When it comes to choosing the best credit card in India, the right pick really depends on your spending style, lifestyle goals, and whether you value cashback or premium perks like travel and lounge access. Here’s a curated selection based on 2025 updates:
Top Credit Cards by Category
1. Best for Cashback – Everyday and Online Spending
SBI Cashback Credit Card
- 5% cashback on online spends (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.), 1% offline
- ₹999 annual fee, waived on ≥ ₹2 lakh annual spend
- Simple design and flat-rate cashback Hotcopy+14Money Savings+14Reddit+14
ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
- 5% cashback for Prime users (3% for non-Prime) on Amazon.in; 1% elsewhere
- Lifetime free card with no joining/renewal fee
- Great for Amazon-heavy shoppers Reddit+5Total IQ+5Smart India Money+5Total IQ+6Money Savings+6Reddit+6
Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
- 5% cashback on Google Pay bill payments, 4% on Swiggy, Zomato, Ola; 2% on other spends (1.5% per recent updates)
- ₹499 annual fee, waived if spend ≥ ₹2 lakh/year
- Complimentary domestic lounge access for eligible users The Economic Times+12Money Savings+12Trade Brains+12Reddit+6Pinnacle Next+6ArticleTed+6
2. Best for Premium Travel & Lifestyle Perks
HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
- 5 reward points per ₹150 (~3.3% value), accelerated SmartBuy rewards up to 10x
- Unlimited airport lounge access (domestic + international)
- Low 2% forex markup, zero surcharge on fuel
- Annual fee ₹10,000, waived with ₹5 lakh spend annually The Economic Times+15Trade Brains+15Reddit+15
HDFC Regalia/Regalia Gold Credit Cards
- 4 reward points per ₹150 spent
- 12 domestic + 6 international lounge visits (Gold variant without spending requirement)
- Travel insurance and low forex fees (~2%)
- Regalia fee ₹2,500, waived on ₹3 lakh spend; Regalia Gold variant more flexible ArticleTed+1Reddit+1Pinnacle Next+7Trade Brains+7Money Wealth Hub+7
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
- High-tier rewards (up to 6% value via EDGE points) on large spending
- Unlimited lounge access, transfer points to airlines/hotels, luxury lifestyle benefits
- ₹12,500 annual fee, waived on ₹25 lakh spend annually Trade Brains+1Reddit+1Reddit+3Mahatait+3LinkedIn+3
Kotak Solitaire (Invite‑only)
- Unlimited lounge access for cardholder, add‑on users & guests
- 10% airmiles earning, zero forex markup, credit line up to ₹8 crore
- Ideal for high‑net‑worth or ultra‑frequent travellers mint+10Hotcopy+10The Economic Times+10mint+10Money Wealth Hub+10The Economic Times+10
Quick Comparison Summary
| Card | Best For | Key Highlights | Fee Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Cashback | Online shoppers | 5% flat cashback on e‑commerce | ₹999 (waiver on ₹2L spend) |
| ICICI Amazon Pay | Amazon users | 5% cashback (Prime users), no fees | ₹0 forever |
| Axis ACE | Bills & food delivery | 5% on GPay, 4% on food apps | ₹499 (waiver on ₹2L spend) |
| HDFC Diners Club Black | Premium travel & lounges | Unlimited lounge & travel rewards | ₹10,000 (waiver on ₹5L spend) |
| HDFC Regalia/Gold | Travel + mid-premium lifestyle | Lounge + milestone vouchers | ₹2,500 (base) |
| Axis Magnus | Luxury travellers | Elite lounge, hotel, travel perks | ₹12,500 (waiver on ₹25L) |
| Kotak Solitaire | Ultra-premium customers | High credit line, airmiles, family perks | Invite-only |
How to Pick the Right Card
- Shop online often (Amazon/Flipkart)?
→ Choose SBI Cashback or ICICI Amazon Pay, especially for Prime members. - Pay utilities and bills regularly?
→ Axis ACE is excellent for UPI billers and food app usage. - Travel frequently, enjoy lounges and luxury perks?
→ Go for HDFC Diners Club Black, Regalia Gold, or Axis Magnus depending on your spend level. - High-net-worth with exclusive privileges?
→ Kotak Solitaire might be the match—invitation only. - On a student or no-fee budget?
→ ICICI Amazon Pay or IDFC First Select/Millennia cards offer solid value with zero fees (see cashback section) Reddit+9Smart India Money+9Total IQ+9Pinnacle Next+1The Times of India+1Money Wealth Hub+4Total IQ+4The Economic Times+4The Times of India+9Reddit+9Trade Brains+9ArticleTed+5LinkedIn+5Trade Brains+5Pinnacle Next+5Hotcopy+5The Times of India+5LinkedIn+4Money Wealth Hub+4Pinnacle Next+4mintMahataitThe Economic Times+1The Economic Times+1.
Important Updates in 2025
- Major banks like HDFC, Axis, Kotak Mahindra, and American Express revised reward terms, lounge access, and fee waivers in June 2025—review changed details before applying The Economic Times+1The Economic Times+1.
- Visa Signature cards now include a complimentary one-year Times Prime membership courtesy of a recent partnership The Times of India.
Final Recommendations
- Best overall cashback card: SBI Cashback (online) or ICICI Amazon Pay (Amazon shoppers)
- Best for everyday digital payments: Axis ACE
- Best travel & lifestyle card for mid-to-premium spenders: HDFC Diners Club Black or Regalia Gold
- Best ultra-premium experience: Kotak Solitaire or Axis Magnus
Before choosing, always check:
- Current annual fee and its waiver thresholds
- Your own monthly/annual spend profile
- Eligibility criteria (e.g. CIBIL score requirement)
- Best Car Under 15 Lakhs 2025
- Social Media Marketing A to Z Gide
- Best Online Business For Student in 2025
- Bitcoin All Imformation
- Best Credit Card In India