₹12,500 worth of gift vouchers from Luxe, Postcard Hotels, or Yatra as a welcome benefit
Earn 60 Axis EDGE REWARDS Points for every ₹200 spent on the Travel Edge portal up to ₹2 Lakhs. Earn 35 RPs per ₹200 after exceeding the monthly spend of ₹2 Lakhs
Unlimited domestic airport lounge access every year.
Unlimited complimentary international lounge visits every year with Priority Pass.
Here are the most important features of best credit cards in India.
Features
HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
Cashback SBI Credit Card
IDFC First Millennia Credit Card
Joining/Renewal Fees
₹1,000 + GST
₹999 + GST
Lifetime Free
Welcome Benefits
1,000 CashPoints
N/A
5% Cashback on First EMI Spend up to ₹1000 and Welcome Gift Vouchers Worth ₹500
Reward Rate
5% Cashback at Select Online Partners (Flipkart, Myntra, and Zomato) and 1% Cashback on All Other Spends
5% Cashback for Online Transactions and 1% for Offline Transactions
3 Reward Points on Each Offline Spend of ₹150, 6 RPs Online Spend of ₹150, and 10 Rewards on Every ₹150 on Spends Above ₹20,000
Reward Type
CashPoints (1 CashPoint = ₹1)
Cashback Against Statement
Reward Points (1 RP= ₹0.25)
Domestic Airport//Railway Lounge Access
1 Domestic Airport Lounge Access Every Quarter (4 Each Year)
N/A
4 Free Railway Lounge Access
Renewal Fee Spend-Based Waiver
On Spends of ₹1 Lakh
N/A
N/A
Review of the Top Credit Cards in India
CardInsider has put together detailed features and reviews of the top credit cards in India so that you make the best choice.
HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
The HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card is widely considered to be one of the most rewarding credit cards in India. It is especially suitable for young people who prefer to shop online for everything, including food. By using this card, you can get a straight 5% cashback on your purchases from popular merchants and platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, cult.fit, Zomato, Swiggy, BookMyShow, and many others.
This credit card can help you save money on different kinds of expenses such as food, shopping, fitness, and movies. However, it’s important to note that there is a limit to the amount of cashback you can earn, which is capped at Rs. 1,000 per statement cycle.
AU Bank LIT Credit Card
AU Bank is the first customizable credit card in our country. Earn 1 Reward point per Rs. 100 spent with the card, 5x or 10x accelerated reward points on offline as well as online transactions, and 5% cash back on grocery, travel, and dining spends. The AU Bank LIT Credit Card also offers 4 complimentary domestic lounge access every quarter. All of these features can be obtained by paying an extra fee.
This card stands out among the best credit cards because you can customize your features and pay accordingly.
IDFC First Millennia Credit Card
This card offers up to 10 times reward points when you spend Rs 20,000 or more. On your birthday, you can earn 10 times reward points for all spends made using this card. Additionally, you can earn rewards 6 times on online purchases and 3 times on offline purchases up to Rs. 20,000. This card also provides complimentary access to railway lounges, which is highly beneficial for domestic travelers who prefer rail travel.
One of the best advantages of this card is that it is free for a lifetime.
Cashback SBI Credit Card
The SBI Cashback Credit Card has stood the test of time and proven itself to be, as many call it, a truly no-nonsense cashback credit card. Shopping, payments, and food deliveries these days everyone can order anything online in an instant. In an era of comfort and online spending, the SBI Cashback Card reigns supreme.
You can earn 5% cashback on most online transactions and 1% cashback on offline transactions and bill payments.
HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card
You can get a complimentary MMT Black Elite and Club Vistara Silver Tier membership when you spend Rs. 1 Lakh or more within 90 days of getting the card. You can also get vouchers worth Rs. 1500 from M&S, Marriott, Reliance Digital, Myntra, and other brands. Additionally, you can get Rs. 5000 worth of complimentary flight tickets when you spend Rs. 7.5 Lakhs or more in a year. You will earn 4 RPs per Rs. 150 spent and 5x reward points on partner brands. Also, you can get access to 12 complimentary domestic lounges and 6 complimentary international lounges through Priority Pass.
IndusInd Legend Credit Card
The IndusInd Legend Credit Card is a lifetime free offering that comes with a decent reward rate. You shall earn 1 Reward Point on each spend of Rs. 100. What’s more, you can earn even higher rewards on spends made over the weekend, 2 Reward Points on spend of Rs. 100. If you’re a movie buff, you’ll particularly love this card as it offers Buy One Get One on monthly movie ticket bookings.
But what really sets this card apart is its low foreign markup charges – it only charges a 1.8% forex fee. This means you can make international payments without worrying about exorbitant charges.
American Express SmartEarn™ Credit Card
AMEX Credit Cards have their own appeal and brand value. For beginners looking for a simple American Express Credit Card, the SmartEarn Card is the best choice. With a joining fee of less than Rs. 500, you can get 10X and 5X Membership Reward Points with this card. Not only this the SmartEarn Card also offers multiple spend-based milestone benefits. While you apply with CardInsider you get bonus Membership Reward Points.
10X Partners
5X Partners
Zomato, Ajio, Nykaa, BookMyShow, and Uber
Amazon and Paytm Wallet
Easily waive the annual charges with this card by spending Rs. 40,000 or more in a card anniversary year.
Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card
One of India’s most popular shopping credit cards, the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Card offers a 5% cashback on shopping from Amazon for Amazon Prime members, 3% cashback on shopping from Amazon for all non-Prime members, 2% cashback on payments made to over 100 Amazon Pay partner merchants and 1% cashback on every other category of transactions made with the card.
When you receive your credit card for the first time, you will also receive benefits worth Rs. 2,500. As this credit card is a lifetime-free card (no annual or renewal charges), these benefits are very valuable. By simply making a few bill payments, you can get Rs. 2,500. Not only that, but you can also enjoy a 3-month Amazon Prime membership as a joining benefit. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Cards offer a wide range of benefits, from shopping to paying utility bills.
The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is a must for everyone’s wallet.
IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card
Fuel expense is a common cost for automobile owners. It is common and expensive. However, the IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card can make your fueling experience rewarding. As a welcome benefit, you can get 100% cashback up to Rs. 250 on your first fuel transaction. Also, for fuel spends up to Rs. 5,000 each month, you can avail of 4% value back as Reward Points. This card is a must-have for those who do not get rewarded for fuel transactions with their existing credit card.
Moreover, the IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card not only rewards your fuel expenses but also offers Reward Points on online shopping. You can easily earn a 1% value back on online shopping with this card.
BPCL SBI Card Octane
The BPCL SBI Card Octane is an excellent fuel credit card that offers a fantastic reward program and several other exciting benefits. You can earn reward points at an accelerated rate of 10X (10 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent) on dining bills at selected restaurants, with a maximum of 7,500 Reward Points every month.
Additionally, you can earn 25X reward points (25 reward points every time you spend Rs. 100) on fuel transactions at BPCL fuel stations using the BPCL SBI Card Octane, with a maximum of 2,500 Reward Points per billing cycle. This card basically offers you a 7.25% value back on fuel purchases from BPCL petrol pumps.
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card is a travel category card that offers exclusive air miles to users who frequently travel by air. Unlike other travel cards offered by Axis Bank, the Atlas credit card is not co-branded. It offers exclusive travel benefits, airport lounge access, and dining benefits. With the Atlas Card, you can enjoy complimentary access to international and domestic airport lounges, higher reward rates on foreign currency transactions, and complimentary airport concierge services, making it the perfect card for frequent flyers.
This card comes at a fee of Rs. 5,000 and is considered to be one of the best credit cards in India. You can earn a 4% value back on education, government, and utility payments with this card. Even rent payments made with this card earn 3%. The only drawback is that there is no spend-based renewal fee waiver with this card. You would have to pay the joining fee.
Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card
The Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card is a premium offering that can be availed for a joining fee of Rs. 9,999. The welcome benefits of this card are worth Rs. 15,000, which are offered in the form of 60,000 Reward Points. This card offers 36 Reward Points for every Rs. 200 spent online and 18 Reward Points for every Rs. 200 spent offline. Cardholders would also get 10 Reward Points on Select Categories like Rental Payments, Wallet Loading, Recharge & Utility Bill Payments, Insurance, Education, and Government payments.
Although it was launched in late 2023, it has already become everyone’s favorite.
HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card
One of the most famous and premium credit cards in India, the Infinia Credit Card offers a higher reward rate of 5 points for every Rs. 150 spent, with each reward point valued at Re. 1 when redeemed for travel-related expenses such as flight bookings and hotel reservations.
The travel benefits offered with this card include lower foreign currency markup charges, complimentary Club Marriott membership, and unlimited complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access with Priority Pass membership. Furthermore, the insurance benefits include a personal air accident cover worth Rs. 3 crore.
This is an invite-only card and is offered to high-net individuals.
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card is a premium offering by the bank. There is also another variant of the card – Magnus for Burgundy which is only available to the customers who maintain a Burgundy relationship with the bank.
Earn 12 EDGE Reward Points for every INR 200 on cumulative monthly spends up to Rs. 1.5 Lakhs. Further, earn 35 EDGE Reward Points per Rs. 200 on cumulative monthly spends above Rs. 1.5 Lakhs Accelerated 2X EDGE REWARDS Points on travel portals like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Goibibo, etc. Travel benefits include unlimited complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access, discounts at Oberoi hotels, and a 24×7 hotel concierge service. Apart from all the above you would also get discounts on movie and event tickets on BookMyShow and dining bills at partner restaurants across the country.
American Express Platinum Charge Card
The American Express Platinum Charge Card is a premium credit card that comes with a host of travel benefits to enhance your travel experience. With this card, you can enjoy exclusive discounts on hotels, airlines, and other travel-related expenses. One of the most unique features of this card is that it doesn’t have a pre-set credit limit. Additionally, you can access unlimited complimentary airport lounges both domestically and internationally. This is one of the two Charge Cards that American Express currently offers in India.
What to Keep in Mind While Applying for a Credit Card?
You must have a particular set of criteria in mind before applying for a new credit card. The criteria may be different for different individuals depending upon their needs, income, financial habits, and, most importantly, the reason for applying for the card. This is how you can compare the best credit cards in India and choose one for yourself.
Your Spends
For example, suppose you are searching for a credit card that can save you on travel spends. In that case, you will give more importance to travel-related benefits like AirMiles, membership in frequent flyer programs, or complimentary air tickets. Consider complimentary lounge access at airports if you are also concerned about making your travel experience a pleasurable one. In contrast, other benefits like discounts on dining bills or complimentary golf games might not matter to you that much.
Annual Charges
The annual membership fee is another very important parameter to look for in a credit card. Many credit cards are free for a lifetime, while some premium credit cards are issued with an annual fee as high as over Rs. 50,000 per annum; for example, the annual fee of the American Express Platinum Credit Card is Rs. 60,000 per year. Rather than looking for a card that is lifetime free or a card with a lesser annual fee, what you should consider instead is whether the benefits that a card offers outweigh its annual fee and by what margin.
Rewards
This is the very first and the most obvious thing to look for when applying for a new credit card. You must know whether a credit card earns you cashback (which is later adjusted against your card’s statement balance) or rewards you with Reward Points. In the latter case, another point that becomes very important is Reward Points redemption.
Milestone Benefits
Many credit cards reward you for achieving a certain spend-based milestone, i.e., on spending a certain minimum amount with the card within a given time period, which may be one statement cycle, calendar quarter, or calendar year (or any other time period specified by the card issuer.). Any milestone benefit that a card offers is beneficial for you only if you are able to achieve the stipulated milestone. You must evaluate your spends in order to understand the utility of the milestone benefits that the card offers.
Lounge Access
Many credit cards (in fact, all credit cards in the mid to premium and super-premium segment) offer some additional privileges like complimentary lounge access at airports/railway stations, on top of the regular Reward Ponts/cashback benefit. Before making up your mind about a particular credit card, it is essential to know whether it offers any additional benefits and, if yes, what the utility of the benefit is for you. For example, if you frequently fly overseas, a value-added benefit like complimentary lounge stays at international airports might be important for you.
Forex Mark-Up Fee
International transactions made with credit cards attract a mark-up fee known as a foreign currency mark-up fee or forex mark-up fee. The standard is to charge 3.5% on the transacted amount as a forex markup fee on international transactions. However, some credit cards in the premium and super-premium categories charge a lower foreign markup fee on international transactions. For someone who plans to use the card for international transactions frequently, a lower foreign mark-up fee becomes an important feature.
The Process Behind Selecting the Best Credit Cards in India
The team at CardInsider has put in a lot of effort to research different cards offered by issuers and banks in India in order to compile a list of the top credit cards available in the country. Our list includes the best credit cards for the masses, fuel credit cards, and credit cards for high-income individuals.
We have curated the most popular and literally the best cards available in the country. Everyone can find a card on our list that suits their needs.
Bottom Line
Choosing the most beneficial credit card in india can be a daunting task unless you are very clear about your spending needs. But, if that is not the case, you must first evaluate your spending habits. For that, you should determine what portion of your credit card bill the various categories of spends account for. This data will make the choice of the best credit card easier for you. It’ll obviously be better to go for a card that gives you maximum benefit in your favorite spends category.
With our list of the best credit cards in India, you can easily choose the best-suited credit card for yourself and apply for it through our website. Card Insider allows you to compare the various credit cards available in India. You can also read detailed credit card reviews and apply for the one that suits your needs the best.
Share your thoughts on our list of the top cards in India. Did we miss any? Tell us in the comments below.