Credit cards have evolved significantly in India, from a luxury to a crucial financial tool for many. They provide convenience, offer a range of rewards like cashback and travel points, and are essential for online and offline purchases. However, with benefits comes the risks of debt if used irresponsibly. Therefore, choosing the right credit card is important whether you’re looking for rewards, savings, or premium benefits.
List of 25 Best Credit Cards in India
Here’s a list of some of the best credit cards, categorized based on usage, rewards, and premium benefits:
Entry-Level Credit Cards
These cards are great for first-time users or those with basic spending needs.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Minimum Credit Score |
| SBI Cashback Card | ₹500 | 650 |
| American Express Membership
Rewards Credit Card (MRCC) |
₹4,500 | 750 |
| ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card | ₹500 | 650 |
SBI Cashback Card
Key Features:
- Cashback: Up to 5% cashback on all purchases, with no minimum spend requirement.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Waives fuel surcharge up to ₹100 per transaction.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on all purchases, which can be redeemed for gifts and vouchers.
- Annual Fee: ₹500 (first year waived)
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹1.5 lakhs
- Good credit history
American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card (MRCC)
Key Features:
- Membership Rewards Points: Earn 1.5 Membership Rewards points on every ₹100 spent.
- Transferability: Transfer points to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Concierge Services: Access to personalized concierge services.
- Annual Fee: ₹4,500
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
Key Features:
- Cashback: Up to 10% cashback on Amazon purchases.
- Amazon Prime Benefits: Enjoy Amazon Prime membership benefits, including free delivery, streaming services, and early access to deals.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on all purchases, which can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards.
- Annual Fee: ₹500 (first year waived)
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹2 lakhs
- Good credit history
Premium Credit Cards
If you’re looking for exclusive perks, these premium cards offer high-end benefits and rewards:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Minimum Credit Score |
| HDFC Regalia Gold | ₹2,500 | 650 |
| American Express Gold Charge Card | ₹4,500 | 750 |
| Yes First Reserve | ₹3,000 | 700 |
| HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Rupay | ₹3,500 | 700 |
| American Express Platinum Reserve | ₹25,000 | 800 |
HDFC Regalia Gold
Key Features:
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on all purchases, redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift vouchers.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Good credit history
American Express Gold Charge Card
Key Features:
- Membership Rewards Points: Earn Membership Rewards points on all purchases, which are transferable to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹4,500
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹5 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
Yes First Reserve
Key Features:
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on all purchases, redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift vouchers.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Good credit history
HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Rupay
Key Features:
- Tata Neu Points: Earn Tata Neu points on all purchases, redeemable for discounts and offers on Tata group products and services.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on all purchases, redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift vouchers.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Good credit history
American Express Platinum Reserve
Key Features:
- Membership Rewards Points: Earn Membership Rewards points on all purchases, which are transferable to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹25,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
Travel Credit Cards
Designed for frequent travelers, these cards come with exclusive travel-related perks like lounge access, hotel discounts, and air miles:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Minimum Credit Score |
| Axis Atlas | ₹3,000 | 700 |
| American Express Platinum Travel | ₹25,000 | 800 |
| HDFC Marriott Bonvoy | ₹3,500 | 700 |
| RBL World Safari | ₹3,000 | 700 |
Axis Atlas
Key Features:
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on all purchases, redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift vouchers.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Good credit history
American Express Platinum Travel
Key Features:
- Membership Rewards Points: Earn Membership Rewards points on all purchases, which are transferable to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹25,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
HDFC Marriott Bonvoy
Key Features:
- Marriott Bonvoy Points: Earn Marriott Bonvoy points on all purchases, redeemable for hotel stays, upgrades, and other benefits.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on all purchases, redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift vouchers.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Good credit history
RBL World Safari
Key Features:
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on all purchases, redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift vouchers.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Good credit history
Airline Credit Cards
For those who frequently fly with specific airlines, these cards offer air miles and lounge access:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Minimum Credit Score |
| Vistara Infinite | ₹3,500 | 700 |
| IDFC Vistara | ₹1,500 | 650 |
| SBI Air India Signature | ₹3,000 | 650 |
| IndusInd Tiger Card | ₹2,500 | 700 |
Vistara Infinite
Key Features:
- Vistara Points: Earn Vistara points on all purchases, redeemable for flights, upgrades, and other benefits.
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Good credit history
IDFC Vistara
Key Features:
- Vistara Points: Earn Vistara points on all purchases, redeemable for flights, upgrades, and other benefits.
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
- Annual Fee: ₹1,500
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹2 lakhs
- Good credit history
SBI Air India Signature
Key Features:
- Air India Miles: Earn Air India miles on all purchases, redeemable for flights, upgrades, and other benefits.
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹2.5 lakhs
- Good credit history
IndusInd Tiger Card
Key Features:
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on all purchases, redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift vouchers.
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Good credit history
Also Read: Top 10 Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access in India
Super Premium Credit Cards
For those seeking unparalleled luxury and exclusivity, these super-premium cards are designed to cater to high-net-worth individuals:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Minimum Credit Score |
| Axis Magnus for Burgundy | ₹25,000 | 800 |
| HDFC Infinia | ₹25,000 | 800 |
| HDFC Diners Black Metal | ₹25,000 | 800 |
| ICICI Emerald Private | ₹25,000 | 800 |
| Yes Bank Marquee | ₹25,000 | 800 |
Axis Magnus for Burgundy
Key Features:
- Luxury Benefits: Access to exclusive experiences, luxury hotels, and private jets.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹25,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
HDFC Infinia
Key Features:
- Luxury Benefits: Access to exclusive experiences, luxury hotels, and private jets.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹25,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
HDFC Diners Black Metal
Key Features:
- Luxury Benefits: Access to exclusive experiences, luxury hotels, and private jets.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹25,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
ICICI Emerald Private
Key Features:
- Luxury Benefits: Access to exclusive experiences, luxury hotels, and private jets.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹25,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
Yes Bank Marquee
Key Features:
- Luxury Benefits: Access to exclusive experiences, luxury hotels, and private jets.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹25,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
Ultra-Premium / UHNI Cards
For the ultra-wealthy and UHNI individuals, these cards offer top-tier benefits, including access to exclusive events, personal concierge services, and more:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Minimum Credit Score |
| American Express Platinum | ₹25,000 | 800 |
| Axis Burgundy Private | ₹25,000 | 800 |
| HSBC Premier | ₹15,000 | 750 |
American Express Platinum
Key Features:
- Membership Rewards Points: Earn Membership Rewards points on all purchases, transferable to airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹25,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
Axis Burgundy Private
Key Features:
- Luxury Benefits: Access to exclusive experiences, luxury hotels, and private jets.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹25,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
HSBC Premier
Key Features:
- Premier Rewards Points: Earn Premier Rewards points on all purchases, redeemable for travel, merchandise, and gift vouchers.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts.
- Concierge Services: Personalized concierge assistance for travel arrangements, dining reservations, and more.
- Annual Fee: ₹15,000
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹10 lakhs
- Excellent credit history
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card
Annual Fees
While many premium cards come with high annual fees, some of the best credit cards in India with no annual fee offer substantial benefits without the cost. It’s important to evaluate whether the rewards, discounts, and perks justify the fee. For cards with high fees, check if there’s an option to waive the fee based on your annual spending.
Interest Rates
Interest rates on credit cards can vary significantly. Be sure to compare rates and choose a card with competitive terms, especially if you don’t plan to pay off the full balance every month. To avoid paying interest, consider cards that offer 0% introductory APR or rewards for full payment.
Rewards and Benefits
The reward structure is one of the main reasons to get a credit card. Some cards focus on cashback (ideal for everyday use), while others offer travel points or lifestyle rewards. When selecting, ensure the rewards align with your spending habits. For example, the best credit card for daily use could be one that offers cashback on groceries and utilities, while frequent travelers may prefer cards that offer airline miles.
Eligibility Criteria
Each credit card has different eligibility requirements based on income, credit score, and employment status. Most premium credit cards in India have higher income thresholds, while entry-level cards are more accessible for salaried individuals. Check the minimum requirements before applying.
Customer Service and Support
Efficient customer support is crucial, especially in cases of fraud, disputes, or lost cards. Choose a card from a bank known for responsive customer service and convenient channels like online and mobile banking. Good customer support can significantly enhance your card experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best credit card in India depends on your lifestyle, financial goals, and spending habits. Whether you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card, a premium travel card, or a super-premium luxury card, there’s something for everyone. Always consider the benefits against the costs, and most importantly, use your credit card responsibly to avoid debt and enjoy the full benefits of your chosen card.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which credit card offers the best cashback benefits in India?
A. The HDFC Millennia Credit Card and Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card offer some of the best cashback benefits in India.
Q. What are the eligibility criteria for applying for the best credit cards in India?
A. Eligibility includes age (18-65 years), a steady income, and a good credit score (usually 700+).
Q. How can I compare the features of the top 25 credit cards in India?
A. You can compare features on financial websites like BankBazaar, Paisabazaar, or the official bank websites.
Q. Which credit card is best for frequent travelers in India?
A. The SBI Elite Credit Card and HDFC Diners Club Privilege Card are ideal for frequent travelers due to travel rewards and airport lounge access.
Q. What are the annual fees for the best credit cards in India?
A. Annual fees range from ₹500 to ₹5,000, depending on the card type and its benefits.
Q. How do I apply for the top credit cards in India online?
A. You can apply online through the bank’s official website or financial portals by filling in the required details and submitting documents.
Q. Which credit card offers the best rewards program in India?
A. The American Express Membership Rewards Card offers an excellent rewards program with flexible redemption options.
Q. What are the benefits of using a premium credit card in India?
A. Premium credit cards offer higher rewards, lounge access, concierge services, and exclusive deals on travel, dining, and shopping.
Q. How can I maximize the benefits of my credit card in India?
A. Maximize benefits by using your card for eligible transactions, paying bills on time, and leveraging cashback and rewards programs effectively.
