Best Credit Cards in India for Travel, Cashback, Fuel Discount and Reward Points

Best Credit Cards in India – A credit card is a financial instrument given to users by the bank or financial institution. Credit Card allows the cardholder to pay a merchant for goods and services based on the user’s incurred debt, Credit cards issuer (Bank/Financial Institution) impose the condition that cardholders repay the borrowed funds, plus any applicable interest and any other agreed-upon charges, in full or over time, either by the billing date or at a later date. The card issuer establishes a revolving account and provides the cardholder with a line of credit, allowing the cardholder to borrow money to pay a merchant or obtain a cash advance.

Best Credit Cards in India for Travel, Cashback, Fuel Discount and Reward Points
Best Credit Cards in India for Travel, Cashback, Fuel Discount and Reward Points

A person can make more purchases using credit the more credit they have since banks and lenders trust them more. Credit is frequently given in the form of a line of credit, which is a predetermined sum that is used up by monthly purchases and refilled by payments made on it.

So, how do you choose the Best Credit Cards in India? Consider the different types of credit cards outlined below and how each type of card might work for your spending and financial goals.

Best Travel Credit Cards – Best Credit Cards in India

You have the chance to earn rewards with travel in mind with the help of travel credit cards, whether it be flexible travel credits you may apply to any trip purchase or even points you can transfer to airline or hotel programmes. Some credit cards for travel also allow you to accumulate points through a particular programme, such as a frequent flyer programme or hotel loyalty programme.

Here is the list of top Credit cards for Travelers in India:

CITI PREMIERMILES Card

CITI PREMIERMILES Card
CITI PREMIERMILES Card
  • You can earn 10,000 bonus miles after making the first spend of INR 1,000 within 60 days of the card issuance date. 
  • Users can Redeem miles across 100+ airlines and hotel partners.
  • Citi Premiermiles users can transfer miles to 14 airline and hotel partners.
  • Complimentary access to select airport lounges across India.
  • For every INR 100 spent on airfare and at premium websites, you’ll get 10 miles. 

Annual Charge – Rs. 3000 p.a.

Why Should You Choose this?

Since you may use your earned miles to book flights with no blackout periods, they never expire. With this card, you are eligible for more than 26,000 discounts and benefits on lodging, entertainment, golf, spas, and much more in India and more than 30 other countries. Additionally, you can turn your online travel expenses into convenient EMI choices. There are more than 2,000 stores that offer the service.

Air India SBI Signature Card

Air India SBI Signature Card
Air India SBI Signature Card
  • Users will get 20,000 Reward points as a welcome gift on payment of joining fee.
  • Users will also get Enjoy complimentary membership of the Air India Frequent Flyer program-Flying Returns. 
  • Users can earn 4 Reward points for every Rs. 100 spent.
  • Users can earn up to 1,00,000 bonus Reward points yearly.
  • Users can also convert these reward points into Air India miles. 1 Reward point is equal to 1 Air India Air mile.
  • The card entitles you to Priority Pass membership, which provides you access to luxurious airport lounges across the world.

Annual Fee: INR 4,999 with GST of 18%

Why Should You Choose this?

This card shines with benefits like frequent flyer status, access to domestic and foreign lounges, and reward points for travel and other purchases. The card is a treat for those who fill up their vehicle with gas in addition to providing travel rewards and privileges.

Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card

Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card
Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card

As much as 15,000 bonus reward points can be earned in a year with Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card.

  • Get 15 reward points for every INR 100 spent on Air India tickets using the air india mobile app or airindia.com. 
  • With 1 reward point equaling 1 Air India mile, the reward points can be exchanged for miles. 
  • Additionally, the Air India Frequent Flyer Program offers free admission to VISA lounges.

Annual Fee: INR 1,499 for a yearly fee plus GST of 18%

Why Should you Choose This:

For cardholders, reward point offers on travel and other purchases are an amazing thrill. The platinum card also makes for a convenient experience with benefits like lounge access and fuel cost waiver. With a lost card feature, the card is also protected.

Yatra SBI Card

Yatra SBI Card Best Travel Credit Card
Yatra SBI Card Best Travel Credit Card
  • As soon as you pay the registration cost, you will receive Yatra.com vouchers worth INR 8,250.
  • You can get Rs. 1,000 off on domestic flight bookings with a minimum transaction of Rs. 5,000
  • You will get Rs. 4,000 off on international flight bookings with a minimum transaction of Rs. 40,000
  • You can avail 20% off on domestic hotels with a minimum transaction of Rs. 3,000. Maximum discount of Rs. 2,000.

Annual Fee: INR 499 plus GST of 18%

Why Should you choose it?

Discounts on domestic and international flight bookings, as well as reward point offers on dining, shopping, entertainment, department stores, and overseas expenditures, make the travel perks appealing. Benefits are further increased by the free fuel fee waiver and complimentary INR 50 lakhs in air accident insurance.

Best Cashback Credit Cards – Best Credit Cards in India

Although the way rewards are distributed differs from card to card, cash back credit cards make it simple for you to receive cash back or statement credits on your spending. Some alternatives in this market place provide rewards at a set rate, while others give extra points for spending money in particular areas, like dining or vacation. Some even provide flat-rate rewards on all non-bonus purchases in addition to bonus incentives in categories that rotate every three months.

Here is a list of Best Cashback Credit Cards in India:

Citibank Cashback Credit Card

Citibank Cashback Credit Card
Citibank Cashback Credit Card
  • Grab 5% cashback on movie tickets, utility bill and telephone payments to enjoy your run with this cashback credit card.
  • Users will get 0.5% Cash back on all other spends.
  • Cashback will be automatically credited to the statement in multiples of Rs. 500.
  • Users will get benefits worth Rs. 3,600 in first year
  • Vouchers from Amazon Prime, Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, Swiggy, etc., worth  5,000 on spends of  7,500 in the first 60 days

Citibank Cashback Credit Card Annual Fee – Rs. 500 + GST

Why Should you choose it?

Due to the reward the card offers active consumers, especially movie aficionados, it is a valuable ally. The discounts on dining can appeal to foodies who don’t mind eating more even though the card offers cashback. Not to mention that over 2,000 consumer electronics and mobile stores, online and offline retail chains, etc., offer the option to turn your purchase into an EMI. This card is top notch as a result of everything.

Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Card

Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Card
Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Card
  • The card helps you earn 5% cashback on fuel purchase, payment of telephone and other utility bills.
  • Earn 1 reward point for every INR 150 you spend.
  • Premium Banking Customers – Enjoy complimentary Super Value Titanium credit card with nil annual fees.

Annual Fee: INR 750 + 18% GST

Why Should you choose it?

Overall, given the cashback and incentive offers on various purchases including auto refills, phone bills, and utility bills, this is a wise choice. The 5X reward points for international point-of-sale (POS) purchases and the free access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide for premium banking users add to the weight of this card. The Good Life Program makes it simple to take advantage of wonderful savings on dining, travel, and other purchases.

Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum Credit Card

Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum Credit Card
Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum Credit Card
  • Enjoy 5% cashback on all your grocery spends while shopping at stores such as Big Bazaar, Food Bazaar, Reliance Fresh, etc.
  • You can earn 3X reward points on other purchases in addition to the cashback you receive for shopping at Reliance Fresh, Food Bazaar, Big Bazaar, and a few other brick and mortar stores for groceries.

Annual Fee: INR 999 + 18% GST

Why Should you choose it?

With rebates on their purchases, grocery customers are quite interested. The popularity of the card is only boosted by the reward points on additional purchases. In addition, the card contains a Good Life Program that unlocks enticing discounts on dining, travel, and retail costs.

SBI SimplyClick Credit Card

SBI SimplyClick Credit Card
SBI SimplyClick Credit Card
  • Earn 1 reward point on every Rs.100 on other spends.
  • Get 10x reward points for online purchases made at partner stores including Amazon, Cleartrip, BookMyShow, FoodPanda, UrbanClap, and Lenskart.
  • 5X reward points on all other online spends.
  • Cleartrip e-vouchers worth Rs.2,000 each given on annual online spends of Rs.1 lakh and Rs.2 lakh.
  • Spend Rs.1 lakh or more on your SBI SimplyCLICK credit card and the annual fee will be waived.

Annual Fee – INR 499 + 18% GST

Why Should you choose it?

Consumers are additionally attracted with the card due to the availability of 5X reward points on all other online purchases. E-vouchers, a waiver of the gasoline levy, and the cancellation of the yearly fee after spending 1 lakh a year are just a few of the many advantages.

Best Credit Cards for Discount on Fuel – Best Credit Cards in India

It is essential to conserve money wherever you can given the shifting cost of petrol around the world. You can save more on all of your fuel purchases with the help of the many top banks and lenders in the nation that provide fuel credit cards.

Here is a list of Best Credit Cards for Discount on Fuel

BPCL SBI Card

BPCL SBI Card Best Card for Discount on Fuel
BPCL SBI Card Best Card for Discount on Fuel
  • When you fill up your car at BPCL gas stations, you get 4.25 percent value back, which is equal to 13X reward points.
  •  In addition to the 4.25 percent value back, any transaction up to INR 4,000 qualifies for a 1 percent waiver of the fuel surcharge.
  • 2,000 activation bonus reward points worth INR 500 will be credited to your account after 20 days of paying the joining cost. 
  • Reward points can be used right away to pay for fuel purchases at BPCL locations, using BPCL gift cards, or even at Shop and Smile.

Annual Fee – INR 499 + Applicable GST

Why Should you choose it?

For consumers looking for a profitable fuel card, value back incentives that include fuel surcharge waivers and bonus reward points are very delightful. You can earn reward points on other purchases outside fuel, such as shopping, meals out, movies, and so forth.

HDFC Bharat CashBack Card

HDFC Bharat CashBack Card
HDFC Bharat CashBack Card
  • Enjoy 5% cashback on fuel/bill payment/IRCTC spends.
  • An individual can earn an additional 5% cashback on this prepaid petrol card in India in addition to the 5% cashback offer on fuel, bill payments, and IRCTC purchases.

Annual Fee – INR 500 + Applicable GST

Why Should you choose it?

For consumers looking to cut their spending on gas and transportation, the cash back incentives are a true treat. The cardholders would also find the removal of the renewal charge after spending INR 20,000 in a year appealing.

Citibank Indian Oil Credit Card (Platinum)

Citibank Indian Oil Credit Card (Platinum)
Citibank Indian Oil Credit Card (Platinum)
  • Users can earn 4 Turbo points for every Rs. 150 spent
  • Get 1% fuel surcharge reversal on fuel purchase at authorized IndianOil outlets
  • Users will earn 1 Turbo point / Rs. 150 on all other spends.
  • Users can redeem turbo points for fuel via SMS or Citibank online. 1 Turbo Point is equal to Rs. 1.

Annual Fee – INR 1,000 + Applicable GST

Why Should you choose it?

The exciting offer of 250 turbo points on your first purchase within 30 days will undoubtedly get customers’ attention. Additionally, the option to redeem these points for a remission of the free fuel surcharge when filling up a vehicle at one of more than 1200 authorized Indian Oil retail locations only to the pleasure. Many people use this gas pump card because the annual charge is waived after spending INR 30,000 on it in a calendar year.

Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card

Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Card
Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Card
  • Earn 5% cashback on all your fuel spends.
  • It is one of the best diesel cards which is available on phone and other utility bills in addition to fuel purchases. 
  • Additionally, the card gets bonus points for the 20% cashback incentive on your Uber rides with a minimum spend of INR 15,000. The promotion is valid until September 30, 2018.

Annual Fee – INR 750 + Applicable GST

Why Should you choose it?

Offering cashback on petrol, utility, and phone purchases is almost certain to increase the card’s membership. It is one of the greatest credit cards in India, and even the temporary reward offer on Uber rides appeals to nearby shoppers.

Reward Point Credit Card – Best Credit Cards in India

With some restrictions, rewards credit cards give you some kind of “reward” for every dollar you spend, usually in the form of cash back, points, or travel miles. You can then put your rewards to use in a number of different ways, depending on the card.

Here is list of Best Reward Point Credit card:

Citibank Rewards Credit Card 

Citibank Rewards Credit Card 
Citibank Rewards Credit Card 
  • 10X bonus points on purchases from clothing and department stores
  • You receive 1,000 bonus points after your first $1,000 purchase within 60 days of receiving your card.
  • Your first purchase must be made within 30 days of receiving your card to qualify for 1,500 bonus reward points.
  • You would receive 300 additional points if you spent 30,000 or more in a single month.

How Are These Points Redeemable?

The points collected can be redeemed for money, vacations, luxury goods, and air miles.

  • Discounts of up to 15% are available at a few eateries.
  • More than 2,000 consumer electronics, mobile, prominent retail chains, and online shops provide exciting deals on top brands across many categories with EMI choices.

Annual Fee – ₹1,000

SBI Card ELITE

SBI Card ELITE Best Reward Card
SBI Card ELITE Best Reward Card
  • Spending on eating, grocery, and department stores earns 5X reward points.
  • Spending $100 in other categories will result in 2 reward points.
  • 10,000 bonus reward points would be awarded if your annual spending is between 3 and 4 lakhs.
  • Up to 50,000 extra reward points worth $12,500 can be earned annually.

Other Benefits of SBI Card Elite

  1. Obtain an e-gift card worth 5,000.
  2. Get 6,000 worth of free cinema tickets each year.
  3. Every quarter, two free trips to domestic airport lounges are permitted.
  4. Get six complimentary trips to airport lounges outside of India, with a cap of two trips per calendar quarter.
  5. Get a free Club Vistara membership.
  6. Get a certificate for free lounge access and an upgrade.
  7. Personalized holiday packages, gift delivery, hotel and movie tickets are all included in the exclusive concierge service.

How Can These Points Be Redeemed?

These points can be redeemed from the Shop-and-Smile Rewards catalog of SBI. Therefore, to redeem the reward points, log in to the Sbi Card App and select “Rewards” from the main menu. These can be exchanged for catalog vouchers and merchandise.

Annual Fee – ₹4,999

Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card

Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card
Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card
  • Earn 5X bonus points when you spend money at fancy restaurants and on fuel.
  • On your first purchase using the card, you’ll get 1,000 more reward points.
  • Earn 500 more bonus points when you sign up for internet banking.

Other Benefits of SC Platinum Rewards Credit Card

  1. 500 INR in BookMyShow gift cards when you set up a card.
  2. With 20% cashback on Uber rides, you may save almost 7,200 each year.
  3. Receive 5% back in cash at Croma
  4. Snapdeal offers a 10% immediate discount every Saturday.
  5. a 200 euro immediate discount at Grofers on purchases made after a minimum of 2000 euros. 

How Can These Points Be Redeemed?

Purchases in the travel, lifestyle, electronics, cashback, and immediate reward categories are all eligible for redemption.

Annual Fee – ₹250

SBI Simply Save Credit Card

SBI Simply Save Credit Card
SBI Simply Save Credit Card
  • On any other online purchases, your reward points might be multiplied by five.
  • Receive a 500 dollar Amazon Gift Card as a welcome gift when you sign up.
  • Earn 2,000 USD in e-vouchers for spending 1 lakh and 2 lakh, respectively.
  • Enjoy a 1% fuel cost waiver on transactions between $500 and $3,000.
  • Spend $100,000 in a year to avoid the yearly fee.

Waive off the annual fee by spending ₹1,00,000 in a year.

FAQs for Best Credit Cards in India

Which are best credit cards in India for online shopping?

Ans. The Axis Bank Ace, SBI SimplyClick, HDFC Moneyback, Flipkart Axis Bank, and ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Cards are some of the best credit cards for online shopping in India.

Which credit card offers the best rewards system?

Ans. In India, almost all credit cards provide bonus points for every purchase. However, some credit cards include a range of redemption possibilities and larger reward points with specific purchases. The finest rewards credit cards in India are detailed here.

Do all the best credit cards in India charge high annual fees?

Ans. No, there are some credit cards with the best offers in India that are either free for a lifetime or charge a minimal annual fee.

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