Searching for the best credit card in India that matches your lifestyle? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you want cashback on online shopping, complimentary airport lounge access, free hotel stays, or even business class upgrades, this guide has you covered.
I’ve personally analysed 200+ credit cards across Indian banks and shortlisted the top 25 cards for 2024 & 2025, curated for every user segment—from beginners to frequent flyers to high-net-worth individuals.
With 10+ active credit cards in my own wallet, this list includes cards I personally use, along with other top recommendations.
Entry-Level Credit Cards
Suggested income: ₹5 Lakhs+
Suggested spend: ₹1 Lakh+
Perfect for first-time cardholders who want good rewards without heavy fees.
🏆 SBI Cashback Card
- Best for: 5% Cashback on online spends
- Why it’s great: Even after recent changes, 5% cashback with a ₹5,000 cap is solid. Works best for users with ~₹1L monthly spends.
- Read Review & Apply →
💳 Amex MRCC (Membership Rewards Credit Card)
- Best for: Reward points & Gold Collection
- Why it’s great: Earn 2000 MR points monthly with ₹20K spend = ~6% returns. Also enjoy Amex Offers and merchant deals.
- Read Review & Apply →
🛒 ICICI Amazon Pay Card
- Best for: Amazon shopping (Prime members)
- Why it’s great: Lifetime free card with 5% cashback on Amazon—ideal for frequent online shoppers.
- Apply via Amazon app.
Premium Credit Cards
Suggested income: ₹12 Lakhs+
Suggested spend: ₹6 Lakhs+
Perfect if your lifestyle includes luxury dining, lounge visits, and frequent travel.
✈️ HDFC Regalia Gold
- Best for: Airport lounge access + family add-ons
- Why it’s great: Free Priority Pass for add-on cardholders with generous lounge limits. Best choice if you don’t qualify for super-premium cards.
- Read Review & Apply →
🏅 Amex Gold Charge
- Best for: High limits & flexible rewards
- Why it’s great: Higher spending power, Gold Collection perks, and rewards on utilities/fuel (rare in this segment).
- Read Review & Apply →
🌐 Yes First Reserv
- Best for: Travel & subscription-based bonus rewards
- Why it’s great: Earn 3X/5X points on select spends with subscription packs. Great for frequent online and travel users.
- Read Review →
📲 HDFC Tata Neu Infinity RuPay
- Best for: UPI + utility bill payments
- Why it’s great: One of the best UPI-linked credit cards, offering 5% back on utilities plus Tata Neu special offers.
- Apply Now →
🍽️ Amex Platinum Reserve
- Best for: Dining & Accor Plus membership
- Why it’s great: Up to 50% off dining and milestone benefits make this card a fresh premium pick.
- Read Review & Apply →
Travel Credit Cards
If travel is a big part of your life, these cards reward you with vouchers, miles, and complimentary stays.
🌍 Axis Atlas
- Best for: Airline & hotel partner transfers
- Why it’s great: Excellent for direct airline/hotel bookings. Still strong in 2024–25 despite recent devaluation.
- Read Review & Apply →
🏨 Amex Platinum Travel
- Best for: Taj Vouchers + lounges
- Why it’s great: A decade-old favorite for frequent domestic travellers. Complimentary Taj vouchers = one luxury stay every year.
- Read Review & Apply →
🛎️ HDFC Marriott Bonvoy
- Best for: Lucrative welcome/renewal offers
- Why it’s great: Ongoing rewards are weak, but joining and renewal benefits are exceptional value.
- Read Review →
🌐 RBL World Safari
- Best for: International travellers
- Why it’s great: 1-year worldwide travel insurance + 0% forex markup—ideal for global spenders.
- Read Review →
Airline Credit Cards
Best if you’re loyal to a specific airline.
🛫 SBI Air India Signature
- Best for: Air India + Star Alliance fliers
- Why it’s great: High rewards for frequent Air India travellers. Currently paused for new applications, but worth revisiting later.
- Read Review & Apply →
Super Premium Credit Cards
Suggested income: ₹20 Lakhs+
Suggested spend: ₹10 Lakhs+
For those who value luxury, unlimited lounge access, concierge, and high rewards.
- Axis Magnus for Burgundy → Airport meet & greet + strong airline transfers.
- HDFC Infinia → Iconic card with 5X rewards & high credit limit.
- HDFC Diners Black Metal → Metal design, 5X rewards, milestone perks.
- ICICI Emeralde Private → Invite-only, 3% ongoing rewards.
- Yes Bank Marquee → 4.5% reward rate on online spends.
Ultra-Premium / UHNI Cards
Reserved for ultra-high spenders and private banking customers.
- Amex Platinum Charge → Hotel memberships, concierge, luxury redemptions.
- Axis Burgundy Private → For very high spenders (NRV ₹5Cr+).
- HSBC Premier → Strong all-rounder rewards for HSBC Premier clients.
Choosing the Right Card
- ✅ New users (<₹5L annual spend): SBI Cashback Credit Card.
- ✅ Moderate spenders (₹15L+): Axis Atlas + 1–2 lifestyle cards.
- ✅ High spenders (₹30L+): Axis Magnus for Burgundy + HDFC Infinia.
FAQs
Q: Which is the best credit card in India for 2025?
Depends on your annual spends and lifestyle. Use the list above to match your needs.
Q: How many credit cards can I have?
As many as you want. Beginners should start with 2–3; most users are fine with 5.
Q: Which bank has the best credit cards?
HDFC leads in offers. Amex is best for premium service. Axis and SBI also have strong options.
Q: Which is the best fuel credit card?
It depends. Check out our separate guide on Best Fuel Credit Cards in India for the latest savings strategies.
Bottom Line
With recent changes in rewards programs, the Indian credit card landscape is evolving quickly. From cashback cards for beginners to ultra-premium lifestyle cards, there’s something for everyone in 2024 & 2025.
👉 Bookmark this page for updates as new cards and offers roll out.
