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Best credit cards in India
Credit cards can be powerful tools to optimize your expenses, earn cashback, or gain travel privileges. However, annual fees, reward structures, and interest rates vary significantly. This page compares widely used credit cards segmented by key use cases so you can choose the right card for your spending habits.
Top Credit Cards by Segment
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Key Rewards & Cashback | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cashback SBI Card | ₹999 (waived at ₹2L spend) | 5% cashback on all online spends (capped at ₹5,000/mo), 1% elsewhere | Flat online shopping cashback | Apply → |
| Axis Bank ATLAS Credit Card | ₹5,000 (no annual fee waiver) | 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on direct travel bookings (cap ₹2L spend/mo); 2 EDGE Miles elsewhere | Travel & airport lounges | Apply → |
| BPCL SBI Card Octane | ₹1,499 (waived at ₹2L spend) | 7.25% value-back (25 reward points per ₹100 spent) on BPCL fuel + 1% surcharge waiver | Fuel spends | Apply → |
| Amazon Pay ICICI Card | ₹0 (lifetime free) | 5% on Amazon for Prime members (3% non-Prime), 2% partner merchants, 1% elsewhere | Beginners / no annual fee | Apply → |
* Last verified: June 28, 2026. Fees, welcome rewards, and cashback terms change regularly; confirm terms on the card issuer's website before applying.
How we chose
We compare features and fees published by major financial institutions. We order suggestions based on utility (such as online shopping cashback or travel benefits) rather than payout structures.
You can plan your budget, calculate your take-home pay, and analyze income tax slabs without applying for any credit card using our dedicated tools:
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a credit card's annual fee waived?
Most card issuers waive the annual fee if your total spending exceeds a specific milestone within the calendar year (for example, spending ₹1 Lakh or ₹2 Lakhs in a year).
Which card suits a first-time user?
For first-time users, basic entry-level cards or lifetime-free cards with simple cashback rewards are recommended. You can also get a secured credit card issued against a fixed deposit (FD).
Does applying affect my credit score?
Yes, when you submit a credit card application, the bank performs a hard inquiry on your credit report with bureaus like CIBIL. A few hard inquiries are normal, but multiple applications in a short span can temporarily pull down your credit score.
Cashback vs reward points: which is better for me?
Cashback cards are best for users who prefer direct savings credited to their statement. Reward point cards are ideal if you want to optimize for travel, hotel stays, or specific brand redemptions which offer a higher valuation per point.