| Overview: Finding the best credit card in India can be challenging with hundreds of choices available. From cashback to travel rewards and lifestyle privileges, top banks offer cards that cater to every spending habit. This blog highlights India’s top 10 credit cards, their features, benefits, and smart ways to choose the right one. |
Transform Every Spend into Savings with India’s Best Credit Cards
India’s credit card base crossed 110 million users in 2025, signalling a rapid shift towards cashless convenience. Credit cards today aren’t just payment tools but gateways to discounts, airport lounges, cashback, and travel upgrades.
Whether you prefer lifestyle benefits or fuel savings, these top cards help maximise your spending power efficiently under the latest GST rate cut scenario.
Top 10 Credit Cards India
Finding the right credit card can redefine how you spend, save, and earn rewards across your daily lifestyle in India.
1. Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card
Co-branded by Airtel and Axis Bank, this card tops the list for its everyday usability.
- Up to 25% cashback on Airtel mobile, broadband, and DTH services
- 10% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket
- 1% cashback on all other spends
- Complimentary domestic lounge access
- Annual fee: ₹500 (waived on ₹2 lakh annual spend)
| Fact to Know: Cashback earned is automatically credited to your card statement. |
2. HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card
A premium lifestyle card offering a mix of travel and shopping privileges.
- 5x reward points on select brands such as Myntra and Reliance Digital
- Complimentary Club Vistara Silver tier membership
- 12 domestic and 6 international lounge access per year
- Annual fee: ₹2,500 (waived on ₹4 lakh spend)
| What You Must Know: The Regalia Gold card is perfect for frequent flyers and luxury shoppers. |
3. HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card
For super-premium users, this card offers:
- 10x reward points on SmartBuy platform
- Unlimited lounge access globally
- Complimentary memberships to Amazon Prime, Swiggy One, and Club Marriott
- Annual fee: ₹10,000 (waived on ₹8 lakh spend)
4. HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
Tailored for online shoppers and young professionals.
- 5% cashback on 10 major e-commerce brands like Amazon and Flipkart
- 8 domestic lounge visits annually
- 1% cashback on all other spends
- Annual fee: ₹1,000 (waived on ₹1 lakh spend)
5. HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card
Budget-friendly and perfect for first-time cardholders.
- 10x cashpoints on Swiggy, Uber, and BookMyShow
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 500 cashpoints as joining bonus
- Annual fee: ₹500 (waived on ₹50,000 spend)
| Important to Know: Redeem points for vouchers or bill payments with zero hassle. |
6. Club Vistara SBI Credit Card
A must-have for frequent domestic travellers.
- Complimentary Vistara flight ticket as joining benefit
- Earn 3 CV points for every ₹200 spent
- 4 domestic lounge visits yearly
- Annual fee: ₹1,499
7. HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
An excellent mix of lifestyle and wellness benefits.
- 5X rewards on Swiggy and Zomato
- Free memberships to Times Prime and Dineout Passport
- 2 international lounge visits per quarter
- Annual fee: ₹2,500
| What You Must Know: This card’s quarterly gift vouchers make it ideal for regular spenders under the updated GST rate cut framework. |
8. IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit Card
Best for fuel savings and grocery spends.
- 5% fuel points on IndianOil outlets
- 5% on groceries and utilities
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Annual fee: ₹500 (waived on ₹50,000 spend)
9. HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card
For those who love online shopping and cashback.
- 10X cashpoints on Amazon, Swiggy, and Flipkart
- ₹500 voucher on ₹50,000 quarterly spend
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Annual fee: ₹500
10. IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card
A simple, entry-level card with lifetime rewards.
- Up to 8x points on selected categories
- Reward points never expire
- Complimentary air accident insurance up to ₹25 lakh
- Annual fee: ₹500
Quick Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit | Ideal For |
| Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card | ₹500 | Up to 25% cashback | Everyday expenses |
| HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card | ₹2,500 | Lounge & travel perks | Frequent flyers |
| HDFC Diners Black Club Metal Credit Card | ₹10,000 | Premium rewards | Luxury users |
| HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card | ₹1,000 | 5% online cashback | Millennials |
| HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card | ₹500 | Dining cashback | First-time users |
| Club Vistara SBI Credit Card | ₹1,499 | Free flight ticket | Travellers |
| HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card | ₹2,500 | Lifestyle benefits | Professionals |
| IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit Card | ₹500 | Fuel savings | Daily commuters |
| HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card | ₹500 | 10x cashpoints | Online shoppers |
| IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card | ₹500 | Lifetime rewards | General spenders |
How to Choose the Best Credit Card?
Selecting the right card depends on your lifestyle and spending pattern:
- Analyse Spending Habits: Frequent travellers may prefer the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card or the Club Vistara SBI Credit Card, while everyday spenders can benefit from the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card or the HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card.
- Compare Fees & Rewards: Look for annual fee waivers tied to achievable spend limits.
- Check GST rate cut impact: Some card categories pass the benefit of reduced GST on services, improving reward value.
- Read the Fine Print: Always check interest rates, redemption limits, and joining offers.
| Important to Know: Always maintain low credit utilisation for better financial health. |
The Smart Choice for India’s Savvy Credit Card Users
India’s credit card market is booming, offering choices for every lifestyle, from premium travel perks to high cashback. HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card and HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card rule the luxury space, while HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card and Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card deliver exceptional everyday value.
For users looking for practicality and savings, the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is a strong recommendation with its generous cashback and low fees. Apply through the Airtel Thanks app to enjoy seamless access and instant benefits.
FAQs
1. What is the eligibility to apply for a credit card in India?
Most banks require applicants to be between 21 and 60 years old, have a regular income, have a good credit score (700+), and have valid identity documents such as PAN and Aadhaar for successful credit card approval.
2. Which credit card is best for online shopping in India?
The HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card and HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card are top choices for online shoppers, offering up to 5% cashback on major e-commerce sites like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra, along with easy annual fee waivers.
3. What is the difference between cashback and reward points?
Cashback directly reduces your outstanding bill or credits money to your account, while reward points accumulate for redemption against flights, vouchers, or merchandise. Cashback gives instant value; reward points offer flexibility depending on your spending habits.
4. How can I avoid paying annual fees on credit cards?
Many cards waive annual fees when you meet yearly spending milestones, typically between ₹50,000 and ₹4 lakh. Choose cards that match your lifestyle to ensure you consistently qualify for fee waivers while earning maximum benefits.
5. Do credit cards in India offer airport lounge access?
Yes, most premium and super-premium cards provide complimentary lounge access at domestic and international airports. Cards like the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card and the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card offer 6–12 free visits annually, making travel more comfortable and cost-effective.
