Which credit card should I get as a first-time user?
Keerthy Parihar
Asked 9 Mar 2026
I have never owned a credit card before. Salary is ₹1,00,000/month. Which is the safest entry-level credit card to start building my CIBIL score?
6 Answers
The 'minimum due' trap is real. Banks love it because they charge ~36-42% interest on the carried-forward amount. If you can't pay the full bill this month, pay at least 50% — anything below that and the interest eats the rewards of the next 6 months.
Tip from someone who made this mistake: never max out the credit limit in the first 6 months. Banks track utilisation, and high utilisation right after approval often triggers a credit limit decrease or even an account review.
I closed my HDFC card last year. The process took exactly 7 days. They sent a confirmation email and a closure letter by speed post. Tip: pay off the full outstanding and request closure only AFTER the payment reflects. Calling repeatedly with a zero balance is the fastest path.
I have had a hard time getting this card approved twice. The third time I applied after a 10% salary hike and got instant approval. Banks re-check eligibility every time. If you got rejected, improve your income proof / CIBIL and reapply after 6 months.
I've held this card for 3 years. Quick reality check: the welcome benefit is good, the first-year fee waiver is easy, but from year 2 onwards you really have to work for the milestone benefits. Don't keep it if your monthly spend drops below the milestone threshold.
I have had a hard time getting this card approved twice. The third time I applied after a 10% salary hike and got instant approval. Banks re-check eligibility every time. If you got rejected, improve your income proof / CIBIL and reapply after 6 months.
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