The Best 25 Credit Card in India

The best 25 credit cards in India across multiple categories- Cashback & Shopping, Rewards, Travel, Premium, and Fuel. We will talk about the major benefits of the cards along with a few reasons why we recommend them and which is the best credit card in India 2024 for each category. As per your spending patterns and preferences, choosing the ‘best credit card’ may be subjective. To find the right one you must always analyze your spending and accordingly look for a better credit card if any.

Best Cashback Credit Cards

Here are the best credit cards in India that offer decent cashback on online shopping across select brands as well as on online spending in general.

1. Cashback SBI Card

Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Rs. 999

Cashback SBI Card is a comparatively new entrant in the cashback credit cards segment but it has quickly gained popularity among online shoppers. The card gives 5% cashback on online transactions without any merchant restrictions. Where most shopping credit cards limit the benefits to one or more merchants or spend categories,  a card like this is truly a must-have.

2. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card

                                                                   
Joining Fee: Rs. 499
Annual Fee: Rs. 499

Axis Bank Ace Credit Card is a good option for beginners looking for a high cashback rate at a nominal annual fee. The card offers up to 5% cashback on bill payments and online food delivery along with other benefits such as airport lounge access and dining discounts. The best feature about this card is that there is no upper limit on earning cashback.

3. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Nil

If you are an Amazon loyalist, then Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card is the best credit card in India for you, since you can earn up to 5% cashback on Amazon spends. The best part about this card is that it is a zero annual fee credit card with a good cashback rate. Also, since Amazon is a leading e-commerce platform for all shopping needs, this card is highly recommended for everyday purchases.

4. HDFC Millennia Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 1,000
Annual Fee: Rs. 1,000

HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card is a good option for you if you are specifically looking for an HDFC credit card with a high cashback rate. The card offers good value-back on online shopping across top merchants as well as on other general spends. If you frequently use your credit card to shop online then this card is a good option as you avail annual fee waiver on spending more than a lakh in a year.

5. Flipkart Axis Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 500
Annual Fee: Rs. 500

If you frequently shop on Flipkart app, then Flipkart Axis Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for you which can give you up to 5% cashback on Flipkart spends. In addition to Flipkart benefits, you also get up to 4% cashback on preferred partners, including Cleartrip, cult.fit, PVR, Swiggy & Uber, making it suitable for other everyday expenses as well with a considerable cashback on your spends.

Best Rewards Credit Cards

Credit cards that offer one of the best reward points to their users are mentioned in the list below:

1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 2,500
Annual Fee: Rs. 2,500

HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is one of the best credit card in India for frequent travellers. The card not only allows you to redeem rewards against Air Miles but also offers complimentary Club Vistara and MMT memberships along with flight vouchers as milestone benefits. The best part about this card is that you can earn rewards even on insurance, utilities, and education spends, which most cards do not offer. This credit card is a good option for you if you spend a lot via credit card.

2. SBI Prime Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 2,999
Annual Fee: Rs. 2999

SBI Prime Credit Card is one of the best rewards credit card that offers high rewards on dining, grocery, and departmental stores along with benefits across multiple categories such as shopping, travel booking, and utility bill payments. This credit card is a good option at an annual fee of Rs. 2,999 for availing all-rounder benefits with a high reward rate.

3. American Express SmartEarn™ Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 495
Annual Fee: Rs. 495

American Express SmartEarn™ Credit Card is an entry-level credit card that is best suited for people who frequently shop online as it offers higher rewards on brands like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and more. The card lets you earn reward points for every purchase along with additional privileges like gift vouchers, fee waiver, and bonus cashback. Some of the major features of this credit card are listed in the table below:

4. IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Nil

IDFC First Select Credit Card is a suitable reward credit card if you are a beginner looking for a zero annual fee card. The card rewards you for both offline and online spends, with additional rewards on birthdays and on spending above Rs. 25,000 in a billing cycle. The best part about rewards earned via this card is that the earned points never expire.

5. Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 250
Annual Fee: Rs. 250

Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card not only offers rewards on all your spends. Apart from the base reward rate on the usual retail purchases, you also get to earn exclusive 5X rewards on your fuel and dining spends. If you are looking for a credit card with rewards benefits at a low annual fee, then you can consider opting for this card.

Best Travel Credit Cards

This list includes the best credit cards in India that would help you save more on your travel expenses in the form of air miles, complimentary memberships, co-branded benefits, and more. To find the ideal travel card, you must compare credit cards from various issuers and apply for the one that best aligns with your travel spends.

1. Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 4,999
Annual Fee: Rs. 4,999

Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card is a co-branded travel credit card with Club Vistara – a frequent flyer program. This is one of the best travel credit cards in India for Vistara loyalists with complimentary Premium Economy ticket vouchers as welcome and milestone benefits. Apart from the bonus tickets, you also earn CV Points on your spends, along with other lifestyle benefits like complimentary lounge and golf access.

2. Axis Atlas Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 5,000
Annual Fee: Rs. 5,000

Axis Bank Atlas is one of the most rewarding credit cards for Air Miles. Unlike other co-branded cards, this card offers general EDGE Miles which can be redeemed across multiple airlines and hotel loyalty programs. The card works on a tier-based model where cardholders are rewarded based on their spends.

3. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 4,999
Annual Fee: Rs. 4,999

Air India SBI Signature Credit Card is a co-branded travel credit card with Air India Frequent Flyer program – Flying Returns. This card is a good option if you are a frequent traveler and mostly use Air India for your travels, as you can earn high rewards on travel spends and further redeem those rewards for Air India miles. You also get complimentary lounge access to both domestic and international airport lounges.

4. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 350
Annual Fee: Rs. 350

Not many entry-level credit cards are counted in the list of the best travel credit cards in India, however, Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit card is a latest addition to this list. This co-branded travel credit card offers benefits on hotel, flights and bus ticket bookings with Instant discount on EaseMyTrip and extra rewards on standalone travel bookings. If you are an EaseMyTrip loyalist, or even if you frequently use your credit card while traveling, this card can be a good option for you.

5. Yatra SBI Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 499
Annual Fee: Rs. 499

If you are looking for a travel credit card that offers benefits inclined towards travel in the form of a discount and if you prefer using Yatra.com for your travel bookings, then Yatra SBI Card is a good option for you. In addition to the travel discounts, the card offers Yatra.com vouchers as welcome bonus and reward points on every spend that can be redeemed on Yatra platform. The annual fee can also be waived of on merely spending Rs. 1 lakh annually.

Best Premium Credit Cards

This section includes credit cards that charge a high annual fee and offer comprehensive benefits you would not find on low-fee or medium-fee credit cards. Analyze your spending preferences, compare credit cards, and then apply for a card to make a well-informed decision.

1. HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition

Joining Fee: Rs. 12,500
Annual Fee: Rs. 12,500

HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition is an invite-only premium credit card suitable for high-net-worth individuals. The card offers all-rounder benefits across travel, dining, shopping, rewards, etc. If you are a heavy spender you can consider getting this card, as you will be able to avail the renewal benefit of up to 12,500 points and maximize your savings.

2. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 10,000
Annual Fee: Rs. 10,000

HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card offers one of the highest reward rate of up to 3.33% across multiple categories, including travel, shopping, dining, and more. The card also offers complimentary membership to popular brands, such as Club Marriott, Forbes, Amazon Prime, MMT BLACK, and more. Moreover, unlimited complimentary lounge access, a low forex markup fee, and conversion of rewards against Air Miles make this card a suitable option for frequent travellers. Some of the key benefits of this card are as follows:

3. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 12,499
Annual Fee: Rs. 12,499

ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is one of the best premium credit cards for travel and lifestyle benefits. If you are a high-net-worth individual looking for exclusive privileges on your credit card across travel, shopping, lifestyle, reward, and dining then ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is the go-to option. Besides this, you can also avail other premium benefits with complimentary lifestyle memberships like Priority Pass, EazyDiner Prime and Taj Epicure, along with many other features via this credit card. If you travel frequently or are looking for a card to earn a decent value-back on general lifestyle categories, this can be the right choice for you.

4. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 12,500
Annual Fee: Rs. 12,500

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card is a super-premium credit card that offers benefits across multiple categories, such as travel, rewards, and dining. Offered to Indian residents earning an annual income of Rs. 24 Lakh or more, this card is offered in metal form. This card can be a good option for high spenders who can spend above Rs. 1.5 Lakh in a month. With a reward earn-rate of 6%, this card can be a suitable choice for people who want to earn decent value back through rewards.

5. SBI Aurum Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 9,999
Annual Fee: Rs. 9,999

SBI Aurum Credit Card is a super-premium invite-only credit card that offers all-round benefits across rewards, travel, dining, lifestyle, etc. SBI Card has a dedicated rewards portal for this credit card where cardholders can redeem points against flight or hotel bookings, e-gift vouchers, and more. Additionally, the card also offers complimentary memberships of popular entertainment, dining, and lifestyle brands. If you are a frequent traveller and shopper, you can consider this card.

Best Fuel Credit Cards

To begin your credit card comparison to find the best fuel credit card, below is a list of best credit cards in India that offer fuel benefits in the form of fuel surcharge waiver and co-branded discounts.

1. BPCL SBI Card Octane

Joining Fee: Rs. 1,499
Annual Fee: Rs. 1,499

SBI BPCL Octane Credit Card offers a high value back of 7.25% on fuel purchases across BPCL petrol pumps. Apart from fuel, the card also gives extra reward points on movie tickets, dining, and grocery spends which can be redeemed to get more free fuel. If you prefer BPCL petrol pumps over other fuel stations, you can consider this fuel credit card and avail the all-rounder benefits.

2. ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 500
Annual Fee: Rs. 500

ICICI HPCL Super Saver is an entry-level fuel credit card that offers a value back of up to 5% on your fuel spends at HPCL. Moreover, the card also offers decent value back on your day-to-day spends on groceries, departmental stores, and bill payments. If you are looking for a low annual fee card with inclined benefits towards HPCL petrol pumps, you can consider this card.

3. IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 500
Annual Fee: Rs. 500

Indian Oil Axis Bank, another co-branded fuel credit card, offers up to 4% value back (via reward points) on fuel spends on IOCL petrol pumps. The silver lining here is that the value back is not offered only on fuel spends but on online shopping as well. If you are looking for a credit card with decent benefits across spends on IOCL petrol pumps, but do not want to pay a high fee, then you consider this as one of the best credit cards.

4. IndianOil HDFC Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 500
Annual Fee: Rs. 500

IndianOil HDFC is one of the best credit cards for fuel in India if you prefer IndianOil over other outlets. With this card, cardholders can earn up to 50 litres of free fuel every year, including value back and fuel surcharge waiver. Additionally, the card offers benefits around grocery and bill payments, allowing you to save on your daily expenses. Thus, if you are looking for a low-annual fee card with fuel benefits, this card can be a good option.

5. HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 500
Annual Fee: Rs. 500

If you want to earn cashback on all your transactions including fuel spends, then HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card is one of the best credit card in India. The cashback earned via this card, is reflected in the statement, which can be used to pay the statement balance. If you are looking for a low annual fee fuel credit card with cashback benefits on fuel instead of rewards, then you can consider this card.

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How to Choose the Right Credit Card?

As there are numerous options available for each individual, finding the right card can be confusing. Hence, before choosing, it is important to compare credit card offers from different issuers and keep the below-mentioned things in mind to make the right choice.

Identify your needs

Before applying for a credit card, you must identify how you are planning to use it. Based on the type of value-back offered, credit cards are majorly divided into two categories – rewards credit cards and cashback credit cards. Besides this, there are credit cards designed for specific categories like travel, shopping, entertainment, dining, and more. Identify your needs and decide which is a better credit card that suits your requirements to make the most out of it.

Compare credit cards

After narrowing your choices, research and compare different credit cards to find one that suits your needs. This will help you get the best deal as per your requirements. Compare credit cards based on interest rates, rewards programs, bonus categories, annual fees, and much more. There might be a possibility that other credit cards offer similar or better benefits at a lower annual fee. Credit card comparison is an ideal way to find the best credit card for yourself.

Consider fees & charges

It is important to check all the applicable fees and charges before applying for a credit card. Firstly, you should decide whether you want to pay an annual fee or not. Most of the credit cards come with an annual fee, whereas, some cards may be free for lifetime. Besides annual charges, you need to keep a check on other charges as well like finance charges, cash advance charges, forex markup fees, over-limit charges, and interest rates. The interest rate can quickly add up – especially if you fail to pay the total amount due on your credit card. Hence, you should always pay your credit card bill on time and in full to save yourself from high-interest rates.

In addition to the above-mentioned factors, most credit cards offer extra perks like welcome benefits, bonus rewards, milestone benefits, and complimentary memberships or vouchers. While these benefits enhance the overall value of the card, these should not be the sole criteria for selection.

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FAQs

Which is the best credit card in India for 2024?

The best credit card varies from person to person. To find the best credit card, you need to analyze your spending habits and choose the one that aligns with your lifestyle. You can choose the best credit card in India from the above-mentioned list as per your requirements.

What are the best credit cards in India for salaried individuals?

Salaried individuals can choose from a wide range of credit cards as per their eligibility. Those who are getting their first credit card can pick entry-level cards like Axis Ace or HDFC Moneyback+. One should select the card that offers benefits aligning with their spending preferences. For instance, individuals who like to travel frequently can get a travel credit card that can help them save on their trips along with offering additional benefits like lounge access.

What are some features to watch out for before applying the best credit card in India?

The features and benefits associated with a credit card may vary from one card to another. Thus, before applying, you must analyze a card basis the value back offered on a major category like, fuel, travel, shopping etc, or on all spends in general. Additionally, you must check if the features offered align well with your spending preferences. For instance,  a card offering huge value back on Indian Oil fuel spends, might be good choice for those who spend a lot on fuel irrespective of any preferred fuel outlet, or for Indian Oil loyalists, but it may not be that helpful for those who prefer other fuel stations.

What are the best credit cards for students?

Students can get credit cards in the form of prepaid cards, against education loans or entry-level cards that require minimal eligibility, as per the issuers’ discretion. Some of the top options for student credit cards include SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card, ICICI Bank Student Forex Credit Card, etc. Additionally, students can also opt for secured credit cards like IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card, Paisabazaar Step UP Credit Card, Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card and ICICI Coral Contactless Credit Card.

Which is the best credit card for daily use?

Different credit cards are designed for different types of daily spends like groceries, fuel, shopping, dining, etc. At the same time, there are some all-rounder cards that provide benefits across multiple categories but such cards usually come at a comparatively higher annual fee. To save on your daily spends, you should first understand your spending preferences and then choose a card that offers good value on it. For instance, if you are a Swiggy loyalist, you could get the Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card.

Which is the best credit card in India with no annual fee?

There are several lifetime free credit cards in the market. However, most of these cards would be entry-level and come with basic benefits. If you wish to get a card that helps you save on a particular category, say travel or fuel, you should not limit your search to no fee options.

Which credit card is best for online shopping in India?

Some of the best credit cards for online shopping in India are Axis Bank Ace, SBI SimplyClick, HDFC Moneyback+, Flipkart Axis Bank, and ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card.

Which credit is best in India for earning rewards?

Almost all credit cards in India offer reward points with every purchase. But some credit cards offer higher reward points with certain purchases and they have multiple redemption options. Click here to read about the best rewards credit cards in India.

Do all best credit cards in India charge high annual fees?

No, there are some credit cards with the best offers in India that either are free for a lifetime or charge a minimal annual fee. A few examples of the best low annual fee credit cards include HDFC Moneyback, HSBC Platinum, and ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card.

Is credit score important when applying for a credit card?

Credit score is one of the factors that card issuers consider when reviewing your credit card application, however, if you have a pre-qualified card offer or have a prior relationship with the lender, they might not look at your credit score when approving your card application. Also, there are some entry level cards that doesn’t require credit score for application, so even if you do not have a credit score of 700 and above, which is considered good for credit applications, you still stand a chance to get a credit card.

What is the minimum salary required for a credit card?

The minimum salary required for a credit card may vary across the card issuer and your occupation type. Additionally, it may also vary as per the card type. Premium credit cards have a higher income eligibility requirement in comparison to entry-level or basic credit cards. Know more about Credit Card Eligibility.

Which credit card is best in India for cashback?

The best credit card is the one that aligns with your requirements or lifestyle. Some of the best cashback credit cards in India include Cashback SBI Card, Axis Ace, Flipkart Axis, Amazon Pay ICICI, and HDFC Millennia. When choosing a credit card, it is important to analyze your spending habits to make an informed decision.

Which is the best credit card for airport lounge access?

Some of the best credit cards for airport lounge access include, SBI Card Elite, HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, and Axis Bank Select Credit Card. These cards offer access to both domestic and International lounges. Click here to check Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in India 2024.

How to apply for the best credit card in India?

To get the best credit card, you must first analyze your spending patterns and requirements. For instance, if you largely spend on shopping, you can get yourself a Shopping Credit Card, or if you are looking for fuel benefits, get a fuel credit card. Additionally, you must also compare various similar type of cards offered by different lenders. For that, you can compare & apply for credit cards at Paisabazaar.

What should I look for when comparing credit cards?

Comparing credit cards from different issuers is important to find the best deal as per your requirements. While comparing multiple credit cards, you should look for interest rates, annual fees, overall benefits, and additional benefits. You can use platforms like Paisabazaar to compare credit cards and apply for the one that suits your requirements the best.

Which is the best credit card for entertainment benefits?

Best credit cards for entertainment would be those that offer benefits on movie ticket bookings or on OTT subscription platforms. Some of the top cards in this league are Axis Neo Credit Card,  PVR INOX Kotak Credit Card, RBL Bank Play Credit Card, Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card, HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, etc.

Which is the best fuel credit card?

Some of the top fuel credit cards in India are BPCL SBI Card Octane, Indian Oil Axis Bank Credit Card, Indian Oil HDFC Credit Card, ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card and HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card, among others.

Which credit card in India offers the best travel benefits?

Choosing the best travel credit card is subjective basis your preferences for domestic and international travel or co-branded loyalty. Some of the best travel benefits are offered on cards like Axis Atlas Credit Card, Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card, HDFC Bank InterMiles Signature Credit Card, Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card, IRCTC SBI Card Premier, etc.