10 Best Credit Cards in India
In today’s fast-paced world, credit cards aren’t just a mode of payment—they’re a gateway to maximizing benefits, rewards, and financial control. Whether you’re a student, salaried employee, or a business professional, there’s a credit card designed to suit your unique spending habits and financial goals.
But with so many options available in the market, how do you know which one is the best for you?
From fuel cards to cashback offers, to cards that reward every online purchase, there are countless types of credit cards, each with its own set of benefits. And while these benefits can be incredibly rewarding, choosing the right card requires some homework. Your spending patterns, income, and credit history will all play a role in the type of card you should go for.
The 10 best credit cards in India listed here offer a variety of perks to suit different needs. Whether you’re looking for a credit card that offers the best rewards for travel, dining, shopping, or one that comes with no annual fee—there’s something in here for everyone.
So, let’s dive in and explore these top-tier credit cards that can help you unlock savings and elevate your financial experience.
Best Credit Cards in India
| Credit Card | Best For | Key Benefits | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards | Salaried professionals | 5x rewards on dining & fuel, 20% cashback on Uber rides | Nil |
| Axis Bank Insta Credit Card | Poor credit scores | 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver, gift redemptions | Rs. 500 |
| Citibank Cashback Credit Card | Utility bill payments, movie lovers | 5% cashback on utilities, telephone bills, and movie tickets | Rs. 500 |
| ICICI Instant Platinum Card | Students, non-salaried individuals | 15% discount on dining, low-interest rates | Nil |
| SBI Student Plus Advantage Card | Students with SBI Education Loan | 10X rewards on utility bills, fuel surcharge waiver | Nil |
| Standard Chartered Manhattan Card | Grocery shoppers | 5% cashback on groceries, 3x rewards on other spends | Rs. 999 (waivable) |
| SBI Simply Click Credit Card | Online shoppers | 10X points on Amazon, Cleartrip, BookMyShow | Rs. 499 (waivable) |
| Indian Oil Titanium Citibank Card | Fuel consumers | 4 Turbo points on fuel, waived surcharge on fuel purchases | Nil (with conditions) |
| HDFC Platinum Plus Credit Card | Fuel and supermarket shoppers | 2 reward points per Rs 150, fuel surcharge waiver | Nil |
| HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card | Frequent travelers | Access to airport lounges, 5% cashback on travel bookings | Rs. 10,000 |
| American Express Platinum Travel Card | Luxury travel enthusiasts | 1.3 reward points per Rs 50, complimentary lounge access | Rs. 5,900 |
10 Best Credit Cards in India
1. Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Card: Best Credit Card for Salaried Professionals
The Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Card is one of the best options for salaried professionals, offering impressive rewards without the burden of high annual fees. It’s designed to cater to the needs of those starting their credit journey or looking for a no-fuss card with valuable benefits.
Key Benefits of the Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Card:
- 1000 reward points when you complete your first transaction within 60 days of issuance.
- 5x reward points on fuel and dining expenses, making it a great option for those who dine out often or commute frequently.
- Enjoy a 20% cashback on Uber rides, which is a big draw for urban professionals.
- Additional rewards for online banking registration (500 extra points).
- Access to numerous discounts and offers across shopping, travel, and lifestyle.
2. Axis Bank Insta Credit Card: The Easiest Credit Card to Get for Poor Credit Scores
Axis Bank’s Insta Credit Card is perfect for those with a less-than-ideal credit score. The best part? You don’t need a great credit history to qualify—if you have a fixed deposit with the bank, you’re good to go.
Key Benefits of Axis Bank Insta Credit Card:
- Earn 100 reward points for every online transaction.
- Enjoy a 2.5% waiver on fuel transactions between Rs. 400 – Rs. 4000.
- Get the joining fee waived off if you spend Rs. 5000 within the first 45 days.
- Redeem your points for a wide variety of gifts from the Axis Bank catalogue.
3. Citibank Cashback Credit Card: Best for Utility Bill Payments & Movie Tickets
The Citibank Cashback Credit Card is a great option if you frequently pay utility bills or love going to the movies. With 5% cashback on utility bill payments and movie ticket bookings, it’s an ideal choice for those who want to save on daily expenses.
Key Benefits of Citibank Cashback Credit Card:
- 5% cashback on utility bills, movie tickets, and telephone bill payments.
- Make payments up to Rs. 2000 without needing to enter a PIN.
- Redeem cashback points to reduce your outstanding balance and save money.
4. ICICI Instant Platinum Card: The Perfect Card for Students and Non-Salaried Individuals
For students and non-salaried people who may have a lower credit score, the ICICI Instant Platinum Card offers a great opportunity to build credit. The card is linked to a fixed deposit with ICICI Bank, which makes it easy to get approved.
Key Benefits of ICICI Instant Platinum Card:
- Earn 2 PAYBACK Points for every Rs 100 spent.
- Enjoy 15% discounts at over 800 restaurants via the Culinary Treats program.
- Get Rs. 100 off on up to 2 movie tickets per month at BookMyShow.
- Avail of a 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions of Rs. 4000 or more.
5. SBI Student Plus Advantage Card: Ideal for Students with an SBI Education Loan
The SBI Student Plus Advantage Card is designed specifically for students who have taken an education loan from SBI. This card offers various rewards and benefits that cater to students’ needs.
Key Benefits of SBI Student Plus Advantage Card:
- Earn 1 reward point for every Rs 100 spent on purchases.
- Enjoy a 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver when you spend between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3000 at any petrol pump.
- Get 10X reward points for utility bill payments and other essential purchases.
6. Standard Chartered Manhattan Credit Card: Best for Grocery Shoppers
If you’re someone who regularly shops for groceries and is looking for a credit card to save on these expenses, the Standard Chartered Manhattan Credit Card is a perfect choice. It provides a fantastic cashback program on grocery shopping.
Key Benefits of Standard Chartered Manhattan Credit Card:
- 5% cashback on supermarket and grocery store purchases (maximum Rs. 500 per month).
- Earn 3x rewards points on other types of expenses.
- Get exclusive discounts on lifestyle stores and hotels.
7. SBI Simply Click Credit Card: A Dream Card for Online Shoppers
SBI’s Simply Click Credit Card is designed for those who love to shop online. With tie-ups with popular platforms like Amazon, Cleartrip, and BookMyShow, this card rewards you handsomely for every online purchase.
Key Benefits of SBI Simply Click Credit Card:
- Get a Rs. 500 Amazon gift card on joining.
- 10X reward points on online purchases at Amazon, Cleartrip, Foodpanda, Lenskart, and more.
- Receive an e-voucher worth Rs. 2000 for Cleartrip on spending Rs. 1 lakh annually.
8. Indian Oil Titanium Citibank Credit Card: Best for Fuel Enthusiasts
If you frequently drive or use a car, the Indian Oil Titanium Citibank Credit Card is ideal for you. It offers excellent rewards for fuel-related expenses and is an essential card for people who drive regularly.
Key Benefits of Indian Oil Titanium Citibank Credit Card:
- Earn 4 Turbo points for every Rs 150 spent on fuel at IndianOil pumps.
- 2 Turbo points for every Rs 150 spent on groceries and supermarket items.
- Enjoy a waiver on fuel surcharge when you buy fuel from any participating IndianOil station.
9. HDFC Platinum Plus Credit Card: Great for Fuel and Supermarket Purchases
Similar to the IndianOil credit card, the HDFC Platinum Plus Credit Card offers incredible rewards for fuel and supermarket purchases. Plus, it has an additional benefit of no annual fee.
Key Benefits of HDFC Platinum Plus Credit Card:
- Earn 2 reward points for every Rs 150 spent.
- Fuel surcharge waiver of 2.5%.
- Avail up to 50 days interest-free credit on purchases.
10. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card: Best for Frequent Travelers
For frequent travelers who want premium services and rewards, the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card offers incredible travel perks like access to airport lounges and excellent cashback on travel-related expenses.
Key Benefits of HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card:
- Enjoy 5% cashback on travel bookings.
- Access to over 1,000 airport lounges globally.
- Earn exclusive rewards points for travel, dining, and lifestyle purchases.
12. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
The HDFC Regalia Credit Card is designed for individuals who frequently travel or dine at luxury places. With a premium range of benefits and a host of exclusive services, it stands as one of the top credit cards in India, particularly for those who want to enjoy the finer things in life.
Benefits of HDFC Regalia Credit Card
- Welcome Benefits: Receive a welcome voucher for dining, travel, or shopping after your first transaction.
- Reward Points: Earn 4 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on domestic and international spends.
- Exclusive Lounge Access: Enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.
- Dining Privileges: Get discounts of up to 15% at select restaurants across India.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary travel insurance cover, including medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and lost baggage.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: No surcharge on fuel purchases between Rs. 400 to Rs. 5,000 at all petrol stations in India.
- Annual Fee: The card comes with an annual fee of Rs. 2,500, but this can be waived off if you meet the spending threshold.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Credit Card to Maximize Your Rewards
Choosing the right credit card is more than just picking one with the lowest interest rate. It’s about aligning the card with your lifestyle, whether that means cashback on your daily expenses, fuel surcharges, or rewards for online shopping. Each of the 10 best credit cards in India offers unique benefits tailored to different needs, and by understanding these options, you can make an informed decision.
When selecting a credit card, ensure that it aligns with your spending habits, credit score, and long-term financial goals. A little research today can help you unlock a world of rewards tomorrow.
FAQs About the Best Credit Cards in India
Q1: Which is the best credit card for salaried professionals in India?
A1: The Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Card is an excellent choice for salaried professionals due to its no annual fee and attractive rewards on dining, fuel, and Uber rides.
Q2: How can I apply for a credit card with a low credit score?
A2: Consider applying for the Axis Bank Insta Credit Card, which is designed for individuals with poor credit scores, especially if you have a fixed deposit with the bank.
Q3: Is the SBI Simply Click Credit Card good for online shopping?
A3: Yes, the SBI Simply Click Credit Card is specifically tailored for online shoppers, offering 10X reward points on purchases from platforms like Amazon, Cleartrip, and Lenskart.
Q4: What are the benefits of an IndianOil Titanium Citibank Credit Card?
A4: The IndianOil Titanium Citibank Credit Card provides 4 Turbo points for every Rs 150 spent on fuel at IndianOil stations, along with several other rewards on everyday spending.
Q5: Can I get a credit card if I don’t have a salary?
A5: Yes, you can get credit cards like the ICICI Instant Platinum Card if you have a fixed deposit with the bank. This is ideal for students or non-salaried individuals