Credit cards are something that we all love to own. However, not each of us can get one. Mostly, we apply for credit cards once we find ourselves eligible for it. Apart from that, there are people who get credit cards on the basis of fixed deposits they create.
Overall, it’s all about convenience and better expense management. However, how do you find out which is the best credit card for you to use? You’re not aware right? You’ll find it here.
In this article you’ll read about the top 15 best credit cards in India 2024.
Why Do We Need Credit Cards?
Credit cards are more than just a means to defer payments. Yes, they offer a lot of benefits that make them an essential financial tool. For example-
- Credit cards allow you to make purchases without the need to carry cash. This often helps facilitate a seamless shopping experience.
- Then, many credit cards offer rewards points, cashback, and discounts on various categories such as shopping, dining, and travel, helping you save money on everyday expenses.
- Credit cards also provide a line of credit that can be used in emergencies. This then offers financial flexibility when needed the most.
- Responsible use of credit cards further helps build a positive credit history. This is again crucial for securing loans and other credit facilities in the future. And there’s much more to it.
Now that you understand why credit cards are necessary, let’s find out which are the top 15 best credit cards in India 2024.
Best 15 Credit Cards To Use In India This Year
When selecting the best credit cards for 2024, you must consider various factors. This includes rewards, fees, interest rates, and additional benefits.
Here’s a detailed look at the top 15 credit cards you should consider:
1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card is designed for high-spenders and frequent travelers. The card offers a range of premium benefits and rewards on every transaction.
HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
Joining Fee:
₹ 2,500 + GST
Best Suited:
Travel | Luxury Lifestyle
Renewal Fee:
₹ 2,500 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
Complimentary Zomato Gold membership.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹2,500 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹2,500 + GST
- Welcome Benefit: Complimentary Zomato Gold membership.
- Rewards: Earn 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent.
- Travel Benefits: Access to 12 domestic and 6 international airport lounges per year.
- Insurance Coverage: Up to ₹1 crore air accident cover.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
2. SBI Card Elite
The SBI Card Elite is perfect for those who enjoy luxury and premium experiences, with excellent rewards on lifestyle and travel spends.
SBI Card Elite
Joining Fee:
₹ 4,999 + GST
Best Suited:
Travel | Shopping | Movies
Renewal Fee:
₹ 4,999 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
E-gift vouchers worth ₹5,000
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
- Welcome Benefit: E-gift vouchers worth ₹5,000.
- Rewards: Earn 5X reward points on dining, movies, and departmental store purchases.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary Priority Pass membership and 6 international lounge visits per year.
- Milestone Benefits: Get an e-voucher worth ₹5,000 on annual spends of ₹3 lakh.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
3. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is created for frequent travelers. It offers exceptional rewards and travel benefits.
Joining Fee:
₹ 3,500 + GST
Best Suited:
Travel
Renewal Fee:
₹ 3,500 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
Travel vouchers worth ₹7,700 on spending ₹5,000 within 90 days of card issuance.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹3,500 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
- Welcome Benefit: Travel vouchers worth ₹7,700 on spending ₹5,000 within 90 days of card issuance.
- Rewards: 10,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points on spending ₹1.90 lakh in a year.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary access to 8 airport lounges across India.
- Milestone Benefits: Earn Indigo vouchers worth ₹10,000 on spending ₹4 lakh in a year.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
4. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card
The Axis Bank Ace Credit Card is an excellent option for those looking for a high cash back rate on everyday transactions, with a low annual fee.
Joining Fee:
₹ 499 + GST
Best Suited:
Bill Payment
Renewal Fee:
₹ 499 + GST
Reward Type:
Cashback
Welcome Benefits:
5% cashback on utility bills, Google Pay transactions, and DTH recharge.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹499 + GST
- Cashback: 5% cashback on utility bills, Google Pay transactions, and DTH recharge.
- Dining Benefits: 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola.
- Other Benefits: 2% cashback on all other spends.
- Renewal Fee Waiver: Spend ₹2 lakh in a year and get the renewal fee waived.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
5. ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
The ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card offers a balanced mix of rewards, dining, and travel benefits, making it ideal for regular users.
Joining Fee:
₹ ₹500 + GST
Best Suited:
Movies | Dining
Renewal Fee:
₹ ₹500 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
Get 2,000 reward points on card activation.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Welcome Benefit: Get 2,000 reward points on card activation.
- Rewards: Earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on retail transactions.
- Dining Benefits: Up to 15% savings on dining at over 2,500 restaurants.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access twice per quarter.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
6. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
The Citi PremierMiles Credit Card is perfect for frequent flyers, with generous mile-earning potential and travel-related perks
Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
Joining Fee:
₹ 3,000 + GST
Best Suited:
Travel
Renewal Fee:
₹ 3,000 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
10,000 miles on the first spend within 60 days.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
- Welcome Benefit: 10,000 miles on the first spend within 60 days.
- Rewards: Earn 10 miles for every ₹100 spent on airline bookings.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary access to select airport lounges in India.
- Miles Expiry: Never expires, offering long-term value.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
7. YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card
The YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card is a well-rounded card offering decent rewards, travel benefits, and fee waivers.
Joining Fee:
₹ 1,499 + GST
Best Suited:
Shopping
Renewal Fee:
₹ 1,499 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
Get a gift voucher worth ₹1,000 on the first transaction within 90 days.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹1,499 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹1,499 + GST
- Welcome Benefit: Get a gift voucher worth ₹1,000 on the first transaction within 90 days.
- Rewards: 6 reward points for every ₹200 spent on all purchases.
- Travel Benefits: 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across all fuel stations.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
8. IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Credit Card
The IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Credit Card is ideal for those who enjoy shopping and dining, offering great rewards and discounts.
IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Credit Card
Joining Fee:
₹ 499 + GST
Best Suited:
Travel | Shopping | Movies
Renewal Fee:
₹ 499 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
Get an EazyDiner voucher and a bonus voucher from Amazon, Flipkart, or more.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹499 + GST
- Rewards: 4x reward points on shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Dining Benefits: Up to 20% off at partnered restaurants.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across India.
- Other Benefits: Complimentary movie tickets and offers on leading brands.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
9. Kotak Mahindra Bank Royale Signature Credit Card
The Kotak Mahindra Bank Royale Signature Credit Card is a premium card offering substantial rewards and travel benefits, suitable for high spenders.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Royale Signature Credit Card
Joining Fee:
₹ 14,99 + GST
Best Suited:
Travel | Shopping
Renewal Fee:
₹ 999 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
N/A
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹1,499 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹999 + GST
- Rewards: Earn 4X reward points on travel, dining, and international spends.
- Travel Benefits: Complimentary access to airport lounges across India.
- Milestone Benefits: Earn up to 30,000 reward points on achieving annual spend milestones.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across India.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
10. RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Card
The RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Card is designed for grocery shoppers, offering cashback and rewards on essential spends.
Joining Fee:
₹ 500 + GST
Best Suited:
Shopping
Renewal Fee:
₹ 500 + GST
Reward Type:
Cashback
Welcome Benefits:
2,000 bonus Reward Points
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Cashback: 5% cashback on grocery spends.
- Rewards: Earn 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent on other categories.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across India.
- Annual Fee Waiver: Spend ₹1 lakh annually to waive off the renewal fee.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
11. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card
The Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card is great for those who want a credit card with high cash back potential on everyday essentials like fuel, telecom, and utility bills.
Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card
Joining Fee:
₹ 750 + GST
Best Suited:
Fuel | Shopping
Renewal Fee:
₹ 750 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
Get up to ₹1,500 cashback on fuel in the first 3 months.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹750 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹750 + GST
- Cashback: 5% cashback on fuel, telecom, and utility bill payments.
- Rewards: Earn 1 reward point for every ₹150 spent on other categories.
- Renewal Fee Waiver: Spend ₹60,000 in a year to get the renewal fee waived.
- Other Benefits: Complimentary insurance cover for air accidents.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
12. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card is an excellent no-fee card that offers decent rewards and benefits, making it a great choice for first-time credit card users.
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
Joining Fee:
Nil
Best Suited:
Shopping
Renewal Fee:
Nil
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
Earn 2,000 points on your first transaction, up to 15% off dining, and free airport lounge access.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: None
- Renewal Fee: None
- Welcome Benefit: Enjoy 3X reward points on dining, hotels, and telecom categories in the first 12 months.
- Rewards: Earn 2 reward points for every ₹150 spent.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across all fuel stations.
- Dining Benefits: Up to 15% discount at select restaurants.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
13. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card
The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is perfect for frequent online shoppers, especially Amazon users, offering excellent cashback without any fees.
Joining Fee:
Free
Best Suited:
Shopping
Renewal Fee:
Free
Reward Type:
Cashback
Welcome Benefits:
Up to ₹2,000 Cashback, Discounts, and Free 3-Month Prime Membership.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: None
- Renewal Fee: None
- Cashback: 5% cashback for Amazon Prime members on Amazon.in, 3% for non-Prime members, and 2% cashback on other categories like bill payments, recharge, and more.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across all fuel stations.
- No Expiry on Cashback: Cashback earned can be used to pay for purchases on Amazon.in without any expiry.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
14. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
The Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card is ideal for avid online shoppers on platforms like Flipkart and Myntra, offering high cashback rates and additional benefits.
Joining Fee:
₹ 500 + GST
Best Suited:
Shopping
Renewal Fee:
₹ 500 + GST
Reward Type:
Cashback
Welcome Benefits:
Earn INR 600 on your first transaction with the card.
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Welcome Benefit: ₹500 Flipkart voucher on card activation.
- Cashback: 5% cashback on Flipkart and Myntra, 4% on preferred partners, and 1.5% on all other spends.
- Dining Benefits: Up to 20% discount on dining through the Axis Bank Dining Delights program.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across all fuel stations.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
15. Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank SuperCard
The Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank SuperCard is a versatile credit card that combines the benefits of a credit card and a personal loan, offering a unique set of features for those who need financial flexibility.
Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank SuperCard
Joining Fee:
₹ 499 + GST
Best Suited:
Shopping
Renewal Fee:
₹ 499 + GST
Reward Type:
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits:
N/A
Key Features
- Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹499 + GST
- Cashback: 5% cashback on grocery purchases.
- Interest-Free Cash Withdrawal: 50-day interest-free cash withdrawal from ATMs.
- Rewards: Earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on other categories.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across all fuel stations.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
Things To Consider While Applying For Credit Cards
Applying for a credit card is a significant financial decision that can impact your financial health, spending habits, and overall lifestyle. With numerous credit cards available in the market, it’s essential to carefully consider various factors before making a choice. Here’s a detailed guide on what to keep in mind before applying for a credit card.
#1. Explore Multiple Options
One of the most crucial steps before applying for a credit card is to explore multiple options. Don’t settle for the first card you come across. Instead, research at least 5-6 different credit cards to compare their features, benefits, fees, and interest rates.
Each card is designed to cater to different needs—whether it’s for shopping, travel, dining, or cashback. By comparing several options, you can find a card that best aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.
#2. Visit the Official Website for Accurate Information
Once you have a shortlist of potential credit cards, it’s vital to visit the official websites of the issuing banks or financial institutions. These websites provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about the cards, including detailed descriptions of features, benefits, fees, and terms and conditions.
While third-party websites can offer comparisons and user reviews, the official site will have the most reliable information, including any promotional offers or changes in terms. This ensures that you are fully informed about what you are signing up for.
#3. Evaluate the Features and Benefits
Different credit cards come with various features and benefits that can significantly impact your experience as a cardholder. For instance, some cards offer cashback on purchases, while others provide rewards points that can be redeemed for gifts, travel, or discounts.
Some cards also come with perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, or dining discounts. Consider how these features align with your lifestyle. If you travel frequently, a card with travel perks might be more beneficial. On the other hand, if you spend a lot on groceries and fuel, a card with high cash back on these categories would be ideal.
#4. Watch Out for Hidden Charges
Credit cards often come with a variety of fees and charges beyond the standard annual fee. These can include late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees, and balance transfer fees. It’s crucial to understand all the potential charges associated with a credit card before applying.
Some cards may appear to offer attractive rewards or low-interest rates, but hidden fees can quickly offset these benefits. Always read the fine print and make sure you are aware of all the costs involved in using the card.
#5. Consider Your Spending Habits
Before applying for a credit card, take a close look at your spending habits. Are you someone who tends to carry a balance from month to month, or do you pay off your card in full each month? If you carry a balance, a card with a lower interest rate might be more beneficial.
Conversely, if you pay off your card regularly, you might want to focus more on rewards and cashback features. Understanding your spending habits will help you choose a card that complements your financial behavior and maximizes your benefits.
#6. Check for Eligibility Requirements
Lastly, each credit card has specific eligibility criteria, including minimum income levels, credit scores, and employment status. Before applying, ensure that you meet these requirements to avoid rejection. A rejected application can negatively impact your credit score, making it harder to get approved for other credit cards in the future.
Some banks also offer pre-qualification checks, which allow you to see if you are likely to be approved without affecting your credit score.
Overall, keeping in mind these things can help you a lot.
Final Words
Choosing the right credit card can largely impact your financial lifestyle. The top 15 credit cards in India for 2024 offer a diverse range of benefits. The best part is, these cards cater to different needs such as cashback, rewards, travel perks, and more.
So, no matter whether you are a frequent traveler, a high spender, or someone who prefers cashback on everyday purchases, there is a card designed to your requirements. Thus, it’s crucial to consider factors like fees, interest rates, and the benefits that align with your spending habits before making a choice.
With the right credit card in your wallet, you can maximize your savings and enjoy a more rewarding financial experience.