Entry-level credit cards with low annual fees from leading banks; know key features, cashback and more

Entry-level credit cards: Credit cards can help build your credit score, especially if you haven't taken out any loans before. If you're new to the world of credit or looking to build your credit score, entry-level credit cards can be your good choice. These cards offer a gateway into the world of credit while providing valuable perks like cashback and reward points, all at a low annual fee.

Entry-level credit cards are designed for beginners aiming to improve their credit while enjoying some rewards. These cards typically have low annual fees and offer basic perks like cashback or reward points. Many also provide extra benefits for specific categories or brands, so it's important to consider your spending habits when choosing. Entry-level cards can serve as a starting point for eventually upgrading to cards with more tailored benefits, such as air miles or premium cards, ET quoted Rohit Chhibbar, Head of Credit Cards Business at Paisabazaar as saying.

Here are some of the top options available as listed by Paisabazaar:
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit CardAnnual Fee: Nil
Category: Lifetime Free

Key Features:

• 5% cashback on Amazon spends for Prime members
• 3% cashback on Amazon spends for non-Prime members
• 2% cashback on Amazon Pay spends at partner merchants
• 1% cashback on other spends, accrued as Amazon Pay balance
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps in India

ALSO READ | Have a home loan? Know the latest RBI rules to understand how you can save on interest costs in rising rate scenario
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit CardAnnual Fee: Rs. 499
Category: Rewards

Key Features:

• Amazon voucher worth Rs. 500 on joining fee payment
• 10X reward points on select online partners
• 5X reward points on all other online spends
• Annual fee waiver on reaching specified spending milestones
• Fuel surcharge waiver on eligible fuel spends

Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit CardAnnual Fee: Rs. 350
Category: Travel

Key Features:

• Discounts on EaseMyTrip hotel and flight bookings
• Rewards on airline and hotel spends
• Annual fee waiver on reaching specified spending threshold
• Complimentary domestic airport lounge visits

Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit CardAnnual Fee: Rs. 500
Category: Dining

Key Features:

• Swiggy One membership on card activation
• Cashback on Swiggy food orders and online spends
• Cashback redeemable as Swiggy Money
• Annual fee waiver on reaching specified spending threshold

ALSO READ | Looking to buy a car? Find your ideal car loan with the 20/10/4 rule
IndianOil Axis Bank Credit CardAnnual Fee: Rs. 500
Category: Fuel

Key Features:

• Cashback on fuel spends and online purchases
• Rewards on specific categories
• Annual fee waiver on reaching specified spending threshold
• Discounts on movie tickets and dining

Airtel Axis Bank Credit CardAnnual Fee: Rs. 500
Category: Utilities

Key Features:

• Cashback on bill payments and utility spends
• Discounts on dining and select merchants
• Complimentary lounge visits
• Fuel surcharge waiver on eligible fuel spends

Axis ACE Credit CardAnnual Fee: Rs. 499
Category: Cashback

Key Features:

• Cashback on utility bill payments and popular services
• Unlimited cashback on all other spends
• Complimentary domestic airport lounge visits
• Fuel surcharge waiver on eligible fuel spends