In today’s digital-first world, the right credit card is not just a payment tool but also a financial partner. Whether you want maximum cashback, air miles for travel, fuel savings, lifestyle rewards, or dining discounts, choosing the best credit card in India can help you save thousands of rupees every year.
This comprehensive guide covers the top credit cards in India, their features, benefits, annual fees, eligibility criteria, and how to apply online.
Why Choosing the Right Credit Card Matters
A credit card can offer:
- Why Choosing the Right Credit Card Matters
- Top 10 Best Credit Cards in India
- Best Credit Cards in India – Get Max Rewards, Cashback & Travel Benefits
- 1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
- 2. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
- 3. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card
- 4. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
- 5. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
- 6. ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
- 7. Standard Chartered Manhattan Credit Card
- 8. IndusInd Legend Credit Card
- Private Health Insurance in Norway: A Complete Guide for 2025
- 9. HSBC Cashback Credit Card
- 10. Yes Bank Prosperity Edge Credit Card
- How to Choose the Best Credit Card in India
- How to Apply Online for a Credit Card
- Cashback on shopping, groceries, and bill payments.
- Reward points that can be redeemed for vouchers, fuel, or products.
- Travel benefits like free airport lounge access and air miles.
- Fuel surcharge waiver to save on petrol/diesel expenses.
- Zero-cost EMI conversion for high-value purchases.
- Exclusive deals on food, movies, and lifestyle.
With so many banks offering cards, selecting the best one requires comparing features, rewards, and your personal spending habits.
Top 10 Best Credit Cards in India
Below is a table comparing the best-performing credit cards in India for 2025.
| Credit Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card | Premium Rewards | ₹2,500 | Free lounge access, 5X reward points, travel benefits |
| SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card | Online Shopping | ₹499 | 10X rewards on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra |
| Axis Bank Ace Credit Card | Cashback | ₹499 | 5% cashback on Google Pay payments, utility bills |
| Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card | Amazon Users | Lifetime Free | 5% cashback on Amazon purchases |
| Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card | Flipkart Users | ₹500 | 5% cashback on Flipkart, Myntra, 1.5% flat cashback everywhere |
| ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card | Premium Lifestyle | ₹6,500 | Airport lounge access, golf benefits, movie offers |
| Standard Chartered Manhattan Credit Card | Groceries | ₹999 | 5% cashback on supermarket spends |
| IndusInd Legend Credit Card | Luxury & Travel | ₹9,999 | Unlimited lounge access, concierge, golf privileges |
| HSBC Cashback Credit Card | Cashback | ₹750 | 10% cashback on online spends |
| Yes Bank Prosperity Edge Credit Card | Balanced Benefits | ₹399 | Reward points + fuel surcharge waiver |
1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (waived on spends of ₹3L annually)
- Best For: Frequent travelers & premium lifestyle users
- Key Benefits:
- Free airport lounge access (domestic & international).
- 5X reward points on travel, hotels, and dining.
- Exclusive discounts on shopping & entertainment.
- Why Choose: If you travel often, this is one of the best cards to save money.
2. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived on ₹1L spend/year)
- Best For: Online shopping (Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart)
- Key Benefits:
- 10X reward points on partner e-commerce sites.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
- Welcome gift voucher worth ₹500.
- Why Choose: Perfect for students and young professionals who shop online.
3. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹499
- Best For: Cashback lovers
- Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on mobile recharges, utility bill payments via Google Pay.
- 4% cashback on food delivery apps.
- Unlimited 2% cashback on all other spends.
- Why Choose: Best flat cashback card in India with low fees.
4. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
- Annual Fee: Lifetime Free
- Best For: Amazon Prime & regular Amazon shoppers
- Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on Amazon for Prime members (3% for non-Prime).
- 1% flat cashback on all other transactions.
- No joining or renewal fee.
- Why Choose: If you’re an Amazon loyalist, this card is a must-have.
5. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹500
- Best For: Flipkart & Myntra shoppers
- Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on Flipkart & Myntra.
- 1.5% unlimited cashback everywhere.
- Complimentary lounge access at select airports.
- Why Choose: One of the best e-commerce cashback cards in India.
6. ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹6,500
- Best For: Luxury & lifestyle
- Key Benefits:
- Free domestic and international lounge access.
- Golf course privileges.
- Movie ticket offers via BookMyShow.
- Why Choose: Designed for high-spending premium users.
7. Standard Chartered Manhattan Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹999
- Best For: Supermarket spends
- Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on groceries and supermarkets.
- Reward points on all other purchases.
- Dining benefits with partner restaurants.
- Why Choose: Ideal for families with regular grocery expenses.
8. IndusInd Legend Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹9,999
- Best For: Frequent international travelers
- Key Benefits:
- Unlimited airport lounge access.
- Complimentary golf sessions.
- 24×7 concierge services.
- Why Choose: High annual fee but unmatched luxury benefits.
9. HSBC Cashback Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹750
- Best For: Cashback on online shopping
- Key Benefits:
- 10% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, and Swiggy.
- 1.5% flat cashback on all other spends.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- Why Choose: Simple cashback structure with good online benefits.
10. Yes Bank Prosperity Edge Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹399
- Best For: Beginners
- Key Benefits:
- Reward points on every transaction.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- Easy approval process.
- Why Choose: Best starter card with affordable fee and rewards.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card in India
When picking a credit card, keep in mind:
- Spending Habits – Online shopping, fuel, travel, dining.
- Annual Fee vs. Benefits – Higher fees can still be worth it if benefits are high.
- Rewards Structure – Cashback vs. reward points.
- Bank Network – HDFC, SBI, and ICICI have wide merchant acceptance.
- Special Offers – Check for deals on your favorite shopping or travel apps.
Eligibility Criteria for Credit Cards in India
- Age: 21–60 years
- Minimum Income: ₹15,000–₹30,000 per month (varies by bank)
- Good CIBIL score (750+)
- Stable employment or business profile
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID
- Latest Salary Slips / ITR / Bank Statement
- Passport-size Photograph
How to Apply Online for a Credit Card
- Visit the bank’s website or trusted financial portal.
- Compare cards and select the best fit.
- Fill in personal and financial details.
- Upload documents for KYC verification.
- Get instant approval (in some cases).
- Receive the physical card at your address within 7–10 days.
Tips to Maximize Rewards & Cashback
- Always pay your full bill on time to avoid interest charges.
- Use cards where they give maximum rewards (Amazon card for Amazon, Flipkart card for Flipkart, etc.).
- Track spend milestones for fee waivers.
- Redeem reward points before they expire.
- Avoid overspending just for rewards.
Credit Card Benefits Comparison
| Benefit Type | Best Card Option |
|---|---|
| Cashback | Axis Ace, Amazon Pay ICICI |
| Travel | HDFC Regalia, IndusInd Legend |
| Lifestyle | ICICI Sapphiro, Standard Chartered Manhattan |
| E-commerce | Flipkart Axis, SBI SimplyCLICK |
| Beginner-Friendly | Yes Bank Prosperity Edge |
FAQs on Best Credit Cards in India
Q1. Which credit card is best for students in India?
Ans: SBI SimplyCLICK and Amazon Pay ICICI are best for students with online shopping needs.
Q2: Which credit card offers free airport lounge access?
Ans: HDFC Regalia, ICICI Sapphiro, and IndusInd Legend provide free domestic & international lounge access.
Q3. What is the easiest credit card to get approved in India?
Ans: Yes Bank Prosperity Edge and Amazon Pay ICICI are beginner-friendly cards.
Q4. Which card gives maximum cashback in India?
Ans: Axis Bank Ace (5% cashback on bills & recharges) and Amazon Pay ICICI (5% on Amazon).
Q5. Can I apply for a credit card with a low CIBIL score?
Ans: It’s difficult, but some banks offer secured credit cards against fixed deposits.
The best credit card in India depends on your lifestyle and spending pattern. If you’re a traveler, go for HDFC Regalia or IndusInd Legend. If you’re an online shopper, Amazon Pay ICICI and Flipkart Axis are unbeatable. For cashback lovers, Axis Ace is the top choice.
Choose wisely, compare annual fees vs. rewards, and always use your credit card responsibly to enjoy benefits without falling into debt.
