Best Credit Cards in India in 2025

Introduction

Credit cards are no longer just plastic—they’re powerful financial tools that unlock rewards, discounts, and perks. In India’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, choosing the right credit card—one tuned to your spending patterns and lifestyle—can save money, enhance convenience, and amplify experiences. This article dives deep into the top credit cards across categories: cashback, rewards, travel, lifestyle, fuel, and premium—ensuring you find the perfect fit.

How We Picked

We evaluated cards based on:

• Rewards rate (cashback or points)
• Annual and joining fees
• Fee waivers
• Category-wise perks (groceries, utilities, fuel, entertainment)
• Lounge access, insurance, and lifestyle benefits
• User reviews and expert commentary
• Recent updates from banks (Important: SBI, HDFC, Axis, Kotak changes in June–July 2025)

I. Cashback Cards

For everyday savings, cashback rules. Here are the strongest picks.

1. SBI Cashback Card

• Online spends: 5% cashback (unrestricted)
• Offline spends: 1% cashback
• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% up to ₹100/month
• Fee: ₹999/year (waived on spends ≥ ₹2 lakh/year)

Why it stands out: One of the most consistent flat-rate cashback cards. Ideal for those who shop heavily online.

2. Axis Bank ACE Credit Card

• Utility bills via GPay: 5% cashback (up to ₹500/month)
• Food & transport (Zomato/Swiggy/Ola): 4%
• All other spends: 1–2%
• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% up to ₹500/month
• Annual fee: ₹499 (waived on spends ≥ ₹2 lakh/year)

Best for: Paying monthly utilities and food deliveries.

3. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

• Prime members: 5% back on Amazon
• Non-Prime: 3%
• Amazon Pay partner merchants: 2%
• Other spends: 1%
• No annual fee

Perfect for regular Amazon users and those seeking simplicity with no fees.

4. HSBC Live+ or Live+ Platinum

• Dining/grocery: Up to 10% (subject to caps)
• Other spends: 1.5% unlimited cashback
• Lounge access: 4 domestic visits/year
• Fee: ₹999/year (waived on ≥ ₹2 lakh/year)

Good for mixed spending with occasional high-value categories.

II. Rewards & Lifestyle Cards

These cards offer flexible points, lifestyle perks, or category-based privileges.

1. HDFC Regalia Credit Card

• Premium travel benefits and lounge access worldwide
• Travel insurance and dining offers
• Fee: High, but offers lounge access, priority boarding, and concierge services Ideal for frequent travellers valuing luxury.

2. Kotak Solitaire Credit Card

• Unlimited airport lounge access (domestic & international)
• 1:1 conversion to Air India miles
• Fee: Likely ₹2,500–₹3,500, with high ROI for travel enthusiasts

3. Axis Bank ATLAS Credit Card

• EDGE Miles on travel spends (5/₹100)
• Dining, tier upgrades, lounge access for annual high spends Targeted at premium frequent flyers.

4. SBI Card PRIME

• 4 international + 8 domestic lounge visits
• 20 points/₹100 on bill payments (5%)
• ₹2,999 fee (waivable) Excellent for utilities–pay bill payments and earn high points.

5. IndusInd Legend Credit Card

• Weekend bonus points (2/₹100), regular points weekday (1/₹100)
• BOGO movie tickets, lounge access, fuel waiver
• Zero fees

Great no-fee lifestyle card with perks for entertainment.

III. Travel & Premium Cards

For globetrotters and luxury seekers.

1. American Express Platinum Travel

• 8 lounge visits/year
• Taj vouchers, travel gift coupons
• Rewards on travel and dining
• Fee: ₹5,000/year

2. HDFC Diners Club Black/Metal

• Unlimited lounge access, golf rounds, concierge
• High reward points everywhere
• Fee: ₹10,000/year Ideal for luxury travel and lifestyle indulgences.

3. Axis Magnus / Infinia (Premium)

• Superior reward rates (6+%)
• Priority Pass for international lounges
• Hotel and golf privileges
• Invite-only and high-fee

4. Yes Prosperity Cashback Plus

• Low fee ₹499/‑
• Basic insurance, forex perks

IV. Fuel & Co-branded Cards

Great for specific needs and co-branded tie-ups.

1. HPCL Coral Visa Card (ICICI)

• 2.5% cashback on fuel
• Fuel surcharge waiver
• Fee: ₹199/

2. BPCL SBI Card Octane

• 7.25% back on BPCL fuel
• 1% surcharge waiver
• Lounge access, welcome points

3. IndianOil Axis RBL XTRA

• Up to 8.5% back at IndianOil
• Points program, fee waivers

V. Special Mention: FD‑backed Card for Credit‑building

• ZET + SBM FD‑backed card
• Ideal for newcomers to establish credit (FD-secured)

VI. Recent Changes (June–July 2025)

• SBI removing complimentary flight insurance from July 15; changes to minimum dues and settlement calculation

Banks like HDFC, Axis, Kotak, Amex have tweaked lounge access, rewards, fee waivers in June 2025

VII. How to Choose the Best Card for You

1. Understand your spend: Are you buying online? Paying bills? Fuel or travel?
2. Match rewards: Cashback vs points vs miles.
3. Calculate fees vs benefits: Factor waivers and cashback value.
4. Check reward redemption: Easy conversions, expiry, partner convenience.
5. Value-add perks: Lounge access, travel insurance, dining discounts.
6. Watch updates: Benefits change; stay informed to optimize.
7. Trust reputable banks: Verify customer service, network acceptance, disputes policies.

Tips to Maximize Value

• Combine cards for categories (e.g. Amazon + Axis ACE).
• Leverage online multiples: pay via apps on Ace.
• Redeem points smartly—travel portals, Amazon vouchers.
• Stay above waiver spends—save ₹999/₹499 fees.
• Watch expiration: points/cashback timelines.
• Upgrade/downgrade based on evolving needs.

Conclusion

India’s credit card scene in 2025 is vibrant. From flat cashback to luxury travel, there’s a card fitting every lifestyle and need. Understanding your expenses, redeemable value, and fee structures is key. Use this guide to narrow choices—then deep-dive into terms before applying.