Introduction and Meaning

Credit cards offer a convenient way to access funds on credit. The right card, tailored to your spending habits, can bring a host of benefits. Before making a choice, it’s important to review the perks offered by the card. These could include lifetime free credit cards with no renewal charges, enticing rewards, cashback opportunities, and exclusive premium features.

Many options are available in credit cards in India at current times. Each offers different benefits. In India, leading banks like HDFC, SBI, Axis, IndusInd, and Standard Chartered offer a variety of cards. These cater to other needs. Fuel shopping, dining movies, and groceries are some examples.

Before deciding, compare the options. Find the card that best matches your spending patterns. This will allow you to earn maximum value. Below is a list of some of India’s best credit cards. It includes annual fees and top features.

The top 10 most beneficial credit cards in India in 2024 are listed below.

Serial No.	Name of the Credit Card	Category of Credit Card	Joining fees (In Rs)	Renewal fees (In Rs)
1	Axis Bank ACE Credit	Best Cash Back Credit Card	499	499
2	HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card	Best Rewards Credit Card	2,500	2,500
3	SBI Prime Credit Card	Best Rewards Credit Card	2,999	2,999
4	Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card	Best Travel Credit Card	4,999	4,999
5	Axis Atlas Credit Card	Best Travel Credit Card	5,000	5,000
6	HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition	Best Premium Credit Card	12,500	12,500
7	HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card	Best Premium Credit Card	10,000	10,000
8	BPCL SBI Card Octane	Best Fuel Credit Card	1,499	1,499
9	ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card	Best Fuel Credit Card	500	500
10	Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card	Best Cash Back Credit Card	Nil	Nil

1. Axis Bank ACE Credit

This credit card is good for beginners who haven’t used credit cards before. It’s a cash-back credit card. When you purchase a service or commodity from the card the card gives you cashback. Or points when you purchase.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) The credit card provides 5% cashback on bill payments DTH recharges and mobile recharges initiated via Google Pay. It is among the highest flat-rate cashback cards in the market.

b) There’s no upper limit on cashback earned. You can earn a flat 4% cashback on Swiggy, Ola and Zomato.

c) Cashback on multiple categories and top brands can be earned. 1.5% cashback on all other spending.

2. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

If you are someone who spends a lot then HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is for you. The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is regarded as one of the top credit cards in India among frequent travellers. It enables you to exchange rewards for Air Miles. It includes complimentary Club Vistara and MMT memberships. It also offers flight vouchers as milestone perks. What sets this card apart is its ability to accrue rewards on insurance, utilities, and educational expenses. This is a feature not commonly found in most cards.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) You will earn twenty reward points for every Rs. 150 spent at Nykaa. You will also earn points at Myntra Marks & Spencer and Reliance Digital. You can redeem these reward points through the exclusive Gold catalogue.

 b) Additionally, you will enjoy complimentary Club Vistara and MMT Black Elite memberships as welcome benefits. You will also earn reward points on insurance. Utility payments are included.

c) You will receive complimentary Priority Pass Membership by making 4 retail transactions on the card

d) Moreover, as a milestone benefit, you will be given a complimentary flight voucher worth Rs. 5000. You are entitled to 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year.

3. SBI Prime Credit Card

The SBI Prime Credit Card is a great rewards card. It offers high rewards for dining groceries, department stores and benefits for shopping travel bookings and utility bill payments. The annual fee is Rs. 2,999. Despite this with all the benefits and high reward rate, it’s worth considering.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) This card’s key feature is earning ten reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on dining under groceries movies and departmental stores. It also offers various welcome benefits. These include vouchers for popular brands.

b) Welcome benefits include e-gift vouchers valued at Rs. 3,000. This is one of the highest reward rates within this fee range.

c) It also includes complimentary Club Vistara and Trident Privilege Red Tier Membership. Access to international and domestic lounges at no extra cost.

4. IDFC FIRST Club Vistara Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST Club Vistara Credit Card is a travel credit card created in collaboration with the Club Vistara program for frequent flyers. It’s an excellent option for frequent Vistara flyers in India. Upon obtaining this card. You’ll receive complimentary Premium Economy ticket vouchers as part of the welcome and milestone benefits. Additionally, you will accrue Club Vistara (CV) Points on your purchases. You’ll also receive additional benefits such as complimentary access to lounges and golf facilities.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) You can receive up to 6 free Premium Economy Class ticket vouchers. These are offered as both welcome and milestone rewards.

b) This card is ideal for Vistara loyalists. It provides up to 4 international and 8 domestic lounge accesses annually.

c) Get free airline tickets each year.

d) Indulge in twelve free golf lessons and 4 rounds of golf every year and also benefit from extensive travel perks.

5. Axis Atlas Credit Card

Axis Bank Atlas stands out as an extremely beneficial credit card for earning Air Miles. Instead of offering specific airline-branded cards this particular card provides EDGE Miles that can be used across various airlines and hotel loyalty programs. The card operates on a tier system. Meaning that users are rewarded based on their spending habits.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) You can enjoy up to 12 international lounge visits annually. Giving you access to comfortable and exclusive spaces while you travel.

b) You can also redeem your EDGE Miles across a wide selection of airline and hotel loyalty programs, providing flexibility and choice.

c) Additionally. Take advantage of up to 18 annual domestic lounge visits to enhance your travel experience.

d) With 1 EDGE Mile equivalent to Re. 1 and 1 EDGE Mile equalling 2 Partner Loyalty Points your rewards can quickly add up. Earn up to 5 EDGE Miles for every Rs. 100 spent on travel, maximizing the value of your purchases.

6. HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition

The HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition is a premium credit card available by invitation only. Designed for people with high net worth this card offers many benefits, including travel dining, shopping and rewards. This card could be a good option if you spend a lot of money. When you renew you can earn up to 12,500 points. This will increase your savings.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) Get five reward points for every Rs. 150 spent.

b) Enjoy all-in-one benefits. These include travel shopping, movies and more.

c) Receive complimentary Club Marriott membership for the first year.

d) Benefit from luxury hotel membership as a welcome bonus. Plus get 1+1 complimentary weekend buffet at participating ITC hotels.

e) Take advantage of travel benefits. These include unlimited lounge access worldwide and a low forex mark-up fee of 2%.

f) Enjoy unlimited complimentary golf games on courses in India and worldwide.

7. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card

The HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card offers high rewards of up to 3.33% on travel shopping, dining. Cardholders also get complimentary membership with brands like Club Marriott Forbes, Amazon Prime MMT BLACK etc. The card includes unlimited complimentary lounge access and a low forex markup fee. Rewards can be converted into Air Miles. These features make it great for frequent travellers.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) Earn 5X reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on all purchases.

b) Enjoy exclusive travel benefits. This includes unlimited access to airport lounges and a low forex markup fee of 1.99%.

c) Get 10X reward points when you use SmartBuy. Convert your rewards to Air Miles. The rate is 1 reward point equals 1 Air Mile.

d) Access unlimited international and domestic airport lounges for free. Get complimentary memberships for Amazon Prime, the Club Marriott MMT.

e) Receive 6 complimentary golf games every quarter at top courses worldwide

f) Plus, you get extended benefits for lifestyle and wellness categories.

8. BPCL SBI Card Octane

The SBI BPCL Octane Credit Card gives you 7.25% cash back on fuel purchases at BPCL petrol pumps. You’ll also earn extra reward points when you buy movie tickets. Dine out and shop for groceries. Points can be used to get even more free fuel. This credit card is beneficial if you often fill it out at BPCL petrol pumps.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) You’ll get 6000 bonus reward points when you sign up. Can also get benefits in other categories.

b) You won’t have to pay a 1% extra fee at any BPCL petrol pump.

c) Plus, you’ll get free lounge visits. And protection from fraud. When you spend Rs. 100 at BPCL Fuel, Lubricants & Bharat Gas you’ll earn 25 reward points.

d) You can use rewards right away at selected BPCL petrol pumps.

9. ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card

The ICICI HPCL Super Saver is a basic fuel credit card. It offers up to 5% cash back on fuel purchases at HPCL. It also offers decent cash back on everyday expenses like groceries and department store purchases. As well as bill payments. This card is a good choice if you want a card with a low annual fee and extra benefits at HPCL petrol pumps.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) You can earn 4% cashback on fuel purchases at HPCL pumps.

b) With this co-branded fuel program, you can benefit from cashback rewards and savings on fuel surcharges.

c) You’ll also get 5% back as reward points. On purchases at grocery stores and departmental stores. And utility bills.

d) You can earn 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on retail purchases. There are even higher rewards available in daily categories like groceries and department stores.

10. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

If you’re a loyal Amazon customer Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card is a great credit card option in India. You can get up to 5% cashback on Amazon purchases. The card has no annual fee. It offers a competitive cashback rate. Since Amazon is a popular shopping platform, this card is highly recommended for everyday purchases.

The features and benefits of the credit card are as follows:

a) Amazon Prime members get 5% cashback on Amazon purchases. Non-Prime members get 3% cashback.

b) This credit card also offers 1% cashback on all other transactions. It is a great choice for people who shop online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should be your minimum credit score to apply for a credit card?

Generally, most Banks provide Credit cards to their customers when their credit score is at least 750. However, some of the banks also provide credit cards even if it’s below 750. It depends on various factors which include sound financial record and history.

What is a Credit or CIBIL score in India?

CIBIL Score is a three-digit number that ranges from 300-900. Banks or financial institutions check your CIBIL score to check whether you are credit-worthy or not.

What should you look for in credit cards whether they should be selected or not?

It depends on the user’s requirement perspective. While selecting the best credit card for yourself, you must check the renewal fees, interest rates, and overall benefits of the credit card. Contact a relationship manager of a Bank or financial institution to select the best credit card.

Can you specify the best credit card with zero renewal fees?

As mentioned in the blog, the best credit card in this segment is Amazon Pay ICICI Credit card.

Do all the best credit cards in India charge renewal fees?

No, not all provide renewal or annual charges in India.

Which are the best credit cards for salaried individuals in India?

HDFC Moneyback Plus, and Axis Ace, are the two among the best credit cards for salaried individuals in India.

Can you list the best credit cards for directors of the corporates or the person who manages the finances of a firm?

HDFC Corporate Platinum Card, YES FIRST Corporate Credit Card, Kotak Mahindra Corporate Platinum Credit Card, SBI Platinum Corporate Card, etc. are among the best Corporate credit cards.

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