21 Most {Rewarding} Credit Cards in India For 2024 [Updated]
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Choosing the best credit card for yourself can be quite tricky. India is a growing market with banks rushing to bring credit cards that offer the most value, every few weeks. To make this hunt easier for you, we have shortlisted credit cards based on categories including cashback, online shopping, and other criteria. So, consider this the updated ultimate guide for the best credit cards in India this year.
This list will be updated as new credit cards, that catch our eye, keep getting unveiled.
List of 21 Top Credit Cards in India for 2022
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1. Flipkart Axis
Points to Consider
One of the best reward credit cards in India in the entry-level segment
Flat 5% unlimited cashback on all your purchases from Flipkart, Myntra, and 2Gud. If you purchase a Rs 1 lakh smartphone from Flipkart, you will get Rs 5,000 back as credit in your card account, no questions asked!
4% cashback on select merchants and 1.5% on all other transactions
4 complimentary lounge visits, a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, and Axis Bank-related dining benefits
Joining fees:Rs 500+GST
Annual fees:Rs 500+GST (waived off on spending Rs 2,00,000)
Interest rate:3.4% per month (49.36% per annum)
Pros
You can earn up to 5% cashback every time you shop from Flipkart, Myntra, and 2GUD.
4% cashback on additional merchants such as PVR, Uber, MakeMyTrip, and Cure.fit. This card covers three domains, lifestyle, travel, and shopping.
If you are someone who is looking to get discounts from multiple platforms, then this card is the perfect match for you.
Cons
Cashback only on online spends
2. Amazon Pay ICICI
Points to consider
5% cashback on Amazon.in purchases for Amazon Prime members
Non-Prime users get 3% unlimited cashback
2% cashback on Amazon Pay partner merchants
Lifetime free card
Joining fees:0
Annual fees:0
Interest rate:3.5-3.8% per month
Pros
Lifetime free card. You can get cashback even without paying any joining or annual fees.
5% cashback on every Amazon.in purchase for Prime members.
2% cashback on expenses like recharges, gift cards, flight bookings, and bill payments through Amazon Pay partner merchants.
Cons
If you wish to enjoy the full benefits, you need to have an Amazon Prime membership.
There are no rewards for purchasing gold and none on EMI transactions.
3. Axis ACE
Points to consider
5% flat (unlimited) cashback on bill payments (electricity, internet, gas, and more), DTH, and mobile recharges on Google Pay on Android
4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola
2% cashback on all other spends
4 complimentary lounge visits per calendar year at select domestic airports
Joining fees:Rs 499
Annual fees:Rs 499 (waived off on spending Rs 2,00,000)
Interest rate:3.4% per month (49.36% per annum)
Pros
Axis Bank offers 2% flat-rate cashback on all purchases, which means you can earn a great value on everything you buy.
5% unlimited cashback on bill payments; mobile recharges done via Google Pay and DTH.
20% discount at more than 4000 partner restaurants
4% cashback on Zomato, Ola, Grofers, Bigbasket, and Swiggy.
Cons
No welcome benefits
4. SBI SimplyClick
Points to consider
Chances of easier approval in case you have an SBI bank account
This is also one of the best credit cards for students to build credit score.
Free Amazon gift card on joining
10X rewards on partners like Amazon, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Dineout, Lenskart, and more
5X rewards on other online portals
Joining fees:Rs 499 (Get Rs 500 Amazon.in gift card on joining)
Annual fees:Rs 499 (waived off on spending Rs 1,00,000)
Interest rate:3.50% per month (42% per annum)
Pros
Option of converting transactions (>Rs 2500) into EMI using Flexipay
10X Reward Points on Cleartrip, FoodPanda, Lenskart, Bookmyshow, and more
Earn 1 Reward point on every Rs 100 spent
1% Fuel Surcharge waiver on a minimum spend of Rs 500
Cons
No rewards on entertainment and dining
Conversion of rewards is almost vague
5. HDFC Millennia
Points to consider
5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, and flight and hotel bookings
2.5% cashback on online spends
1% cashback on offline spends and wallet reloads
Joining fees:Rs 1,000+GST
Annual fees:Rs 1,000+GST (waived off on spending Rs 1,00,000)
Interest rate:3.49% per month (41.88% per annum)
Pros
8 free domestic airport lounge visits in a year
2.5% cashback on every online purchase on minimum purchase of Rs.2000
5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, hotel, and flight bookings if done via PayZapp and SmartBuy
Cashback on offline spends and wallet reloads
Cons
Cashback has an upper limit of Rs 1000 for first 6 months, and Rs 750 later on
6. Standard Chartered Manhattan
Points to consider
Offers exclusive cashback on supermarket grocery spends
3 reward points on every Rs 150 spent on other expenses
Annual fee waiver available after first year
Joining fees:Rs 999 (5,000 rewards points on joining)
Annual fees:Rs 999 (waived off on spending Rs 1,20,000)
Interest rate:3.75% per month (45% per annum)
Pros
The best cashback credit card for supermarket spends
15% cashback on travel
25% off on movie tickets. Vouchers worth Rs. 2000 from BookMyShow
Cons
Not as premium as its counterparts
Reward point redemption values are low and keep fluctuating
7. Axis Neo
Points to consider
Good card for online shopping spends primarily
Free memberships include Zomato Pro, Grofers, and 1mg
Discounts across your favourite apps like Zomato, Myntra, BookMyShow
Joining fees:Rs 250 (waived off if you spend Rs 2,500 in first 45 days)
Annual fees:Rs 250
Interest rate:3.4% per month (49.36% per annum)
Pros
40% off on Swiggy and Zomato
10% off on movies, groceries, and online shopping
5% cashback on mobile bill payments and utility bills using Paytm
10% off on Grofers, Myntra, and BookMyShow
Cons
No complimentary airport and railway lounge visits on offer
8. Flipkart Axis
Points to Consider
One of the best credit cards in India in the entry-level segment
Flat 5% unlimited cashback on all your purchases from Flipkart, Myntra, and 2Gud. If you purchase a Rs 1 lakh smartphone from Flipkart, you will get Rs 5,000 back as credit in your card account, no questions asked!
4% cashback on select merchants and 1.5% on all other transactions
4 complimentary lounge visits, a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, and Axis Bank-related dining benefits
Joining fees:Rs 500+GST
Annual fees:Rs 500+GST (waived off on spending Rs 2,00,000)
Interest rate:3.4% per month (49.36% per annum)
Pros
You can earn up to 5% cashback every time you shop from Flipkart, Myntra, and 2GUD.
4% cashback on additional merchants such as PVR, Uber, MakeMyTrip, and Cure.fit. This card covers three domains, lifestyle, travel, and shopping.
If you are someone who is looking to get discounts from multiple platforms, then this card is the perfect match for you.
Cons
Cashback only on online spends
9. Amazon Pay ICICI
Points to consider
5% cashback on Amazon.in purchases for Amazon Prime members
Non-Prime users get 3% unlimited cashback
2% cashback on Amazon Pay partner merchants
Lifetime free card
Joining fees:0
Annual fees:0
Interest rate:3.5-3.8% per month
Pros
Lifetime free card. You can get cashback even without paying any joining or annual fees.
5% cashback on every Amazon.in purchase for Prime members.
2% cashback on expenses like recharges, gift cards, flight bookings, and bill payments through Amazon Pay partner merchants.
Cons
If you wish to enjoy the full benefits, you need to have an Amazon Prime membership.
There are no rewards for purchasing gold and none on EMI transactions.
10. IndianOil Citibank
Points to consider
4 Turbo points on every Rs 150 of fuel spends
2 points on every Rs 150 spent on groceries
Best credit cards for fuel in India are a boon in times of inflated fuel prices. The IndianOil Citibank is a co-branded credit card which offers you 4 Turbo points on every Rs 150 of fuel spending, and gives you 2 points on every Rs 150 spent on groceries apart from 1 point on Rs 150 spent on all other transactions.
Joining fees:0
Annual fees:Rs 1,000 (waived off on spending Rs 30,000)
Interest rate:~45% per annum
Pros
4 Turbo points on every Rs 150 spent on fuel
Up to 20% discount on dining at partner restaurants
2 Turbo points on every Rs 150 spent on groceries and at departmental stores
Earned reward points do not expire
Turbo points can be exchanged for air miles and cash/ statement credit
Cons
Rewards on fuel are only applicable at Indian Oil fuel stations
No rewards on entertainment and travel categories
11. BPCL SBI
Points to consider
BPCL has partnered with SBI Card to offer a decent credit card for high fuel spends
13X reward points on fuel purchases at BPCL petrol pumps, subject to maximum of 1300 reward points
5X reward points on every Rs 100 spent on groceries, departmental stores, movies, and dining
Annual fees:Rs 499 (waived off on spending Rs 1,00,000)
Interest rate:3.50% per month (42% per annum)
Pros
A welcome gift of 2,000 reward points (worth Rs 500) is credited on activation
25X reward points on BPCL fuel stations across the country
4 complimentary access to airport lounges at domestic airports
5X reward points earned on dining, movie tickets, groceries, and departmental stores
Cons
Rewards on fuel are only applicable at BPCL fuel stations
Fuel Surcharge waiver is capped at Rs 100 per month
12. HDFC Regalia
Points to consider
HDFC Regalia is one of the longest-running mid-range credit cards from HDFC’s bandwagon
Free Dineout Passport membership, and 12 domestic and 6 international lounge visits
Up to 15,000 bonus reward points on completing spending milestones
Joining fees:Rs 2,500+GST (welcome benefit of 2,500 Reward Points)
Annual fees:Rs 2,500+GST (renewal benefit of 2,500 Reward Points) – waived off on spending Rs 3,00,000
Interest rate:3.49% per month (41.88% per annum)
Pros
12 Complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access per calendar quarter
4 reward points are earned for every Rs 150 spent
Bonus 10,000 Reward Points on Rs 5 lakhs and additional 5,000 Reward Points on Rs 8 lakhs spent annually
Cons
The net reward rate of this card is relatively low
13. American Express MRCC
Points to consider
If you want a no-frills credit card that rewards you for regular payments, there are only a few like the Amex MRCC
One of the best credit cards in India for mid-range users.
Earn 1,000 bonus points for using the card 4 times on transactions of Rs 1,500 and above during each calendar month.
Additional 1,000 Membership Rewards points by spending Rs 20,000 or more in a calendar month.
Joining fees:Rs 1,000+GST
Annual fees:Rs 4,500+GST (waived off on spending Rs 1,50,000)
Interest rate:3.5% per month
Pros
Bonus points add up to a lot of value in each calendar year
You need not make big purchases to get a high amount of points
Cons
American Express cards are not readily acceptable at all online and offline stores
14. Axis Select
Points to consider
Perfect bridge between cashback cards and premium ones
Free Amazon Prime membership, Rs 2,000 Amazon voucher, 20% on BigBasket orders, 40% off on Swiggy, BOGO on BookMyShow
6 international lounge visits every year
Joining fees:Rs 3,000
Annual fees:Rs 3,000
Interest rate:3.40% per month (49.36% per annum)
Pros
One-stop shop for value seekers using online apps
Great for frequent international travellers with 6 international lounge visits
Regular discounts on BookMyShow and Swiggy, with thousands in yearly savings
Cons
Not the best credit card in its range
No fee waivers available
15. IndusInd Pinnacle
Points to consider
One of the simplest premium cards in the market
2.5% rewards on online transactions, 1.5% on online travel bookings
1% on all other transactions
You can redeem the points for cash credit 1:1
Joining fees:Rs 15,000+GST (up to Rs 15,000 worth of welcome vouchers)
Annual fees:0
Interest rate:2.99% per month (36% per annum)
Pros
You can redeem points as cash equivalent in credit card statement
Welcome vouchers offset your joining cost
Simple and easy to use
Cons
Joining fees are too steep for a premium card
16. SBI Elite
Points to consider
The SBI Elite is a complete package when it comes to benefits
Complimentary movie tickets worth Rs 6,000 in a year
Up to 50,000 reward points in milestone spends
Priority Pass membership, domestic lounge access, Club Vistara Silver membership, Trident Privilege Red Tier membership
The SBI Elite is a complete package when it comes to benefits. You get complimentary movie tickets worth Rs 6,000 in a year, up to 50,000 reward points in milestone spending, Priority Pass membership, domestic lounge access, Club Vistara Silver membership, Trident Privilege Red Tier membership, and an exclusive concierge.
Joining fees:Rs 4,999+GST (Get Rs 5,000 gift voucher on joining)
Annual fees:Rs 4,999+GST
Interest rate:3.50% per month (42% per annum)
Pros
Loads of free premium subscription services on offer
Milestone spends can unlock high reward rate
Great card for frequent moviegoers
Cons
Not the best card for low spending
17. Citi PremierMiles
Points to consider
Citi PremierMiles is the best premium credit card in India if you want to maximise airmiles
10 miles for every Rs 100 spent on airline transactions
4 miles for every Rs 100 on all other spends
Citi PremierMiles is the best premium credit card in India if you want to maximise airmiles. You get 10 miles for every Rs 100 spent on airline transactions. Plus, you get 4 miles for every Rs 100 on all other spends. These miles never expire, so you don’t have to worry about lockdowns spoiling travel plans.
Joining fees:Rs 3,000+GST
Annual fees:Rs 3,000+GST
Interest rate:3.75% per month (45% per annum)
Pros
Airline miles on this card never expire, so no plans will be spoilt
10% return on miles on airline spends
Cons
Fee waiver only for Citigold customers
High reward rate only when you book through Premier Miles website
18. HDFC Infinia
Points to consider
HDFC Infinia is probably the most exciting super premium credit card in India
Exclusive benefits on Amazon, Flipkart, and travel bookings
Super premium card benefits like international lounge access, golf games, movie offers, and dining benefits
Joining fees:Rs 10,000+GST (welcome benefits of 10,000 points)
Annual fees:Rs 10,000+GST (renewal benefits of 10,000 points) – waived off on spending Rs 8,00,000
Interest rate:1.99% per month (23.88 per annum)
Pros
10X reward points on Amazon, Flipkart, travel bookings
Multiple super premium benefits – lounge access, accelerated rewards, etc
VISA acceptability is extremely high
Cons
This card is solely an invite only card. No eligibility mentioned
Membership Fee of Rs. 12,500 + Applicable Taxes. Card is not lifetime free anymore
19. American Express Platinum
Points to consider
The Amex Platinum is one of the most unique cards in the market
Access to a ton of unspoken benefits like access to exclusive events, offers, and locations
These are some things money really can’t buy, however cliched it might sound
Joining fees:Rs 60,000+GST
Annual fees:Rs 60,000+GST
Interest rate:3.5% per month
Pros
3X rewards on every spend while you are abroad
Earned rewards never expire
Complimentary Access to 32 Golf courses in India
Cons
Has an internal or shadow limit
Joining Fees: Rs. 60000 + Applicable Taxes!
20. Yes First Exclusive
Premium features include an exclusive interest rate for revolving credit, movie offers, insurance coverage, and a lot more.
Joining fees:Rs 9,999+GST
Annual fees:Rs 9,999+GST
Interest rate:1.99% per month (23.88% per annum)
Pros
12 reward points on every Rs.200 spent on travel, airlines, and dining
6 reward points on every Rs.200 spent on other categories
Super affordable fees
Cons
Benefits might not be on par with other super premium card options
21. HDFC Diners Black
Points to consider
HDFC Diners Black is another gem from HDFC Bank’s credit card lineup
Offers a lot of benefits on par with the Infinia, albeit with lower monthly limits
Free memberships for Amazon Prime, Zomato Pro, MakeMyTrip, Club Marriott, and more
Joining fees:Rs 10,000+GST
Annual fees:Rs 10,000+GST (waived off on spending Rs 5,00,000)
Interest rate:1.99% per month (23.88 per annum)
Pros
6 Complimentary golf games per quarter
10X reward points on partner brands and 2X on weekend dining
Earned reward points can be redeemed for flight and hotel bookings using Smartbuy
Cons
Accelerated reward accrual monthly limits
Not accepted everywhere due to Diners Club network
Compare Best Credit Card
Credit Cards
Joining Fees
Category
Axis ACE
Rs 500
Cashback
SBI SimplyCLICK
Rs 500
Entry-Level, Cashback
Amazon Pay ICICI
0
Cashback
Flipkart Axis
Rs 500
Cashback
HDFC Bank Millennia
Rs 1,000
Cashback, Wallet Reloads
Axis Neo
Rs 250
Online Shopping
IndianOil Citibank
0
Fuel
BPCL SBI
Rs 499
Fuel
HDFC Regalia
Rs 2,500
Mid-range
American Express MRCC
Rs 1,000
Mid-range
Axis Select
Rs 3,000
Mid-range
IndusInd Pinnacle
Rs 15,000
Premium
SBI Elite
Rs 4,999
Premium
Citi PremierMiles
Rs 3,000
Travel, Premium
HDFC Bank Infinia
Rs 12,500
Super Premium, Luxury
American Express Platinum
Rs 60,000
Super Premium
Yes First Exclusive
Rs 9,999
Super Premium
HDFC Diners Black
Rs 10,000
Super Premium
How to choose the best credit card?
There are a variety of factors that should be considered before applying for a new credit card. But they are categorised into two major areas – your eligibility and the benefits that the credit card offers you. First, let’s have a look at the multiple eligibility criteria.
Age
Age is an essential factor in determining your credit card eligibility. Largely, anyone in the working population is eligible for most credit cards in India. If you are between the age of 21 and 50-55, you shouldn’t have much problem while applying for one. Bonus if you are a salaried professional, too.
Location
Once the age factor is considered, your location–where you reside currently–should be serviceable by the bank. Most major pincodes in India are covered, and you shouldn’t be worrying except if you live in an extremely remote part of the country.
Income
Income is one of the major factors that will influence your credit card approval. Depending on your income, you can know whether you are eligible for basic, mid-range, premium, or super premium credit cards. The higher the income, better the chances of getting approved for a more premium card. Usually, banks are strict about this criteria but might offer waivers in case you have a solid and long running relationship with the issuing bank.
Credit score
Once you have been cleared of the above factors, your credit score is analysed to check your credit history, including your loan repayment schedule, credit utilisation, age of accounts, and so on. Keep your score as high as possible by following the tips mentioned in this blog.
FAQs
Which is the best credit card in India 2022?
Honestly, there is no single best credit card in India. However, we have tried to categorise them above on the basis of usage and level. They are all great options in their respective categories, so you can pick the one that suits you best.
Which is the best rewards credit card in India?
While the SBI SimplyClick is a great entry-level card for rewards, you can’t ignore the American Express Membership Rewards card that offers great value. We would suggest you read the above list carefully to make the right choice.
Which credit card is best for daily use?
A credit card is suited for different needs. Whether you need it for travel bookings, grocery, or online shopping primarily decides which card you should go for. We have an exhaustive list that should help you.
Which credit card is best in India for a salaried person?
Almost all banks prefer salaried professionals for credit card approvals. However, the card level depends on your salary and relationship with the bank. Check the list above for the best credit cards in India to have a clearer idea of which one you should get first.
Which credit card is best for online shopping in India?
Flipkart Axis and Amazon Pay ICICI are some of the best online shopping credit cards in India. Axis Neo is also a good overall card to have for popular online shopping apps.
Do all best credit cards in India charge high annual fee?
No. In fact, a lot of popular cards like Amazon Pay ICICI have zero joining and annual fees. Read this blog to know more.
Which credit card in India is best for travel?
The Citi Premier Miles is a good credit card for travel. It lets you convert your card points into airline miles with several airlines. These can be used to obtain free flights.
What is the best lifetime free credit card in India?
Amazon Pay ICICI could be regarded as the top ranker in the list of lifetime free credit cards in India. It gives you flat 5% cashback on Amazon.in orders.
Which bank give credit card easily?
Although there is no direct answer to this, but SBI credit cards can theoretically be obtained easily by SBI bank customers.
Conclusion
The above list has been updated as of February 2022. These are the best credit cards in each of their categories. Considering India is a fast-growing financial market with several new launches and upgrades every couple of weeks, we should see regular updates to these credit cards, and thus this list, often. Be sure to check back to see if any of your preferred cards have received any changes. For other questions, please put them down in the comments. Someone from our team or our reader base will get back to you