Your First Credit Card Story - How did you get your first credit card?

[TechnoFinoTechnoFino is verified member.]

Hello everyone,
The first credit card is special for everyone. We all remember the experience of getting our first card 😃.

Let’s share our first credit card experiences...

My experience:
My first credit card was the ICICI HPCL Coral, which I received in 2015. At that time, my home address was not within any bank's serviceable area, so they suggested I apply for a credit card against an FD. However, I wanted an unsecured credit card, so I approached my branch manager and explained my requirement.
He told me that they could issue an unsecured card, but I would need to purchase an ICICI Prudential ULIP policy worth a minimum of ₹3 lakhs.
At that point, I desperately needed a credit card because my business was in the USA, and I required one for payments. I was unemployed at the time, with a zero CIBIL score, and no bank was willing to offer me a credit card. So, I purchased a policy worth ₹3 lakhs and received my first-ever credit card – the ICICI HPCL Coral Credit Card (chargeable). Later, ICICI converted it into a lifetime free HPCL Coral Credit Card, and I’m still holding it to this day. 😄

 

[RajdeepMaity]

First CC was Regalia which I got from my HDFC salary account in May 2022.
I have recently upgraded that card to Regalia Gold LTF. Currently I hold around 19-20 cards, though my most used are Amex Trifecta, Axis Atlas, Tata Neu Infinity, SBI Cashback and HSBC Live+

 

[iamdhamo]

I never know Abt credit card rewards and hence decided not to opt one when I started my career in 2015. I first thought of buying a credit card in 2017 that too cos to save money for buying a mobile phone.

I decided to buy via Flipkart n hdfc gave 1500 offer for moto g5 plus via cc n 1000 for dc.

Inorder to save 500 more via
Cc I decided to apply cc and I changed my spendings that i did via dc to cc to use my cc effectively
I m conservative spender so I don't over spend n so no fear of credit card trap

This was how I got my first cc - regalia international mc n it was pre approved n I also got 1500 Amazon voucher for applying via net banking. So I saved 2000 for my mobile

After 2021 I started to look out other cards to reap more benefits out of credit cards with the spending pattern I followed.

In 2022 I had 4 cards and I did not look for paid ones. I only had ltf. My spending increased after I got married n I upgraded to infinia.

Today I have 10 cards and my wife has 2 which i manage so I can say 12 totally

 

[y2k]

My first CC is the HDFC Times Platinum. Received it as part of the corporate tie-up when I started working my first corporate job after graduation. The card is still with me but I have joined this forum to actually get some advice on whether I should close it so I can get a core HDFC card or not.

 

[IKFLRT]

My first credit card was the Diners ClubMiles. Back in 2018, I was desperately trying to get a credit card to buy a GoPro on EMI but kept getting rejected by every bank. Eventually, I managed to connect with an HDFC corporate manager who helped me get the DCM as a lifetime free card.

Over time, it was upgraded from Millennia to Regalia, and eventually to Infinia.

I also wanted to own diners premium or black, but god had other plans.🫠

 

[Virtual King]

Let’s share our first credit card experiences...

Here is a poem that I have penned down on this subject - sharing here with all the readers.

My Credit Card Journey

By

Virtual King​

Meandering along the cascading path of life I was, alone like a lonely bard,

Blissfully unaware of material things with fancy names – ah, all these plethora of fancy credit cards;​

Even though their chatter had tip-toed into my ears in many a conversation,

And yet, I was not at all excited or attracted enough to pay them any attention.​

Almost everyone around me - friends and foes alike - was using these wonderful financial tools,

My interactions with them never made me realise that I was being a mere ignorant fool;​

Priding myself on my incisive thoughts - that using cash, debit cards or UPI were the best options,

I avoided any credit card, despite many nudges by friends, lest I should fall under any financial deprivation.​

The beauty and charm of the numerous perks offered by these wonderful gadgets,

Were therefore totally missed by a blissfully ignorant me – busy in eking out a living within my financial budgets;​

And so many decades of my life passed in solitude, slowly yet steadily, blissfully and ignorantly,

Until one fine day, destiny chanced me to discuss them in detail and then I realised my ingenious folly.​

And so, I immediately picked up my phone and spoke to my bank manager for a credit card,

Unaware of any likes or dislikes, but merely having heard the name "Infinia" with a halo and as the best credit card;​

I requested him to look into the matter at his convenience but on priority and if I could get the same,

Lo and behold, in a 2-3 days’ time, he called me and said yes, thus opening my long-closed sesame.​

So, I voraciously read anything and everything about Infinia on the internet,

Trying to make a sense of whatever the sites and blogs mentioned, by users adept;​

Also compiling for my own reference, all the Infinia benefits, perks and usage tips, in a “How To Use Infinia” guide,

Not realising then, that it would become my first thread on Techno Fino - an internet credit card site.​

The day of reckoning dawned and I received Infinia Metal – the 1st credit card of my life, I was joyous - like an ignorant bride,

And I too was absolutely ready to begin my credit card journey excitedly, with confidence, elan and pride;​

Then I too joined Techno Fino site as a learner, and started rubbing shoulders with subject experts and professionals,

Along the way, reading, imbibing, learning - how to optimise card usage, excitedly like a happy baby angel.​

Soon, I acquired two more credit cards, as per my lifestyle and requirements,

And started using them eagerly at all places for all my mandatory or sundry expenses and accoutrements;​

Asking all shop owners inquisitively if they have their POS machines ready for the swipe of credit cards,

As the cards in my wallet too were as eager to be tapped, dipped or swiped, unless debarred.​

So dear friends, my credit card journey continues, towards pleasant future horizons, unknown as yet,

With my credit cards improving my overall financial health - hopefully, bit by bit, you bet;​

Now, I am also getting aware of so many tips, benefits, rewards – cherries on the cake,

But still, I am quite happy and contented, swiping, tapping or dipping them, even if a little less profit I make.​

This, thus far, has been my credit card journey – short, sweet and wonderful,

Enjoying the myriad idyllic scenes and beauty of life while using these contraptions cool;​

Wishing all the readers who read this poem - when busy or at leisure whenever they have time,

Love, health and contentment in their respective life journeys – may they unearth their choice of credit card - their own gold mine.​

I hope you all enjoyed this poetic credit card journey. 🙂

PS. There are two threads on this topic. The other one is here. So, I have posted this poem in both the threads. 🙂

 

[hender]

PS. There are two threads on this topic. The other one is here. So, I have posted this poem in both the threads. 🙂

That's why while reading, got the feeling, I have read IT before.
Again 👍 ✅ 🎉