The Best Credit Cards with Health Benefits in India

Health and Wellness: The New Credit Card Frontier

Health consciousness has surged among Indians, with over 60% of urban consumers now prioritising wellness spending. Credit cards with health benefits have emerged as powerful tools for managing these expenses while earning rewards.

These specialised cards offer complimentary health checkups, gym memberships, and discounts on wellness services—benefits worth ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 annually, depending on usage.

According to a recent RBI report, wellness spending in India has grown by 18% annually since 2020, making credit cards with wellness rewards increasingly popular. These cards not only help offset rising healthcare costs (growing at 12-15% annually) but also encourage healthier lifestyle choices through targeted rewards and incentives.

Top Credit Cards with Health Benefits

The market offers several excellent options for health-conscious consumers. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best credit cards for fitness perks:

SBI Card PULSE

The SBI Card PULSE stands out as a dedicated wellness rewards credit card with impressive benefits:

• Complimentary FITPASS PRO membership (valued at ₹1,499/month)
• 12 free gym sessions monthly across 4,000+ centers nationwide
• Personalised fitness coaching and nutrition consultation
• Annual health checkup worth ₹5,000 at partner hospitals
• 3X reward points on pharmacy purchases and health insurance premiums

For instance, if you use all 12 gym sessions monthly (worth approximately ₹600 each), that’s an annual value of ₹86,400 in gym benefits alone!

HDFC Millennia Credit Card

This card is perfect for digital-first wellness enthusiasts:

• 5% cashback on fitness platforms
• Complimentary annual health checkup worth ₹4,000
• 1% unlimited cashback on medical expenses and pharmacy purchases
• Joining fee: ₹1,000 (waived on spending ₹30,000 in 90 days)
• Annual fee: ₹1,000 (waived on spending ₹3 lakh annually)

For young professionals using fitness apps and digital health services, this credit card offers excellent value while maintaining a reasonable fee structure.

You can also consider credit card options with Airtel Finance as a smart companion for your financially conscious and health-focused lifestyle

Comparing Health and Wellness Credit Card Features

When evaluating credit cards with health benefits, consider these key features:

How to Choose the Right Wellness Rewards Credit Card

Selecting the best credit cards requires careful consideration of your wellness priorities:

1. Assess your wellness spending patterns
   Analyse where you spend the most on health—gym memberships, fitness apps, health supplements, or medical bills.
2. Calculate potential value from benefits
   For example, if you regularly visit gyms, a card with free sessions offers more value than general cashback.
3. Compare annual fees against benefits
   A card with a ₹2,000 annual fee should provide at least ₹6,000 in wellness benefits to be worthwhile.
4. Check your credit score eligibility
   Premium wellness cards typically require credit scores above 750, while basic options may accept 700+.
5. Consider reward redemption flexibility
   Some cards allow points redemption specifically for wellness purchases, while others offer more general redemption options.

Maximising Health Benefits from Your Credit Card

Once you’ve selected a card, follow these strategies to extract maximum value:

• Schedule regular health checkups using your complimentary benefits.
• Consolidate wellness spending on your card to reach fee waiver thresholds.
• Pay annual health insurance premiums with your card to earn accelerated rewards.
• Download the Airtel Thanks App to track your spending and rewards in one place.
• Set calendar reminders for benefit expiration dates to avoid losing valuable perks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Wellness Credit Cards

Credit cards can offer significant advantages, but their full potential is unlocked through smart and careful management. Be mindful of these common errors to ensure you’re making the most of your card:

1. Ignoring benefit usage deadlines
   Many complimentary health checkups expire annually if unused.
2. Overlooking partner restrictions
   Some cards limit benefits to specific gym chains or healthcare providers.
3. Focusing solely on rewards rate
   A 5% cashback might seem attractive but could be capped at a low amount.
4. Neglecting to notify card issuers when traveling
   This is especially important if your card includes international wellness benefits.

Health Credit Cards for Different Life Stages

For Young Professionals

Focus on cards with fitness app partnerships, preventive health checkups, and modest insurance coverage. The HDFC Millennia or similar entry-level wellness reward credit cards typically work best.

For Families

Prioritise cards with broader hospital networks, higher insurance coverage, and family check-up packages. The Apollo SBI or Yes Bank Wellness cards offer strong family-oriented benefits.

For Seniors

Look for cards emphasising pharmacy discounts, specialised health checkups, and emergency services. Consider the credit card options that provide additional coverage for senior-specific concerns.

Credit cards with health benefits offer a strategic way to manage wellness expenses while earning valuable rewards. From the comprehensive gym access of SBI Card PULSE to the digital fitness perks of HDFC Millennia, there’s a wellness rewards credit card for every health-conscious consumer.

By carefully assessing your spending patterns and wellness priorities, you can select a card that complements your health journey. Ready to enhance your wellness journey with rewarding benefits? Consider exploring credit card options from Airtel Finance, which combines convenience with valuable health and lifestyle perks tailored to your needs.

FAQs

1. Do wellness reward credit cards typically have higher annual fees?
   Not necessarily. While premium cards like Axis Bank Reserve have higher fees, many wellness-focused cards like HDFC Millennia offer health benefits with moderate fees of ₹1,000-3,000, often waived on meeting spending criteria.
2. How can I maximise the gym membership benefits on credit cards?
   Schedule regular sessions, set calendar reminders for unused benefits, verify partner locations near you, and calculate per-session value to ensure you’re extracting maximum worth.
3. Are wellness rewards credit cards worth it if I already have health insurance?
   These cards complement insurance by covering preventive care like gym memberships and health checkups, while insurance typically covers treatment costs after health issues arise.
4. What credit score is needed for the best credit cards for fitness perks?
   Premium wellness cards usually require scores above 750, while basic wellness reward cards may accept scores of 700+. Check your eligibility before applying.
5. Can I use wellness reward points for non-health-related purchases?
   Yes, most wellness reward credit cards allow point redemption for various categories, though you’ll often get higher value when redeeming for health and wellness products or services.