In India, credit cards are available in multiple categories, each designed to match different spending patterns, financial goals, and lifestyles. From everyday purchases like shopping, dining, and fuel to travel and luxury experiences, each type of credit card offers tailored rewards and benefits. Banks and card issuers also segment cards based on user profiles, such as cashback cards, rewards cards, co-branded cards, and premium cards with exclusive privileges. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, an online shopper, or looking for premium perks, understanding the different types of credit cards in India can help you choose one that best fits your needs.
We found 3 Credit Cards
Fee Details
Joining Perks
Rewards
Documents
What you'll love
No joining fee. No annual fee. No hidden fee. It’s lifetime FREE
Redeem reward points towards cash credit (1RP = ₹0.40)
Redeem reward points towards non-cash credit (1RP = ₹0.60)
Comprehensive insurance benefits
1% fuel-surcharge waiver at petrol bunks on transactions between ₹500 & ₹3,000, up to ₹100 per billing cycle
Multiple reward redemption options including IndusMoments, airline miles on Krisflyer, cash credit and pay with rewards
Redeem up to 10,000 reward points against KrisFlyer Miles in a month
Current month offers:*
WOW! Momo: ₹50 off on WOW! Eats app orders (min. spend of ₹199)
Apollo Pharmacy: 15% off
Zouk: Up to ₹500 off
Think about
Fuel transactions will not accrue reward points
Max. 2,500 reward points allowed for cash redemption per month, w.e.f 1st Sep 2024
Min. 500 reward points required for redemption towards cash credit & airline miles
*Limited validity. T&C apply
Fee Details
Joining Perks
Rewards
Documents
What you'll love
Earn up to 8X Reward Points on select merchant categories
Lifetime FREE - no joining fee or annual fee
Flexibility to choose your Reward Plans to match your lifestyle
1% fuel-surcharge waiver at petrol bunks on transactions between ₹500 & ₹3,000, up to ₹100 per billing cycle
Redeem reward points towards cash credit (1RP = ₹0.40)
Redeem reward points towards non-cash credit (1RP = ₹0.50)
0.5 points on every ₹ 100 spent on all other categories
Multiple reward redemption options including IndusMoments, airline miles, cash credit and Pay with Rewards
Redeem up to 10,000 reward points against KrisFlyer Miles in a month
Comprehensive insurance benefits
Current month offers:*
WOW! Momo: ₹50 off on WOW! Eats app orders (min. spend of ₹199)
Apollo Pharmacy: 15% off
Zouk: Up to ₹500 off
Think about
Fuel transactions will not accrue reward points
Max. 2,500 reward points allowed for cash redemption per month, w.e.f 1st Sep 2024
Min. 500 reward points required for redemption towards cash credit & airline miles
*Limited validity. T&C apply
Fee Details
Joining Perks
Rewards
Documents
What you'll love
High on cashback
25% Cashback on movie ticket bookings
Complimentary Lounge Access
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
4 points/₹200 spent
20 points/₹200 spent on shopping during weekends
40 points/₹200 spent on dining during weekends
Earn 100 points on your first online transaction
Think about
Not Applicable
Navigating the world of credit cards can be overwhelming. With hundreds of options available, each promising unique benefits, how do you choose the right one? The key is to understand the fundamental types of cards and align them with your personal spending habits and financial goals.
As financial analysts who have reviewed countless credit card products, we've created this definitive guide to demystify the 11 major categories of credit cards in India. This will help you make an informed decision based on expert insights.
Best for: First-time users and credit beginners.
These are the entry-point to the world of credit. Regular credit cards are designed to be straightforward and accessible. Their primary function is to provide a secure payment method while offering foundational benefits. Typically, you can expect a modest rewards program where you earn points on your spending, along with practical perks like a fuel surcharge waiver. Some banks, like Axis with its ACE Credit Card, also offer free add-on cards for family members, making them a great starting point for building credit history.
Best for: Users who want simple, tangible rewards.
If you prefer straightforward savings over complicated points systems, a cashback card is your best bet. These cards return a percentage of your spending directly to you, usually as a statement credit. Cards like the HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card are popular because the value is clear and immediate. They often include additional discounts on shopping and dining, making them ideal for optimizing savings on daily expenses.
Best for: Avid online and offline shoppers.
Designed for those who frequent malls and e-commerce sites, shopping credit cards offer accelerated rewards and exclusive discounts on retail spending. They are often co-branded with major retailers, like the Tata Neu Infinity or Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card. The rewards structure is built to maximize value on purchases, offering benefits like redeemable gift vouchers and bonus points upon reaching specific spending thresholds.
Best for: Frequent flyers and avid travelers.
A travel credit card is an essential tool for anyone who travels regularly. These cards, such as the 6E Rewards – IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card, are designed to make travel more rewarding and less expensive. Key benefits include earning air miles on all spends, exclusive deals on flights and hotel stays, and complimentary access to airport lounges. Many also provide valuable travel insurance and free memberships to hotel loyalty programs.
Best for: Individuals with high fuel consumption.
With rising fuel costs, a dedicated fuel credit card can lead to significant savings. These cards, like the IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit Card, offer a higher-than-average reward rate specifically on fuel purchases. The points earned can typically be redeemed for free fuel or credited directly to your statement, effectively lowering your monthly transportation costs.
Best for: Users seeking all-around premium benefits.
Lifestyle credit cards strike a balance between various categories, offering a versatile mix of benefits across shopping, travel, and dining. Cards like the HDFC Regalia Gold or Millenia Credit Card are popular because they provide a taste of luxury without being as exclusive as super-premium options. Common perks include complimentary airport lounge access, valuable gift vouchers, and a higher reward point earning rate on a wide range of spends.
Best for: High-income individuals and frequent spenders.
Moving up the ladder, premium credit cards cater to a more affluent audience. These cards justify their annual fees with significantly higher credit limits and a superior suite of benefits. An American Express Platinum Credit Card, for example, offers exceptional reward programs and top-tier lifestyle perks, including extensive airport lounge access and dedicated customer service. They are suitable for those who spend enough to maximize the card's value.
Best for: High-net-worth individuals (by invitation only).
This is the most exclusive category, reserved for the wealthiest clients. Cards like the HDFC Bank Infinia or Diners Club Black are typically offered by invitation only. They provide unparalleled and bespoke privileges, such as unlimited international lounge access, complimentary golf games at top courses, personalized concierge services, and exclusive fine dining discounts. These cards are status symbols backed by best-in-class rewards.
Best for: Students, individuals with no income, or those with a low credit score.
A secured credit card is a powerful tool for building or rebuilding credit. Unlike other cards, these are issued against a Fixed Deposit (FD), which acts as collateral. This eliminates the need for income proof or a good credit score, making them highly accessible. Cards like the SBI Card Unnati or Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card offer a credit limit tied to the FD amount, allowing users to establish a positive payment history responsibly.
Best for: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and corporations.
Business credit cards, such as the HDFC Bank Business MoneyBack, are specifically designed to separate personal and business finances. They provide tools to manage company expenses, including detailed spend analysis and seamless accounting integration. Furthermore, they offer corporate-focused benefits like savings on business travel and bulk purchases.
Best for: Customers loyal to a specific brand.
A co-branded credit card is a partnership between a bank and a non-financial company, such as an airline, hotel chain, or retailer. The Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card is a prime example. These cards offer enhanced benefits and deeper discounts when used with the partner brand. For instance, an airline co-branded card will offer extra air miles and free flight tickets, providing maximum value to loyal customers.
Fuel credit cards offer cashback, surcharge waivers, and extra rewards on fuel spends, especially at select pumps. They come with low fees and perks like welcome bonuses, dining and travel offers, and can be used like regular credit cards. Users also earn rewards on top-ups and get benefits like add-on cards and renewal deals.
Some of the popular auto/fuel credit cards are given as follows:
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
Rs.1,499 |
| |
Rs.500 |
| |
Rs.500 plus applicable taxes |
| |
Rs.499 |
|
Save more on fuel with these Fuel Credit Cards.
Contactless credit cards use tap-to-pay technology, letting users make secure payments at POS terminals without entering a PIN. They offer benefits like discounts, cashback, rewards, entertainment perks, welcome gifts, lounge access, concierge service, and insurance.
Some of the popular contactless credit cards are:
To ensure their female customers get the maximum benefits, some banks have introduced credit cards that are exclusively designed for women. These Women credit cards mainly focus on shopping rewards and cashback offers. Apart from this, cardholders can get bonus reward points, fuel surcharge waiver, insurance, etc. They can also earn reward points when they make purchases using their credit cards. There are few credit cards for women that offer amazing travel benefits.
Some of the popular credit cards for women are:
Travel credit cards offer benefits like air mile rewards, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel or dining discounts. Linked to airlines or travel companies, they let users convert points into air miles and enjoy perks like flight upgrades and holiday offers. The below listed are some sought after travel credit cards.
Some of the popular travel credit cards are:
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card | Rs.3,000 |
|
SBI Card ELITE | Rs.4,999 plus taxes |
|
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card | Rs.2,500 plus applicable taxes |
|
Need a card for travel? See the Best Travel Credit Cards.
Cashback credit cards reward users with 5% to 20% cashback based on spending categories like bills, movies, dining, and groceries. Key features include fuel surcharge waivers, annual fee reversals, global acceptance, rewards, balance transfers, and shopping privileges.
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
Axis Bank ACE Credit Card | Rs.499 (Zero for selected channels) |
|
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card | Rs.500 |
|
HSBC LIVE+ Credit Card | Rs.999 |
|
HDFC Millennia Credit Card | Rs.1,000 plus applicable taxes |
|
Want more cashback options? Check out our Top Cashback Credit Cards.
Co-branded credit cards are issued by banks in partnership with brands, offering combined benefits like discounts, exclusive deals, and booking perks. They provide flexible use and add value to both partners.
Some of the popular co-branded credit cards are:
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card | Rs.500 plus taxes |
|
FinBooster: YES Bank - BankBazaar Co-branded Credit Card | Nil |
|
RBL Bank BankBazaar SaveMax Credit Card | Nil | Enjoy 5x Reward Points on groceries (up to 1,000 points monthly), 10% cashback (up to Rs. 100 monthly) on Zomato and BookMyShow, plus 1 Reward Point for every Rs.100 spent on other purchases |
Get brand benefits with Co-branded Credit Cards.
Rewards credit cards offer points on retail and online transactions, plus bonuses like welcome gifts and spending milestones. Points can be redeemed for cashback, travel, air miles, and more. Some cards also offer installment payment options.
Some of the popular rewards credit cards are:
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
SBI Card Prime | Rs.2,999 plus taxes |
MasterCard
Visa card
|
HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card | Rs.1000 plus applicable taxes |
|
Earn more points with Rewards Credit Cards.
Business credit cards are designed for companies to manage employee expenses. Valid only during employment, they can't be used for personal spending. Benefits include travel deals, hotel stays, lounge access, rewards, insurance, bill payments, and fuel surcharge waivers. Cards can feature the company’s name and may allow purchase-to-EMI conversions for easier financial management.
Some of the popular business/corporate credit cards are:
Manage expenses with Business Credit Cards.
Lifestyle credit cards are designed to match evolving lifestyles and higher spending capacities, offering curated benefits across categories such as dining, shopping, travel, and leisure activities like golfing. These cards often include features such as annual fee waivers based on spend, cashback on movie or event tickets, and discounts on insurance premiums. Cardholders also earn bonus or accelerated reward points on select purchases, enhancing overall value. Typically positioned as Platinum or premium variants, lifestyle credit cards provide elevated privileges and exclusive experiences, making them ideal for users seeking added comfort and luxury in everyday spending.
Entertainment credit cards are designed for users who frequently spend on movies, events, shows, and leisure activities. These cards typically offer attractive benefits such as discounts, cashback, or buy-one-get-one-free deals on movie ticket bookings and live events. In addition to entertainment-focused perks, they often include lifestyle benefits across dining, shopping, travel, and even golfing. Cardholders also earn reward points on eligible spends, which can be redeemed for movie tickets, travel bookings, gift vouchers, or other rewards, making these cards a great fit for an active, experience-driven lifestyle.
Some of the popular entertainment credit cards are:
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card | Rs.500 |
|
Axis Bank Neo Credit Card | Rs.250 |
|
SBI ELITE Card | Rs.4,999 plus applicable taxes |
MasterCard
Visa Card
American Express
|
PVR Kotak Gold Credit Card | Rs.499 |
|
Enjoy movies and more with Entertainment Credit Cards.
Most banks offer a "Premium" or "Signature" credit card that comes with the best of lifestyle privileges. Premium credit cards are in a league of their own with exclusive privileges like flexible spending limits, premium airport lounge access, concierge services, complimentary insurance, rewards program, global assistance services, chartered yacht and flight services, surcharge waivers, retail, travel and hotel accommodation vouchers, etc. There are more options for redeeming rewards that are earned using these cards. Some of these cards offer an annual fee waiver, provided the cardholders reach a certain amount of spending.
Some of the popular signature credit cards are:
Prepaid credit cards allow cardholders to load a certain amount of money in it and use that money to make the purchases. Even though these cards do not offer a line of credit, customers can enjoy most of the privileges that are provided by the other types of credit cards. The outstanding balance is the amount that is left in the prepaid card by the customer after making a certain transaction.
Some of the Prepaid credit cards that are offered by banks in India are as follows:
Individuals with higher income can avail a gold credit card from any bank in India. Applicants for any type of gold credit card should have a good credit score. The common features of a gold credit card are:
Silver credit cards can be availed by anyone who falls under a nominal salary range and has a work experience of around 4 to 5 years. It is easy for salaried employees to procure this type of credit card, provided they have a good credit history. These cards have a low membership fee and there is no interest charged for the initial 6 to 9 months, on balance transfers.
Classic credit cards come with features like global acceptance, revolving credit, cash advance, interest free credit period, rewards program, supplementary cards, insurance and a dedicated 24/7 customer care helpdesk for customers. Most classic credit cards do not carry annual fees or joining fees and are offered at low finance charges.
The top Classic credit cards available to customers are:
Titanium credit cards are premium cards that come with a load of privileges and benefits. The key feature of a Titanium credit card is the Titanium Rewards program that is offered to the customers. This rewards program includes accrual of rewards points, redemption for gifts and air miles, cashback offers, etc. Other privileges that come with any Titanium credit card are surcharge waivers, revolving credit, interest free credit period, annual fee reversals, insurance, welcome gifts in the form of vouchers from top retail brands, add-on card facility, wellness and beauty offer, lifestyle and dining benefits, etc.
Some of the popular titanium credit cards are:
Platinum credit cards are popular for their extensive benefits, including lifestyle, dining, shopping, and entertainment offers. Though they come with higher fees, they offer perks like welcome gifts, annual spend rewards, cashback, lounge access, fuel surcharge waivers, and global privileges. Cardholders also enjoy accelerated rewards, add-on cards, emergency services, and exclusive deals based on their issuing bank.
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
Axis Ace Credit Card | Rs.499 0 for selected channels |
|
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card | Rs.499 |
|
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card | Rs.500 |
|
HSBC LIVE+ Credit Card | Rs.999 |
|
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card | Rs.500 |
|
HSBC Platinum Credit Card | Nil |
|
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card | Rs.500 plus applicable taxes |
|
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card | Rs.499 |
|
BPCL SBI Card | Rs.499 |
|
HDFC Easy EMI Credit Card | Rs.500 plus applicable taxes |
Note that no new application is acceptable for EastEMI credit card. |
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
Axis Ace Credit Card | Rs.499 0 for selected channels |
|
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card | Rs.500 |
|
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card | Nil |
|
HDFC Millennia Credit Card | Rs.1,000 plus applicable taxes |
|
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card | Rs.499 |
|
Love shopping? Find the Best Shopping Credit Cards.
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
Air India SBI Signature Credit Card | Rs.4,999 plus taxes |
|
RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card | Rs.3,000 Plus GST (Goods and Services Tax) |
|
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card | Rs.3,000 |
|
HDFC Diners ClubMiles Credit Card | Rs.1,000 plus applicable taxes |
|
Fly smarter with Airline Credit Cards.
Credit Card | Annual Fee | Key Benefit |
SBI Card Unnati | Rs.499 (which is waived off for first four years) |
|
Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card | Nil |
|
ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card | Nil |
|
Build credit with Secured Credit Cards.

A secured credit card is given against an asset you own, like a Fixed Deposit. It’s a good option if you don’t qualify for a regular (unsecured) credit card. Many top banks in India offer these cards against FDs.
Every time you swipe your credit card, you will earn reward points. Your accumulated reward points can always be redeemed for merchandise, direct statement credit or gift vouchers. A few credit cards will offer extra rewards on your grocery expenses while other credit cards would offer more rewards when you book your flight ticket or book a room at a hotel.
Yes, you can withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card, this is called a ‘cash advance’. You can only take out a portion of your credit limit. Keep in mind, it comes with extra fees and a higher interest rate than using a debit card.
No, all credit cards do not come with an annual fee or/and a joining fee. A few basic credit cards do not have any annual fee or joining fee. All credit cards that come with an annual fee offer more benefits than a credit card that comes with no annual fee or joining fee.
Yes, the interest rate will be on the balance that you owe. Most interest rates on credit cards start at 18% and could do up to 45% annually.
Features of a premium credit card in India include high credit limits, generous rewards, airport lounge access, travel insurance, concierge service, exclusive offers, foreign exchange benefits, golf access, dining and entertainment perks, lifestyle benefits, personalized customer support, and higher annual fees.
Secured credit cards in India require a security deposit, which determines the credit limit. They are suitable for individuals with low or no credit history or those looking to rebuild their credit. The security deposit reduces the risk for the card issuer. Cardholders use the card like a regular credit card and make payments, which can positively impact their credit score over time.
Advantages of using a co-branded credit card in India include specialized rewards, enhanced discounts, loyalty points, travel benefits, accelerated earnings, priority services, and potential annual fee waivers with partner brands.
Yes, there are credit cards designed specifically for students in India. These cards typically have lower credit limits and are tailored to the financial needs of students. They often come with features such as cashback on student-related expenses, no annual fees, and are accessible to individuals with limited or no credit history.

Credit Card:
Credit Score:
Personal Loan:
Home Loan:
Fixed Deposit:
Copyright © 2026 BankBazaar.com.