Best Credit Cards in India

Here are the best credit cards in India that offer substantial value on shopping across select brands as well as on general online spending, in the form of cashback.

1. YES Bank Paisabazaar PaisaSave Credit Card

Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Rs. 499 + Taxes

YES Bank Paisabazaar PaisaSave Credit Card offers 3% cashback on all online spends, with no merchant restrictions. Value-back is offered in the form of Cashback Points, which can be redeemed through the YES Rewardz Platform in 1:1 ratio without any redemption charges.

Offering great returns across all online merchants including Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, Ajio, Zomato, Uber, MakeMyTrip, Swiggy and many more, the card is an excellent choice for online shoppers. Moreover, the credit card offers 1.5% unlimited cashback on eligible offline spends, adding more to your savings.

2. Cashback SBI Card

Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Rs. 999 + Taxes

Cashback SBI Card has long been the top contender for best credit card in India in the cashback category, as it offers 5% cashback across all online spends, with no merchant restrictions. While most shopping credit cards limit the benefits to one or more merchants or spend categories, a card that rewards you for all online spends is truly a must-have. Cardholders can also earn 1% cashback on their offline spends.

3. HDFC Millennia Credit Card

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

HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card is a good option for you if you are specifically looking for a credit card with a high cashback rate across popular online brands. 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 can easily maximize benefits and avail annual fee waiver on spending more than 1 lakh in a year.

4. 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.

5. Tata Neu Infinity Bank HDFC Bank Credit Card

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

Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card offers 5% value back on partner brands like Air India, Westside, Croma, BigBasket, Titan, Tanishq, Taj Group of Hotels and more. These brands cover several spending categories ranging from high-ticket transactions like jewellery and gadgets to regular spends like grocery and apparel. On other transactions, you get up to 1.5% back as Neu Coins. The card is suitable for consumers who frequently shop at the associated brands and seek benefits on the said brands along with decent earning across other categories.

Most credit cards offer value-back in the form of reward points. However, some cards come with a good base reward rate along with substantial savings on select categories through accelerated earning. Some of the best rewards credit cards are shown below:

1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

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

An upgrade on the classic HDFC Regalia Card, the Regalia Gold card is one of the best credit cards for high-spenders as well as frequent travellers. You get accelerated rewards on some popular brands like Nykaa and Myntra, along with a good base reward rate across all other spends. The card also offers rewards on insurance, utilities, and education spends, which are generally excluded from credit card rewards programs. Complimentary membership to Swiggy One and MMT Black Gold Tier add to its benefits.

2. Axis SELECT Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 3,000 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 3,000 + Taxes

Axis Bank Select Credit Card is a suitable choice for users seeking all-round benefits around multiple categories like shopping, travel, groceries, and movies. The card offers discounts on select brands and complimentary memberships. But the best part is its reward structure. Unlike most credit cards that offer a base rate on offline shopping and retail spends, this card offers accelerated 2x rewards on such transactions. However, the per-reward value is limited to Rs. 0.2 and 10:1 against reward conversion to airline or hotel loyalty programs- a fairly low value than other similar cards like SBI Card Prime or HDFC Regalia Gold.

3. SBI Prime Credit Card

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

SBI Prime Credit Card is one of the best rewards credit card that offers high rewards on dining, grocery, and departmental stores, along with other 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 that lets you avail all-rounder benefits with a high reward rate.

4. American Express Membership Rewards® Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 1,000 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 4,500 + Taxes

Another rewards credit card on this list is the American Express Membership Rewards® Credit Card. The cards offer 1 reward per Rs. 50 but offers more via bonus rewards on card activation and monthly and yearly milestone benefits. The USP of this card is its reward redemption against multi-brand vouchers categorized under the 18 Karat and 24 Karat Gold collection.

5. HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 500 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 500 + Taxes

HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card is an upgraded variant of the previously popular Moneyback Card. The card is suitable for entry-level customers looking for multi-brand benefits catering to everyday spends via reward points. The features on this card are satisfactory for a low annual fee of Rs. 500. Benefits can be well utilized with an affordable fee waiver limit of just Rs. 50,000 per year.

Suggested Read: Best Credit Cards for Reward Points in India

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 credit card, you must compare cards from various issuers and apply for the one that best aligns with your travel spends.

1. Axis Atlas Credit Card

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

Axis Bank Atlas is one of the most rewarding credit cards for Air Miles and possibly the best credit card for airline-agnostic benefits. 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.

2. Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 3,000 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 3,000 + Taxes

Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card is an airline-agnostic travel card that offers EDGE Miles on every card spend. These EDGE Miles can later be used against travel partner bookings in 1:1 redemption ratio, thus offering a good value-back rate. In addition to rewards, its complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access feature access to domestic as well as international airport lounges further boosts its image as one of the top travel credit cards.

3. American Express® Platinum Travel Credit Card

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

With American Express® Platinum Travel Credit Card, users can get up to 2% rewards on all their spends. Accumulated points can be redeemed for via the American Express® Travel Online platform to get travel benefits. Additional benefits like travel vouchers, lounge access, etc. make it even better for travellers.

4. HSBC TravelOne Credit Card

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

HSBC TravelOne Credit Card is an airline-agnostic credit card designed for frequent travellers. Cardholders can earn reward points on every spend and redeem them against partner airlines or hotel points at a 1:1 ratio. Besides rewards, cardholders can also save up to 15% on popular travel platforms like EaseMyTrip, Yatra, ClearTrip, and more.

5. MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 999 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 999 + Taxes

In comparison to other cards on this list, MakeMyTrip ICICI comes at a comparatively low annual fee of Rs. 999. Despite being a co-branded travel card with MakeMyTrip, it keeps up with the all-rounder travel benefits of consumers, around flight, hotel, cab, bus and train bookings. Additionally, cardholders can avail a low forex markup fee and base cashback benefits on standalone travel bookings. If you are a MakeMyTrip loyalist and frequently use your credit card while traveling, this card can be a good option for you.

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, and then apply for a card to make a well-informed decision.

1. HDFC Infinia Credit Card – Metal Edition

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

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 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 10,000 + Taxes

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. Axis Reserve Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 50,000 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 50,000 + Taxes

Axis Reserve is among the best super-premium credit cards in India offering travel-centric benefits like unlimited lounge access, complimentary airport transfers, etc. Other premium benefits like 50 free golf rounds in a year and memberships to premium hotel loyalty programs makes this card a great option for high-income individuals seeking all-round benefits.

4. American Express® Platinum Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 66,000 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 66,000 + Taxes

American Express® Platinum Card is a charge card offering excellent benefits in golf and hotel categories. Card holders get complimentary access to leading golf courses in the country, making it one of the best credit cards in India for golf benefits. Hotel benefits are offered as direct discount at select 5-star properties along with complimentary membership to multiple hotel loyalty programs. Unlimited airport lounge access, VIP-only event invitations, and the personalized services of the Platinum Concierge further add to this card’s premium appeal.

5. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

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

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.

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. IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 1,500 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 1,500 + Taxes

IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card is the newest addition to the list of Indian Oil’s co-branded credit cards and offers the highest fuel savings of 8.5%. Cardholders also get 3,000 bonus Fuel Points as welcome benefit and can earn 1,000 Fuel Points per quarter on reaching spending milestone of Rs. 75,000. You can consider getting this card if fuel spends make a major portion of your monthly expenses.

2. BPCL SBI Card Octane

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

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.

3. IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 499 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 499 + Taxes

Offered in collaboration with HPCL, this credit card helps users save up to 5% on their fuel spends in the form of reward points. Cardholders also get additional savings in the form of Happy Coins when spending via HP Pay App. The card also provides 5% savings on groceries and utility spends. Overall, it can be a good option for individuals who wish to save on fuel as well as other everyday spends.

4. ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 500 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 500 + Taxes

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.

5. IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 500 + Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 500 + Taxes

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.

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

Identify your needs:

Identify your needs and decide which is a better credit card that suits your requirements to make the most out of 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.

Compare credit cards:

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. 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.

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.