I don’t need to tell you how important a credit card can be, as well as valuable discounts, cashback, extra credit, lounge access, offers, and more. Owning a Credit Card is a must. But which one is the best?
Well, I tried some of the top Indian Credit Cards in 2024 and was pleasantly surprised.
Some popular American Credit Cards like Amex don’t work well in India. At the same time, despite popular belief, I found the travel Credit Cards in India to have matured greatly. Let’s discuss.
Budget-friendly credit cards that I explored included SBI Cashback Credit Card, Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card, and Amex Platinum Credit Card. These credit cards provide excellent security, accessibility, and rewards, which will surely attract you to become a user of these cards. We’ll be working our way from my least favorite to the best Credit Cards.
10. Kotak Indigo Ka-Ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card
Kotak Indigo Ka-Ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card proves that air travel is becoming more common and necessary despite the railway’s dominance in India.
I found it to closely match the quality and success of European/American cards. It is best for flight bookings and is applicable in India and abroad.
I enjoyed the premium and luxurious lounge access and a safe and comfortable flight experience during my usage.
Overall, I added this card to my list because of various rewards that can be checked off on Indigo spending, merchant spending, etc. If it weren’t obvious, it would be a direct collaboration with Indigo, so it would be beneficial only if you traveled with Indigo frequently.
My favorite features:
- VIP experience: During my assessment, I enjoyed the priority check-ins, choice of seats, complimentary meals, and assistance in buying the card.
- Joining Benefits: I was impressed that the card offers a complimentary welcome air ticket worth up to Rs. 3,000 to its users.
- Reward Points: The card gives various rewards for dining, grocery shopping, and entertainment. 6E rewards can be earned on every Rs. 100 spent.
- Platform Support: The bank has its mobile app for both Android and iOS systems. It can also be used on the web.
- Help Centre: The Kotak bank website has an AI named Keya for any services the users need. We can also write an email to resolve further issues.
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9. Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Card
At number 9, we have the Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Car, which is ideal for salaried professionals. While I am a non-salaried individual, I still enjoy the no joining fees or annual fees.
My joining/onboarding experience was very smooth and hassle-free. The process of availing the card is simplified for existing customers as it requires no major documentation.
I was pleasantly surprised by their generous rewards.
In fact, during my usage, I received frequent cashback on daily transactions.
I prefer this card because of the premium experience that it provides to its users. The card provides five reward points per Rs. 150 spent on hotels and restaurants.
Features:
- Online Banking: The card helps the user to check his/her bank balance and make convenient payments via online banking and Standard Chartered Mobile.
- Digital Payment Solutions: It is easy as the payments can be made digitally via BharatQR, Bharat Bill Payment Solution (BBPS), and Samsung Pay.
- Supplementary Credit cards: Once I avail myself of this card, I become eligible for any other supplementary credit cards offered.
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8. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
I love the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card for shopping, dining, and other things. With 0 joining charges and an Amazon e-gift voucher worth Rs. 250 on joining, I admit it was quite tempting.
My recommendation would be to use this as an all-in-one credit card with features that attract a diverse user base. The bank’s emergency card replacement policy makes it more desirable for me.
I can earn reward points on everyday transactions. I discovered that it provides me with 5X the reward points on any purchase made after spending Rs. 4,00,000, subject to a cap of 15,000 accelerated reward points in an anniversary year.
Top Features:
- Google Pay: The rewards can be redeemed in Google Pay, which makes it convenient for users to make transactions.
- Zero Liability for Lost Card: I checked that the user is not liable for paying the charges for the lost card.
- Offers and Discounts: The credit card provides several offers and discounts on daily expenditures with their partnered brands.
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7. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card can be acquired at a joining fee of Rs. 2,500. It provides 24/7 concierge services, complimentary lounge access at airports within India, and #cashbacks on various expenditures.
The joining fees were well worth it, considering the perks offered. I loved the complimentary insurance, vouchers worth Rs. 1,500 on Myntra and Marks & Spencer, and 7.5% savings on all restaurant bills paid via Swiggy Dineout. I can also get a gift voucher worth Rs. 2,500 as a welcome benefit.
Throughout my evaluation, I find this card desirable because of the contactless payment system and the #nominalInterestRates the bank offers.
Specialties:
- Zero lost card liability: I was impressed by the policy that if the credit card gets lost then there is no liability on the user to pay for the same, the bank issues a new card.
- Rewards: The user gets 2% on all foreign currency spends. He/she also gets four reward points for every Rs. 150 retail spending, including insurance, education, and utilities.
- Security: The card provides a secure transaction system to its users with a multiple-layered authentication process.
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Eligibility Criteria: Any salaried Indian national in the age group of 21 to 60 years with a minimum monthly income of Rs. 1,00,000 is eligible for the card. The policy requires a minimum income of 12 lakhs per annum for a self-employed individual.
6. Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card
Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card is best suited for people who love to travel.
The joining fee is Rs. 4,999 + GST. I am not quite happy with this one. It has its perks, but clearly, it is meant for a relatively upper middle-class user base.
Vistara is not as popular as Indigo in India, which means the Kotak Indigo collaboration is a much better idea. But Vistara, in my experience, has better services and also works better internationally, making it a much better choice overall.
Along with the traveling, I was provided complimentary golf rounds and airport lounge access. The card unlocks up to 5 complimentary premium economy ticket vouchers. It also offers travel insurance reimbursement.
Features:
- Fee Payment Benefits: I appreciate the various fee payment benefits like luxurious travel experiences, shopping, grocery, etc., that are provided through the card.
- Reward Points: I can earn 10 CV points on dining spent on birthdays, and 1 CV point on fuel, insurance, utility, rent, and wallet load spends.
- Convenience: It is easy and desirable to use this card while traveling because of the complimentary benefits derived from it.
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| ConsCV points do not apply to EMI transactions. |
Eligibility Criteria: The net monthly income should be at least Rs. 25,000 for a person to avail of the card.
5. ICICI Instant Platinum Credit Card
Okay, so let’s discuss one of the 2 ICICI cards I tested. ICICI Platinum is among the best credit cards in India, with no joining fees, low interest rates, and no annual fees. The card works internationally.
I talked to a few cardholders, and they highlighted the generous points, fuel surcharge waivers, and various other benefits.
I find the ICICI Instant Platinum Card very desirable because of its eligibility, i.e., for non-salaried users and easy accessibility. It provides various offers on big brands like Flipkart, Swiggy, Amazon, Kalyan Jewellers, Samsung, Make My Trip, etc.
As I evaluated, I was greeted with a 25% discount up to Rs. 100 on purchasing a minimum of two tickets up to two times a month through BookMyShow. No one would say NO to that, right? It was a great card.
Best Features:
- Reward Points: I tested that I can earn reward points and redeem them against multiple categories like fashion and lifestyle, electronics, travel and luggage, health and beauty, e-vouchers, and home & kitchen. I can also earn a 2.5% fuel surcharge up to Rs. 4,000.
- Security: The transactions are secured by various authentication processes. There’s an additional layer to protect your card from being counterfeited or duplicated.
- VISA card: Since it is a visa card, hence it can be easily used worldwide.
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4. Amex Platinum Credit Card
Amex Platinum Credit Card is the best option for heavy spenders. It costs more than the rest of the cards combined. Being an American brand, the features and services are largely focused internationally. During my usage, I observed very little acceptance of Amex in the Indian markets.
It gives you access to over 1300+ Airport lounges globally and other benefits. It is best suited for people who are constantly traveling. Only an Indian resident can avail of these benefits. It has a joining fee of Rs. 60,000+ taxes.
Although the card is a bit expensive, I consider this credit card as the best for the platinum experience that it provides to its users globally. I can enjoy luxury vacations at top hotels and savor the best meals without overspending.
The users can get stay vouchers worth Rs. 45,000 from Taj, SeleQtions, and Vivanta Hotels, airport lounges like the Centurion Lounges, Delta, and Priority Pass Lounges. I can also gain access to presale tickets for Fashion Weeks, Wimbledon, etc. These are premium services, and therefore, only go for this card if you are interested in those perks.
Notable Features:
- Rewards: I can earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every Rs. 40 spent with the card. I can also avail of 3X Membership Reward points on everything every time I spend abroad.
- Insurance: With this card, you get emergency services and insurance. I discovered that the user also gets protection against any theft or fraud with their card.
- Convenience: The account can be managed online through the easy-to-use website, which provides easy access to its users.
- Luxury experience: It promoted me to the higher tiers of leading hotels without the usual qualifying criteria.
- Customer Care: It provides 24/7 customer support services and device support on Android and iOS.
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3. Axis Ace Credit Card
Axis Ace Credit Card is the best companion for your everyday purchases. It avails you of a cashback on all transactions with a minimum fee of Rs. 499.
The accessibility to the bank, with more than 5100 branches in India and nine international offices, makes the card more desirable.
I recommend this card, which is best suited for routine expenses with greater benefits like 5% off on utility bill payments via Amazon Pay, 40% off on Zomato, 15% discounts on partnered restaurants, etc., along with easy accessibility.
Features:
- Greater spending power: During my analysis, I found that the card offers greater flexibility and ease in everyday expenses, whether shopping, dining, etc. It provides its users with seamless and adaptable payment options.
- EMI: I can convert Rs. 2,500 and above purchases into EMI at a reduced interest rate of 1.5% per month.
- Customer Care: I was impressed by their 24/7 easy access to contact the bank via email, WhatsApp, SMS, and toll-free number.
- Platform support: The bank has web-based access and a mobile app for Android and iOS users.
- Rewards: I particularly liked the reward points that I can get on transactions like air tickets or 5% cashback on every Google Pay transaction. I can get 1.5% cashback on daily spending and 1% cashback on fuel surcharge.
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2) Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card is the best for online shopping. It provides attractive #cashback to people with its amazing and convenient cashless payments in India and abroad.
With a total of more than 6,000 branches and 17,000 ATMs in India and running operations in 17 countries, it provides easy access to its people.
I found this credit card an ideal deal for those who prefer shopping online and getting things done at their doorstep. Since there is no joining or annual fee the customers enjoy the aforementioned benefits by using this card.
I was able to avail some benefits like hotel discounts, flat Rs. 500 on domestic flights, Amazon Pay gift cards worth Rs. 1000, and many more.
Features:
- Cashback: I earned 1% cashback on my expenses, such as shopping, dining, insurance payments, travel, etc.
- Platform Support: ICICI Bank has its app, which supports both iOS and Android users. The card also works on the Amazon app since the card is in collaboration with Amazon. It can also be used on the web.
- Exclusive Privileges: Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card provided me with exclusive privileges like a 1% waiver on fuel surcharge payments.
- Reward Earning: 1% reward points are offered on all the purchases mentioned at www.amazon.in. As per my research, reward points also depend on the card’s Prime Membership.
- Customer Care: It provides 24/7 customer support services with its toll-free number.
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Eligibility Criteria: People above 18 and earning a minimum of Rs. 25,000 a month can avail of this card.
1. SBI Cashback Credit Card
As someone who has always hated the poor service of government banks, I was up for a pleasant surprise with the SBI Credit Cards.
SBI Cashback Credit Card is the best way to get reliable, beginner-friendly credit cards. Its Visa-based credit cards work in 3.25 lakh outlets in India and over 190 countries globally, thanks to SBI’s diverse network of more than 22,000 branches and 65,000 ATMs.
I would recommend it as the #BestCreditCard for beginners who don’t want to be involved in the hassles of complicated charges, maintenance fees, and eligibility criteria while enjoying consistent cashback.
The card offered me attractive discounts on medicines, electronics, hotels, flights, etc., 1% cashback on fuel surcharge, and offline and online merchant transactions.
Features:
- Platform Support: I can control and manage my SBI Credit Card via the app for Android and iOS-based devices and the web.
- Cashback: It offered me 5% cashback on all online transactions and 1% on offline transactions. The cashback gets directly credited to the bank account within two business days.
- Reward Points: For all transactions, the number of reward points awarded will be equal to the face value of the transaction. Each reward point would be worth Rs. 0.25 and can be redeemed on the SBI Rewardz page.
- EMI: I was able to transfer my EMIs from other credit cards to SBI to save on costs by reducing the overall interest rate.
- Customer Support: They have 24/7 customer support via email, phone number, and live chat which helped me in solving my queries.
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What should you look for in a good credit card?
Some of the key features to consider while looking for a credit card are:
- Fees: Different cards have varying annual and joining fees. You should check them before opting for a credit card.
- Rewards: The benefits and reward points carry a high weight when opting for a credit card because they are the most attractive aspect for users.
- Accessibility: Accessibility is important not only in terms of the availability of banks or ATMs but also in terms of the international and domestic usability of the card. Convenience should be considered when applying for the card.
- Customer Support: While choosing a credit card, the user must check the quality of customer support services provided by the bank. It helps both the user and the bank in maintaining a cordial relationship.
- Insurance Coverage: You should look for insurance coverage in case of any theft, card loss, or issues with flights and hotels.
- Perks: Before selecting a card for yourself, you should always look into the special benefits offered by the card. Certain cards offer premium lounge access, some offer luxurious hotel stays, and some are popular for providing comfortable flights.
What are the main types of credit cards?
Credit cards can broadly be divided into three categories: Standard credit cards, Specialised credit cards, and General credit cards. The knowledge of the type of credit card is necessary before buying one.
- Standard Credit Card: It is a plain credit card with basic features and no annual fees.
- Specialized Credit Card: Such kinds of cards are specially designed keeping in mind the cardholder’s requirements like dining discounts, fuel surcharge, etc.
- General Credit Cards: These cards offer basic features at a low minimum price and are ideal for everyday usage.
- Reward Point Credit Cards: Credit cards offer reward points to their users on every purchase made by him/her. The more the cardholder uses the card, the more reward points he/she collects. These can be redeemed through gift vouchers or coupons.
- Cashback Credit Card: A cashback credit card offers you cash, i.e., a certain percentage of money will be reimbursed in the creditor’s account on a transaction carried out by the card.
FAQs
The Verdict
In this article, I have discussed the best credit cards available to the user. I have highlighted that each credit card offers several benefits at an affordable price. However, the choice of a card depends on the individual’s needs and requirements. Here is our final list of credit cards to make it easier for you to make a choice.
| Card Name | Best Feature |
| SBI Cashback Credit Card | Best for beginners at a minimalist price |
| Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card | Provides exclusive privileges with the Amazon Shopping app. |
| Axis Ace Credit Card | Provides rewards on transactions made through Google Pay. |
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