25 Best Credit Cards in India (2025) – Rewards, Cashback & Benefits

25 Best Credit Cards in India (2025) – Rewards, Cashback & Benefits

Credit cards remain one of the most powerful tools for smart spenders in India.

A good credit card can give you cashback, reward points, travel perks, lounge access, fuel benefits and more.

But with so many options in 2025, how do you pick the right one?

In this post, I’ll share 25 of the best credit cards in India in 2025.

Alongwith what benefits they give, what the limits are, what documents you need, and how to apply. Use this to choose cards that match your spending style.

Contents what you get in this post

1. What to look for in a credit card
2. Key terms: credit limit, annual fee, joining fee, reward points, cashback, etc.
3. Top 25 credit cards in India in 2025 – best categories
   • Cashback & Shopping Cards
   • Rewards & Lifestyle Cards
   • Travel & Miles Cards
   • Premium / Super-premium Cards
   • Fuel / Utility / Specialty Cards
4. Compare Best Credit Cards in India 2025 💳
5. Credit Card Limits & Enhancements
6. Documents Required
7. How to Apply & Eligibility

What to Look for in a Credit Card

Before seeing the list, let’s understand what features make a card “best”:

• Reward / Cashback Rate – How much you get back per rupee spent, especially in categories you use: online shopping, groceries, travel, fuel, etc.
• Annual Fee / Joining Fee / Renewal Fee – Some cards are free; others charge significant fees. Sometimes fees are waived if you spend over certain thresholds.
• Bonus / Welcome Offers – E.g. extra points, vouchers, or cashback when you spend a certain amount in first few months.
• Perks & Benefits – Airport lounge access, travel insurance, concierge, discounts, dining offers.
• Reward Redemption – How easy it is to use your points/cashback: statement credit, vouchers, travel bookings, partner redemption.
• Foreign Transaction Fees / Forex Markup – Important if you travel abroad or buy from overseas websites.
• Hidden Charges – Interest rate, late payment fees, over-limit fees, etc.
• Credit Limit & Flexibility – What starting limit you get, whether it increases later.

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Key Terms Explained

• Credit Limit: The maximum amount you can spend (or owe) at any time before repayment.
• Annual Fee / Joining Fee: Charge for issuing/renewing the card yearly or initially.
• Reward Points / Cashback: Incentives banks give you for spending. Points often need to be redeemed; cashback is more direct.
• Milestone Benefits: Extra reward or benefit when you spend a certain amount in a period.
• Foreign Markup Fee: Additional % the bank charges for transactions in foreign currency.
• Lounge Access: Complimentary access to airport lounges for you (and maybe add-ons).

Top 25 Credit Cards in India in 2025 – Best by Category

Below are selected credit cards grouped by category.

For each card I highlight benefits, approximate fees, limit behaviour, who it is best for.

Note: Exact offers and numbers (fees, limits, reward rates) can vary by bank, your credit score, location. Always check current bank site.

A. Cashback & Shopping Cards

These are best if you do a lot of shopping, online spends or want immediate rewards.

* “Joining / Annual Fee” may vary or be waived based on spends.

B. Rewards & Lifestyle Cards

These cards give you reward points for lifestyle, dining, shopping, and often also extra perks.

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C. Travel & Miles Cards

If you travel often, these can get you extra value: lounge access, air miles, airline/hotel partner perks.

D. Premium / Super-Premium Cards

These offer top-tier benefits: elite lounges, concierge, insurance, high credit limits.

E. Fuel / Utility / Specialty Cards

These cards give special benefits for fuel, utilities, or some special merchant tie-ups.

• IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card – gives good savings on fuel; fuel surcharge waivers etc.
• Cards tied to specific merchants (e.g. Flipkart, Myntra co-branded, dining etc.) can give high returns when you use them in those channels. E.g. the newly launched SBI-Flipkart Card gives up to 7.5% cashback on certain platform spends.

Examples: 5 Cards in Detail

To help you see real numbers, here are 5 good cards with more detail:

1. Jupiter Edge+ RuPay Credit Card
   • Fee: Joining ₹499; Annual Fee: NIL.
   • Rewards: 10% cashback on shopping (Amazon, Flipkart etc.), 5% on travel bookings, 1% on other spends.
   • Good for: Heavy online shoppers and some travel.
2. RBL Bank Savemax Credit Card
   • Fee: No joining/annual.
   • Rewards: 5X points on groceries; bonus on Zomato / BookMyShow; redemptions etc.
3. HDFC Regalia Gold
   • Fee: ~ ₹2,500 joining/annual.
   • Rewards: Good points per spend; voucher benefits; travel, lounge access.
4. SBI Card PRIME
   • Fee: ~ ₹2,999 + taxes.
   • Rewards & Perks: Higher reward points; lifestyle benefits, possibly airport lounge, etc.
5. IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card
   • Why: If a lot of your spend goes into fuel, car maintenance, then this can give you best savings there.

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Compare Best Credit Cards in India 2025 💳

Looking for the right credit card in 2025? Here’s a comparison of the 25 best options in India, covering travel, shopping, fuel, dining, cashback, and lifestyle benefits.

1. HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + GST
• Best For: Frequent Flyers
• Key Features: 12 free lounge visits, 5X rewards on travel & dining, Club Vistara Silver Tier.
• Who Should Apply? If you travel often and want lounge access.

2. SBI Card Elite

• Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
• Best For: Luxury & Lifestyle
• Key Features: Free Club Vistara, Trident Privilege, movie tickets worth ₹6,000, lounge access.
• Who Should Apply? High spenders looking for lifestyle perks.

3. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
• Best For: Airline Miles Collectors
• Key Features: EDGE Miles redeemable for flights/hotels, unlimited lounge access.
• Who Should Apply? International travelers who value miles.

4. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹6,500 + GST
• Best For: Premium Lifestyle
• Key Features: Dreamfolks membership, free golf sessions, global lounge access.
• Who Should Apply? Luxury & business travelers.

5. American Express Platinum Travel Card

• Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
• Best For: Travel Vouchers
• Key Features: ₹7,700 worth of travel vouchers on milestone spends, free lounge access.
• Who Should Apply? Travel lovers preferring vouchers.

6. HDFC Millennia Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + GST
• Best For: Online Shopping
• Key Features: 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato.
• Who Should Apply? Millennials who shop online frequently.

7. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST
• Best For: Flipkart & Myntra Shoppers
• Key Features: 5% cashback on Flipkart/Myntra, 1.5% on all spends.
• Who Should Apply? Regular Flipkart/Myntra customers.

8. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

• Annual Fee: Free
• Best For: Amazon Shoppers
• Key Features: 5% cashback (Prime), 3% (non-Prime), no joining fee.
• Who Should Apply? Anyone who shops on Amazon.

9. HSBC Cashback Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹999 + GST
• Best For: Cashback Lovers
• Key Features: 10% cashback on dining & food delivery, 1.5% on other spends.
• Who Should Apply? If you love earning flat cashback.

10. Citi Cashback Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST
• Best For: Utility Bills & Movies
• Key Features: 5% cashback on movie tickets & utility bills.
• Who Should Apply? Families & utility bill payers.

11. HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + GST
• Best For: Premium Dining & Travel
• Key Features: 12 complimentary lounges, bonus rewards on dining.
• Who Should Apply? Frequent diners & travelers.

12. Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹999 + GST
• Best For: Groceries & Dining
• Key Features: 5% cashback on supermarkets, 3X rewards on dining.
• Who Should Apply? Families & grocery shoppers.

13. RBL Bank Platinum Maxima Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹2,000 + GST
• Best For: Rewards Points
• Key Features: 2X rewards on online spends, milestone bonuses.
• Who Should Apply? Reward hunters.

14. Kotak Mahindra Royale Signature Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹999 + GST
• Best For: Shopping & Lifestyle
• Key Features: 2x points on dining & travel, movie ticket offers.
• Who Should Apply? Shoppers & lifestyle users.

15. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹3,500 + GST
• Best For: Luxury Lifestyle
• Key Features: Golf benefits, air accident cover, lounge access.
• Who Should Apply? High-net-worth individuals.

16. IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card

• Annual Fee: Free
• Best For: First-time Users
• Key Features: Lifetime free, interest-free cash withdrawal for 48 days.
• Who Should Apply? Beginners & young professionals.

17. YES Prosperity Edge Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹399 + GST
• Best For: Budget Users
• Key Features: 4 reward points per ₹200, movie ticket offers.
• Who Should Apply? Budget-conscious users.

18. ICICI Bank Amazon Pay Credit Card

• Annual Fee: Free
• Best For: Amazon & Partner Brands
• Key Features: 5% cashback on Amazon, 1% everywhere.
• Who Should Apply? Amazon Prime members.

19. HDFC Freedom Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST
• Best For: Cashback on Daily Spends
• Key Features: 5% cashback on PayZapp, Swiggy, utility bills.
• Who Should Apply? Everyday spenders.

20. Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹1,500 + GST
• Best For: Airline Benefits
• Key Features: Free Vistara base fare ticket every year, lounge visits.
• Who Should Apply? Vistara frequent flyers.

21. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST
• Best For: Online Shopping
• Key Features: 10X rewards on Amazon, BookMyShow, Cleartrip.
• Who Should Apply? E-commerce spenders.

22. SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST
• Best For: Daily Spends
• Key Features: 10X rewards on groceries, movies, dining.
• Who Should Apply? Families & everyday users.

23. AU Small Finance Altura Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹199 + GST
• Best For: Entry-Level Users
• Key Features: 2% cashback on groceries & fuel, 1% everywhere else.
• Who Should Apply? First-time cardholders.

24. Bank of Baroda Eterna Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹2,499 + GST
• Best For: Travel & Lifestyle
• Key Features: 10X rewards on travel, dining, movies, concierge services.
• Who Should Apply? Travel enthusiasts.

25. Axis Bank ACE Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST
• Best For: Cashback on Payments
• Key Features: 5% cashback on bill payments & DTH via Google Pay.
• Who Should Apply? Digital-savvy users.

Credit Card Limits & Enhancements

Starting Limits

• For most good credit cards, your credit limit depends on your income, credit score, existing liabilities.

• Entry / mid cards might start around ₹30,000–₹1,00,000 or more. Premium cards much higher.

Enhancements / Upgrades

• If you spend well, pay on time, maintain a good credit score, banks may increase your limit.

• Also some cards offer benefit upgrades over time (e.g. better lounge access, fee waivers) once you cross a yearly spending threshold.

Special Types

There are FD-tied or secured credit cards (you deposit fixed deposit as collateral), these often have lower credit limits but help folks without strong credit history.

Documents Required

To get most credit cards in India, you usually need:

1. Identity Proof (any one): PAN card (almost always required), Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License.
2. Address Proof: Aadhaar, Passport, Utility bill (electricity, gas, water), Rental agreement.
3. Income Proof: Salary slips / Form 16 (for salaried), bank statements (last 3-6 months), ITR (Income Tax Return) if self-employed or practising.
4. Photograph: Passport size.
5. Existing Bank Relations sometimes help: if you already have savings account, relationship with bank, etc.

In many banks, you can apply digitally and submit scanned documents. Some cards require that you have been in your job/business for a minimum period.

How to Apply & Eligibility Criteria

To apply, follow typical steps:

1. Check eligibility first – most banks show minimum income, age (usually 21-60), credit score.
2. Compare cards: Use bank sites or comparison portals (Paisabazaar, CardExpert, etc.). Consider your spend categories.
3. Pre-approved offers: Banks sometimes offer pre-approved credit cards if you meet criteria — lower documentation or faster approval.
4. Apply online: Fill application form, upload docs. Sometimes physical verification or branch visit needed.
5. Credit check: Bank will check your CIBIL or other agency score.
6. Wait for approval: If approved, card is delivered; start using.

25 Best Cards (Full List, Quick Reference)

Here’s a list of 25 cards you should consider, arranged by category. For each I note roughly the fee if known, and top benefit. Use this table as a checklist.

* “Fee” = joining + renewal; many banks waive fees if you spend enough annually.

Best Credit Cards In India: Top Options For 2025

Credit Limits & Enhancements

Starting / Typical Limits

• For basic cards, it may be ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 or more depending on income.

• Premium cards often start higher (₹1,50,000-₹5,00,000+).

• FD-secured cards may have low limits tied to deposit amount.

Increasing Limit

• With regular good use, paying dues on time, proving higher income / asset, you may request a limit increase.

• Some banks auto-upgrade after 6-12 months.

Enhancements

• More perks, better reward multipliers, complimentary lounge passes, badges, etc., often triggered by reaching certain spending thresholds (milestones).

Documents Required (Checklist)

How to Apply & Eligibility

• Age: Usually 21-65 years (varies). Some banks allow 18+ for basic/entry level.
• Minimum Income: For some cards, minimum salary or business income (say ₹3-5 lakh/year), higher for premium cards.
• Credit Score: Good credit score helps (700+ CIBIL / equivalent). If you have low or no credit history, secured or FD-backed cards help.
• Application Steps:
  1. Choose a card that matches your spending pattern.
  2. Check pre-approval or eligibility offers (banks or comparison sites often show these).
  3. Fill online application: name, income, address etc.
  4. Upload / submit documents.
  5. Bank reviews – verifies income, identity, credit history.
  6. Receive card: usually delivered in a few working days.
• What to watch out for: Hidden fees, reward expiry, blackout dates (for travel benefits), foreign transaction fees, late payment charges.

FAQs

Q1. Are reward points / cashback taxable?
A: Generally, reward points are not taxable income. But if you get huge bonuses or value, better check with a tax advisor.

Q2. Do reward points expire?
A: Yes, most cards set a validity (1-3 years). Make sure you use them.

Q3. Can I have multiple credit cards?
A: Yes. But managing payments, due dates, credit limits is important. Multiple good cards can help you optimize rewards across categories.

Q4. What is foreign markup / forex fee?
A: When you use the card abroad or on foreign merchants, bank charges a % (1-3%) as conversion fee. Some travel cards have zero or low forex fees.

Q5. What if I miss a payment?
A: You’ll likely incur late fees, interest on outstanding, and possibly affect your credit score. Always try to pay at least minimum due.

Recent Changes & Caveats in 2025

• Banks have revised reward policies recently. For example, SBI Cards will not give reward points on digital gaming platform spends or government-related transactions from September 1, 2025.
• Some co-branded cards (e.g. Flipkart SBI) have introduced strong cashback offers recently.
• FD-backed or deposit-secured credit cards are growing: these offer cards for people with low/no credit history, but with lower limits.

Conclusion on 25 Best Credit Cards in India (2025) – Rewards, Cashback & Benefits

Choosing the best credit card is about matching what you spend with what you get back.

If you mostly shop online, go for high online / e-commerce rewards.

If you travel, focus on travel cards with lounge and miles perks.

For fuel or groceries, pick cards strong in those spending categories.

Make sure to count all costs (fees, charges) and read the fine print.

If you combine one or two cards – for example one cashback/shopping card + one travel/ premium card.

You can optimize your spending and benefits.

Monitor your usage, ensure timely payments, and keep an eye on policy changes by banks.

Here’s to maximizing benefits in 2025 with the right credit cards!

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Author — Deepak Kumar

Blogger Crypto Trader (since 2018) Career & Finance Mentor

I’m Deepak Kumar, a passionate blogger and crypto trader since 2018. On KnowledgeHubForAll, I share practical tips on personal finance, career growth, and smart online earning. My mission is to simplify complex ideas into easy steps — so students, hustlers, and entrepreneurs can learn faster, grow smarter, and earn better in today’s digital age.

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Updated Aug 2025 • knowledgehubforall.com