Your first credit card is less about rewards and more about building a good credit history. Pick one that is free or cheap to keep, easy to get approved for, and simple to use. The rewards can come later, with your second card.
Here is how to choose, step by step.
Step 1: Check if you can get one
Banks look at three things:
- Age. Usually 18 or 21 and above, depending on the bank.
- Income. Many entry cards ask for a monthly income of ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. For example, SBI SimplyCLICK and Flipkart Axis Bank ask for ₹15,000 a month, and SBI Cashback ₹20,000.
- Credit score. If you have never borrowed, you may have no score at all. That is normal for a first card.
No income proof or no credit history? Ask your bank for a secured credit card, which is given against a fixed deposit. It works like a normal card and builds your score.
Step 2: Prefer a card with no yearly fee
A lifetime free card costs nothing to keep, even in a month you do not use it. That takes the pressure off while you learn. On SkyloFin, Federal Scapia and Kiwi have no joining or annual fee. See every lifetime free card.
If you pick a card with a fee, choose one that waives it when you spend a set amount in a year, and make sure you will actually reach that amount.
Step 3: Match the card to how you spend
| If most of your spending is… | Look for |
|---|---|
| Online shopping | A cashback card with extra cashback on the sites you use |
| Groceries, bills and everyday things | A flat cashback card, same rate everywhere |
| Travel, even a few trips a year | A card with low forex markup, and lounge access if you fly often |
| A bit of everything | A simple card with one rate on everything, so you do not have to think |
Try the rewards calculator with your own monthly spending to see what a card would really give back.
Step 4: Read the three numbers that matter
- Annual fee and waiver. What you pay each year, and how much spending cancels it. Fees usually have 18% GST on top.
- Interest rate. Around 3.5% to 3.75% a month on many cards, which is over 40% a year. It only applies if you do not pay the full bill.
- Reward rate and its limits. “5% cashback” often has a monthly cap. Check the cap and what earns nothing (rent, wallet loads and fuel are common exclusions).
Step 5: Use it the right way from day one
- Pay the full amount by the due date, every month. Paying only the minimum is how people fall into debt.
- Try to use less than about a third of your limit. Using most of it can pull your score down.
- Turn on bill reminders and autopay for at least the minimum, as a safety net.
- Apply for one card at a time. Many applications in a short time can lower your score.
After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments you will usually have a good score, and better cards open up.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a credit card with no credit history?
Yes. Many entry cards are open to first-time users, and a secured card against a fixed deposit is almost always approved.
Is a lifetime free card worse than a paid card?
Not for a first card. Paid cards give more rewards, but only if you spend enough. A free card lets you build your score without any cost.
How many cards should I start with?
One. Get used to paying on time, then add a second card after a few months if it clearly suits your spending.
This is general information to help you compare, not financial advice. Fees and features change, so check the bank’s own terms before you apply. Card figures are from SkyloFin’s card pages; card data sourced via CardAdvisor.in.
Updated 3 Oct 2026.
