
A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Credit Cards for Every Need in 2026.
6 January 2026
You must choose the credit card that best meets your needs because everyone has different goals when it comes to credit cards. Some credit cards work better for online bill payments and others for finding great deals.
Our article has listed below some of the best credit cards in India to assist you in making an informed decision.
News Update
Export Promotion Mission (EPM) will give exporters, especially e-commerce MSMEs, access to dedicated credit cards and collateral support to ease export financing.
The scheme, with a total outlay of ₹25,060 Crore over six years, is designed to bridge the credit gap for exporters by offering alternative financing tools and improving access to export credit facilities
- As reported by The New Indian Express on 19 Nov 2025
Also Read: Best CashBack Credit Card
The most budget-friendly credit cards are those listed below:
|
Name of Credit Card and Bank |
Joining Fee |
Annual Fee |
Best For |
Top Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
₹3,000 + GST |
₹2,000 + GST |
High-end Lifestyle |
1 to 4 reward points on every ₹100 spent |
|
|
RESERV Credit Card (Previously known as YES FIRST EXCLUSIVE) |
₹2,499 + Taxes |
₹2,499 + Taxes |
Travel / Lifestyle |
6 to 24 YES Reward points on every ₹200 spent |
|
₹2500 + Taxes |
₹2500 + Taxes |
Lifestyle / Luxury |
4 Reward points on every ₹150 spent |
|
|
HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition |
₹12,500 + Taxes |
₹12,500 + Taxes |
Luxury Lifestyle |
5 Reward points on every ₹150 spent |
|
₹499 |
₹499 |
Shopping |
10 Reward Points per ₹150 spent |
|
|
₹500 + Taxes |
₹500 + Taxes |
Lifestyle |
Cashback on purchases from Myntra, Flipkart, Cleartrip, etc. |
|
|
₹12,499 + GST |
₹12,499 + GST |
Luxury / Rewards |
6 reward points on every ₹200 spent |
|
|
₹499 |
₹499 |
Lifestyle |
1.5% to 5% cashback on spends |
|
|
₹3,000 |
₹3,000 |
Lifestyle |
Earn 10 Axis EDGE points on every ₹200 spent |
Get Credit Cards with Limits Upto Rs.5 Lakh
Swipe Smart and Unlock High Rewards
Best for people looking for high-end lifestyle perks.
The ICICI Rubyx Credit Card is attractive if you are looking for a credit card with lots of offers in India. Interest rates start from 3.75% per month for both ATM withdrawals and late payments.
Joining Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹2,000 + GST, waived off on spending more than ₹3 Lakh in the previous year
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian citizens above the age of 21
Monthly income of ₹75,000 for salaried individuals
Yearly income of ₹9 Lakh for self-employed individuals
Documents Required:
Identity proof
Income proof
Address proof
(No physical documents required)
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil joining fee, annual fees of ₹199 + GST
Benefits & Features:
2 complimentary rounds of golf each month based on eligible spending
2 complimentary domestic airport lounge access each quarter
8 complimentary railway lounge access in a year
Earn 1 to 4 points for every ₹100 spent: 1 point for utility and insurance, 2 points for domestic spends, and 4 points on international spends
Welcome vouchers worth ₹5,000 from EaseMyTrip, Tata CLiQ, Tata Croma, EazyDiner, etc.
25% up to ₹150 on movie tickets twice a month
24*7 concierge services by calling 18002670731 (Toll Free) or 18002678729 (Rupay Variant)
3000 reward points on spending ₹3 Lakh and 1,500 points for every additional ₹1 Lakh spent (up to 15,000 reward points per year)
Get personal accident insurance cover (Rupay Variant) of up to ₹2 Lakh
Air accident insurance covers up to ₹1 Crore
1% waiver on fuel transactions from ₹400 - ₹4,000
6x to 12x reward points on iShop
Discounts on movie tickets each on BookMyShow and INOX, twice a month
Best for frequent fliers and online shoppers.
Previously known as the Yes First Exclusive Credit Card, the Reserv Credit Card charges only 2.99% per month on overdue amounts. It offers air miles and instant EMI options for your purchases. This is a good option if you are looking for credit cards in India with the best benefits.
Joining Fee: ₹2,499 + Taxes, waived off if you spend ₹40,000 on retail within the first month of card setup
Annual Fee: ₹2,499 + Taxes, waived off if you spend ₹3 Lakh or more within 12 months before the card renewal date
Eligibility Criteria:
Individuals between the ages of 21 and 60 years
Salaried individuals with a minimum monthly income of ₹2 Lakh
Self-employed individuals with an ITR of a minimum of ₹18 Lakh
Not holding a Yes Bank credit card beforehand
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: No charges, up to 3 can be issued
Benefits & Features:
4 green fee waivers and 1 golf lesson per year at selected Indian golf courses
Credit Shield coverage of ₹15 Lakh, Lost Card Liability of ₹15 Lakh to ₹30 Lakh
1% of the fuel surcharge between ₹400 and ₹5,000 is waived off
6 to 24 reward points on every ₹200 spent on selected categories (Cap of 36000 reward points every statement cycle)
Access to airport lounges worldwide for Mastercard and Visa cards
3 complimentary lounge visits every quarter in India for primary and add-on cardholders
8000 bonus reward points if renewal fee is charged (2nd year onwards)
Get up to 1.75% markup on foreign currency
Insurance cover of up to ₹50,000 against accidental damage for 6 months for mobile & electronic devices purchased online
Best for heavy shoppers, especially those who shop from Marks & Spencer, Myntra, Nykaa & Reliance Digital.
The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card can get you 5 times reward points for shopping from certain brands. Let’s learn in detail about this high-rated credit card in India -
Joining Fee: ₹2,500 + Taxes
Annual Fee : ₹2,500 + Taxes
Eligibility Criteria:
The minimum age requirement is 21.
If you are salaried, your monthly income should be more than ₹1 Lakh (for govt. employees) and more than ₹1.5 Lakh (for non-govt. employees), and you should be within 60 years of age.
If you are self-employed, your ITR should be more than ₹18 Lakh p.a., and your age should be within 65.
Documents Required:
Proof of identity
Proof of address
Poof of income
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Benefits & Features:
Welcome benefits include a complimentary Swiggy One and MMT Black Gold membership
Interest-free credit up to 50 days from the date of purchase
Convert big spends to EMIs
Comprehensive insurance, protection against fraud
Vouchers of ₹1,500 on quarterly expenditures for some of India’s top brands
₹ 1,500 worth of vouchers on quarterly spends of ₹1.5 Lakh
Dining privileges via the good food trial program and up to 10% discount on partner restaurants via Swiggy Dineout
5X reward points on flights, hotels, vouchers, etc. via SmartBuy
24*7 concierge services via phone (18001600 or 18002600)
5X reward points for purchases made at Reliance Digital, Myntra, Nykaa, and Marks & Spencer
4X reward points on every ₹150 spent on retail
Complimentary Swiggy One and MMT Black Elite Membership on ₹1 Lakh+ spends in the first 90 days
12 complimentary airport lounge access (both domestic and international terminals) in more than 1000 airports in India
Want a Credit Card with High Limits & Rewards?
Best for pro credit card users who want a luxurious-looking card and luxury services.
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card is a metal card that offers complimentary Club Marriott membership and nights & buffets in select ITC hotels. This is one of the top credit cards in comparison to other cards.
Joining Fee: ₹12,500 + Taxes
Annual Fee: ₹12,500 + Taxes
Eligibility Criteria: Invitation only
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Benefits & Features:
10,000 reward points as welcome and renewal rewards upon fee realisation and card activation
Spend ₹10 Lakh or more in the previous 12 months and get the renewal membership charge waived for the next year
Complimentary nights and buffets in affiliated ITC hotels
Complimentary Club Marriott membership for the first year
Access unlimited airport lounges worldwide for Primary and Add-on members, for both domestic and international airports
Earn 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent on retail
Earn up to 10 times reward points on travel and shopping spends on SmartBuy
24*7 global personal concierge
Unlimited complimentary golf games at top courses across India and around the world
Accidental air death covers up to ₹3 Crore
Emergency overseas hospitalisation up to ₹50 Lakh
Credit shield covers up to ₹9 Lakh
Ideal for people looking for their first card - affordable & low maintenance fees.
The SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card offers reward points for every purchase, wherein each reward point is equal to ₹0.25. Let’s read about this credit card’s offers -
Joining Fee: ₹499
Annual Fee: ₹499, waived off if you spend more than ₹1 Lakh in the previous year
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian citizens below the age of 70
The minimum age is 21 for salaried individuals and 25 for self-employed individuals.
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Features & Benefits:
Spend ₹2,000 or more in the first 60 days and receive 2,000 additional reward points
Enjoy 10 reward points for every ₹150 spent on dining, movies, department stores, and groceries
Get an annual membership fee reversal starting from the second year of your subscription.
1% fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹100 on transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000
Transfer the unpaid balance of other banks' credit cards to your SimplySAVE SBI Card, and get a cheaper interest rate and pay back in EMIs.
Apply for High Limit Credit Cards upto ₹5 Lakh*
Powered by HDFC Bank, SBI Card, Axis Bank
A cashback card, good for new credit card users who shop extensively on Flipkart.
The Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card offers attractive welcome benefits and cashback on every spend. You can enjoy dining offers and complimentary lounge visits.
Joining Fee: ₹500 + Taxes
Annual Fee: ₹500 + Taxes, waived off on annual spends over ₹3,50,000
Eligibility Criteria:
Should be an Indian resident
Should be between the ages of 18 and 70
Documents Required:
Photocopy of PAN card or Form 60
Proof of income
Proof of residence
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Features and Benefits:
Earn 5% cashback on purchases at Flipkart and Cleartrip, up to ₹4,000 per quarter on each website
Earn cashback of 7.5% on Myntra, up to ₹4,000 per quarter
Receive a welcome voucher worth ₹600 from numerous brands
Up to 15% off up to ₹500 at partner restaurants throughout India
Get 50% off, up to ₹100, on your first Swiggy order
Activation benefits worth ₹350
1% fuel surcharge waiver across India
Convert any purchase on Flipkart above ₹2,500 to EMIs
People who enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and are looking for a premium card.
The ICICI Emeralde Credit Card is a premium metal card. This card is invite-only and has attractive reward points. You can redeem your reward points both through internet banking and the iMobile Pay app.
Joining Fee: ₹12,499 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹12,499 + GST, waived off on spending over ₹10 Lakh in the previous year
Eligibility Criteria: Invite Only
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Benefits & Features:
Unlimited international and domestic airport lounge access for both primary and plus card members
Unlimited complimentary golf rounds
Buy one, get one for up to ₹750 off on movie, concert, and event tickets on BookMyShow twice a month
Get 2 EaseMyTrip vouchers worth up to ₹6,000 on annual spends of ₹8 Lakh
24*7 concierge service by calling 18002670731 (Toll Free)
Air accident insurance covers up to ₹3 Crore
No cancellation fees for domestic travel or hotel reservations, up to ₹12,000
1% waiver on fuel transactions
Earn reward points for every ₹200 spent
A cashback card, best for people looking for great cashback on utility payments.
The Axis Bank ACE Credit Card offers cashback on every spend. With this card, you can enjoy discounts on dining and also easily convert your purchases into easy EMIs. This Axis Bank card is one of the Indian credit cards with the best benefits.
Joining Fee: ₹499 (Nil for select channels, limited time offer)
Annual Fee: ₹499, waived off on spending more than ₹2 Lakh in the previous year
Eligibility Criteria:
The individual should be a resident of India
The individual should be between the ages of 18 and 70
Documents Required:
Photocopy of PAN card
Colour photograph
Proof of income
Proof of residence
Proof of identity
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Features & Benefits:
5% cashback on utility bill payments, DTH, and mobile recharges
4% cashback on Swiggy, Ola, and Zomato
1.5% cashback on all other spends
4 complimentary access to domestic airport lounges on spending ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months
1% fuel surcharge waiver, up to ₹500, across all fuel stations in India on fuel purchases between ₹400 and ₹4,000
Get up to 15% off up to ₹500 at 4000+ partner restaurants in India
Convert transactions above ₹2,500 into EMIs
Ideal for luxury rewards at affordable joining and annual fees.
The Axis Bank ACE Credit Card is a lifestyle benefit card that gives discounts on groceries, golf, movies, and food. It is a mid-range card and is free for Burgundy members. Let’s look at this card in detail.
Joining Fee: ₹3,000 (Nil for Burgundy)
Annual Fee: ₹3,000 (Nil for Burgundy)
Eligibility Criteria:
The individual should be a resident of India
The individual should be between the ages of 18 and 70
The individual’s annual net income should be a minimum of ₹6 Lakh
Documents Required:
Photocopy of PAN card
Proof of income
Proof of residence
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Features & Benefits:
10,000 EDGE reward Points worth ₹2,000 on your first card transaction. Not applicable to lifetime free credit card and Burgundy account holders. To get these points, the first transaction should be done within 30 days of card issuance.
100% discount on your second movie ticket booked via the District app.
Get up to ₹250 off, twice per month, on buying movie tickets.
Flat ₹500 off once per month on minimum spends of ₹2,500 on BigBasket.
Flat ₹200 off on Swiggy, twice a month on spending a minimum of ₹1,000 per order.
Up to 12 complimentary international airport lounge access through Priority Pass membership.
2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter on spending ₹50,000 in the last 3 months.
6 complimentary Golf rounds per year.
Priority Pass membership renewal on annual spend of ₹3 Lakh.
5000 EDGE reward points on spending ₹3 Lakh in the card anniversary year.
Complete annual fee waiver on spending ₹8 Lakh in the card anniversary year.
10 Axis EDGE points on every ₹200 spent, and 2X per ₹200 spent on retail shopping.
Earn 2X EDGE reward points up to cumulative transactions of ₹20,000 per month. For transactions above ₹20,000 per month, earn 10 EDGE reward points.
Travel credit cards are a unique kind of credit card that provides a variety of benefits, including reward points and loyalty programs, as well as travel memberships, hotel vouchers, and welcome bonuses.
Here is a credit card comparison between India’s best travel credit cards -
|
Name of Credit Card and Bank |
Joining Fee |
Annual Fee |
Best for |
Top Benefits |
|
American Express Platinum Travel Card |
₹5,000 + Taxes |
₹56,000 + Taxes |
Travel / Luxury |
1 membership reward point on every ₹50 spent |
|
Nil |
Nil |
Travel |
4X rewards on travel spends, zero forex mark-up fee, etc. |
|
|
₹1,000 + Taxes |
Rs.1,000 + Taxes |
Travel |
4 reward points for every ₹150 spent |
|
|
YES Bank ELITE+ Credit Card (Previously known as the Premia Credit Card) |
Rs.999 + Taxes |
Rs.999 + Taxes |
Travel / Rewards |
4 to 12 reward points on every ₹200 spent |
|
₹1,499 + Taxes |
Nil |
Travel / Rewards |
3 CV points on every ₹200 spent |
|
|
₹500 + Taxes (One Time) |
₹500 |
Travel |
1 reward point for every ₹125 spent |
Best for travel benefits across hotels and flights.
The American Express Platinum Card is a high-end card. However, the travel variant is a mid-range card that is worth exploring.
Joining Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
Eligibility Criteria:
At least 18 years old.
Having a good credit history and no payment defaults.
A permanent residential address in India.
If self-employed, the company should be in business for a minimum of 12 months.
Annual income of ₹6 Lakh.
Holding a savings or current account in any Indian or multinational bank.
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Benefits & Features:
Spend ₹1.9 Lakh in a card membership year and get 15,000 membership reward points
Spend ₹4 Lakhs in a card membership year and get an additional 25,000 membership rewards
8 complimentary visits per year, 2 visits per quarter to domestic airport lounges
Get a Taj Experiences e-gift card worth ₹10,000 from the Taj, SeleQtions and Vivanta Hotels
Spend ₹15,000 within 90 days of card membership to get 10,000 membership reward points
Complimentary membership to Priority Pass
A secured card, suited best for people with low credit scores or no credit history.
The IDFC WOW! Credit Card is a premium secured credit card. You don’t need to submit any income proof to qualify for this credit card. You can get high credit limits, up to 100% of your FD amount.
Joining Fee: Nil
Annual Fee: Nil
Eligibility Criteria:
Should be at least 18 years of age
Should be an Indian citizen with a permanent address
Should create an FD of a minimum of ₹20,000 while applying
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Benefits & Features:
4X reward points on online, offline, and international spends
1X reward points on utility and insurance payments
No Forex mark-up fee
No interest on ATM cash withdrawal for up to 45 days. Withdraw cash from global ATMs at just ₹199+GST
No currency exchange hassles
6.25% on the FD you make while applying for the card
Personal Accident Cover of ₹2 Lakh, Lost Card Damage Cover of ₹25,000, and purchase protection of ₹25,000
Best for travel enthusiasts on a budget.
The HDFC Bank Diners Club Miles Credit Card has a range of travel, lounge, and dining benefits. 1 reward point is equivalent to 1.00 AirMile.
Please note that HDFC is not issuing this card currently, but old cardholders can enjoy the benefits as usual.
Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + Taxes
Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + Taxes
Eligibility Criteria:
The minimum age requirement is 21 years.
For salaried employees, the age limit is 60 years, and the minimum income should be ₹30,000 per month.
For self-employed individuals, the age limit is 65, and the minimum income should be ₹3.6 Lakh per annum.
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Benefits & Features:
6 complimentary lounge accesses per year across 1,000+ lounges across the world
15% discounts in premium restaurants and 1400+ dining offers globally
4 Reward Points for each ₹150 spent
Redeem your points for airline tickets and hotel accommodations
Air accident cover of ₹1 Crore, medical expenses cover up to ₹25 Lakh, credit liability cover of up to ₹9 Lakh
Travel insurance cover of up to ₹50,000 for baggage delay/loss
Credit liability cover up to ₹9 Lakh
Best for travel enthusiasts looking for a card within ₹1,000.
The YES Bank ELITE+ Credit Card, previously known as the Premia Credit Card, gives rewards on movie tickets, airline tickets, and hotel bookings. Let’s learn more about this high-rated credit card -
Joining Fee: ₹999 + Taxes, waived off on retail spends of ₹20,000 within one month of card setup
Annual Fee: ₹999 + Taxes, waived off on total retail spends of ₹2 Lakh in the previous year
Eligibility Criteria:
Individuals must be between the ages of 21 and 60.
Salaried or self-employed individuals with a minimum income of ₹1 Lakh per month or an ITR of ₹9 Lakh per year.
Please note that if you already have a YES Bank credit card, you are not eligible for this card.
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Benefits & Features:
3 complimentary international airport lounge visits each year
2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter
4, 6, and 12 reward points on every ₹200 spent, depending on the category
25% discount on movie tickets booked on BookMyShow
Preferential foreign currency markup of only 2.75%
1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000
Waiver of the Green Fee at 4 instances at select golf courses, 1 complimentary golf lesson every month
Credit shield cover of ₹3 Lakh, lost card liability of ₹3 Lakh
Ideal for people looking for a medium-range card with great benefits and rewards.
The Club Vistara SBI Card offers great rewards on travel and fuel. You get 1 economy ticket as a gift when you pay the annual fee. This card can be used for contactless payments and can be used globally, which makes it one of the top credit cards in India in 2026.
Joining Fee: ₹1,499 + taxes
Annual Fee: Nil
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian residents above the age of 18
Should be salaried or self-employed
Should have a high credit score
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Benefits & Features:
3 CV points per ₹200 spent
Up to four flight cancellations each year, each restricted to ₹3,500
Liability coverage for lost cards up to ₹1 Lakh
Air Accident Coverage up to ₹50 Lakh
4 complimentary visits per year to domestic airport lounges (with a maximum of one per quarter)
Ideal for train travel enthusiasts who want a super-affordable credit card.
The SBI Platinum Card is one of the most affordable credit cards for travel enthusiasts. You get great offers on railway tickets and complimentary railway lounge access as well. You can also transfer the outstanding balance of other credit cards to this card.
It offers many benefits that get it a spot on the credit card comparison list in India.
Joining Fee: ₹500 + Taxes (One Time)
Annual Fee: ₹500
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian residents between the ages of 21 and 70
Salaried or self-employed individuals
Having a good credit score and history
Add-on Card Joining & Annual Fee: Nil
Benefits & Features:
Get a 350 activation bonus. Reward points for a single transaction of ₹500 or more within 60 days after card issuance (except for fuel and cash spends)
500 reward points for paying renewal fees
Receive one reward point for every ₹125 spent on non-fuel retail purchases, including train ticket purchases
1% fuel surcharge waived off on transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000
Buy tickets on the IRCTC website and app (except sleeper class) and receive up to 10% value back in Reward Points
Enjoy 4 complimentary train lounge visits per year to participating lounges in India (maximum one per quarter)
Save 1% on transaction charges when ordering railway tickets through the IRCTC website
With so many credit card options available today, it can be challenging to choose the right card for your needs. Here are some tips on picking the right card for you -
Consider why you want to apply for a credit card and what you will use it for.
Compare various credit cards based on interest rates, reward points, etc. Many websites have sections where you can compare credit cards to make an informed decision.
Pay close attention to the fees and charges related to credit cards.
Consider the credit score requirements to qualify for your chosen credit card, and if you qualify.
Take the annual income required, and if you are eligible based on that.
It is difficult to determine which bank credit card is best overall because most of them in India provide the best credit card offers and comparable benefits with minor variations and additional costs.
This article attempts to identify some of the top credit cards in India that provide cashback, incentives, fuel-related perks, and travel-related benefits. You can compare each of these credit cards to choose the one that best suits your needs and take advantage of its advantages.
HDFC Money-Back Credit Card
Indian Oil HDFC Bank Credit Card
ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card
Kotak Royale Signature credit card
SBI BPCL Octane Credit Card
HDFC Bharat Credit Card
ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
Axis Bank Flipkart Credit Card
RBL Titanium Delight Credit Card
SimplySave SBI Card
Credit Card Insights
Debit Card Features and Benefits
CIBIL Score Check and Boost Guide
Credit Tracker Related Other Articles
Credit Score Basics and Full Forms
Want a Credit Card with High Limits & Rewards?
Disclaimer
The starting interest rate depends on factors such as credit history, financial obligations, specific lender's criteria and Terms and conditions. Moneyview is a digital lending platform; all loans are evaluated and disbursed by our lending partners, who are registered as Non-Banking Financial Companies or Banks with the Reserve Bank of India.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with your financial advisor for specific guidance.
Was this information useful?