Compare the Credit Cards in India Based on Your Spending Habits

Choosing the right credit card depends on your spending habits and lifestyle needs. With a wide range of credit cards, such as travel, fuel, and shopping, each one is designed to offer specific benefits.

Selecting a card that aligns with your spending habits enables you to enjoy reward points, exclusive offers, waivers, and more. Comparing the best credit cards in India based on your usage helps you gain maximum value and manage your finances efficiently.

Types of Credit Cards in India

Credit card options in India cater to diverse spending needs and various lifestyles by providing numerous card types. There are differences between rewards and cashback cards, as well as travel and fuel cards, as each type has its own advantages.

Some of the best credit cards in India offer distinctive benefits, enabling you to select the most suitable option:

  • Lifestyle

Cards that match your dining, shopping, and entertainment spending fall under the lifestyle credit card category. These cards offer various benefits along with reduced rates and points, helping you make the most of your upscale lifestyle.

  • Diners Club Privilege Credit Card (HDFC Bank)

  • Complimentary Swiggy One and Times Prime memberships

  • 5X reward points on Swiggy and Zomato

  • ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ on weekend BookMyShow tickets

  • 2 complimentary airport lounge access worldwide per quarter

  • ₹1,500 worth of Marriott or Decathlon vouchers on ₹1.5L quarterly spend

  • SBI Card ELITE

  • Free movie tickets worth ₹6,000 annually

  • Up to 50,000 bonus reward points per year as milestone privileges

  • 5X reward points on dining and grocery spending

  • 6 complimentary international airport lounge access every year

  • Travel

Travel credit cards are designed for frequent flyers and tourists. These cards offer benefits such as air miles and complimentary lounge access. They also provide travel insurance and reward points. You need to have one when you regularly spend on flights, hotels, and travel-related expenses.

These cards help you maximise the value of your travel spending.

  • IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card

    • Earn unlimited 3% 6E Rewards on all IndiGo flight bookings

    • Receive a welcome ticket voucher worth ₹1,500

    • Get 6E Prime Add-ons worth ₹1,099, including priority check-in, seat selection, and complimentary meals

    • Accumulate 6E Reward points on every spend while booking IndiGo flights

  • Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card

    • Earn 10,000 Skywards Miles on annual renewal

    • Get a complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier Membership

    • Unlimited access to international and domestic airport lounges for the primary cardholder

    • Earn 2.5 Skyward Miles on your spends (per ₹100 spent)

  • Fuel

Fuel credit cards suit you when you spend regularly on petrol or diesel. These cards help reduce fuel costs through surcharge waivers and fuel points. You can redeem these points for free fuel or discounts.

  • Indian Oil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card

  • Get up to 250 litres of free petrol annually via fuel points

  • Enjoy 8.5% value back at IndianOil fuel stations

  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on every fuel transaction

  • Earn 15 fuel points per ₹100 spent on IndianOil fuel stations

  • IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit Card

  • Earn up to 50 litres of free fuel annually

  • Get 5% of spending as fuel points at IndianOil outlets

  • Complimentary IndianOil XTRAREWARDS Program (IXRP) membership

  • 1% Fuel Surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India

  • Shopping

Shopping credit cards are designed for regular shoppers, offering cashback, rewards, and benefits. These cards provide offers on both online and offline purchases. They enhance your shopping experience and help you achieve long-term savings.

  • Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

  • 5% cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip, 4% on preferred partners, 1% cash back on other eligible spends

  • ₹600 welcome benefits

  • 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year

  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all Indian fuel stations

  • Titan SBI Card

  • 12,000 reward points on paying an annual fee of ₹3,000

  • 5% cashback at Mia, CaratLane & Zoya, 3% at Tanishq

  • 6 reward points per ₹100 on other spends other than Titan

  • 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually

  • Rewards/Cashback

Rewards and cashback credit cards are popular choices for everyday users. Rewards cards provide points for purchases that you can redeem for vouchers or gifts. In contrast, cashback cards return a portion of your spending to you, which helps reduce your bill amount.

  • SBI Card PRIME (Rewards Credit Card)

  • E-Gift Voucher worth ₹7,000 from Yatra.com or Pantaloons

  • 20 Reward Points per ₹100 on utility bill payments

  • 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on dining, grocery, departmental store, and movie spends

  • 20 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Birthday (one day before, on the birthday and one day after)

  • Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card

  • Earn up to 7% cashback on online spends

  • Base cashback of 0.75% on all offline and travel-related spends

  • 0.5% cashback up to ₹100 on utility bill payments

  • ₹1,000 worth of EDGE Reward Points on first transaction within 30 days

How to Choose the Right Credit Card Based on Your Spending Habits

Choosing the best credit card in India depends on understanding your needs and spending patterns. You can follow these simple steps to find the best card for you:

  • Decide whether you want rewards, cashback, low-interest rates, or debt management support

  • Ensure your credit score is good to qualify for better cards and interest rates

  • Look for lower interest rates, especially when planning to carry a balance

  • Select cards that offer rewards or cashback for your regular spending categories

  • Consider extra benefits such as travel insurance, lounge access, or discounts that match your lifestyle

  • Ensure the benefits justify the card’s annual fee, or choose a no-fee card

  • Pick a credit limit that fits your spending needs without encouraging overspending

Managing Your Credit Card Wisely

Smart credit card usage is key to maintaining a healthy credit score and avoiding debt. Here are some essential tips to help you stay on track:

  • Pay in Full Monthly: Always pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges and maintain a healthy credit score

  • Set Payment Reminders: Set up reminders or enable auto-pay to ensure you never miss a due date and avoid late fees

  • Track Your Spending: Review your transactions to stay within budget and avoid overspending

  • Maintain Low Utilisation: Keep credit usage lower, usually below 30% of your limit

  • Watch Fees and Charges: Stay aware of annual fees, late payment fees, or foreign transaction charges

  • Check Credit Reports: Review your credit report regularly to identify errors or suspicious activity early

  • Know Your Interest Rate: Understand your card’s interest rate and plan to pay off balances accordingly

  • Enable Alerts: Turn on credit card alerts to stay informed about due dates, spending limits, and unusual activity

Selecting the right credit card based on your spending habits can enhance your financial experience. Whether you prioritise rewards, savings, or exclusive perks, choosing the right credit card category helps you maximise every transaction.

When comparing options, consider the credit card eligibility criteria. This ensures you qualify for the benefits you want.

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