Have a Low Credit Score? Credit Cards For Beginners You May Consider in 2026

Summary: 

• The credit cards for beginners in India are easy to qualify for and are “lifetime free” or carry low annual fees. 

• If you have no credit history or have a low credit score, a secured credit card may be preferred.  

• It is issued against a fixed deposit, which acts as collateral. 

• Students and low earners can apply for “entry-level cards”, which come with relaxed eligibility. 

• By paying bills on time, you can build your credit score and qualify for premium cards later. 

Never had a credit card before? 

For beginners in India, the “right” credit cards are those that: 

• Are “easy to qualify” for 

• Have low or no annual fees 

• Offer rewards, such as cashback or shopping discounts 

Besides offering you a credit-free period of 30 to 45 days, they also allow you to build your credit score and make you eligible for premium credit cards in the future. 

Okay, but what are some good options? 

Read this article to learn about the credit cards for beginners in India available on the airpay money app. 

A) Low Annual Fee Credit Cards in India 2026 

When you are new to credit cards, you may begin with a “lifetime free card” or one with minimal annual charges. It limits financial commitment, and even if you do not use the card frequently, you are not burdened with a high yearly charge.  

Below are some entry-level credit cards with low credit score requirements: 

*You can apply for these credit cards directly on the airpay money platform. 

B) Cashback Credit Cards 

Cashback credit cards reduce your monthly expenses by returning a part of what you spend. Instead of reward points, you receive “direct cashback”, which is usually adjusted in your credit card statement.  

These cards are suitable for beginners who want direct rewards without complex point systems and are looking for less stringent eligibility conditions. Under this segment, below are some credit cards for low-income individuals: 

*You can apply for these credit cards directly on the airpay money platform. 

C) Travel + Lounge Benefits Credit Cards

Travel credit cards may suit people who travel frequently for work or leisure. These cards provide perks such as: 

• Airport/ Railways lounge access 

• Travel reward points 

• Air miles 

• Discounts on flight or hotel bookings 

Additionally, some cards may also offer benefits like travel insurance, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowance. Let’s have a look at some credit cards for beginners in India under this segment: 

*You can apply for these credit cards directly on the airpay money platform.

Conclusion 

So now you know about some of the credit cards for beginners in India under different categories. Since you are just starting, you may look for a credit card with minimal annual charges and less strict eligibility conditions. 

Want to apply for them online? 

You may visit airpay money. We are a 360-degree financial wellness platform trusted by 1,00,000+ users. On our platform, you can compare multiple credit card options offered by leading institutions, like HDFC Bank and novio. Also, you can apply + complete the application process online.