- Home
- Credit Card
- Best Entry Level Credit Cards In India For Beginners
Best Entry-Level Credit Cards in India : Know The Key Highlights
If you’re just starting out and got your first job, first salary, or even your first proper income stream, getting an entry-level credit card is usually the easiest way to enter the credit system. Most of the best entry-level credit cards come with low fees, straightforward eligibility, and practical benefits like cash back, rewards, or discounts. A good credit card at this stage is about building a track record. Use it right, and it will improve your credit score over time. That matters later when you apply for loans or upgrade to premium cards.
- Personalized solutions
- Expert guidance
- Application assistance
- Credit score discussion
- Interest rate comparison
Written By
Reviewed By
Last Updated: 29 March 2026
What is an Entry-Level Credit Card?
An entry-level card is meant for people with limited or no credit history. These cards are easier to get because:
- Income requirements are lower
- Documentation is minimal
- Approval is quicker in most cases
Borrowers need a monthly income of ₹25,000 to ₹35,000. Some cards may go slightly lower or higher depending on the bank.
Which are the Best Entry-Level Credit Cards in India?
Here are some good entry-level credit cards that cover different spending habits:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Reward Type |
|---|---|---|
| Axis Ace Credit Card | ₹499 (waived on ₹2L spend) | Cashback |
| HSBC Cashback Credit Card | ₹750 (waived on ₹1L spend) | Cashback |
| SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card | ₹499 (waived on ₹1L spend) | Online rewards |
| HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card | ₹500 (waived on ₹50K spend) | Reward points |
| Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card | Nil | Cashback |
Axis Ace Credit Card
A straightforward cashback card. Works well if most of your spending is online.
- 5% cashback on bill payments via Google Pay
- 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, Ola
- 2% cashback on other spends
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 4 domestic lounge visits per year
Best for: Everyday cashback
HSBC Cashback Credit Card
Simple structure. No complicated categories.
- 1%–1.5% cashback on most spends
- Welcome vouchers and partner offers
- Dining discounts and fuel surcharge waiver
- Annual fee reversal on ₹1 lakh spend
Best for: Flat cashback across categories
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
Built mainly for online shoppers.
- 10X reward points on partner brands like Amazon, Myntra
- 5X rewards on other online spends
- Welcome Amazon voucher
- Fuel surcharge waiver
Best for: E-commerce users
HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card
One of the more common HDFC entry-level credit card options.
- 2 reward points per ₹150 spent
- Higher rewards for online spending
- Quarterly spend-based vouchers
- Easy redemption as cashback
Best for: Balanced spending
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
If you shop on Amazon regularly, this one stands out.
- 5% cashback for Prime users
- 3% for non-Prime users
- 2% on Amazon Pay partners
- 1% on all other spends
It’s also one of the most popular Lifetime Free Credit Cards.
Best for: Amazon users
What are the eligibility requirements for Entry-Level Credit Cards?
Most banks look for basic things:
- Age: 18 years and above
- Stable income (₹25K–₹35K/month range)
- Indian resident status
- A decent credit profile (700+ is usually safe)
How to Improve Your Approval Chances for Entry-Level Credit Cards?
If you’re on the borderline, small tweaks help.
- Pay on time: Even one missed payment hurts
- Start small: Don’t aim for premium cards early
- Keep usage low: Try to stay under 30% of your limit
- Avoid multiple applications: Too many checks reduce your score
What are the Benefits of Using Entry-Level Credit Cards?
Here are the benefits of having an entry-level credit card:
- Build credit history: This is the main reason to start
- Earn rewards: Cashback, points, or discounts on everyday spends
- Better tracking: Every expense is recorded
- Security: Safer than carrying cash
Some cards also overlap with categories like Best Cashback Credit Cards or even niche ones like Best Movies Credit Cards, depending on your usage.
How to Apply for an Entry-Level Credit Card?
Borrowers can apply for an entry-level credit card through the Urban Money website:
- Visit the official Urban Money website
- Select “Credit Card” from the main menu.
- Browse and compare different entry-level credit card options
- Click Apply Now against the selected option.
- Enter basic details such as name, email and mobile number
- Verify identity using the OTP sent to the registered number
- An Urban Money specialist will contact you to guide the process.
Once approved, you will receive card dispatch updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a credit card after my first salary?
Yes, many banks offer entry-level credit cards for first-time earners with stable income.
What is a Level 1 credit card?
Level 1 credit cards refer to beginner cards with lower limits and basic features.
Which bank credit card is easy to get?
Banks like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI offer relatively easy approval for entry-level cards if your income is stable.
What kind of credit card should you start with?
Start with a simple cashback or rewards card. Keep it easy to manage.
Can an entry-level credit card be upgraded later?
Yes, if used well, banks start offering upgrades. These upgrades offer higher limits, better rewards and sometimes even pre-approved.
