Credit Cards
Best Credit Cards for Cashback & Rewards in India 2025
📖 7 min read
👁️ 23,842 views
📅 Updated: January 2025
Choosing the right credit card can save you thousands of rupees every year through cashback, reward points, and exclusive benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we compare the best credit cards in India for 2025 to help you maximize your savings.
💡 Smart Tip: The average Indian can save ₹15,000-30,000 annually by using the right credit card for their spending patterns!
Why Using Credit Cards Wisely Matters
Credit cards are powerful financial tools when used correctly. They offer:
- Cashback & Rewards: Earn money back on every purchase
- Interest-Free Period: 45-50 days to pay without interest
- Purchase Protection: Dispute fraudulent charges easily
- Credit Score Building: Responsible usage improves CIBIL score
- Emergency Backup: Access to instant credit when needed
Top 5 Credit Cards in India for 2025
1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card ⭐ Editor's Choice
The HDFC Regalia Gold is perfect for frequent travelers and premium shoppers who want consistent rewards across all spending categories.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (Waived on ₹3L annual spend)
- Reward Rate: 4 points per ₹150 spent (2.6% value)
- Welcome Bonus: 2,500 Reward Points
- Lounge Access: 12 domestic + 6 international per year
- Insurance: ₹50 lakh travel insurance, ₹10 lakh air accident cover
2. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card 🛒 Best for Online Shopping
If you're an Amazon Prime member who shops frequently online, this lifetime-free card is a no-brainer.
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Amazon Prime Cashback: 5% on Amazon purchases
- Non-Prime Amazon: 3% cashback
- Bill Payments: 2% cashback (electricity, mobile, etc.)
- All Other Spends: 1% cashback
3. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card 🛍️
For Flipkart loyalists who shop during Big Billion Days and beyond.
- Annual Fee: ₹500 (Waived on ₹2L annual spend)
- Flipkart Cashback: 5% unlimited
- Myntra/Cleartrip: 4% cashback
- Other Spends: 1.5% cashback
- Welcome Bonus: ₹500 Flipkart voucher
4. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card 💻
A great entry-level card for those new to credit cards or looking for low fees.
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (Waived on ₹1L annual spend)
- Online Shopping: 10X rewards on partner sites
- Welcome Bonus: ₹500 Amazon voucher
- Other Spends: 1 point per ₹100
5. HDFC Millennia Credit Card 🎯
Designed for young professionals with a mix of online and offline spending.
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000 (Waived on ₹1L annual spend)
- Online Spends: 5% cashback (capped ₹1,000/month)
- Offline Spends: 1% cashback
- Smartbuy Portal: Additional 2.5% cashback
Credit Card Comparison Table
| Card |
Annual Fee |
Best Cashback |
Income Required |
| Amazon Pay ICICI |
FREE |
5% Amazon |
₹25,000/month |
| Flipkart Axis |
₹500 |
5% Flipkart |
₹25,000/month |
| HDFC Millennia |
₹1,000 |
5% Online |
₹35,000/month |
| SBI SimplyCLICK |
₹499 |
10X Partners |
₹20,000/month |
| HDFC Regalia |
₹2,500 |
2.6% All |
₹80,000/month |
How to Choose the Right Credit Card
Step 1: Analyze Your Spending Pattern
Track where your money goes for a month:
- Heavy online shopping? → Amazon Pay ICICI or Flipkart Axis
- Frequent traveler? → HDFC Regalia or Infinia
- Groceries & fuel? → HDFC Moneyback or SBI SimplySAVE
- Dining out often? → Standard Chartered Ultimate
Step 2: Consider the Annual Fee
Calculate if benefits outweigh the cost. A ₹2,500 fee card giving ₹5,000 annual benefits is worth it. A ₹10,000 fee card with ₹3,000 benefits isn't.
Step 3: Check Reward Redemption
Look for cards with:
- Direct cashback to statement (no hassle)
- Easy-to-use reward portals
- Good point-to-rupee conversion ratio
Credit Card Best Practices
✅ DO: Pay full bill before due date | Use card for all expenses | Track spending | Take advantage of offers
❌ DON'T: Pay only minimum due (36-48% interest!) | Withdraw cash from ATM | Share OTP | Max out credit limit
Impact on Credit Score (CIBIL)
Your credit card usage significantly affects your credit score:
- Credit Utilization: Keep usage below 30% of limit
- Payment History: Always pay on time (35% of score)
- Credit Age: Keep old cards active
- New Applications: Each hard inquiry temporarily lowers score
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card gives maximum cashback?
For category-specific spending, Amazon Pay ICICI (5% Amazon) and Flipkart Axis (5% Flipkart) offer highest cashback. For all-round, HDFC Millennia (5% online, 1% offline) is excellent.
Can I get a credit card without income proof?
Yes! Get a secured credit card against Fixed Deposit. SBI, HDFC, and Kotak offer FD-backed credit cards with no income proof required.
How many credit cards should I have?
2-3 cards are ideal for maximizing benefits across categories while keeping credit utilization low. More than 5 becomes difficult to manage.
What is the best credit card for beginners?
SBI SimplyCLICK or Amazon Pay ICICI are excellent starter cards with low/no fees and good benefits.