There’s something about a credit card that makes us feel quite grown up, likely because many of us grew up watching our parents use a credit card or two. And for a good reason, credit cards, when used judiciously can be a nifty financial instrument. It can help you make big purchases without dipping into your savings or breaking your investments. It can also serve as a safety cushion during emergencies.

Apart from this, cardholders can also access exclusive rewards, offers and deals. Some cards also come with complimentary memberships and lounge access, which can help elevate your lives.

It’s a shiny and swanky card with a number of exciting perks that comes with your name engraved on it, what’s not to love?

Gone are the days when there were only a few credit cards in the markets for all types of users. Credit card issuers have now understood that customers have all sorts of different needs and wants. So, they have taken great efforts to design credit cards to suit these unique requirements. Especially young people have become avid credit card users, thanks to exciting deals on travel, dining, entertainment, etc. What’s more, many of these credit cards are lifetime-free!

Even among young people, there’s bound to be a difference in spending habits. Whether you’re studying or just starting your career, there’s probably a credit card out there that’s sure to make your life simpler.

Keeping this in mind, we have rounded up some of the best credit cards in the country for young professionals.

The Citi Cash Back Credit Card is a beginner-friendly credit card with exciting and unique cashback benefits.

Key Features

• 5% cashback on telephone and utility bill payments, and movie ticket purchases
• 5% cashback on all other spends
• Automatic cashback redemption
• Unredeemed cashback never expires
• Benefits worth ₹3,600
• Convert big purchases into small payments with Citi PayLite
• Instant loans with Citi Quick Cash
• Dining privileges
• Travel and lifestyle services from specialists

The American Express Membership Rewards® Credit Card is an entry-level premium card that’s perfect for working professionals who are looking to get more out of their expenses.

Key Features

• 1 Membership Rewards® Point for every ₹50 spent
• Get rewards worth up to ₹14,000 from luxury brands like Taj, Vistara, Shoppers Stop, Tanishq, and much more
• Split payments with the American Express EMI
• Additional rewards on card renewals, and monthly milestone spends
• Fuel surcharge waiver
• 24x7 card-related assistance
• Zero lost card liability
• Dispute resolution facility
• Emergency card replacement services

If you’re looking for a simple fuss-free credit card that also allows you to get some exciting rewards, the AU Bank Credit Card may be perfect for you.

• No annual fee if your annual spends exceed ₹10,000 within the first 90 days of card issuance
• 2 complimentary lounge access per calendar quarter
• 2% cashback on retail spends and utility bills payments
• Fuel surcharge waiver

The Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card is a great all-rounder card that provides accelerated cashback on fuel, phone bills and utility bills.

Key Features

• 5% cashback on fuel, phone bills, and utility payments
• 1 reward point for every ₹150 spent
• Lifetime-free supplementary credit cards for your loved ones
• Convert all spends over ₹2,000 into EMIs
• Redeem reward points against exclusive deals, discounts, vouchers, and offers
• Get instant loans of up to ₹5 Lakhs
• Transfer credit card balances from other providers at attractive interest rates
• Convert entire credit card outstanding balance into convenient and affordable EMIs

The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is a  co-branded credit card that is designed to help you get more out of every Amazon purchase.

Key Features

• Lifetime-free credit card
• Up to 5% cashback on all Amazon purchases
• Convert spends of ₹3,000 and above into No Cost EMIs
• 2% cashback on transactions made at Amazon Pay merchant partners
• 1% cashback on all other transactions
• 15% savings on dining bills at 2,500+ restaurants
• 15% instant discount on select products in lifestyle, electronics and luxury categories on Tata Cliq
• Zero liability for lost cards
• Emergency card replacement
• Insurance benefits from ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited
• Fuel surcharge waiver
• Buy-one-get-one-free movie tickets on Saturdays with partner merchants

The Axis Bank Neo Credit Card is perfect for youngsters who are looking for a credit card that gives them exclusive perks when shopping with their favourite brands.

Key Features

• Up to 100% cashback on first utility bill payment
• Minimum 15% discount on partner restaurants
• Complimentary Zomato Pro subscription
• Up to 10% off on movies, groceries, and online shopping
• Convert purchases of ₹2,500 and above into EMIs
• Exclusive offers and vouchers from brands like Amazon, Blinkit, 1mg, Myntra, and BookMyShow

The SBI Card ELITE is perfect for you if you’re looking for a credit card that is a gateway into luxury and indulgence.

Key Features

• Welcome gift vouchers worth ₹5,000
• Free movie tickets worth ₹6,000 every year
• Milestone privileges worth up to ₹12,500
• Get 5x reward points on dining, departmental stores, and grocery spends
• Complimentary membership to the Priority Pass Program worth $99
• Enjoy complimentary Trident Privilege Red Tier membership
• Complimentary airport lounge visits per calendar year (6 international and 2 domestic visits)
• Enjoy complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership
• Lowest foreign currency mark-up charge of 1.99% on International usage
• Dedicated concierge service
• Complimentary Tablet plus membership
• 4 complimentary golf rounds
• Emergency card replacement

A credit card can be a great way to optimise your expenses if you use them judiciously. It can help you track your spending, build your credit score, and simplify your payment experience. However, just as with anything else, there’s also a flip side to this. Overspending with a credit card is incredibly easy, especially now, thanks to never-ending sales and easy EMI conversions. So, if you are planning to get a credit card, make sure you understand your spending habits and take caution to never buy anything you do not need.

Once you’re clear on this, you’ll find it easy to make the most of your spending by accessing some fun and exciting rewards, offers, deals, and vouchers.