Credit Card


A credit card is a valuable financial tool that not only rewards your everyday expenses but can also help improve your credit score. Thus, choosing the right credit card is essential to match your spending habits and financial goals.

Compare the best offers across various categories, from shopping, travel, fuel & lifetime free cards to premium and ultra-premium cards. Discover the top cards from leading banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and more. With easy online application options, find the perfect card to suit your lifestyle.

Read on to compare and choose the right credit card for your needs!


Offers by Top Credit Card

  • Axis Bank Ace Credit Card offers 5% cashback on bill payments and complimentary lounge visits.
  • Earn 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent under HDFC Biz Black Credit Card
  • HDFC credit card offers cap of 2,000 Reward Points per calendar month on utility, telecom, and cable transactions.

Top Credit Cards In India

This table ranks various credit cards available in India based on their annual fees and rewards. It serves as a comprehensive guide for potential cardholders to compare options, and evaluate the annual fees and rewards.

Rank Credit Card Annual Fee Rewards
1 HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card Rs. 2,500. Travel benefits, reward points
2 SBI Prime Credit Card ₹2,999 Travel benefits, reward points
3 American Express SmartEarn™ Credit Card ₹495 Reward points
4 Axis Bank ACE Credit Card ₹499 Travel benefits, reward points
5 Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card ₹ 500 Reward points, travel benefits

Read More

Read Less

Note: Please evaluate the full terms and conditions of each credit card, including fees and eligibility, to ensure it aligns with your financial needs and spending habits.

Check the best credit card offers for your needs!

Credit Card Eligibility

Criteria Requirements
Age Minimum 18 years old
Residential Status Indian resident
Income Stable income, either salaried or self-employed required income level may vary
Credit History A good credit history, credit score of 750 or above are generally considered good.
Note: The eligibility might vary depending on the credit card and bank.

Documents Required to Apply for Credit Card

Before having a credit card here are the documents, you should keep handy with you:

Document Type Examples
Identity Proof PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID Card
Address Proof Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Passport, Utility Bill,
Bank Statement, Voter ID Card, Maintenance Bill
Income Proof Salary slips, Form 16, Income Tax Returns, Bank Statements
Note: The document requirement might vary depending on the credit card and bank.

Different Types of Credit Cards in India

From regular credit cards to business credit cards, there are various types of credit cards tailored to meet your specific financial needs. Here is a detailed understanding of credit cards and their benefits.

1. Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards

With ₹0 annual fee, a Lifetime Free Credit Cards offers benefits without added costs. These cards are perfect for everyday spending and come with cashback, rewards, and more. Here are some top lifetime free credit cards.

Credit Card Joining Fee Perks
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card ₹0
  • Up to 5% cashback on Amazon purchases,
  • 1% cashback across all offline spends
IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card ₹0
  • 10X rewards on birthday & on spends made after Rs. 20,000 monthly spends,
  • Up to 3X rewards on monthly spends of up to Rs. 20,000
Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card ₹0
  • Up to 20% Scapia coins on your spends,
  • Zero forex mark-up fee with unlimited access to domestic airport lounges
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card ₹0
  • 10X reward points on incremental monthly spends above
  • Rs. 20,000, 3X reward points on purchases of up to Rs. 20,000 in a month
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card ₹0
  • 5X rewards up to 15,000 per year on annual spends above
  • Rs. 4 lakh, Redeem rewards for InterMiles, CV points, and British & Etihad air miles

2. Best Cashback Credit Cards

Perfect for consumers who regularly purchase essentials like groceries, fuel, and utilities, these cards provide a percentage of spending back as cash. This makes them highly beneficial for those looking to maximize rewards on routine expenses.

Credit Card Joining Fee Cashback
SBI Cashback Card ₹999
(one-time)
5% cashback on online spends, 1% cashback on offline spends
Axis Bank ACE Credit Card ₹499
  • 5% cashback on utility bill payments and recharges via Google Pay,
  • 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola
HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card ₹500
(joining/renewal)
  • 10X CashPoints on Amazon, BigBasket, Flipkart,
  • Reliance Smart SuperStore & Swiggy, 2 CashPoints per ₹150 spent on other spends
Kotak Mahindra Cashback Credit Card ₹500
  • 5% cashback on all spends, with higher cashback rates for online shopping and dining

3. Best Reward Points Credit Cards

These cards are suited for shoppers who want to earn points that can be redeemed for gifts, vouchers, or travel perks. They are ideal for those who enjoy shopping and want to make the most of their spending by accumulating rewards.

Credit Card Annual Fee Reward Points
HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card ₹2,500 Earn reward points on all spends,
redeemable for travel, shopping, and more.
Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card ₹2,500 Earn reward points on all spends,
redeemable for travel, shopping, and more.
SBI Prime Credit Card ₹2,999 + Reward points are redeemable for cashback, travel miles, and merchandise.
Citibank Rewards Credit Card ₹500 Earn reward points on all spends,
redeemable for cashback or merchandise.

4. Fuel Fee Waiver Credit Cards

Fuel Fee Waiver Credit Cards provide valuable savings on fuel purchases by offering cashback or discounts when using the card at specific fuel stations.

These cards mentioned below are ideal for frequent commuters looking to reduce their fuel expenses.

Credit Card Joining Fee Fuel Savings
ICICI HPCL Super
Saver Credit Card
₹500 Up to 6.5% savings on HPCL fuel spends
IndianOil Axis Bank
Credit Card
₹500 Up to 5% savings on IOCL fuel spends
IndianOil HDFC
Credit Card
₹500 Up to 6% savings on IndianOil fuel spends
IDFC FIRST Power+
Credit Card
₹499 Up to 6.5% value-back on HPCL fuel spends

5. Shopping Credit Cards

Shopping Credit Cards offer attractive rewards, cashback, and discounts on purchases, making them ideal for frequent shoppers.

These cards provide significant savings across various shopping platforms, both online and offline. Below are some popular shopping credit cards:

Credit Card Annual Fee Shopping Benefits
HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card ₹2,500 Cashback on shopping,
discounts at select retailers
Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card ₹2,500 Cashback on shopping,
discounts at select retailers
ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card ₹500 Reward points on shopping,
discounts at select retailers
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card ₹500 Cashback on online shopping
HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card ₹500 10X CashPoints on Amazon, BigBasket, Flipkart, Reliance Smart SuperStore & Swiggy.
2 CashPoints per ₹150 spent on other spends

6. Travel Credit Cards

Designed for globetrotters, these cards offer benefits such as air miles, hotel discounts, and airport lounge access. They are perfect for those who travel regularly and want to enhance their travel experiences with added rewards and conveniences.

Credit Card Joining Fee Perks
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card ₹5,000
  • 2.5X EDGE Miles on Travel spends,
  • Up to 12 international lounge access every year
American Express® Platinum
Travel Credit Card
₹3,500
  • Membership Rewards Points worth Rs. 3,000 as a welcome benefit,
  • Membership Rewards worth up to Rs. 8,580 & Rs. 10,000 Taj Stay
Air India SBI Signature Credit Card ₹4,999
  • 20,000 reward points and complimentary Air India Frequent
  • Flyer program membership a welcome benefit.
Kotak IndiGo 6E Rewards XL Credit Card ₹2,500
  • 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per year,
  • Up to 6% rewards on spends across different categories

7. Co-Branded Credit Cards

These cards are ideal for loyal customers of particular brands, such as airlines or retailers. They offer exclusive rewards and discounts, making them suitable for individuals who frequently shop or travel with those brands.

Credit Card Joining Fee Perks
Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card ₹4,999
  • 6,000 CV Points on spending Rs. 30,000 per month in the first 3 months
  • Up to 5 Premium Economy tickets as milestone benefits
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card ₹3,000
  • Up to 4 free Premium Economy Class tickets
  • Complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership
HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card ₹2,500
  • Complimentary InterMiles Silver Membership,
  • Up to 12 InterMiles per Rs. 150 spent on flight and hotel bookings
Kotak Mahindra IndiGo 6E Rewards XL Credit Card ₹2,500
  • 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per year,
  • Up to 6% rewards on spends across different categories

8. Premium Credit Cards

These cards cater to affluent consumers who value exclusive services. They often provide higher credit limits and premium rewards, making them perfect for those who appreciate luxury and personalized assistance.

Credit Card Joining Fee Perks
HDFC Infinia Credit Card
Metal Edition
₹12,500
  • Unlimited airport lounge access for primary and add-on members
  • 10x reward points on travel and shopping spends on Smartbuy
HDFC Diners Club Black
Credit Card
₹10,000
  • Unlimited airport lounge access for primary and add-on members
  • High base rewards rate of 3.33% with 5 reward points per Rs. 150 spent
Axis Bank Olympus
Credit Card
₹20,000
  • Unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access
  • Up to 2 EDGE Miles per Rs. 100 spent
ICICI Emeralde
Private Metal
Credit Card
₹12,499
  • Taj Epicure & EazyDiner Prime memberships
  • Unlimited airport lounge visits

9. Business Credit Card

Designed for business owners, these cards offer higher limits and benefits tailored to business needs, such as tracking expenses and earning rewards on business-related purchases. They are ideal for those looking to efficiently manage their business finances.

Credit Card Annual Fee Perks
HDFC Bank Biz Black
Metal Edition Credit Card
₹10,000 + GST
  • Up to 55 Days Interest-Free Period,
  • 5X Reward Points on Bill Payments
  • 6 Complimentary Golf games every quarter,
  • Flight tickets/Taj Hotels Stay Voucher worth up to ₹5,000 on every ₹5 Lakh spends
HDFC Bank Biz Power
Credit Card
₹499
  • Up to 55 Days Interest-Free Period,
  • 5X Reward Points on Bill Payments,
  • Up to 16 domestic & 6 International Airport Lounge Access in a year,
  • MakeMyTrip / Reliance Digital Gift Voucher worth up to ₹2,500
Axis Bank My Business
Credit Card
₹499
  • Up to 55 Days Interest-Free Period, 4 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent
Citi® Corporate Credit Card Not specified
  • Benefit from streamlined travel and entertainment expense management

Best EMI Cards

EMI cards offer convenient EMI options along with additional perks like rewards, cashback, and lifestyle benefits. Here are the top 4 EMI cards in India:

Card Annual Fee Key Benefits
Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card ₹0 (No annual fee) Instant approval, zero or low-cost EMI options on electronics, appliances, and more.
HDFC Bank EasyEMI Credit Card ₹500 + GST Converts large purchases into easy EMIs with flexible tenure and attractive interest rates.
SBI Card SimplySAVE Advantage EMI ₹499 + GST EMI conversion on big purchases, rewards on everyday spends, and flexible repayment options.
Axis Bank MY ZONE Credit Card (EMI) ₹500 + GST EMI conversion, complimentary lounge access, and discounts on dining and entertainment.
Note: The annual fees and perks mentioned are subject to change. Please visit each credit card's respective website for the latest updates and detailed information.

Don't know your credit score? You can find out for free!

Check Your Credit Score for Free

Also get a Free Credit Report

Best Banks for Credit Cards in India

Here’s a table of the 10 Best Banks for Credit Cards in India along with their top 3 credit cards:

Top 10 Banks Top 3 Credit Cards
HDFC Bank
  1. HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card (Luxury & Lifestyle)
  2. HDFC Regalia Credit Card (Travel & Rewards)
  3. HDFC Millennia Credit Card (Cashback & Shopping)
SBI (State Bank of India)
  1. SBI Card Elite (Lifestyle & Luxury)
  2. SBI SimplyCLICK Card (Online Shopping)
  3. SBI Card PRIME (Premium Features & Benefits)
ICICI Bank
  1. ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card (Everyday Shopping)
  2. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card (Premium & Travel)
  3. ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card (Cashback & Online Shopping)
Axis Bank
  1. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card (Premium & Luxury)
  2. Axis Bank Flipkart Credit Card (Shopping & Cashback)
  3. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card (Travel)
Kotak Mahindra Bank
  1. Kotak Mahindra Royale Signature Card (Premium Benefits)
  2. Kotak Essentia Platinum Card (Groceries & Cashback)
  3. Kotak Mojo Platinum Credit Card (Dining & Travel Rewards)
IDFC First Bank
  1. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card (Wealth & Premium Features)
  2. IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card (Rewards & Cashback)
  3. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card (No Annual Fee & Cashback)
AU Small Finance Bank
  1. AU Bank Zenith Credit Card (Premium & Travel)
  2. AU Bank Altura Plus Credit Card (Shopping & Cashback)
  3. AU Bank Vetta Credit Card (Wealth & Premium)
IndusInd Bank
  1. IndusInd Bank Pinnacle Credit Card (Luxury & Rewards)
  2. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card (Lifestyle)
  3. IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Credit Card (Travel & Entertainment)
YES Bank
  1. YES FIRST Exclusive Credit Card (Premium & Lifestyle)
  2. YES Prosperity Edge Credit Card (Everyday Rewards)
  3. YES Premia Credit Card (Cashback & Premium)
Citi Bank
  1. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card (Travel & Miles)
  2. Citi Rewards Credit Card (Shopping & Rewards)
  3. Citi Cash Back Credit Card (Cashback)

Features & Benefits of Credit Cards

Know these features and benefits before you plan to avail your desired credit cards:

Credit History: Using a credit card responsibly helps establish and improve your credit score. Timely payments and low credit utilization demonstrate financial reliability, which can lead to better loan terms in the future.

Rewards and CashBack: Many credit cards offer rewards programs that provide cash back, points, or travel benefits. This can effectively reduce overall spending and enhance the value of everyday purchases, making them more rewarding.

Rewards and CashBack: Many credit cards offer rewards programs that provide cash back, points, or travel benefits. This can effectively reduce overall spending and enhance the value of everyday purchases, making them more rewarding.

Emergency Financial Flexibility: Credit cards provide a safety net during unexpected expenses, allowing users to make necessary purchases even when cash flow is tight. However, this can lead to debt if not managed carefully, so it's essential to use this feature wisely.

Purchase Protection and Benefits: Credit cards often come with built-in protections against fraud, theft, and damage. This added layer of security can give users peace of mind, knowing they are covered in case of disputes or issues with purchases.

Airport Lounge Access: Many premium credit cards offer complimentary access to airport lounges, enhancing the travel experience. This benefit provides a quiet space to relax, complimentary refreshments, and amenities before flights.

Credit Card for Students

Owing a credit card as a student can be a valuable financial tool, providing opportunities to build credit history, manage expenses, and learn responsible spending habits. However, students need to use credit cards wisely, keep track of their spending, and ensure timely payments to avoid debt.

Top 6 Student Credit Cards in India (September 2024)
Credit Card Annual Fee Best Feature
IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card 0 4X reward points on all spends
Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card 0 Interest-free cash withdrawals, and rewards on all purchases.
ICICI Coral Contactless Credit Card 0 Contactless transactions, with rewards and free transaction
SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card 0 Get a reward point for spending on the card.
ICICI Bank Student Forex Prepaid Card ₹499 + GST Joining Benefits worth ₹5,000
Note: The annual fee and other benefits might vary depending on the eligibility criteria. Please refer to the official website for more details.

Get a quick loan starting at 11.99% p.a.

Drawbacks of Using a Credit Card

Each card type serves distinct purposes and can offer various drawbacks, that can impact your financial health. Here are the drawbacks of using a credit card:

Drawback Description
High Interest Rates Carrying a balance can lead to significant interest charges.
Annual Fees Many credit cards charge an annual fee, which can add to costs.
Potential for Debt Accumulation Easy access to credit can lead to overspending and debt.
Complex Rewards Programs Understanding and maximizing rewards can be complicated.
Impact on Credit Score Late payments or high credit utilization can negatively affect your score.

Read More

Read Less

Difference Between Credit Card & Debit Card

Credit Card or Debit Card which one can be a correct choice. Both of the facility serves different purposes but to eradicate confusion, this table helps you understand the difference.

Feature Credit Card Debit Card
Source of Funds Borrowed funds from the bank Own funds from the linked bank account
Payment Method Payments are made on credit, to be repaid later Payments are deducted directly from the account
Interest Rates May incur interest if not paid in full No interest charges
Credit Score Impact Affects credit score based on usage Generally does not impact credit score
Rewards and Benefits Often comes with rewards, cashback, and offers Limited or no rewards

Read More

Read Less

Steps to Apply For Credit Card Online

Here are the generic details on how to apply for a credit card online. However, the steps and procedure may vary depending on the bank and credit card.

Step 1: Choose a Credit Card: Consider factors like annual fees, interest rates, rewards, and benefits. Select a card that aligns with your needs and spending habits.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents, as mentioned above.

Step 3: Visit the Bank's Website or go to the website of the bank offering the credit card you've chosen. After providing all the needed details click the "Apply Online" or "Apply Now" button

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

  • Provide your personal information
  • Contact details
  • Financial information
  • Upload the required documents in digital format.

Step 5: Submit Your Application, review your application for accuracy, and submit it online.

Step 6: Await Approval, the bank will review your application and notify you of the decision. This process may take a few days.

Step 7: Receive Your Card, If approved, you'll receive your credit card in the mail.

Step 8: Activate Your Card: Follow the instructions provided to activate your card.

Do you need an emergency loan?

Frequently Asked Questions

Credit cards allow you to borrow funds from a bank to make purchases. You repay the borrowed amount either fully or in installments. If not paid in full, interest is charged on the remaining balance. Credit cards have a spending limit and offer reward benefits.

Credit cards provide benefits like reward points, cashback, and travel perks. They offer an interest-free period (up to 50 days), build credit history, and provide protection against unauthorized transactions. Cards also offer emergency access to funds, discounts on purchases, and opportunities to convert purchases into EMIs.

To apply, compare different credit cards and check eligibility requirements. Submit necessary documents like identity proof, address proof, income proof, and PAN card. You can apply online or visit a bank. Approval depends on your credit score, income, and the bank’s evaluation of your financial behavior.

Credit cards let you borrow money from the bank, which you repay later, building your credit score. Debit cards deduct funds directly from your bank account. Credit cards offer rewards and protections, while debit cards are limited to the available account balance and typically offer fewer benefits.

Pay your credit card bill on time, maintain a credit utilization below 30%, and avoid applying for multiple cards simultaneously. Regularly monitoring your credit report for errors and using your credit responsibly can help improve your credit score over time.

A credit limit is the maximum amount you can borrow using your credit card. It’s set by the bank based on your financial profile. Staying within this limit and maintaining low credit utilization (below 30%) helps improve your credit score and avoid additional fees.

Credit card rewards include cashback, points, or miles earned on purchases. Cashback gives you money back, points can be redeemed for goods or services, and miles can be used for travel bookings. Rewards vary by card type and are often specific to spending categories.

Interest rates (APR) apply to unpaid balances on credit cards after the due date. Cards typically offer an interest-free period of up to 50 days. If the balance isn’t paid in full, interest accrues daily. Paying off the full amount monthly avoids interest charges.

Credit card fees include annual fees, late payment charges, and over-limit fees. Additional charges may apply for cash advances, balance transfers, and foreign transactions. Interest fees accrue on unpaid balances, and managing payments responsibly can help you avoid accumulating these costs.

Display of trademarks, trade names, logos, and other subject matters of Intellectual Property displayed on this website belongs to their respective intellectual property owners & is not owned by Bvalue Services Pvt. Ltd. Display of such Intellectual Property and related product information does not imply Bvalue Services Pvt. Ltd company’s partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property or proprietor of such products.

Please read the Terms & Conditions carefully as deemed & proceed at your own discretion.