October 2016 will always be a special month for me. That’s when I got my very first credit card—the SBI SimplyCLICK.
At the time, I had just started my first job, earning a monthly salary of around ₹25,000. Like most beginners, I wasn’t really thinking about “maximizing reward points” or “travel hacking.” My main motivation was simple: discounts on Amazon, Flipkart, and other shopping sites that this card promised. I remember applying for the card in my hometown, just before leaving for job training in Guwahati.
I honestly wasn’t sure whether the application would be approved, but when the card finally arrived at my training centre, it felt like a milestone moment. There I was—holding my first credit card in my hand, the shiny plastic rectangle that suddenly made me feel a little more “grown-up.” I don’t know why, but it was mesmerizing. The design, the feel, even just seeing my name embossed on it—it all made me proud. And it wasn’t just me. My friends at the training centre were also curious and slightly awed. After all, most of us were just starting out in our careers, and a credit card seemed like a big deal. Looking back now, I realize how much that small step opened the door to a whole new world—rewards, points, discounts, offers, and eventually travel hacking. But at that time, it was just pure joy of experiencing something new, something that felt aspirational. This was the start of my journey into the world of credit cards and rewards—a journey I’m still learning from and exploring.