Top Credit Cards in India 2020: Reviews & Top Picks (30+)

New list is up for 2021: Check out the latest list: Best Credit Cards in India for 2021

Looking for the best credit cards in India for 2020? This guide covers top options across categories—cashback, lounge access, free flights, hotel stays and premium travel benefits—so you can find cards that match your needs.

There’s no one-size-fits-all card. Where you spend, how much you spend and the joining fee you’re willing to pay all determine which card is best for you.

I analysed 100+ credit cards across banks and compiled a list of 30+ top cards for different user segments. With about a dozen active cards in my wallet, this list includes many I use personally and several other strong picks.

Let’s begin!

Best Entry-Level Credit Cards

Entry-level cards—often called credit cards for beginners—target new cardholders and typically offer straightforward, redeemable rewards. Many are co-branded and deliver direct cashback or balance credits, making rewards easy to use.

• Suggested income: 3 Lakhs+
• Suggested spend: 1 Lakh+

1. ICICI Amazon Pay Card

• Reward Rate: 1% – 5% (as Amazon Pay Balance)
• Joining/Renewal Fee: Nil
• More Details

A great no-fee starter card, especially valuable for Amazon Prime users. ICICI often delivers the card quickly to existing customers and the Amazon Pay balance rewards are easy to redeem.

2. Axis Flipkart Card

• Reward Rate: 1.5% – 5% (as cashback to card)
• Joining/Renewal Fee: Rs.500+GST
• More Details

Offers a flat 1.5% cashback on most spends and includes domestic lounge access—solid value for an entry-level card, especially if you shop on Flipkart.

3. OLA Money SBI Card

• Reward Rate: 1% – 20% (as Ola Money)
• Joining/Renewal Fee: Rs.500+GST
• More Details

Great if you use Ola frequently—offers strong returns on cab spends and occasional higher-value promotions. Also provides attractive returns on specific travel-related partners like ClearTrip.

Tip: If you’re new to cards and deciding between entry-level options, consider comparing their rewards and merchant coverage to match your spending habits.

Best Lifestyle Credit Cards

Lifestyle cards are all-rounders for dining, online shopping and regular spends. They’re widely used and relatively easy to get approved for.

• Suggested income: 6 Lakhs+
• Suggested spend: 3 Lakhs+

4. SBI Prime

• Reward Rate: 0.5%–5%
• Joining Fee: Rs.2,999+GST
• Full Review: SBI Prime Credit Card Review
• Apply Now

SBI Prime combines milestone benefits, lounge access and a renewal fee waiver on meeting a spend threshold. Despite some devaluations, it remains a strong lifestyle option.

5. Amex MRCC

• Reward Rate: 1%–10%
• Joining Fee: FREE (limited period)
• Full Review: American Express MRCC Review
• Apply Now

A great entry to the Amex ecosystem. Regular monthly spending patterns can generate strong returns and access to Amex merchant offers adds value.

6. Regalia First

• Reward Rate: 1%–10%
• Joining Fee: Rs.1000+GST (usually first year free)
• Full Review: HDFC Regalia First Credit Card Review

Often offered free for the first year, Regalia First benefits from HDFC’s merchant promos that can dramatically boost rewards. A solid starter HDFC card to keep in your wallet.

7. SBI Simply Click

• Reward Rate: 1.25% – 2.5%
• Joining Fee: Rs.499+GST
• Full Review: SBI Simply Click Credit Card Review
• Apply Now

Good for predominantly online spenders who want low fees and accelerated rewards at select merchants, plus useful milestone vouchers.

Best Premium Credit Cards

Premium cards add more travel and lifestyle perks—domestic and international lounge access, higher reward rates and richer benefits for higher spenders.

• Suggested income range: 12 Lakhs+
• Suggested spend range: 6 Lakhs+

8. HDFC Regalia

• Reward Rate: 1.3%–13%
• Joining Fee: Rs.2,500+GST (usually first year free)
• Full Review: HDFC Regalia Credit Card Review

HDFC’s flagship rewards card offers low forex markup, high merchant multipliers and milestone benefits that improve overall returns.

9. Amex Gold Charge

• Reward Rate: 1%–10%
• Joining Fee: Rs.1000+GST
• Apply Now

A good step up within Amex offerings for those who want stronger buying power and access to Amex merchant benefits. Note: Gold is a charge card, not a credit card—no EMI options.

10. SBI Elite

• Reward Rate: 2%
• Joining Fee: Rs.4,999+GST
• Full Review: SBI Elite Credit Card Review
• Apply Now

SBI Elite is appealing to moviegoers and high spenders thanks to monthly BookMyShow credits and a renewal waiver on high annual spend.

11. HDFC Diners ClubMiles

• Reward Rate: 1.3% – 13%
• Joining Fee: Rs.1000+GST (usually first year free)
• Full Review: HDFC Diners ClubMiles Credit Card Review

Strong for travelers and online shoppers with generous merchant multipliers and lounge access. Diners Club acceptance is not universal, so carry a backup card.

12. HDFC Diners Privilege

• Reward Rate: 1.3% – 13%
• Joining Fee: Rs.2,500+GST (usually first year free)

A step up from the Diners ClubMiles card with added monthly rewards and membership perks—good for enthusiasts aiming toward Diners Black benefits.

12. Indusind Iconia (Amex)

• Reward Rate: 1% – 2%
• Joining Fee: Rs.3,500+GST no voucher (or) Rs.10,000+GST with voucher
• Full Review: Indusind Iconia Credit Card Review

Strong for weekend and lifestyle spends with Amex offers. Better for experienced cardholders; IndusInd’s systems may be less user-friendly for beginners.

13. Indusind Pinnacle

• Reward Rate: ~2.5%
• Joining Fee: Rs.10,000+GST no voucher (or) Rs.25,000+GST with voucher

Strong returns on online spends beyond the usual Amazon/Flipkart coverage; rewards are effectively cash-equivalent for many users.

Best Travel Credit Cards

Travel cards focus on travel vouchers, airmiles or hotel benefits rather than cashback. Many premium and super-premium cards also function well as travel cards.

14. Amex Plat Travel

• Reward Rate: ~7%
• Joining/Renewal Fee: FREE (limited period offer)
• Apply Now

Top travel card with significant travel vouchers and hotel benefits for high spenders. Excellent for extracting annual travel value when you meet spend thresholds.

15. Axis Magnus

• Reward Rate: 1.2%–2.4%
• Joining/Renewal Fee: Rs.10,000+GST
• More Details

Provides premium airport services and concierge benefits that enhance the travel experience beyond simple reward rates.

16. Citi Premier Miles

• Reward Rate: 1.8%
• Joining Fee: Rs.3,000+GST (free for Citi Priority/Gold)
• Full Review: Citibank Premier Miles Credit Card Review

Points can be converted to airline and hotel programs. Best value if you can waive the fee through bank relationship.

17. Axis Privilege

• Reward Rate: 1% – 2%
• Joining Fee: Rs.1,500+GST (free for Axis Priority customers)
• Full Review: Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card Review

A good non-airline travel card from Axis with useful redemption options for travel bookings, especially valuable if you’re an Axis Priority customer.

19. SBI IRCTC Platinum

• Reward Rate: 1%–10%
• Joining Fee: Rs.500+GST
• Full Review: SBI IRCTC Platinum Credit Card Review
• Apply Now

Ideal for frequent rail travellers, offering savings and easy redemption for train bookings. A premium IRCTC variant exists for higher spenders, but the Platinum suits most users.

Best Airline Credit Cards

Airline co-branded cards are best for frequent flyers with a specific carrier. They deliver better value when you fly the partner airline regularly.

20. Axis Vistara Infinite

• Reward Rate: ~10%
• Joining Fee: Rs.10,000+GST
• Full Review: Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card Review

High reward rates and business-class vouchers on higher spends—excellent if you meet the spend thresholds to unlock maximum value.

21. Club Vistara SBI Card Prime

• Reward Rate: ~7%
• Joining Fee: Rs.2,999+GST
• More Details: Club Vistara SBI Cards Launched

A more affordable alternative to premium Vistara cards, offering complimentary Premium Economy tickets and helpful Vistara rewards.

22. SBI Air India Signature

• AI Miles Earn Rate: 4% – 10%
• Joining Fee: Rs.4,999+GST
• Full Review: SBI Air India Signature Credit Card Review
• Apply Now

Offers Air India miles and access to Star Alliance partners—useful if you redeem through alliance partners or fly routes where Air India offers good value.

23. Etihad Guest SBI Premier

• Miles Earn Rate: 3% – 6%
• Joining Fee: Rs.4,999+GST
• Full Review: Etihad Guest SBI Premier Card Review

Valuable for frequent Etihad flyers; includes a Gold tier benefit that brings meaningful perks for loyal customers.

Best Super Premium Credit Cards

Super-premium cards offer the highest rewards, premium support, unlimited lounge access and elite benefits for affluent spenders.

• Suggested income range: 25 Lakhs+
• Suggested spend range: 10 Lakhs+

24. HDFC Infinia

• Reward Rate: 3.3% – 33%
• Joining Fee: Rs.10,000+GST (first year free usually)
• Full Review: HDFC Infinia Review

Top-tier rewards and premium service, with frequent merchant multipliers that significantly boost returns.

25. HDFC Diners Black

• Reward Rate: 3.3% – 33%
• Joining Fee: Rs.10,000+GST (first year free usually)
• Full Review: HDFC Diners Black Review

Excellent for travellers with lucrative 10X reward promos and monthly rewards. Diners Club acceptance can be limited, so keep a backup card.

26. Standard Chartered Ultimate

• Reward Rate: 3.3%
• Joining Fee: Rs.5,000+GST
• Full Review: Standard Chartered Ultimate Review
• Apply Now

Generous points on a wide range of spends including fuel and insurance, though redemption options and lounge access are more limited compared to some rivals.

27. Citi Prestige

• Reward Rate: 2% – 10%
• Annual fee: Rs.20,000+GST (free for Citigold Private clients)
• Full Review: Citi Prestige Review

Best used by those who understand airmiles and can optimise transfers. Recent changes removed some perks, so benefits depend on your usage and strategy.

28. Amex Platinum (Metal)

• Reward Rate: ~1.25%
• Annual fee: Rs.60,000+GST
• Full Review: Amex Platinum Charge Card Review
• Apply Now

A luxury charge card where value comes from exclusive travel and lifestyle privileges—hotel upgrades, concierge services and high-value welcome bonuses.

29. ICICI Emeralde (Amex)

• Reward Rate: 1%
• Annual fee: Rs.12,000+GST
• Full Review: ICICI Emeralde Review

Lower base reward rate but strong bundled lifestyle benefits—spa, dining and event vouchers—can make the card worthwhile for those who use them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best credit card in India?

There is no single best card. The right choice depends on your spending patterns and priorities. This list highlights options across segments to help you decide.

How many Credit Cards can I have?

As many as you need. For beginners, start with two cards and add more based on your spending and optimization strategy.

Which is the best credit card for Fuel?

Dedicated fuel cards have become less essential. Wallets and cashback options can sometimes be more practical depending on your card mix.

Which Bank Credit card is best in India?

HDFC has a strong market presence and excellent merchant offers; it’s a good place to start. For premium service, consider American Express cards.

Bottomline

The credit card market keeps expanding and evolving. The basic rule is to extract maximum returns through welcome vouchers, merchant offers, spend-based promotions, card-linked benefits and regular targeted spends.

Stay informed and review your card strategy roughly every six months to keep up with changes and continue maximising value.

If you want instant updates on industry changes, consider following relevant pages on social platforms for timely news and offers.