Best Credit Cards in India 2025
We've reviewed 10 of the most popular credit cards from leading Indian banks - covering annual fees, rewards, cashback, eligibility, required documents, and exactly how to apply. No fluff, just the facts you need to choose the right card.
Fees & Charges
Key Features
- Earn 4 Reward Points per ₹150 spent on all purchases
- Complimentary domestic airport lounge access - 12 visits/year
- Complimentary international lounge access via Priority Pass - 6 visits/year
- Welcome benefit: 2,500 reward points on card activation
- Milestone bonus: 10,000 reward points on spending ₹5 lakh/year
- 2% mark-up fee on international transactions (lower than market average)
- Fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400–₹5,000
Rewards & Cashback
- 4 Reward Points per ₹150 on all spends
- 20 Reward Points per ₹150 on HDFC SmartBuy portal
- 1 Reward Point = ₹0.50 redemption value
- Points redeemable for air miles, hotel stays, gift vouchers, and merchandise
- No expiry on reward points as long as card is active
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–60 years for salaried; 21–65 years for self-employed |
| Minimum Income | ₹1 lakh/month net salary for salaried individuals |
| Credit Score | 750+ recommended for easy approval |
| Employment | Salaried employees or self-employed professionals |
| Existing Relationship | Existing HDFC savings/salary account preferred but not mandatory |
Documents Required
- PAN Card (mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card or Passport as address proof
- Latest 3 months salary slips (salaried) or last 2 years ITR (self-employed)
- Latest 3 months bank statements
- Passport size photograph
How to Apply
- Online: Apply at hdfcbank.com → Products → Credit Cards → Regalia
- HDFC Mobile Banking app: Cards section → Apply for Credit Card
- Bank Branch: Visit nearest HDFC branch with documents
- Approval timeline: 7–10 working days for new customers; 3–5 days for existing account holders
- Card delivered by courier to registered address after approval
Pros & Cons
- Excellent lounge access benefits for frequent travellers
- Annual fee waiver on moderate spending
- Strong rewards ratio for a mid-premium card
- Reliable reward point redemption ecosystem
- High income requirement limits eligibility
- International lounge access capped at 6 visits per year
- 3.6% monthly interest is high if balance is carried
- Cash advance charges are steep
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQsFees & Charges
Key Features
- Welcome e-gift voucher worth ₹500 from Amazon on card activation
- 10X Reward Points on online spends with Amazon, Flipkart, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Swiggy, Zomato, and more
- 5X Reward Points on all other online spends
- 1X Reward Point per ₹100 on offline purchases
- Annual fee reversal on spending ₹1 lakh/year
- Fuel surcharge waiver at all petrol pumps in India
- Annual milestone bonus: e-voucher worth ₹2,000 on ₹2 lakh annual spend
Rewards & Cashback
- 10X points on partner apps (Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, BookMyShow, Cleartrip)
- 5X points on other online transactions
- 1X point on offline purchases
- 1 Reward Point = ₹0.25 redemption value
- Redeem via SBI Card rewards portal or statement credit
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18–65 years |
| Minimum Income | ₹20,000/month net salary (salaried) |
| Credit Score | 700+ recommended |
| Employment | Salaried or self-employed individuals |
| Residence | Indian resident |
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card or Voter ID (address proof)
- Latest 1 month salary slip
- Latest 3 months bank statement
- Passport size photograph
How to Apply
- Online: sbicard.com → Cards → SimplyCLICK → Apply Now
- SBI YONO app → Cards section → Apply for credit card
- Nearest SBI branch with documents
- Pre-approved offers check via YONO app for existing SBI account holders
- Approval in 5–7 working days; instant approval for eligible SBI customers
Pros & Cons
- Low annual fee, easily waived
- Excellent for online shoppers - 10X on partner apps
- No joining fee hassle for existing SBI customers (pre-approved)
- Good entry-level card with solid rewards
- Weak rewards on offline/in-store purchases
- High forex mark-up makes it unsuitable for international use
- Reward point value is lower compared to premium cards
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQsFees & Charges
Key Features
- Instant digital card issued - start using on Amazon immediately after approval
- 5% cashback on Amazon.in for Amazon Prime members
- 3% cashback on Amazon.in for non-Prime members
- 2% cashback on Amazon Pay partner merchants (100+ brands)
- 1% cashback on all other purchases anywhere
- Cashback credited as Amazon Pay balance within 2 days
- No minimum redemption threshold - cashback credited automatically
- Fuel surcharge waiver (1% at all fuel stations)
Rewards & Cashback
- 5% back on Amazon.in (Prime members)
- 3% back on Amazon.in (non-Prime)
- 2% back on 100+ Amazon Pay partner merchants including BigBasket, Uber, Swiggy, Ola
- 1% on all other spends
- All cashback automatically credited as Amazon Pay balance
- No cap on cashback earning
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years and above |
| Minimum Income | ₹15,000/month (salaried) or as assessed |
| Credit Score | 700+ preferred |
| Employment | Salaried or self-employed |
| Residence | Indian resident with valid KYC |
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar-linked mobile number (for OTP-based KYC)
- Self-employed: latest ITR
- Salaried: latest salary slip
- No physical document submission needed for digital application
How to Apply
- Apply on Amazon.in → Your Account → Amazon Pay → Apply for Credit Card
- ICICI Bank website: icicibank.com → Credit Cards → Amazon Pay Card
- Fully digital process - no branch visit required
- iMobile Pay app (ICICI) for existing customers - instant approval
- For new customers: approval in 2–3 working days after video KYC
Pros & Cons
- Completely free - no annual or joining fee ever
- Highest cashback rates for Amazon shoppers
- Simple automatic cashback - no points to track or redeem
- Digital-first - instant card for online use
- Less useful if you don't shop on Amazon regularly
- High monthly interest rate if balance is carried forward
- Limited lounge or travel benefits
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQsFees & Charges
Key Features
- Flat 5% cashback on bill payments via Google Pay (electricity, gas, water, DTH, mobile recharge)
- 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola
- 2% cashback on all other purchases including groceries and shopping
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (1 per quarter)
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all HPCL petrol pumps
- Welcome benefit: 500 EDGE Reward Points on first transaction within 30 days
- Annual fee waiver on ₹2 lakh spend in the previous year
Rewards & Cashback
- 5% back on utility bill payments via GPay - no cashback cap
- 4% on food delivery and cab bookings (Swiggy, Zomato, Ola)
- 2% unlimited cashback on all other spends
- Cashback credited as EDGE Reward Points (1 EDGE = ₹1)
- Redeem directly at checkout at 100+ merchants or against statement
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18–70 years |
| Minimum Income | ₹15,000/month (salaried) |
| Credit Score | 700+ preferred |
| Employment | Salaried or self-employed |
| Residence | Indian resident |
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card or Passport (address proof)
- Latest salary slip or Form 16
- Last 3 months bank statement
- Photograph
How to Apply
- Online: axisbank.com → Cards → ACE Credit Card → Apply
- Axis Mobile App → Cards → Credit Cards → Apply Now
- Branch visit with documents
- Approval within 7 working days
- Video KYC option available for digital applications
Pros & Cons
- Highest cashback rate on utility bills via GPay in its category
- Good flat 2% on all other purchases - no category limits
- Annual fee easily waived
- Simple cashback - no complicated redemption
- Fuel waiver only at HPCL - limited use for other pump users
- Lounge access capped at 1 per quarter (4 per year)
- Cashback capped at ₹500/month on the 5% category (review terms)
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQsFees & Charges
Key Features
- Welcome benefit: ₹1,000 gift voucher (Amazon/Flipkart/Myntra) on 1st transaction
- 5% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, Flipkart, BookMyShow, Cult.fit, Sony LIV, Tata CLiQ via HDFC SmartBuy
- 1% cashback on all other spends (minimum 1% capping applies)
- Annual milestone: ₹1,000 gift voucher on ₹1 lakh annual spend
- 8 complimentary domestic lounge access per year
- EMI conversion on purchases above ₹10,000
- Zero lost card liability on timely reporting
Rewards & Cashback
- 5% cashback on 10 partner apps via SmartBuy portal
- 1% cashback on all other spends (max ₹750/month)
- Cashback credited as CashPoints (1 CashPoint = ₹1)
- Redeem against statement, flights, hotels, and 100+ brands
- No expiry on CashPoints
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–40 years (target: young professionals) |
| Minimum Income | ₹35,000/month net salary |
| Credit Score | 730+ recommended |
| Employment | Salaried employees at reputed organisations |
| ITR | Self-employed: minimum ₹6 lakh annual income |
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID
- Latest 3 months salary slip
- Last 3 months bank statement
- Passport photograph
How to Apply
- HDFC Bank website: Apply online under Credit Cards
- HDFC Mobile Banking app
- Call HDFC credit card helpline: 1800 202 6161
- Nearest HDFC Bank branch
- Existing HDFC account holders: check pre-approved offers in NetBanking
Pros & Cons
- Excellent cashback for urban young professionals
- Strong partner network including food, OTT, and shopping
- Lower forex fee than typical cards
- Generous lounge access (8 visits) for the price point
- Requires SmartBuy portal for maximum rewards - not automatic
- 1% cashback on general spend is capped monthly
- Higher income requirement than basic entry-level cards
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQsFees & Charges
Key Features
- Completely free - lifetime zero annual and joining fee
- Issued against a Fixed Deposit (FD) - ideal for those building credit history
- 2% cashback on weekend spends (Saturday & Sunday)
- 1% cashback on all weekday purchases
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹3,500/month)
- Credit limit up to 90% of your FD amount
- Auto-sweep FD continues to earn interest even while being collateral
Rewards & Cashback
- 2% cashback on weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
- 1% cashback on weekdays
- Cashback credited to card statement monthly
- No cap on cashback earned per month
- No need to redeem - automatically adjusted
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years and above |
| FD Requirement | Active Kotak 811 FD of ₹10,000 or more |
| Credit History | No credit history required - good for beginners |
| Employment | Any - salaried, self-employed, student, retired |
| KYC | Valid Aadhaar and PAN required |
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Kotak 811 savings account with FD
- No income proof required
How to Apply
- Open Kotak 811 digital savings account via Kotak app
- Book a Fixed Deposit of minimum ₹10,000 in Kotak 811
- Apply for credit card within the app - no additional paperwork
- Card issued instantly (digital card for online use); physical card in 5–7 days
- Entire process is 100% digital and branch-free
Pros & Cons
- No income proof needed - completely accessible
- Ideal for first-time credit card users and students
- Builds credit history safely with FD as security
- FD continues to earn interest (5–7% p.a.) while serving as collateral
- Weekend cashback is a nice bonus
- Requires keeping an FD locked in Kotak Bank
- Lower credit limit (90% of FD)
- Limited rewards compared to standard income-based cards
- High interest rate if balance is not cleared monthly
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQsFees & Charges
Key Features
- Welcome benefit: 25,000 EDGE Miles on payment of joining fee
- Unlimited domestic airport lounge access
- 8 international lounge visits per year via Priority Pass
- 12 EDGE Miles per ₹200 on travel bookings (flights, hotels)
- 6 EDGE Miles per ₹200 on dining and grocery spends
- 3 EDGE Miles per ₹200 on all other purchases
- Golf benefit: 1 complimentary golf game per month
- Concierge service 24×7
- Zero forex mark-up on international transactions
- Annual renewal benefit: 25,000 EDGE Miles on spending ₹15 lakh/year
Rewards & Cashback
- 12 EDGE Miles per ₹200 on travel
- 6 EDGE Miles per ₹200 on dining and grocery
- 3 EDGE Miles per ₹200 on everything else
- 1 EDGE Mile = 2 Air Miles (transferred to 15+ airline and hotel partners)
- Partners include Air India Flying Returns, IndiGo BluChip, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG, and more
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–65 years |
| Min. Income | ₹2 lakh/month or above |
| Credit Score | 780+ strongly recommended |
| Employment | Senior salaried professionals or high-income self-employed |
| Existing Cards | Existing Axis credit card preferred for upgrade path |
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Passport (primary ID for premium card)
- Latest 6 months salary slip or Form 16
- Latest 6 months bank statement
- ITR for last 2 years (self-employed)
How to Apply
- Online at axisbank.com - Credit Cards - Magnus
- Axis Mobile App for existing Axis customers
- Dedicated Axis Bank Burgundy relationship manager for high-net-worth customers
- Branch visit to Axis Bank with full documentation
- Approval in 10–15 working days with manual underwriting
Pros & Cons
- Zero forex mark-up - exceptional for international travellers
- Unlimited domestic lounge access
- Strong reward rate on travel categories
- Golf, concierge, and lifestyle benefits befitting the fee
- Very high annual fee - ROI requires heavy travel spend
- Very high income requirement limits accessibility
- Annual fee is not waivable
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQsFees & Charges
Key Features
- Welcome benefit: 2,500 reward points worth ₹625 on first transaction
- Earn 1.5 reward points per ₹100 on all purchases
- Earn 3X reward points on weekend spends (Saturday & Sunday)
- 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter (8/year)
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all petrol pumps (transactions ₹400–₹4,000)
- Movie ticket offer: Buy 1, Get 1 on BookMyShow (2 tickets/month)
- Golf benefit: 1 complimentary game per month at select courses
- Dining discount: 15% off at partner restaurants via EazyDiner
Rewards & Cashback
- 1.5 points per ₹100 on weekday purchases
- 4.5 points per ₹100 on weekend purchases (3X)
- Bonus points on milestone spends
- 1 Reward Point = ₹0.25 redemption value
- Redeem for flights, hotels, shopping, or statement credit
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–65 years |
| Min. Income | ₹25,000/month (salaried) |
| Credit Score | 720+ recommended |
| Employment | Salaried or self-employed |
| Residence | Indian resident with Aadhaar and PAN |
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card or Voter ID
- Latest 3 months salary slips
- 3 months bank statement
- One passport photograph
How to Apply
- Online at indusind.com → Cards → Platinum Credit Card
- IndusMobile app for existing IndusInd customers
- Call IndusInd helpline: 1860 267 7777
- Visit any IndusInd Bank branch
- Approval in 5–7 working days
Pros & Cons
- Solid weekend bonus rewards structure
- Good lifestyle perks (movies, dining, golf) for the fee
- Annual fee waivable at moderate spend
- Generous lounge access - 8 visits/year
- Reward point value (₹0.25/point) is lower than premium cards
- Base weekday earning rate is unremarkable
- High monthly interest rate
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQsFees & Charges
Key Features
- Lifetime free - zero annual or joining fee
- 5% cashback on grocery spending at all grocery stores
- 10X reward points on all online spends
- 2X reward points on all other purchases
- 1 reward point per ₹100 on fuel purchases
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all petrol stations
- Movie benefits: Buy 1 Get 1 free on BookMyShow (2 tickets/month)
- Welcome bonus: 2,000 reward points on first spend within 30 days
Rewards & Cashback
- 5% cashback on grocery stores (direct cashback)
- 10X reward points on online purchases
- 2X reward points on offline purchases
- 1 Reward Point = ₹0.25
- Points expire in 2 years - redeem via RBL rewards portal
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–65 years |
| Min. Income | ₹15,000/month (salaried) |
| Credit Score | 700+ preferred |
| Employment | Salaried or self-employed |
| PAN | Mandatory - Aadhaar-linked preferred |
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Latest salary slip (salaried)
- ITR or bank statement (self-employed)
- Passport photograph
How to Apply
- Online at rblbank.com → Cards → ShopRite Credit Card
- RBL MoBank app for existing RBL customers
- Nearest RBL Bank branch
- Approval in 3–5 working days
- Digital card available immediately on approval for online shopping
Pros & Cons
- Best free card for grocery shoppers - 5% cashback
- No annual or joining fee, ever
- Good online spending rewards
- Movie benefit adds tangible monthly value
- Grocery cashback capped at ₹500/month
- Very high monthly interest rate if balance carried
- Limited travel or lounge benefits
- Reward points expire in 2 years
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQsFees & Charges
Key Features
- Welcome benefit: 20,000 YES Points (worth ₹5,000) on card activation
- 12 YES Points per ₹200 on travel bookings
- 6 YES Points per ₹200 on dining, hotels, and international spends
- 3 YES Points per ₹200 on all other spends
- Unlimited domestic airport lounge access
- 4 complimentary international lounge visits per year via Priority Pass
- Golf: 1 complimentary game per month at 100+ courses
- Yes Privileges: concierge service for travel, dining, and lifestyle
- Zero liability on lost/stolen card
- Annual spend milestone: 20,000 bonus YES Points at ₹4 lakh spend
Rewards & Cashback
- 12 YES Points per ₹200 on flights, hotels, holiday bookings
- 6 YES Points per ₹200 on dining, hotels, and international spends
- 3 YES Points per ₹200 on all other retail spends
- 1 YES Point ≈ ₹0.25 (₹0.35 when redeemed for air miles)
- Transfer to 8+ airline and hotel partners
- No expiry on YES Points as long as card is active
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–60 years |
| Min. Income | ₹60,000/month (salaried) |
| Credit Score | 760+ recommended |
| Employment | Senior salaried or self-employed professionals |
| Banking | Existing Yes Bank relationship preferred |
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar / Passport
- Latest 3 months salary slips
- Latest 6 months bank statement
- Latest ITR (self-employed)
How to Apply
- Online at yesbank.in → Credit Cards → Reserv → Apply Now
- YES Pay app for existing Yes Bank customers
- Yes Bank branch visit with documents
- Relationship manager route for Yes Bank Priority customers
- Approval in 7–10 working days
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited domestic lounge access is exceptional for the fee
- Strong welcome bonus offsets first-year fee
- Good rewards on travel - ideal for frequent domestic travellers
- Annual fee waivable at ₹4 lakh spend
- High income requirement
- Yes Bank's reputation and network smaller than HDFC/SBI
- International lounge capped at 4 visits/year
How to apply: Visit the official bank website or mobile app and search for this card by name. Always apply directly - avoid third-party aggregator links to protect your data.
Have Questions? See FAQs