Credit cards have quietly become a part of everyday life. What was once seen as a backup for emergencies is now used for groceries, cab rides, even coffee. At the forefront of these drives are Millennials and GenZ. According to 1 Finance Magazine, 59% of Gen Z already hold slightly more credit cards than Millennials (56%) and significantly more than Gen X (45%). But easy access doesn’t mean you know how to use it. According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, the amount defaulted by customers in the credit card segment rose by 28.42% to Rs 6,742 crore during the 12-month period ended December 2024.
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If you’re thinking of getting your first card, Here are 5 key points to keep in mind:
Assess your finances before you add another variable
As exciting as it might seem, applying for your first credit card should never be a spontaneous decision. Financial advisors consistently urge people to assess their finances before buying your first credit card. Why? Because if your finances are not in order, a credit card can make things worse, not better.
Here are few questions you can ask yourself before getting your first credit card:
Do I have a stable income? If your income is unpredictable there is risk of falling into debt.
Do I have emergency savings? It is always important to have an emergency fund, as without one, there are chances of making payment default in case of financial disaster.
Do I track my spending? If you do not have a hold over your spendings, adding a credit card to the mix can complicate matters further.
A credit card will just magnify your financial behaviour. Whether it’s discipline or recklessness, the card will reflect and amplify your habits. Make sure you’re ready before you apply for your first credit card.
Understand how credit works
Credit cards offer a grace period—usually up to 45 days—to pay your bill without interest. But this convenience can backfire quickly.
Once you carry a balance beyond the due date, the grace period disappears. From that moment, interest starts accumulating daily—not just on new purchases but often on the entire balance, including what was previously interest-free. This is called interest compounding, and it turns small unpaid amounts into long-term debt traps.
Worse, if you keep using the card while still carrying a balance, every new transaction gets charged interest from day one. This means your credit card stops being a financial tool and starts acting like a high-interest loan—at rates that can exceed 40% annually.
Understand this: credit doesn’t punish carelessness immediately. It waits. Then it compounds. Either you master how it works, or it silently works against you—until you’re buried under payments you never planned for.
Choose the right card
Once you start exploring credit cards, banks and card companies will bombard you with offers—free airport lounge access, bonus air miles, shopping vouchers, exclusive memberships, and more. These perks sound enticing, but financial advisors recommend that you pause and reflect: Will you actually use them?
For instance, if you rarely travel, a travel credit card loaded with air miles or hotel points offers little real value. You might end up paying a high annual fee for benefits that go unused.
Then there are rewards credit cards that promise high reward rates—but only on specific categories like dining, groceries, or fuel. If your spending doesn’t align with these categories, the rewards will be minimal.
A better approach is to review your last 3–6 months of spending. Where does most of your money go? Which categories dominate your expenses?
Understanding your spending patterns helps you choose a card that aligns with your real financial behavior, not your aspirations.
For example, if most of your expenses are on shopping and online purchases, a shopping or cashback credit card may deliver far more value than a premium travel card.
You can use our credit card comparison tool which helps you find credit card based on your needs.
Start with a credit card with low limit
Yes, a high-limit credit card may feel empowering, but it’s a double-edged sword.
With a higher limit, the temptation to overspend increases. Subconsciously, you may begin justifying unnecessary purchases, thinking, “I’ll pay it back later.” This mindset is the gateway to a debt trap.
Starting with a low credit limit helps in keeping your spending in check while you master the fundamentals of credit cards like billing cycles, interest calculations, and repayment discipline.
Even if you slip, say, by overspending one month, the damage remains containable.
If you’re getting a credit card for the first time, most financial advisors recommend using it only for small, recurring expenses, like groceries, mobile bills, or fuel. Pay off the entire bill in full each month. Once you’re consistent and confident, you can consider applying for a higher limit.
The goal isn’t to access more credit. The goal is to prove you can manage it.
Learn the Penalties.
Know the charges on credit card
Credit cards offer the freedom to spend now and pay later—but no freedom comes without cost.
Let’s start with annual fees. This is the fixed amount charged each year just to own the card. Some cards come with zero annual fees, especially basic variants. But if you’re eyeing cards with perks, like airport lounge access, exclusive discounts, or cashback bonuses, you’ll likely pay a recurring fee. These charges can vary depending on the type of credit card.
Now come the variable charges which occur if you make a default.
- Late Payment Fee: If you miss your due date, you will be charged with a flat fee of (usually ₹300–₹1,200), depending on your outstanding balance.
- Interest Charges: Interest charges on credit cards apply when you don’t pay your full outstanding balance by the due date. These charges typically range from 30% to 42% per annum, but they’re calculated daily and compounded monthly.
- Overlimit Fee: If you spend beyond your approved limit, and you will get a penalty fees. This can be a percentage of the excess or a flat fee.
- Cash Withdrawal Fee: Withdrawing cash from an ATM using your credit card triggers a 2.5%–3.5% fee, plus immediate interest from day one, no grace period applies.
- Foreign Transaction Markup: International purchases (including online) come with an added 1.5%–3.5% charge on the transaction value.
- Returned Payment Penalty: If your credit card payment bounces—whether through cheque, auto-debit, or UPI—you’ll be charged ₹250–₹500.
Understanding the penalties in advance is the difference between using credit as a tool and falling into a system of silent financial erosion.
You can read more about credit card expenses on this article : https://1finance.co.in/blog/5-hidden-credit-card-charges-that-you-should-know-about/
Get your First Credit Card but be cautious
Your first credit card could be a positive move towards building good money habits and starting your credit journey. Financial advisors always recommend maintaining caution by spending within limits, paying the full bill on time, and avoiding unnecessary charges.
This will help you build a strong credit score. A strong credit score can make it easier for you to get a home loan, car loan, or better financial deals in the future. But if you use it carelessly—spend more than you can afford, miss payments, or keep rolling over debt—it can lead to high interest, penalties, and a poor credit history that stays with you for years. Caution is the key here.
