Credit cards have evolved from simple tools for convenient payments to instruments offering many benefits. These benefits include cashback, rewards, travel perks, and fuel savings. The right credit card can significantly improve your financial lifestyle. However, with many options in India, finding the best one to suit your needs can take time and effort. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most beneficial credit cards in India in 2024. These cards are selected based on their unique offerings in rewards, travel, fuel, and premium perks. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a foodie, or a savvy shopper, there’s a card for everyone.
What Makes a Credit Card Beneficial?
Before diving into the list, it’s essential to understand what makes a credit card beneficial:
- Rewards and Cashback: Some credit cards offer rewards points or cashback on specific categories such as shopping, dining, or fuel purchases. The higher the cashback percentage or rewards, the more valuable the card is.
- Annual Fees vs. Benefits: Some premium cards may have high annual fees but offer benefits that outweigh the cost, such as free lounge access, travel insurance, or significant reward rates.
- Additional Perks: Look for cards that offer extra perks like travel vouchers, free access to airport lounges, complimentary memberships to premium services, and discounts on dining or entertainment.
- Low Interest Rates & Charges: Cards that offer low interest rates or waive foreign exchange mark-up fees can be incredibly beneficial for international travelers or those who tend to carry a balance.
- Flexibility: Cards that allow users to convert reward points into air miles or offer flexible redemption options add value, especially for frequent flyers or business travelers.
Top 10 Most Beneficial Credit Cards in India (2024)
Let’s take a closer look at the top credit cards in India and what makes them stand out:
Axis Bank ACE Credit Card – Best Cashback Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹499
Renewal Fee: ₹499
The Axis Bank ACE Credit Card is perfect for beginners or individuals looking for a high cashback rate on everyday expenses. This card offers exceptional cashback rewards, making it one of the most popular options for users who rely heavily on digital payments for utilities and other services.
Key Features:
– 5% cashback via Google Pay on bill payments, DTH, and mobile recharges.
– Unlimited cashback with no upper limit on cashback earnings.
– 4% cashback on Swiggy, Ola, and Zomato.
– 1.5% cashback on all other categories of spending.
This card is ideal for anyone who wants to save on utility bills and everyday purchases while enjoying flexible cashback options.
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card – Best Rewards Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹2,500
Renewal Fee: ₹2,500
If you spend a lot of time traveling, the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is designed for you. It offers a robust reward system, especially for those who prefer luxury travel and lifestyle experiences.
Key Features:
– 20 reward points for every ₹150 spent at popular retailers like Nykaa, Myntra, and Marks & Spencer.
– Free Club Vistara and MMT Black Elite memberships are part of the welcome offer.
– Earn reward points on utility bills and insurance premiums, making it an excellent option for those who want to maximize rewards on essential expenses.
– Complimentary Priority Pass Membership with 12 domestic lounge visits per year.
– Flight voucher worth ₹5000 as a milestone benefit.
The card’s flexibility in allowing reward redemption for air miles and its premium benefits make it a favorite among high-spenders and travelers.
SBI Prime Credit Card – Best Rewards for Dining and Groceries
Joining Fee: ₹2,999
Renewal Fee: ₹2,999
The SBI Prime Credit Card is another strong contender in the rewards category, especially for dining and grocery shopping. Its welcome benefits and reward points make it a top choice for families and individuals who frequently shop and dine out.
Key Features:
– Earn 10 reward points for every ₹100 spent on dining, groceries, and movies.
– Welcome e-gift vouchers worth ₹3,000 from popular brands.
– Complimentary Club Vistara and Trident Privilege Red Tier Memberships.
– Access to both international and domestic airport lounges at no additional cost.
With its high reward rate, especially for lifestyle spending, the SBI Prime Credit Card is a rewarding choice for those looking to maximize points on daily purchases.
IDFC First Club Vistara Credit Card – Best Travel Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹4,999
Renewal Fee: ₹4,999
For frequent flyers, mainly those loyal to Vistara Airlines, the IDFC First Club Vistara Credit Card offers incredible value. You earn Club Vistara points and enjoy premium travel benefits, making it ideal for domestic and international travel.
Key Features:
– 6 complimentary Premium Economy Class ticket vouchers as welcome and milestone rewards.
– 4 international and 8 domestic lounge accesses annually.
– Complimentary 12 golf lessons and 4 rounds of golf each year.
– Earn Club Vistara points on all transactions redeemed for free airline tickets.
If you’re a frequent traveler, this card offers numerous perks and travel-related benefits, making your journeys more comfortable and rewarding.
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card – Best for Air Miles
Joining Fee: ₹5,000
Renewal Fee: ₹5,000
The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card is specially designed for individuals who want to accumulate Air Miles across multiple airlines. Unlike other cards tied to specific airlines, this card provides EDGE Miles that can be redeemed across airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Key Features:
– 12 international lounge visits annually, allowing you to travel in comfort.
– EDGE Miles are redeemable across various airline and hotel programs, offering maximum flexibility.
– Up to 5 EDGE Miles for every ₹100 spent on travel.
This card offers unparalleled flexibility with redeemable miles, making it a precious choice for frequent international travelers.
HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition) – Best Premium Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹12,500
Renewal Fee: ₹12,500
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition) is an exclusive, invite-only card for high-net-worth individuals. It offers luxurious travel and lifestyle perks, including unlimited lounge access and luxury hotel memberships.
Key Features:
– 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent.
– Unlimited complimentary lounge access worldwide.
– Club Marriott membership offers exclusive dining and hotel stay benefits.
– 1+1 complimentary weekend buffet at ITC hotels.
– Low forex markup fee of 2%, ideal for international travelers.
With unmatched rewards, travel perks, and lifestyle benefits, this premium credit card is ideal for those looking for luxury and exclusivity.
HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card – Best for Global Travellers
Joining Fee: ₹10,000
Renewal Fee: ₹10,000
The HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card is perfect for those who want to enjoy premium global travel perks. It offers high reward rates, complimentary memberships, and lounge access, making it one of the top choices for international travelers.
Key Features:
– 5X reward points for every ₹150 spent.
– Unlimited complimentary lounge access worldwide.
– Low forex markup fee of just 1.99%.
– Complimentary memberships are available to Amazon Prime, Club Marriott, and MMT Black.
– 10X reward points when using the SmartBuy platform.
This card is an excellent choice for those who prioritize travel and lifestyle benefits while maximizing reward points on global spending.
BPCL SBI Card Octane – Best Fuel Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹1,499
Renewal Fee: ₹1,499
The BPCL SBI Card Octane is one of the best cards for fuel benefits. It offers cashback on fuel purchases at BPCL petrol pumps, making it ideal for those who frequently use BPCL fuel services.
Key Features:
– 7.25% cashback on fuel purchases at BPCL outlets.
– 6000 bonus reward points as a welcome benefit.
– 25 reward points for every ₹100 spent at BPCL fuel stations.
– No fuel surcharge on BPCL fuel purchases.
This card is designed for frequent commuters and those who want to save on fuel costs while enjoying additional lifestyle benefits.
ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card – Best for Low Annual Fee and Fuel Savings
Joining Fee: ₹500
Renewal Fee: ₹500
The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card is a solid choice for those looking for a low annual fee card with substantial fuel savings and everyday cashback.
Key Features:
– 4% cashback on fuel purchases at HPCL pumps.
– 5% cashback on grocery and department store purchases.
– 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on other retail transactions.
This card offers a balanced mix of fuel savings and cashback benefits, perfect for everyday use.
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card – Best for Online Shopping
Joining Fee: ₹0
Renewal Fee: ₹0
The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card is ideal for frequent online shoppers, especially those who shop on Amazon India. With no joining or renewal fees and a strong cashback structure, this card is perfect for users who want to maximize their online purchases without paying an annual fee.
Key Features:
– 5% cashback on Amazon India for Prime members.
– 3% cashback on Amazon for non-Prime members.
– 2% cashback on Amazon Pay payments at over 100 partner merchants.
– 1% cashback on all other purchases.
The most significant advantage of this card is its no-cost structure and cashback potential, especially for those who frequently shop on Amazon. It’s a hassle-free card with instant rewards, making it ideal for online shopping enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Credit Cards in India for Your Lifestyle
Selecting the best credit cards in India depends on your spending habits and lifestyle needs. Whether you’re looking for cash back on daily purchases, travel rewards, or fuel savings, there’s a card tailored for every individual. Here’s a quick recap of the categories to help you make your choice:
Best for Cash Back: Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
Best for Rewards: HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
Best for Travel: IDFC First Club Vistara Credit Card
Best Premium Card: HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition)
Best for Online Shopping: Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
When choosing credit cards in India, it’s essential to consider the annual fees, interest rates, and additional benefits that align with your spending patterns. By selecting a card that complements your lifestyle, you can maximize the benefits and truly get the most out of your credit card usage in 2024.
FAQ
Q. How do I choose the right credit card for me?
A. Consider your primary spending categories, such as groceries, travel, fuel, or online shopping, and match them with a credit card that offers the best rewards or cashback in those areas. Evaluate the annual fees and compare them to the benefits you’re getting.
Q. Which credit card is best for frequent travelers?
A. For frequent flyers, the IDFC First Club Vistara Credit Card or the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card offers the most valuable travel benefits, including complimentary lounge access, air miles, and free airline tickets.
Q. Are credit cards with annual fees worth it?
A. It depends on how much you can utilize the benefits. Premium cards like the HDFC Infinia Credit Card come with high fees but offer perks like lounge access, luxury dining, and travel benefits that easily offset high spenders costs.
Q. What is the best credit card for fuel savings?
A. The BPCL SBI Card Octane and ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card are the top options for those who frequently spend on fuel. They offer substantial cashback and reward points on fuel transactions.
Q. Is there a credit card with no annual fee but good benefits?
A. The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card is one of the best no-annual-fee cards, offering excellent cashback rates on Amazon purchases and a hassle-free experience for online shoppers.
