Best Credit Cards in India 2023

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. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

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

Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card is another entry-level credit card, with a good cashback rate on online shopping. The card offers benefits across top brands such as Flipkart, and other preferred partners (Uber, PVR, Tata SKY, Swiggy, etc). Despite being a co-branded card, the card functions more as a cashback credit card.

Suggested Read: Which Credit Card gives Best Rewards in India?

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. 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.

Suggested Read: Best Cashback Credit Cards in India

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This list includes the top 5 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. 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.

2. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

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

Another co-branded travel credit card on this list is Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card. The card is best suited for Vistara loyalists as you can avail complimentary Vistara tickets as a welcome and milestone benefit. The best part about this card, however, is that, apart from travel benefits, the card rewards you for spending across all categories along with other lifestyle benefits such as dining discounts, golf visits, etc.

3. HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card

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

HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card is a co-branded travel credit card with InterMiles Loyalty Program (previously Jet Privilege). This card is a good option if you are a frequent traveler, as you can earn high rewards (via air miles) for booking flights and hotels along with complimentary lounge visits. However, note that you can redeem the air miles only on the InterMiles website.

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. IRCTC SBI Card Premier

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

If you are looking for a travel credit card that offers benefits inclined toward railway bookings, then IRCTC SBI Card Premier is a good option for you. The card offers 10% value back on your ticket purchases through IRCTC along with reward benefits, railway lounge access, and bonus rewards.

Suggested Read: Best Travel Credit Cards in India

To begin your credit card comparison to find the best fuel credit card, below is a list of top 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. 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.

3. 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.

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4. 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.

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 a good option. 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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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. 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.

3. 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, entertainment, and dining. Offered to Indian residents earning an annual income of Rs. 18 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.

4. 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:

5. IndusInd Legend Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 9,999 (Nil, if applied through Paisabazaar)
Annual Fee: Nil

IndusInd Bank Legend 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 IndusInd Legend Credit Card is the go-to option. Besides this, you can also avail other premium benefits like Priority Pass Program, a low forex markup fee of 1.8%, and much more via this credit card. If you frequently travel and looking for a card to earn decent value back through rewards, this can be the right choice, especially if you do not want to pay a very high annual fee.

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Also Read: Best Super Premium Credit Cards in India

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

1. SBI Card Prime

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

SBI Card Prime 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.

2. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

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

HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is best suited 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.

Suggested Read: Best Credit Cards for Grocery Shopping in India

3. HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

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

HDFC Diners Club Privilege not only offers rewards on retail spends, but exclusive 2X rewards on weekend dining as well. Additionally, with this card, you can avail complimentary annual memberships, lounge access, travel, and golf benefits. If you are looking for premium benefits at a comparatively lower fee, then you can consider opting for this card.

4. 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:

5. IDFC First Millennia Credit Card

Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Nil

IDFC First Millennia 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. 20,000 in a billing cycle. The best part about rewards earned via this card is that the earned points never expire.

Suggested Read: Credit Cards with Zero-annual Fee in India

1. 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.

2. Which credit card is best for the rewards program?

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.

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

No, there are some credit cards with the best offers in India that are either 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.

4. Which bank credit card is the best in India?

Some of the most popular credit card issuers in India are HDFC, SBI Card, ICICI, Amex, Axis, Standard Chartered Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank. However, the best credit card for you would be the one that matches your needs. To make your search easier for you, we have listed some of the best and most popular cards in India above.

Also Check: Best Credit card in UAE

5. How many credit cards can I have?

There is no rule that limits the number of credit cards an individual can own. You can have as many credit cards as you want, need and can get approved for. However, it is advisable that you should take your credit requirements and spending habits into consideration before making the final decision. With smart usage, multiple cards can help in increasing the value back on your spends, increase your available credit and hence lower your credit utilisation ratio. But if not managed properly, too many credit cards can also lead you to overspend, pay huge bills and even get debt trapped.

6. Which is the best credit card for travel in India?

A lot of banks offer travel credit cards in India with benefits like complimentary airport lounge access, air tickets, extra rewards, air miles and more. Some of the top credit cards for travel are HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card, Air India SBI Signature Credit, Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card and RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card.

7. Which type of credit card is the best?

Every individual has a different type of credit card best-suited for them depending upon their preference and spending habits. Based on the form of value back, you can choose from the cards which come with cashback, reward points or even direct discounts. Similarly, you can choose among the credit cards as per their targeted spending category, such as air travel, shopping, fuel, railway, dining, or entertainment-focused credit cards. For instance, if you shop online frequently, you can choose a card that lets you maximise your savings on online shopping. You can also opt for any co-branded credit card if you make frequent purchases from any particular brand.

8. Why is it important to compare credit card offers?

It is important to compare credit cards from various issuers because it allows you to find the best deal as per your requirements. Every individual has different needs, such as shopping, dining, travelling, etc. By comparing features and benefits of multiple cards, you can figure out which card is best for you. Therefore, you should not apply for the first credit card offer you see. Comparing credit cards can help you get the best deal at a reasonable price.

9. 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-approved 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.

10. 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.

11. 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 2023.

12. 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. Click here to compare card & check pre-approved loan offers.

13. 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.