Best Credit Cards for Beginners

68 cards in this category

Getting your first credit card? Look for cards with low or zero annual fees, simple reward structures and easy eligibility requirements. These beginner-friendly cards help you build a credit history while earning basic rewards on everyday spending.

2026 Comparison Matrix

Top Ranked Best Credit Cards for Beginners

Verified Bank MITC Terms
Side-by-side comparisonSwipe right for full table
Rank & Credit CardCardCheck ScoreAnnual FeeTop Category PerkQuick Action
HSBC Premier Credit Card
#1 HSBC Bank#1 Leader
HSBC Premier
91/100
Elite
FreeStandard fee
Up to 5% rewards on top categories
IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
#2 IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Wealth
91/100
Elite
FreeStandard fee
Up to 5% rewards on top categories
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card
#3 IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Select
88/100
Excellent
FreeStandard fee
Up to 5% rewards on top categories
AU LIT Credit Card
#4 AU Small Finance Bank
AU LIT
87/100
Excellent
FreeStandard fee
Up to 10% rewards on top categories
84/100
Excellent
FreeStandard fee
Up to 3.5% rewards on top categories

68 cards found

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Frequently asked questions

How can a beginner get their first credit card?
If you have no credit history (CIBIL score), you can apply for a secured credit card backed by a Fixed Deposit (FD) from banks like IDFC FIRST or OneCard.
Does a first credit card help build a CIBIL score?
Yes. Making timely payments on your first credit card is the fastest way to build a healthy credit score from scratch.
What is a good starter credit card in India?
The Amazon Pay ICICI Card or HDFC MoneyBack+ are highly recommended starter cards due to easy eligibility and simple reward structures.