To maximize the benefits of a credit card, it is essential to choose a card that aligns with your lifestyle and spending patterns. With hundreds of options in the market, finding the right fit can be overwhelming. To make your decision easier, we have curated a list of 25 best credit cards in India for 2025 across popular categories like shopping, travel, fuel, rewards, cashback, and premium credit cards.
1. Understand Your Spending Needs
Every credit card offers different benefits. Are you a frequent traveler, online shopper, or someone who wants to build a credit score? Defining your goal helps you choose a card that truly matches your lifestyle.
2. Compare Fees and Charges
Look closely at joining fees, annual fees, interest rates, and other hidden charges. A card with zero or low annual fee might be ideal if you want to avoid long-term costs.
3. Analyze Rewards and Cashback Offers
Check what kind of rewards the card offers — like points for shopping, dining, or fuel. Some cards give cashback on specific platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Swiggy.
4. Check Eligibility and Approval Chances
Before applying, always check your eligibility. Use online tools to estimate approval chances based on your CIBIL score and income to avoid rejection.
5. Compare Additional Benefits
Some cards offer extras like free airport lounge access, complimentary movie tickets, travel insurance, or fuel surcharge waivers. Choose what benefits you’ll actually use.
8. Use a Trusted Comparison Platform
Instead of visiting multiple websites, use our platform to compare the best credit cards in India side-by-side. We provide detailed insights, approval checks, and free application links — all in one place.
Best Cashback & Shopping Credit Cards in India
Here are the top credit cards in India that offer substantial value on shopping across select brands as well as on general online spending, in the form of cashback.
Credit Card Name Annual Fee Cashback/Rewards Highlights Ideal For
Axis Bank ACE Card ₹499 5% on Google Pay, 2% on others UPI & mobile payments
HDFC Millennia Card ₹1,000 5% on Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy Online shopping
SBI Cashback Card ₹999 5% cashback on online spends Digital buyers
Amazon Pay ICICI 0 % for Prime, 3% for non-Prime on Amazon Amazon users
Flipkart Axis Card ₹500 5% on Flipkart, 4% on Swiggy, Uber, PVR Flipkart customers
Best Rewards Credit Cards in India
Most credit cards offer value-back in the form of reward points. However, some cards come with a good base reward rate along with substantial savings on select categories through accelerated earning. Some of the top credit cards for reward points are mentioned below:
Credit Card Name Annual Fee Rewards Highlights Best For
HDFC Regalia Credit Card ₹2,500 4 points per ₹150 + Lounge access Premium lifestyle
SBI Card ELITE ₹4,999 Movie tickets, travel benefits, & milestone rewards Frequent travelers
ICICI Coral Credit Card ₹500 PAYBACK points on all spends Everyday spending
Axis Magnus Credit Card ₹10,000 12 EDGE reward points per ₹200 + travel perks High-spenders, luxury
YES Prosperity Rewards ₹399 6 reward points per ₹200 spent Low fee + decent rewards
Best Travel Credit Cards in India
This list includes the best credit cards in India that would help you save more on your travel expenses in the form of air miles, complimentary memberships, co-branded benefits, and more. To find the ideal travel credit card, you must compare cards from various issuers and apply for the one that best aligns with your travel spends.
Credit Card Name Annual Fee Travel Benefits Highlights Ideal For
HDFC Diners Club Privilege ₹2,500 Lounge access, air miles, global concierge International travelers
Axis Atlas Credit Card ₹5,000 Miles Transfer, international lounge access, rewards on travel Frequent flyers
SBI Card ELITE ₹4,999 6 free lounge visits/year, Club Vistara benefits Domestic travelers
American Express Platinum Travel Car ₹5,000 Taj vouchers + travel milestone rewards Vacation & leisure
InterMiles HDFC Signature ₹2,500 InterMiles on spends, flight & hotel redemptions Airline loyalty members
Best Premium Credit Cards in India
This section includes credit cards that charge a high annual fee and offer comprehensive benefits you would not find on low-fee or medium-fee credit cards. Analyze your spending preferences, and then apply for a card to make a well-informed decision.
Credit Card Name Annual Fee Premium Benefits Highlights Ideal For
HDFC Infinia (Metal Edition) ₹12,500 (waived) Unlimited lounge access, 10X rewards, concierge, no limits High net-worth individuals
Axis Reserve Credit Card ₹50,000 Club Marriott, 50+ lounge access, low forex, complimentary golf rounds Global travelers & luxury
American Express Platinum ₹60,000 Taj & Oberoi privileges, global concierge, elite memberships Luxury lifestyle spenders
SBI Aurum Credit Card ₹9,999 Priority Pass, BookMyShow rewards, gold concierge Premium entertainment
ICICI Emeralde Credit Card 12,000 Unlimited lounges, spa access, dynamic limit, no late fees Frequent fliers & couples
Best Fuel Credit Cards in India
To begin your credit card comparison to find the best fuel credit card, below is a list of best credit cards in India that offer fuel benefits in the form of fuel surcharge waiver and co-branded discounts.
Credit Card Name Annual Fee Fuel Benefits Highlights Best For
IndianOil Axis Bank Card ₹500 4% value back on IndianOil fuel, surcharge waiver IndianOil users
HPCL SBI Credit Card ₹499 5 % cashback on HPCL fuel via Paytm, surcharge waiver HPCL customer
ICICI HPCL Coral Card ₹199 .5% cashback + PAYBACK points on HPCL fuel Budget-conscious drivers
BPCL SBI Credit Card ₹499 13X reward points on BPCL fuel, 1% surcharge waiver BPCL customers
Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium ₹750 5% cashback on fuel across all stations + 1% surcharge waiver Multi-brand fuel users
Q1. Which is the best credit card in India for cashback and shopping?
A. Some of the best cashback and shopping credit cards include the Axis Bank ACE Card, HDFC Millennia, and Amazon Pay ICICI Card. These offer high cashback on daily spends like online shopping, dining, and digital payments.
Q2. Can I apply for a credit card for free?
A. Yes, many credit cards in India come with zero joining or annual fees. Cards like Amazon Pay ICICI, IDFC FIRST Select, and OneCard allow you to apply online for free with instant digital approval.
Q3. How can I compare credit cards before applying?
A. You can use our website’s comparison tool to view features, fees, approval chances, and benefits side-by-side. This helps you choose the best card as per your lifestyle and credit profile.
Q4. How do I check if I’m eligible for a credit card?
A. Use our Approval Check tool to estimate your chances based on factors like your CIBIL score, income, and card issuer criteria. This reduces rejection risk and protects your credit score.
Q5. What are fuel credit cards and how do they work?
A. Fuel credit cards offer cashback or reward points specifically on fuel purchases. They also waive off the 1% fuel surcharge. Cards like IndianOil Axis Bank or BPCL SBI Card are good options.
A. Top travel credit cards include HDFC Diners Privilege, SBI Elite, and Axis Atlas. These cards offer lounge access, air miles, travel insurance, and discounts on hotels and flights.
A. Yes, if the benefits like cashback, rewards, or travel perks exceed the fee. Many cards waive annual fees if you reach a minimum spend limit.
Q8. How can I earn reward points using a credit card?
A. You earn reward points on transactions like shopping, dining, travel, and utility payments. These points can be redeemed for gift cards, products, or statement credit, depending on the card issuer.
A. Absolutely. Applying via trusted platforms like ours is secure. We use encrypted systems and never share your personal data without your consent.
A. Many banks offer instant or same-day approval for eligible applicants. However, physical card delivery may take 5–7 working days.