10 March, 2026 | 15:37 IST
If you are a salaried professional earning under Rs 25,000 a month, you might think credit cards are out of reach. That is far from true. These days, banks and financial companies are offering plenty of smart, low-maintenance credit cards designed for people just like you. From shopping online, binge-watching OTT shows, or just looking to build a solid credit score, there is a card out there with your name on it. The best part is that many of them come with real perks and don’t need a sky-high salary to get started.
Credit cards for salaried individuals: Eligibility
Most banks require Rs 15,000-25,000 monthly income for entry-level credit cards. Some accept as low as Rs 12,000 monthly on secured/cobranded products.
Applicants must be 18-60 years old, salaried or self-employed, with good credit scores.
Secured cards (backed by fixed deposits) are also available with no minimum income.
Why to apply for a credit card?
To build a credit history. Timely use helps future access to bigger loans or cards.
To earn rewards. Even entry-tier cards offer points, fuel waivers, or dining deals.
To enjoy digital perks- UPI linking, online shopping, EMI options, and more.
Getting a credit card is easier than ever. Moneycontrol has partnered with leading banks and NBFCs to offer a wide selection of shopping and OTT subscription credit cards. All with a 100% paperless application process.
SBI SimplySAVE or SimplyCLICK: Both are ideal for beginners. SimplySAVE offers extra rewards on groceries, dining, and movies, while SimplyCLICK is better for online shopping with boosted points on partner websites. You will also get a fuel surcharge waiver.
HDFC MoneyBack+: With Rs 15,000 income needed, this card gives 10× CashPoints on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy and BigBasket. Other spends earn regular points and fuel spends come with a waiver.
Axis MyZone RuPay: This lifestyle card gives a SonyLIV Premium subscription and rewards on shopping and dining. It is also UPI-enabled via RuPay and easy to apply for through a 100% paperless process via Moneycontrol’s partners. A solid pick for OTT and casual spenders.
Flipkart Axis Bank Card: Ideal for Flipkart users, this card gives 5% cashback on Flipkart and 4% on Swiggy, Cleartrip, Uber and more. You also get lounge access and a flat 1% cashback on other expenses.
SBI Tata Titanium: Best for Tata brand lovers, it offers 5% value-back at Tata outlets and good rewards on groceries. It also includes fuel waivers and international acceptance. A good fit if you shop at Croma, Westside, or similar stores.
Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent (Secured): No income? No problem. Open a Rs 10,000 fixed deposit and you get a real credit card with all standard features. It helps build your credit score and is perfect for students, freelancers, or first-time users.
How to choose a credit card if you earn below Rs 25,000
When you are earning on the lower side of the income scale, it is important to choose a card that doesn’t carry heavy fees or penalties. Look for cards with low or no annual charges, cashback or reward points, and waivers on fuel surcharges or late payment fees.
Many credit cards today also offer UPI linking, which adds another layer of convenience for mobile payments. Cards that come with OTT subscriptions, dining discounts, or online shopping rewards can stretch your money further without overspending.
Get daily benefits on top cards
Tips before using a credit card
Credit cards can be a great tool, but only if you use them wisely. Always try to pay your total bill on time to avoid interest charges. Stick to your monthly budget and avoid using more than 30-40% of your credit limit.
Don’t withdraw cash using your card, and never skip payments. Good habits help you build a healthy credit score, which can make it easier to get loans or better cards later.
With the right card, you can earn rewards, save on everyday spending, and build a healthy credit score, all without stretching your budget. The key is to pick a card that matches your lifestyle, whether that is online shopping, OTT streaming, or just managing daily expenses smarter. With platforms like Moneycontrol, you can now explore multiple credit card options in one place and apply through a 100% paperless process.
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