Credit cards have become an important financial tool in India. People use them for online shopping, bill payments, travel bookings and to earn cashback or rewards. The right credit card can help you save money, gain exclusive benefits and improve your credit score.
This article explains the best credit cards in India, key features, benefits, fees, eligibility and how to choose the right card based on your lifestyle.
What Makes a Credit Card the Best?
A good credit card should offer:
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Low annual fees
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Rewards or cashback
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Travel benefits like airport lounge access
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Fuel surcharge waiver
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Online shopping offers
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Easy EMI conversion
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Low interest rate
The best card depends on your spending pattern.
Types of Credit Cards in India
| Type of Card | Best For |
|---|---|
| Cashback Credit Card | Daily expenses, bill payments |
| Travel Credit Card | Travel bookings, lounge access |
| Shopping Credit Card | Online shopping, offers, EMI |
| Fuel Credit Card | Petrol/Diesel savings |
| Premium Credit Card | High-spend users, luxury benefits |
Best Credit Cards in India
1. HDFC Millennia Credit Card
Best for online shopping and cashback.
Benefits:
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Up to 5 percent cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy and Zomato
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1 percent cashback on all spends
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Free lounge access
Annual Fee: Rs. 1,000 (waived if annual spend is Rs. 1 lakh)
2. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
Best for online spenders and new users.
Benefits:
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10X reward points on Amazon, BookMyShow and Ajio
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1 percent fuel surcharge waiver
Annual Fee: Rs. 499
3. Axis ACE Credit Card
Best for bill payments and cashback.
Benefits:
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5 percent cashback on Google Pay bill payments
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2 percent cashback on all other spends
Annual Fee: Rs. 499
4. ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
Best for Amazon buyers.
Benefits:
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5 percent for Prime members
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3 percent for non-prime
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1 percent everywhere
Annual Fee: Free for lifetime
5. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
Best for online shopping.
Benefits:
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5 percent cashback on Flipkart
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4 percent cashback on selected partner merchants
Annual Fee: Rs. 499
6. IDFC First Millennia Credit Card
Best for reward points and fuel saving.
Benefits:
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Lifetime free
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10X reward points on spending
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Fuel surcharge waiver
7. Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card
Best for beginners and no credit score users.
Benefits:
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Lifetime free
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Easy approval process
8. Air India SBI Signature Card
Best for frequent travelers.
Benefits:
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Convert reward points into air miles
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Free airport lounge access
Annual Fee: Rs. 4,999
9. YES First Preferred Credit Card
Best for premium benefits at low cost.
Benefits:
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Free lounge access
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Travel insurance
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Fuel benefits
Annual Fee: Rs. 999
10. American Express SmartEarn Credit Card
Best for premium and high value transactions.
Benefits:
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10X reward points on Swiggy, Uber, Amazon
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Offers on dining and hotels
Annual Fee: Rs. 495
How to Choose the Right Credit Card
Use this guide:
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For online shopping: SBI SimplyCLICK, Amazon Pay ICICI, Flipkart Axis
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For cashback: Axis ACE, HDFC Millennia
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For travel: Air India SBI, American Express, HDFC Diners Club
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For beginners: Kotak 811, IDFC First
Eligibility Criteria
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Age: 21 to 60 years
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Minimum salary: Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 40,000 monthly
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Credit score: 700 or above (except beginner cards)
Documents Required
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Aadhaar Card
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PAN Card
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Address proof
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Salary slip or bank statement
Benefits of Using a Credit Card
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Improves credit score
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Interest-free period of 30 to 55 days
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Cashback and discounts
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Purchase protection
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EMI options
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Travel and lifestyle perks
Tips for Safe Credit Card Usage
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Always pay the full bill before the due date
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Avoid cash withdrawal
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Track spending regularly
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Avoid too many active cards
Conclusion
Credit cards offer savings, financial flexibility and exclusive privileges. The best credit card depends on spending habits, lifestyle and financial goals. Choosing carefully can help reduce expenses and build a strong financial profile.