Best Entry-Level Credit Cards in India: 2023

Best Credit Cards in India: Entry-Level

This list is tailored for individuals who are new to credit cards and prefer a straightforward, entry-level option. Entry-level credit cards are ideal for those with annual expenditures below Rs 2 lakhs. Cards in this category typically:

Offer a higher likelihood of approval, making them accessible to a broader range of applicants.
Feature minimal or zero annual fees, ensuring cost-effective ownership.
Set lower income thresholds for eligibility, making them attainable for individuals with more modest incomes.
Provide straightforward rewards such as cashback, statement credits, or vouchers, simplifying the benefits for cardholders.

SBI Card Cashback

Best Credit Cards in India: SBI Cashback offers a cashback of 5% on online shopping

Our list includes the most recent addition to the market, and it’s gaining attention for its impressive features. Offering a generous 5% cashback on all online merchant transactions, this card is a top choice for cashback enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that the SBI Cashback card may not qualify for the enticing 10% instant discount offers available on e-commerce websites, which is a potential downside for some shoppers.

Joining Fee: Rs 999+GST
Annual Fee: Rs 999+GST
Cashback: 1% to 5%
Annual Fee Waiver: Rs 2 Lakhs spend in a membership year
Notable Features: 5% cashback on online merchant spends

Axis Bank Ace

Best Credit Cards in India: Axis Ace offers 2% cashback on offline spends

The Ace card offers an attractive 2% to 5% unlimited cashback on transactions, making it a rewarding choice for users. However, there’s a noteworthy caveat to consider: Google Pay bill payments made using this card are currently unavailable on iOS devices. Consequently, iOS users miss out on the opportunity to earn a 5% cashback rate. It’s important to keep in mind that this card is currently available on an invite-only basis from Google Pay.

Joining & Annual Fee: Rs 499+GST
Cashback: 2% to 5%
Annual Fee Waiver: Rs 2 Lakhs spend in a membership year
Notable Features: 2% on offline transactions , 5% cashback up to Rs 500 per month on utility bills for Android users

Amex Membership Rewards Credit Card

This entry-level credit card offers rewards that can rival those of premium cards. Cardholders can earn 1000 bonus MR points by making four transactions of Rs 1500 each and spending Rs 20,000 or more every month. When utilizing the Gold Collection redemption option, the reward rate falls in the range of an impressive 5% to 8%.

Annual Fee: Rs 1500+GST with referral
Rewards: 1% to 8%
Rewards Redemption: Gold Collection, Transfer to Marriott Bonvoy or Airline partners
Annual Fee Waiver: Rs 1.5 Lakhs spend in a membership year

HDFC Bank Millennia

The HDFC Bank Millennia credit card stands out as an exceptionally attractive cashback option. It boasts a generous 5% cashback rate for transactions made at Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra, making it particularly enticing for online shoppers. On top of that, cardholders can enjoy a consistent 1% cashback on all other expenditures, including payments made through digital wallets. What adds to its appeal is the eligibility for Smartbuy cashback benefits, which present the opportunity to earn up to Rs 1000 in cashback per month, making it a compelling choice for savvy spenders.