In a world where every swipe matters, having the right credit card is not just a piece of plastic; it is power in your pocket. The best credit card in India are not those cards that you use to settle your bills, but rather those cards that will change your lifestyle. Whether you are a frequent traveller, online shopper or simply a consumer who wants to build a good credit score, an appropriate credit card has the power to open a world of major opportunities and convenience. However, your lifestyle, how you spend and what you want to achieve financially determine what your match is. However, the difficulty comes when there are several options, and it may seem as though one is lost in a maze. Are you ready to have your daily expenses turn into amazing gifts? Here is what you need to know about the best credit card in India:
Things to Know When Choosing the Best Credit Card in India
Selecting the right Credit Card in India is more than simply the card that has the most buzz or the highest joining bonus. It comes down to a card that works into your lifestyle, rewards your daily decisions and helps you maintain financial order. So here is what counts in choosing the right card:
1. Understand Your Spending Pattern
Start with what you spend the most money on every month. Are you a traveller, do you spend a lot of time online shopping, are you a food lover, or do you drive to work every day? A credit card product is becoming more and more based on niche lifestyles, with faster rewards in a certain category, such as fuel, groceries, travel, or a restaurant. Selecting a card with which you spend will promise maximum returns in cash back, discounts, or points.
2. Rewards, Cashback & Redemption Flexibility
Current credit cards have reward points, cashback, and miles. Seek those cards with high earn rates in categories of your choice. Also, look at the redemption possibilities: Are you able to redeem points as flights, gift vouchers, statement credits, or goods? A good card with flexible and easy-to-use benefits, without tricky rules or expiry traps, will be the best for you.
3. Fees, Charges & Waivers
Never overlook the costs and benefits. Entry-level cards usually include no or low annual fees, with more expensive cards giving travel benefits, insurance, and a concierge. Look to see if it has a fee waiver for meeting annual spending milestones. Also, watch out for unwanted charges such as late fees, cash withdrawal charges, forex markup fees (which can be as high as 3.5 per cent) and EMI conversion fees.
4. Interest Rates (APR)
Credit cards usually involve an interest rate that is high, so it is important to consider this when making the choice, particularly when not always paying the full balance. Most of the cards provide a 0 % interest offer, which is important when they spend larger amounts of money or pay off short-term debt. But then, after this period ends, you are subjected to the normal Annual Percentage Rate (APR). APRs, depending on the type of card you have and which bank issued it, can vary between 0% to 27%. By picking a card with a lower continuing interest rate, you may save a great deal in case you carry a balance.
5. Credit Limit & Usage
When you get a higher credit limit, you will have more purchasing power, and your credit score will be higher, provided you use it wisely. It is always good to remember that maintaining a low credit utilisation (ideally, below 30 or 40 per cent of the total limit) would show lenders that you are not using credit irresponsibly, which would, over time, improve your creditworthiness. But an increased limit is not a licence to spend! Do not overspend it by going into a debt trap. Financial health depends on responsible use.
6. Credit Score
Minimum credit score requirements vary depending on the kind of credit card. High-end cards, particularly cards oriented to travel benefits or shopping rewards, typically need a good credit score, 750 or more. But when it comes to beginners to credit, a basic or entry-level credit card is recommended, which is easier to be approved for. Establishing a good credit history will enable better alternatives in the future.
List of Top 10 Best credit card in India 2025
- American Express Platinum Card
- HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
- Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card
- SBI PRIME Credit Card
- HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
- Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Emerald Private Metal Credit Card
- BPCL SBI Card Octane
- IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card
- Axis Reserve Credit Card
Here are some of the best cards:
American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card is a high-end lifestyle credit card targeting customers interested in the luxury, exclusivity and high-end experiences. It is one of the most exclusive rewards programs with unmatched privileges when it comes to travel, dining, and entertainment. Moreover, this card holds spectacular value to high spenders, who are in search of more than rewards.
Benefits
- Experience luxury amenities worth 44,300 rupees at premier place stays such as Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton and other famous destinations
- Get complimentary elite memberships in top loyalty programs—think Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, Hilton Honours Gold, and Taj Epicure
- Get priority access to life experiences at the centre of the action, such as Fashion Week, Wimbledon, and even the Grammy Awards, because being VIP is something that looks good on you
- Get a prime discount of up to 50 per cent in luxury restaurants with EazyDiner
- Vouchers worth ₹35,000 on ₹20L annual spend
- Get an extra 60,000 vouchers by spending 50,000 in the first 2 months
- Unlimited complimentary airport lounge access worldwide
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
An elegant upgrade to an original HDFC Regalia credit card, the Regalia Gold Credit Card is designed to satisfy high spenders and frequent travellers in need of luxury, value, and versatility. It offers high benefits, lifestyle and benefits in both daily and premium purchases, so it is a strong card to have when you want more than just the swipe in hand.
Benefits
- 20 reward points per ₹150 spent at Nykaa, Myntra, Marks & Spencer, and Reliance Digital
- Reward redemption via exclusive Gold Catalogue for premium products and experiences
- Complimentary Swiggy One and MMT Black Gold memberships as welcome benefits
- Reward points on utility bills, insurance, and education spends—rare among cards
- Complimentary Priority Pass Membership and 12 free domestic airport lounge visits annually
- Get a flight voucher of 5000 INR on achieving the annual milestone spending reward
Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card
The Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card targets individuals with a balanced preference in rewards such as lifestyle, shopping, travel, and dining. It is an exceptional card with a good value on actual offline spends and daily shopping purchases, and a 2X reward rate on retail purchases is not common at this price point. Although this reward value can be a bit less than some of the premium cards, the additional brand discounts and complimentary perks make it a strong mid-range card.
Benefits
- 10 EDGE reward points per ₹200 spent across categories
- 2X rewards on offline/retail transactions—ideal for frequent shoppers
- 20% off on BigBasket (up to ₹500/month) on spends of ₹3,000+
- ₹200 off on Swiggy, twice a month, on orders worth ₹1,000+
- Brand discounts and milestone/welcome benefits
- Complimentary airport lounge access—great for a card at this fee level
SBI PRIME Credit Card
The SBI PRIME Credit Card is an all-rounder, feature-rich, rewards card that is ideal to use when making consistent purchases on dining, grocery, movies, and lifestyle. It has an excellent reward rate with good welcome benefits and is well worth its 2999 rupees annual fee. Are you a frequent traveller, do you have a family, do you prefer a certain lifestyle, or do you have all of these? The Sbi cashback credit card will extend all the benefits you can imagine.
Benefits
- Earn 10 reward points on every 100 spent on dining and movies, departmental stores, and grocery
- Welcome electronic gift card of 3,000 Rupees from leading brands
- Waiver on fuel surge (on transactions of 500-4000 rupees)
- Milestone rewards:
- 1000 Pizza Hut voucher when you spend ₹50,000 in a calendar quarter
- 7000 voucher on 5 lakhs spending in a year in Yatra or Pantaloons
- Annual fee waiver on spending ₹3 lakh annually
- Free domestic and global airport lounge access
HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card is one of the exclusive cards made to suit high spenders who want luxury, exclusivity and strong rewards. Whether they are elite memberships or use of travel privileges, and an interest in top-tier reward rates, it will enhance your lifestyle and daily spending.
Benefits
- Earn up to 10X reward points on SmartBuy and 2X points on weekend dining through hdfc credit card payment
- 3.33% base reward rate – 5 points per ₹150 spent across most categories
- 1:1 reward redemption ratio on leading airline/hotel loyalty programs
- Annual memberships to Club Marriott, Forbes, Amazon Prime, Swiggy One (3 months), and MMT BLACK on joining
- ₹1,000 worth of vouchers every month (2 × ₹500) on ₹80,000 monthly spend from Ola Cabs, Cult.Fit Live, TataCliQ, or BookMyShow
- Low 2% forex markup fee—ideal for international travellers
- Complimentary membership renewal on ₹8 lakh annual spend
- 6 free golf games per quarter
- Unlimited access to the airport lounge for both the main cardholder and add-on cards
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Axis New Atlas Credit Card is a deluxe travel card designed on the concept that frequent flyers like flexibility in non-brand affiliation. Unlike the majority of co-branded cards, Atlas features EDGE Miles universal currency that can be redeemed in various airline and hotel loyalty schemes, suitable for those who seek the freedom in their travel preference. Using a tiered reward program, the higher you spend, the greater the rewards unlocked.
Benefits
- Up to 12 international lounge accesses per year
- Visits to the domestic airport lounge equal to or below 18 times.
- Edge miles redemption on 10+ Airlines and 3 chain hotels programs
- 1 EDGE Mile = Re. 1, and 1 EDGE Mile = 2 Partner Loyalty Points
- Tier-based milestones unlock enhanced benefits and faster reward accumulation
ICICI Bank Emerald Private Metal Credit Card
ICICI Emerald Private Metal Credit Card is a premium card that has been tailored to suit the needs of high-worth individuals who desire exclusivity, finesse, and superior privilege in terms of travel, lifestyle, food, and entertainment. Made of metal, this card is much more than a status symbol: it comes loaded with VIP benefits and exclusive memberships to sweeten every experience in life.
Benefits
- Complimentary memberships to Taj Epicure, EazyDiner Prime, and Priority Pass through icici credit card payment
- Unlimited golf lessons and rounds, and unlimited visits to the lounge at select domestic and international airports
- Buy one, get one movie ticket on BookMyShow
- 1:1 reward redemption ratio, allowing full value on accumulated reward points
- Low forex markup fee of 2%—ideal for international travellers
- Top-free concierge, benefits fine dining, entertainment, shopping, and travelling
An ideal companion for affluent users who demand top-tier perks and seamless luxury at every step.
BPCL SBI Card Octane
BPCL SBI Card Octane is a fuel-oriented credit card that best suits those who make regular gas refills at Bharat Petroleum stations. It is one of the best value-backs on fuel and other perks on Bharat Gas purchases, and a great deal and convenience to the general motorist. It is a perfect card to be used by people who want to save on fuel and also get rewarded on the drive.
Benefits
- 7.25% value back on fuel spends at BPCL petrol pumps (includes 1% fuel surcharge waiver)
- 25X reward points per ₹100 spent at BPCL petrol pumps (up to 2,500 points per billing cycle)
- Easily get 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions up to Rs. 4,000 at BPCL outlets
A must-have card for fuel-savvy users looking to earn high rewards while managing daily fuel costs smartly.
IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card
The IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card is a powerful co-branded fuel card designed to maximise savings on IndianOil fuel purchases. With an impressive 8.5% value-back, generous welcome rewards, and milestone benefits, it’s a top pick for users who spend heavily on fuel every month.
Benefits
- 15 Fuel Points for every 100 rupees at IndianOil fuel stations
- 3,000 free bonus Fuel Points as a welcome gift
- Get the benefits of 1,000 bonus Fuel Points per quarter after spending Rs. 75,000
- Uncapped reward earning on non-fuel transactions
- One of the highest fuel savings among all fuel-focused credit cards
Perfect for frequent drivers and commuters looking to cut down monthly fuel expenses while earning rewards effortlessly.
Axis Reserve Credit Card
The Axis Reserve Credit Card is a super-premium lifestyle and travel card tailored for high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury, exclusivity, and high-value experiences. With elite hotel memberships, airport privileges, and exceptional golf access, it’s a statement card that blends luxury with serious reward potential.
Benefits
- Get a reward rate of 3% on domestic spends and 6% on international spends
- Unlimited airport lounge access globally, with 12 complimentary guest visits
- Enjoy 50 complimentary golf rounds annually at some of India’s most prestigious courses—because your swing deserves the best
- Travel conveniently with free airport transfers and a high-quality concierge eager to take care of the details
- Enjoy exclusive access to the highest membership Club Marriott Asia Pacific, Accor Plus, and ITC Culinaire, which is ideal for indulging in high-level stays and dining
- Seamlessly convert your reward points into air miles whenever you fly—flexibility that fits your lifestyle
An elite card featuring benefits that a frequent traveller, golfer and lifestyle connoisseur will not find anywhere.
Conclusion
Selecting the best credit card in India will vary depending on lifestyle, spending habits, and what a person wants from their card. There is a card suited to each customer, whether you follow your passion, maximise your benefits or save on fuel. Whether you are seeking credit cards with elite experience and travel benefits or credits needed in your daily life, as well as to achieve one milestone or another, India has some of the finest credit cards in store. Spend wisely, live responsibly and see your card work harder. Since the credit card, in the right hands, is not only a means of transactions, but also a means of smarter living, greater experience, and improved control over its finances.
Faqs about Best Credit Card in India
How long does it take to receive a credit card after it has been applied?
In-principal sanction is available instantly online in most Indian banks, and subsequent issuance, upon verification of documents, takes 7 to 15 working days. The time to replace (e.g. lost card) is approximately 15 days.
What happens if I miss my credit card payment or only pay the minimum amount?
Failure to make the payment results in a late payment penalty (100-1200) and daily interest-roughly 2-3.5 per cent per month. Minimum payment is just paying the interest and carrying a huge balance forward, increasing your interest expenses and affecting your creditworthiness since you have high utilization.
Is it possible to use a credit card to withdraw cash at ATMs?
True–but it is not an ordinary purchase–it is a cash advance. It attracts interest instantly (there is no grace period) and is usually charged at a rate of 2.5-3.5 per cent, payable at the addition of GST. One of the most costly ways to use your card is to avoid using it unless there is an emergency.
Which credit card is best for shopping and lifestyle rewards?
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is ideal for shopping. On top brands such as Myntra and Nykaa, you receive a 20-reward point as a discount for every 150 rupees. It also provides welcome benefits, flight vouchers, and use of the airport lounge. It is very convenient for those who browse both online and offline.
Which credit card is best for fuel savings?
BPCL SBI Card Octane is the best card to use when filling fuel. It offers a value-back of up to 7.25 per cent and 25X reward points at BPCL petrol pumps. It is also accompanied by surcharge waivers and good returns when you drive every single day. It is perfect for those who commute and want to save a lot on fuel.
What’s a good credit card for beginners or first-time users?
The Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card is an excellent first-time card. It provides 2X rewards on offline purchases, Swiggy and BigBasket offers and lounge usage in the airport facilities. It is approved quickly and has a good mix of advantages, and is thus ideal for one who is establishing credit and seeks value in their daily purchases.
What to know before applying for a credit card?
Track your spending patterns, loyalty rewards (cash back or miles or points), your annual fee, and APR and your credit score. Choose the card that best fits your lifestyle- travel card, fuel card, shopping card and so on. Stay away (look at the hidden and high fees). You should also make sure that you can use the rewards and benefits offered.
Which credit card is the best for travel rewards and flexibility?
Axis Bank Atlas credit card offers EDGE Miles that can be spent with 10 or more airlines and hotel partners. It provides international and domestic lounge visits of up to 12 and 18, respectively, per year. It has a tier program that offers increased benefits with increased spending, ideal for users who often travel and who want flexibility and value.