23 Best Credit Cards in India: 2022 Edition

Confused by seeing so many credit card options across all the banks? Looking for a list of the best credit cards in India in 2022 to choose from and apply for? Here is a list of the best cards for reward points, cashback, miles, lounge access, free vacations, and more.

Most of us need around 3 to 4 credit cards to maximize the rewards and benefits offered by them. I have 18+ active credit cards right now but 90% of my spending is on 4 of these cards. I use the rest only in specific cases like for great spend offers. So, while we can hold as many cards as we want the focus should be on a select few to take complete advantage of them.

Best Entry-Level Credit Cards

This list is for someone starting off with credit cards and looking for something simple. Entry-level credit cards are best suited for spending less than Rs 2 lakhs. The cards in this segment will:

Be easy to get approved for
Have low or zero annual fee
Have lower salary requirements for eligibility
Provide rewards such as cashback/statement credit/vouchers

1. Axis Bank Ace

Ace comes with a 2% to 5% unlimited cash back on transactions. The only point that we need to note is that Google Pay bill payments using this card are not available on iOS yet. So, iOS users lose out on 5% cashback. Getting this card will also help in taking advantage of the Axis Bank 10% instant discount offers on Amazon/Flipkart/Myntra and others. This card is invite-only from Google Pay for now.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 499
u003cstrongu003eCashback Rate:u003c/strongu003e 2% to 5%
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption:u003c/strongu003e Statement Credit
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 2 Lakhs spend in a membership year
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/axis-bank-ace-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

2. SBI SimplyCLICK

SBI SimplyCLICK is one of the best cards in its ‘huge’ range and offers a good value for its fee. This card is more suited for online transactions. Just like Ace, getting this card will help you in taking advantage of the 10% instant discount sales on Flipkart/Myntra/Amazon. We also get Rs 2000 worth of Cleartrip vouchers on reaching spends of Rs 1 Lakh and 2 Lakhs.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 499
u003cstrongu003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003e 0.25% to 4.5%
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Option:u003c/strongu003e Amazon and Cleartrip Gift Vouchers
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 1 Lakh spend in a membership year
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Good milestone benefits
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/sbi-simplyclick-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

3. Standard Chartered Smart

Standard Chartered Smart credit is the newest launch on this list. With the limited availability of Ace, this is a good entry-level cashback credit card. There are caps on the maximum cashback but it is high enough not to hit normal spending.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 499
u003cstrongu003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003e 1% to 2%
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Option:u003c/strongu003e Statement Credit
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 1.2 Lakhs spend in a membership year
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/standard-chartered-smart-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

4. Amex Membership Rewards Credit Card

This is an entry-level credit card that can give rewards on par with some of the premium cards. We get 1000 bonus MR points on Rs 1500 X 4 transactions and Rs 20000 spend every month. With the Gold Collection redemption, the reward rate is between 5% to 8%.

u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 4500
u003cstrongu003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003e 1% to 8%
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Option:u003c/strongu003e Gold Collection, Transfer to Marriott Bonvoy or Airline partners
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 1.5 Lakhs spend in a membership year
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/american-express-membership-rewards-credit-card-mrcc-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

5. HDFC Bank Millennia

Millennia is an attractive cashback credit card from HDFC Bank. We get 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra spend. All other spendings including wallets get 1% cashback. Millennia is also eligible for Smartbuy cashback up to Rs 1000 per month.

u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 1000 – Mostly issued LTF with first 90 days spend condition
u003cstrongu003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003e 1% to 6%
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Option:u003c/strongu003e Statement Credit
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 1 Lakh spend in a membership year
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/hdfc-bank-millennia-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

6. SBI Card Cashback

The latest entrant in the market makes it onto our list. With 5% cash back on any online merchant spends, this is one of the best cards for cashback credit card lovers.

u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 999
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -0.9em; font-size: 1rem;u0022u003eCashback:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -0.9em; font-size: 1rem;u0022u003e 1% to 5%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eCashback Redemption Option:u003c/strongu003e Statement Credit
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 2 Lakhs spend in a membership year
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/sbi-cashback-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

Best Premium Credit Cards

This list is for cards that offer reward points along with some lifestyle benefits. These offer more value than entry-level credit cards and are suitable if annual spending is more than 4 Lakhs. The cards in the segment will:

We will need a higher salary eligibility criteria (preferably u003e Rs 6 Lakhs per annum)
u003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eHave a higher fee that might not have waiver criteriau003c/spanu003e
u003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eProvide lifestyle benefits with better rewards than entry-level credit cardsu003c/spanu003e

7. HDFC Bank Regalia

Regalia is one of the oldest cards on this list. It still holds its own against many new entrants in this list. The card is offered LTF with spend conditions for the first 90 days. While the base reward rate might seem low, HDFC Bank has Smartbuy and other spend offers to boost the return.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e LTF with spend conditions / Rs 2500
u003cstrongu003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003e 1.3% to 6%
u003cstrongu003eBest Rewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e Smartbuy Flights/Hotels, Airmiles transfer
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 3 Lakhs spend for paid cards (not applicable for LTF)
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Good milestone benefits, Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/hdfc-bank-regalia-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

8. HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege

Diners Club Privilege is on par with Regalia above in terms of base rewards. But, we get some extra features like monthly milestone benefits and select memberships.

Diners Club acceptance is an issue in offline stores. This is something to consider when getting this card.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e LTF with spend conditions / Rs 2500
u003cstrongu003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003e 1.3% to 6%
u003cstrongu003eBest Rewards Redemption Option:u003c/strongu003e Smartbuy Flights/Hotels, Airmiles transfer
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eNot required for LTF, Rs 3 Lakhs spend for paid cards
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Good milestone benefits, Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/hdfc-bank-diners-club-privilege-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

9. Amex Gold Charge

Amex Gold charge is an exception in this list. It is not a credit card but a charge card. But, it is worth getting this card once Amex India starts issuing cards again. Get this to experience the Amex customer support and rewards.

u003cstrongu003eJoining Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 1000
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee: u003c/strongu003eRs 4500
u003cstrongu003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003e 1.5% to 2.5%
u003cstrongu003eBest Rewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e 18/24 Karat Gold Collection, Marriott Bonvoy Points Transfer
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eVaries every year with different offers
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Airport Lounge Access, Multiple merchant benefits

10. Axis Bank Select

Axis Select offers decent rewards with some very good merchant benefits. It has great offers on Swiggy, BookMyShow, and BigBasket which add up to significant savings.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 3000
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e 1.5% to 5%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e EDGE Rewards Portal
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 6 Lakhs spend in a membership year
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Swiggy and BookMyShow discounts, Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/axis-bank-select-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

11. Standard Chartered Ultimate

Standard Chartered Ultimate comes with a nice 3.3% reward on all transactions. There is no cap on the rewards and no exclusions like wallet loads, insurance, etc. like other cards. The annual fee is also well compensated by an equal number of reward points. All this makes the Ultimate a good card for those who want consistent no-nonsense rewards. Consider the Ultimate, a higher version of Axis Ace (without the cashback).

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 5000
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e 3.3%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e Gift Vouchers and Other Products
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eNone
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e 3.3% rewards with no cap on all transactions
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/standard-chartered-ultimate-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

Best Super Premium Credit Cards

These are the cards that everyone wants but few get thanks to the stringent criteria. The super-premium credit cards can offer you every benefit that you wanted and more. For the cards in this segment:

The salary should be high (preferably u003e Rs 15 Lakhs per annum)
Annual spending should be close to 10 Lakhs

12. HDFC Bank Infinia

The HDFC Bank Infinia is in a league of its own when it comes to super-premium credit cards. 3.3% base rewards, up to 33% Smartbuy rewards, and many other offers ensure Infinia retains its crown. We also had the recent Metal Edition launch with some good extra features. Till the much-rumored Infinia Reserve/Galaxia are launched, Infinia will continue to be the great card it is.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 12500
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e 3.3% to 33%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eBestu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e Smartbuy Flights/Hotels, Airmiles Transfer
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 10 Lakhs spend in a membership year
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Unlimited Airport Lounge Access for Primary and Add-on cardmembers, 1RP=Rs 1 redemption for Tanishq GV/Apple Products
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/hdfc-bank-infinia-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

13. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black

Diners Club Black is the second card from HDFC Bank in the super-premium segment. The card is on par with Infinia with some minor differences in rewards and redemption. If offline store acceptance is a non-issue and spends are less than 10 Lakhs then DCB is the card to get.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 10000
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e 3.3% to 33%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eBestu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e Smartbuy Flights/Hotels, Airmiles Transfer
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 5 Lakhs spend in a membership year
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Unlimited Airport Lounge Access for Primary and Add-on cardmembers, 33% Rewards on Diners Club 10X partners
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/hdfc-diners-club-black-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

14. Axis Bank Magnus

Axis Magnus has now become the #1 choice for points and miles enthusiasts. Axis Bank recently added the option to transfer EDGE Reward Points to partner airlines and hotel loyalty programs. We have multiple transfer partners and a great transfer ratio as well. With the milestone benefit, Magnus is better than Infinia/DCB for miles and points redemption.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 10000
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e 1.2% to 17.2%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eBestu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e Transfer to airmiles and hotel loyalty programs
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 15 Lakhs spend in a membership year
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Unlimited Airport Lounge Access for Primary card, Accelerated rewards on Grab Deals and Travel Edge
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/axis-bank-magnus-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

Best Travel/Airline Credit Cards

All the cards we covered till now are all-purpose cards for both earning and redeeming points. The redemption value depends on the option we choose – travel, gift vouchers, or cashback.

We also have travel credit cards that offer better value if the rewards are used for flights/hotels. This list has travel and airline-focused credit cards.

15. Amex Platinum Travel

Milestone benefits and Taj vouchers are the highlights of the Amex Plat Travel credit card. If Taj vouchers are not useful for you, then there are other options as well. We get at least 48000 MR points every year including regular and milestone MR points. These can be transferred to Marriott Bonvoy or one of the airline travel partners as AirMiles.

u003cstrongu003eJoining Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 3500
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 5000
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e Up to 8.5%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eBest Rewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e Taj Vouchers
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eVaries every year
u003cstrongu003eNotable Features:u003c/strongu003e Rs 34000 worth of Taj Vouchers as rewards for spending Rs 4 Lakhs in a year
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/american-express-platinum-travel-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

16. Kotak IndiGo Ka-Ching 6E Rewards XL

The recently launched 6E Rewards XL card makes the cut in the travel credit card segment. Many of us did not opt for the HDFC Ka-Ching credit cards we already hold another HDFC Bank credit card. The 6E Rewards XL is a decent credit card if you travel by IndiGo. But Kotak Bank does not have good customer support. So, that is a big drawback.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 1500
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e 2% to 6%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e IndiGo Flight Tickets
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eNone
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/kotak-indigo-ka-ching-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

Best Fuel Credit Cards

Fuel credit cards are not a good fit for most. I used to load my Paytm wallet with Amex credit cards and use them for fuel. This is restricted now with the Paytm wallet changes. If your monthly expenses on fuel are close to Rs 10000 then have a look at the SBI BPCL Credit Card Octane. For all other cases, go with any of the above cards and skip this segment.

17. BPCL SBI Credit Card Octane

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 1499
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e 2.5% to 7.25%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e Fuel
u003cstrongu003eAnnual Fee Waiver: u003c/strongu003eRs 2 Lakhs spend in a membership year
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/bpcl-sbi-credit-card-octane-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

Best Co-Branded Credit Cards

18. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank

Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card is a must-have even if you shop occasionally from Amazon India. The card is Lifetime Free and offers 5% off for Prime members on every buy.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Lifetime Free (LTF)
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e 1% to 5%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e Amazon Pay Gift Voucher
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/amazon-pay-icici-bank-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

19. Flipkart Axis Bank

Flipkart Axis is the equivalent of Amazon Pay ICICI for Flipkart. The card is better than the Amazon Pay ICICI card in two ways – a minimum of 1.5% cashback and statement credit for rewards.

u003cstrongu003eJoining/Annual Fee:u003c/strongu003e Rs 500
u003cstrong style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003eRewards Rate:u003c/strongu003eu003cspan style=u0022text-indent: -1.4em; color: initial;u0022u003e 1.5% to 5%u003c/spanu003e
u003cstrongu003eRewards Redemption Options:u003c/strongu003e Statement Credit
u003ca href=u0022https://cardmaven.in/flipkart-axis-bank-credit-card-review/u0022u003eFull Reviewu003c/au003e

Worthy Mentions

20. IndusInd Bank Legend

The card comes with only a joining fee of either Rs 5000 or Rs 10000. This is compensated by online/offline gift vouchers as per the running offers. It offers rewards between 1% to 2.5%. I have excluded this card from the list as we have better cards that can give us similar or better rewards. Plus, IndusInd has also reduced reward points on government/utility/rental spending.

21. Axis Vistara Infinite

This is a good card if Vistara operates on the routes that you are planning to fly on. The fee is reasonable for the benefits it offers. Take this card if you want to experience business class on domestic routes.

22. Amex Platinum Charge

Amex Platinum charge card is a part of the super-premium segment. The card offers many lifestyle benefits, higher hotel loyalty memberships, and access to exclusive lounges. So, it is suitable for someone who plans to travel to the partner hotels to take advantage of the status. If you can extract equal benefits for these fees or are good with paying the fees, opt for this card.

With taxes, the fees come close to 71000. The first-year benefits are good for the fees. It is from the second year onwards that we need to evaluate this card. I would not count the cashback offers given by Amex in the past year as they were an exception, not a rule.

23. Bank of Baroda Eterna

Bank of Baroda has started issuing the Eterna on the Visa platform now. It still offers great rewards and belongs to the premium segment. The reward rate is between 0.75% to 4.75% with the highest rate on travel, dining & online shopping spending. I have excluded this card because of the non-existent/always delayed customer support. It is frustrating to deal with them.

Final Thoughts

This is the list of cards that I think are worth checking out and applying for across all banks and credit cards. The decision to get a card depends on what you intend to use the rewards for and whether the card will help you do that. So, do check the redemption options to see if you are getting a good value out of your spending. The next thing to check would be the annual fee. The card should offer a good return on spending including the annual fee (if not waived).

Hope this list helps you in getting a card that gives you a rewarding experience. 🙂

Any other card you think should be a part of this list? Do comment and let me know!