal for beginners who want flexibility and digital-only convenience.

5. ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card (Lifetime Free)

This is the easiest card to get and has zero annual fees, making it perfect for first-time users.

Benefits:

• 5% cashback for Amazon Prime users
• 3% cashback for non-Prime users
• 2% cashback on partner merchants
• 1% flat cashback on everything else
• No fees, no complications

Annual Fee: Completely FREE

If you shop frequently on Amazon, this card is a no-brainer.

6. Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card (FD-Based)

If you’re new to credit or your CIBIL is low, this card is extremely easy to get because it’s based on a Fixed Deposit.

Why beginners love it:

• Approval guaranteed against FD
• Lifetime free
• Build credit score safely
• No risk of rejection
• Cashback on online shopping

Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)

This is one of the safest ways to get your first credit card while building credit.

7. IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card (Zero Joining Fee)

This card is highly popular because it charges zero annual fees and offers excellent benefits for an entry-level card.

Key features:

• 1.5%–3% rewards on everyday spending
• Low interest charges compared to other banks
• Free railway lounge access
• High approval rate
• Attractive fuel surcharge benefits

Annual Fee: ₹0

If you want a lifetime free card with wide acceptance, this is a great choice.

How to Choose the Right Beginner Credit Card

There is no “one perfect card” for everyone. The ideal card depends on your spending habits.

Choose a Cashback Card if:

• You pay bills regularly
• You shop online
• You want real savings instead of complex reward points

Choose a Rewards Card if:

• You travel often
• You buy groceries frequently
• You want long-term value from points

Choose a Secured FD-Based Card if:

• You’re new to credit
• Your CIBIL score is below 650
• You want guaranteed approval

Choose a Lifetime Free Card if:

• You want long-term savings
• You don’t want annual fee stress
• You’re just starting out with credit cards

Final Thoughts

Getting your first credit card is the first step toward building your financial identity. Choose wisely based on your lifestyle, spending, and repayment discipline.

A beginner credit card should ideally be:
✔ Low or zero annual fee
✔ Easy to get
✔ Good cashback or reward value
✔ Digital-first
✔ Simple to understand

With the right card and responsible usage, you can build a strong CIBIL score and unlock premium cards in the future.