I am a credit card freak. I often do research on credit cards and keep an eye on the best available credit cards in India.
Many people avoid credit cards because they feel that they will spend more if they start using one. But you will be amazed by the money saving potential and benefits that some credit cards offer.
I am sure after reading this article you would be convinced of the need to apply for atleast one of the mentioned credit cards.
Most Important Point First: Always apply for a credit card directly from the bank website. Don’t apply from the online market place (XYZ-Bazaar) or telecaller, they will keep calling you to sell their other products.
Your financial information and documents are not safe with them.
I will help you choose the right card for your needs. You can ask your questions in the comments.
Honest Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are obtained in partnership with banking networks. You will be redirected to the bank’s website. I may earn a small referral income if your credit card gets approved (at no extra cost to you).
My purpose is to provide you with genuine information so that you can get fast approval of the best credit card.
I interact with a lot of people, who ask me for advice on applying for a credit card.
- The first category is first time applicants, who need an all-rounder credit card because either they have just started a new job or are working in a government organization.
- The second category of people who want to apply for a second credit card, to avail benefits on shopping, fuel and travel.
- The third and last category of people want to apply for premium credit cards even if that means annual fees of 5000 rupees or more.
Then Apply for 3 Credit Cards
- Standard Chartered Manhattan for 5% cashback on grocery stores
- Amex Membership Reward for bonus points, loading money to Paytm and redeeming points for Amazon vouchers & hotel vouchers
- Amex Travel Platinum for Travel benefits
For fuel benefits, go with SC Super Value Titanium (5% cashback)
Now..
Continue reading the article until the end.
Best Lifetime Free Credit Card in India 2022
Unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access.
#1. Standard Chartered Platinum Card
HDFC Diners Black is my favorite credit card by HDFC bank because the card offers unlimited free domestic and international airport lounge access.
You would get 5 reward points worth Rs. 5 on spending Rs. 150, direct saving of 3.3% on all your spends.
New Offer – Get the complimentary one-year membership for Club Marriott, Forbes Digital subscription, Zomato Gold, Amazon Prime, MakeMyTrip Double Black, and Times Prime with HDFC Dinners Black credit card.
Unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access.
#2. Standard Chartered Manhattan Credit Card
HDFC Diners Black is my favorite credit card by HDFC bank because the card offers unlimited free domestic and international airport lounge access.
You would get 5 reward points worth Rs. 5 on spending Rs. 150, direct saving of 3.3% on all your spends.
New Offer – Get the complimentary one-year membership for Club Marriott, Forbes Digital subscription, Zomato Gold, Amazon Prime, MakeMyTrip Double Black, and Times Prime with HDFC Dinners Black credit card.
#3. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium
I am picking SC Titanium because you would get 5% cashback on fuel and utility payments.
Suitable card, if you are a first-time credit card applicant and most of your monthly expenses are on fuel, phone and utility bills.
Annual Fees – 750 rupees (Waived off if you spend 60,000 in the first year)
First-year fees can also be waived off when you use the card within 90 days of approval.
You should apply for this credit card if your monthly expense is at least 5,000 rupees (12*5K = 60K per year).
Benefits of SVT Credit Card
- 5% cashback on fuels
- 5% cashback on phone bills
- 5% cashback on utility bills
#4. Citibank IOC Fuel Credit Card
Citibank has collaboration with Indian Oil Petrol pumps. You can earn Turbo points when you pay using IOC credit card on Indian Oil outlets.
Not at all useful if you refill the fuel tank from HP or Bharat petrol pumps.
Annual Fees – Rs. 1000 (Waived off when you spend 30,000 per year)
Benefits of Citibank IOC Card
- 4 Turbo Points on spending Rs. 150 on Indian Oil Pumps
- 2 Turbo points on spending in Supermarkets
- 1 Turbo points on spending 150 elsewhere
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 1 Turbo Point = 1 Rs. Fuel
Best Credit Card For Online Shopping in 2022
Almost all credit cards and banks keep offering some discounts on online shopping. But this is the list of the credit cards which are designed to get big offers and discounts online.
- ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
- SBI SimilyClick Credit Card
- SBI SimplySave Credit Card
- Amex Rewards Membership Card
- Standard Chartered Manhattan
- Standard Chartered Ultimate
- HDFC Diner Black
- HDFC Moneyback
#5. ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
ICICI Amazon Pay credit card made the top of the list in our collection of online shopping credit cards. Amazon launched this credit card in 2018 to give extra benefits to Prime customers.
Application Process – The problem is that you can not apply directly for this credit card. You would see an invite inside your Amazon Mobile App and receive an email from Amazon.
Make sure you add your existing ICICI credit card into Amazon account to get the invite. If you don’t have ICICI credit card then apply for lifetime free Platinum Credit Card.
Annual Fees – NIL
Benefits of Amazon Pay Credit Card
- 5% cash back on Amazon.in for Amazon Prime customers
- 3% cash back on Amazon.in for non-prime customers
- 2% cash back when paying to merchants using this card on Amazon Pay as a payment method
- 1% cash back on all other payments
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
#6. American Express Membership Rewards® Credit Card
American Express is the only credit card that gives rewards on adding money to wallets like Paytm, Amazon Pay and Freecharge. I earn 1,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points every month by doing 4 transactions of 1000 rupees.
Amex degraded the benefits of their Gold charge card when they launched Membership Rewards Card in 2018. I dropped Amex Gold card from our recommendation list.
Annual fee: First Year Rs. 1000 (Second year onwards Rs. 4500)
Note: Annual fees is waived off when you apply using the below link, also earn 2000 bonus points.
Benefits:
- 2000 referral bonus points when you apply using the above link.
- 1000 Bonus points for using your Card 4 times every month.
- Earn 1 MR point on Rs.50 spent on all spends except for spending
Credit Card Expert Tip
- Load 4000 rupees into your Paytm, Freecharge and AmazonPay wallet to earn 1000 bonus points (worth Rs. 400)
- Pay using wallets wherever possible on the online shopping
- You would save the money twice if you find a deal with wallets.
Drawback:
- No rewards on Fuel, Insurance, Utilities and Cash Transactions.
I applied for this card and got approved in 2016. I am loving the benefits so far.
(Best, if you already have any other cashback credit card. Use it for earning 1000 bonus points worth 400 rupees every month)
#7. SBI Simply Click Credit Card
It’s hard to get the approval of SBI Credit cards. But If you get your salary in SBI bank account then approval becomes easy.
Simply click card gives you direct 10x rewards when shopping on Amazon, Flipkart, Makemytrip, Cleartrip and many more vendors.
Annual fee: 499 (waived off by spending 100,000 in one year)
Bonus: Rs 500 voucher from Amazon
Not for first-time applicants – You should have an excellent credit history for getting the approval of this card
Key benefits:
- 10X rewards on online spends – Amazon / BookMyShow / Cleartrip / Foodpanda / FabFurnish / Lenskart / OLA / Zoomcar
- Earn 5X rewards on all other online shopping
- A welcome e-gift voucher worth Rs 500 from Amazon
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver (on 500+ transaction amount)
Cleartrip e-voucher worth Rs.2,000 on annual online spends of Rs. 1 Lakh (one more 2000 e-voucher on another 1Lakh milestone)
#8. Citi Bank Cashback Credit Card
Best for you if you watch movies and pay your bills online.
Annual fee: Rs.500
I hate their application process because it’s very difficult to fill up details in the online form. I don’t know why don’t they make the application easy like other banks.
Key benefits
- 5% cash back on movie tickets
- 5% cash back on telephone bill payments
- 5% cash back on Utility Bill Payments
- 0.5% Cash Back on all other spends
Drawbacks
- You must have excellent Credit History before applying.
- 80% Citibank card applications decline because people do not have a credit history.
- The online form is complex and lengthy, be patient and fill the information.
#9. ICICI Instant Platinum Card
Apply for ICICI Platinum card in case you get denied for Standard Chartered Platinum.
It is not easy to get your first credit card in India. ICICI bank offers you instant credit card against fixed deposit if you have a saving account with ICICI bank. You can simply log on to ICICI online banking and apply for the card.
If you worry for your CIBIL score just because you want to apply for a credit card, you must try ICICI Instant Platinum Credit Card.
Annual fee: 199 rupees (waiver on spending Rs. 2000 within 60 days of approval)
Who should apply?
ICICI credit card is a good option for Students, Housewives and Non-Salary people if they want to apply for credit card against a Fixed Deposit.
Key benefits:
- 2 payback points for every Rs. 100 spent
- 1 payback point for every 100 rupees on insurance & utilities
- Get ₹ 100 off on movie tickets twice a month.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver can be availed on fuel transaction of maximum ₹ 4,000 at HPCL pumps.
ICICI bank will offer you a credit limit based on the amount you keep in the fixed deposit. You will earn regular interest on your fixed deposit. The bank just wants to secure itself against the risk of fraud by the first-time credit card user.
#10. HDFC Moneyback Credit Card
I am listing money back credit card from HDFC because it’s the basic credit card that you can apply as a first-time applicant.
Let me quickly tell you the benefits
- 4 reward points per Rs 150 for online shopping
- 2 reward points per Rs 150 for elsewhere
- 1% fuel surcharge waived off (above 400 rupees transaction)
The only reason for adding this credit card in the best credit list is the approval rate. You can get the card approved against the Fixed deposit or if you have a salary more than 25,000 per month.
#11. Axis Buzz Credit card
If you are existing customer of Axis bank then get this card for online shopping. Low annual fees and great benefits on Flipkart.
Annual Fees – 750 Rupees
Benefits
- 10% instant discount on Flipkart from 1 to 5th of every month
- 5% instant discount on Flipkart from 6 to 31st of every month
- 2 axis eDGE reward points on every Rs 200 spent
- 6 axis eDGE reward points on online shopping
- make 3 transactions and get Flipkart voucher worth Rs 1000 within first 45 days of card setup
#12. IndusInd Iconia
IndusInd has only one credit card worth keeping. You can check with the bank to reduce the fees based on your relationship.
Annual Fees – One time fees of Rs. 10,000 (you can negotiate)
Benefits
- 2 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on weekends
- 1.5 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on weekdays
- 1% Fuel surcharge waiver
- 2 complimentary lounge access per quarter
- 200 off on movie tickets per month on BookMyShow
#13. RBL Platinum Maxima Credit Card
RBL bank also offers good discounts on online shopping.
Annual Fees – Rs. 2000
Benefits
- 10 Reward Points for every Rs.100 (dining, entertainment, utility bill payments, fuel and international)
- 2 Reward Points for every Rs.100 spent elsewhere
- free movie ticket free up to Rs. 200 from BookMyShow
- 2 complimentary visits every calendar quarter at domestic lounges
Best Credit Card For Travel Benefits in India 2022
Now I am listing premium & super-premium credit cards which are not easy to get approved without having a great CIBIL score and credit history.
You can jump to the end of the article if you are a first-time credit card applicant.
Keep reading about premium credit cards if you want to apply for a second or third credit card.
#15. Citibank Premiermiles Card
There are two best credit cards for travel – Citibank PremierMiles and Amex Platinum Travel. You can not go wrong with either. Apply for both if you can afford the annual charges. You can redeem miles for any partner airline, means you don’t have to stick with a single airline.
Best for people who have 2-3L of annual spend on travel.
Annual fee: Rs.3,000
Benefits:
- Get 10000 Miles on activation.
- Earn 10 Miles for every 100 spent on airlines.
- Earn 10 Miles per Rs.100 spent with online partner merchants.
- Earn 4 Miles for every 100 of all other spends
Note: 100 Miles = Rs. 45 with preferred partners (4.5% worth benefits)
#16. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
American Express Platinum Travel Card offers great benefits for frequent travelers (like vouchers from Indigo and Taj)
Annual fee: First Year Rs. 3500 (Second year onwards 5,000 Rs.)
Click here to apply for Amex Travel Card
Benefits:
- Welcome gift of 5,000 Milestone Bonus Membership Rewards Points redeemable for Spicejet Vouchers worth Rs. 4000.
- Spend Rs. 1.90 lacs in a year and get Spicejet Vouchers worth more than Rs. 7,700.
- Spend Rs. 4 lacs in a year to get Spicejet Vouchers worth more than Rs. 11,800. Also, get a voucher worth Rs. 10,000 from the Taj Group.
- 1 complimentary visit to domestic lounges in India
Go for this credit card if your annual expenses are more than 2 lakh.
#17. ICICI JetAirways Saphiro Credit Card
ICICI has two variants of Saphiro Credit Card, you should get JetAirways Saphiro if you travel frequently by Jet Airways.
Annual Fees: Rs. 5000
Joining Gift
- 12,500 JP bonus miles
- Jet Airways Economy Class base fare waived off domestic air ticket
Benefits
- 0 JPMiles/₹100 spent on the card
- 5% discount on base fare when the ticket is booked directly from JetAirways
- dedicated check-in for select domestic flights of Jet Airways
- Complimentary Excess Baggage Allowance of 10 Kgs in Première and 5 Kgs in Economy
- 1% fuel surcharge waived off
- 4 complimentary rounds/ lessons of golf every month
- Buy one ticket and get up to Rs 500 off on the second ticket, twice every month, through BookMyShow
- 2 international airport lounge visits and 2 spa sessions at selected airports in India every year, through complimentary DragonPass membership
#18. Kotal Royal Signature Credit Card
Kotak came up with a premium card that has low annual fees yet powerful to be used for travel.
Annual Fees – Rs. 999 only
Benefits
- 4X reward points on every Rs. 150 spent on Hotels | Restaurants | Travel Agencies & Tour Operators | Package Tour Operators | Airlines and Air Carriers | International
- 2X rewards elsewhere
- 2 Complimentary access to Airport Lounges every quarter in India
- Fuel surcharge waiver on transactions above Rs. 500
- Railway surcharge waiver for transactions on www.irctc.co.in
Premium Credit Cards in India 2022
#19. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
Regalia was super premium credit card a few years back but HDFC approved Regalia for each & every customer. Last year they degraded the benefits of Regalia but it still falls under the premium credit card category.
Annual Fees – Rs. 2500
Benefits
- 4 Reward Points on every Rs. 150 spent
- 2% Foreign Currency Mark-up Fee
- 12 complimentary domestic lounge access per year
- 15 lakhs medical insurance for international travel
#20. SBI Prime Credit Card
Watch this video review.
Annual Fees – Rs. 2999
Benefits
- 20 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on standing instructions of Utility Bills payments
- 15 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on BigBasket
- 10 Reward Points per Rs.100 spent on Dining, Groceries, Departmental stores and Movies
- 2 Reward Points per Rs. 100 on all other retail spends
- 1% fuel surcharge at any petrol pump
- 4 complimentary visits per year to International Priority Pass Lounges
- 8 complimentary visits per year to Domestic VISA/Mastercard Lounges
- Get Pizza Hut e-Voucher worth Rs. 1,000 on achieving spends of Rs. 50,000 in a calendar quarter
- E-Gift Voucher worth Rs. 7,000 from Yatra.com/Pantaloons on achieving annual spends of Rs. 5 Lakhs
#21. Yesbank Preferred Credit Card
The reward ratio of yes bank preferred card is very good. The free lounge access (domestic and international) makes the annual fees worth for the credit card.
Annual Fees – Rs. 2500
Benefits
- 8 Reward Points on every INR 100 Retail Spends
- 1.75% Foreign Currency Markup
- 1% fuel surcharge at any petrol pump
- Domestic Lounge access (3 visits per quarter)
- 4 complimentary international lounge access through priority pass
Super Premium Credit Cards in India
#22. HDFC Diner Black Credit Card
This is the super premium credit card in India that you must have in your pocket. You would get a huge 33% cashback when you spend on their 10x partners.
For rest of the spending you would get 3.3% cashback worth of rewards.
Annual Fees – Rs. 10,000 (second year onwards Rs. 5000)
Additional Benefits
- 5 Reward Points for every Rs. 150
- 2% Foreign Currency Mark-up Fee
- Air Accident Cover of INR 1 Crore
- Emergency Medical Expenses Cover of up to INR 25 Lakh
- Travel Insurance Cover of up to INR 50,000 on baggage delay/loss
- Unlimited Airport lounge access to 700+ Lounges in India and worldwide
- 6 Complimentary Golf games (Green fee waiver) per quarter
#23. SBI Signature Credit Card (Elite)
SBI Signature Card comes with a bunch of offers from the online shopping portals with decent bonus reward points.
Annual fee: Rs. 4999 (+Welcome Gifts worth 4,999)
Key benefits:
- 10 points per Rs.100 spent on Dining, Departmental stores, Grocery & International Spends
- 2 points per Rs.100 spent on others.
- Earn 10,000 bonus Reward Points on achieving annual spends of Rs. 2 lakhs, 3 lakhs and 4 lakhs
- Earn 20,000 bonus Reward Points on crossing annual spends of Rs. 5 lakhs.
- 1 Reward Point = Rs. 0.25.
#24. Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card
I applied for this credit card the moment it was launched in 2018. Got the cashback of 10,000 after booking my tickets from MakeMyTrip, that covered the cost of annual fees for 2 years.
Annual Fees – Rs. 5000
Benefits
- 10,000 cashback on tickets booked through MakeMyTrip (One time benefit)
- 5 reward points on every INR 150 spent
- 5% cashback on duty free outlets, max 1000 per month
- 2% foreign currency markup
- 2 complimentary golf games per month
- 1 complimentary lounge access per month
#25. Yesbank Exclusive Preferred Credit Card
This is a high-end card from YesBank for their premium customers.
Annual Fees – Rs. 10,000
Benefits
- A welcome privilege of 50000 Reward Points
- 10 Reward Points on every INR 100 Retail Spends
- Complimentary TAJ InnerCircle Epicure Membership
- Unlimited Complimentary Lounge Visits through Priority Pass
- One complimentary Golf Lesson every month
- 1.75% forex markup
#26. ICICI Emerald Credit Card
ICICI launched their high-end super-premium credit card in Jan 2019.
Annual Fees – Rs. 12,000
Benefits
- 4 PAYBACK Points on every ₹100 spent
- Unlimited Lounge Access, Unlimited Spa Access at Airports
- Vouchers from Trident and Da Milano
- Zero Cancellation Charges for Travel
- 1.5% Forex Markup Fee
This qualifies for a must-to-have card for frequent travellers.
Who is the winner?
I trust and love Standard Chartered Manhattan card which is my favorite for last 8 years. I make more than 20,000 cashback and get annual fees waived off every year.
If you are first time applicant and looking for life time free card, then apply for Standard Chartered Platinum Credit Card.
(No brainer that it’s best reward credit card without any fees. Good for shopping and regular expenses)
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.
Sir,
I am a corporate employee getting salary like 25k/month now. I mostly spend on online shopping(Amazon,Myntra,Flipkart,Paytm, Jabong etc.) or shopping(mostly apparel) at malls, some causal dines(3-5 times/month).
Would you please suggest me which card I should go for.’
Thanks
I replied to you via email as well. You should apply for ICICI or Stan Char Platinum Reward Card.
Hi Pradeep,
Kudos to the article.. Good job; I found it very informative.
Currently I use HDFC Regalia card and have good credit history.
Thinking of getting Diners Black. Any intel on this card ?
Is there a better card from a different bank in the same category ?
Thx..
Diner and Regalia have almost similar benefit. Rather apply for a travel specific credit card (Amex Travel or Citi Miles).
20% Off on Uber rides by using Standard Chartered ATM
Hi ,my earnings are 14000 in hand, my expenditures are majorly on fuel and online shopping which card would b best for me
SBI Simply click will be a good card for you. But I am sure that SBI will not approve for 14K salary.
For the first card, you should apply for ICICI or StanChar Platinum. (However thin chances of getting approval)
Can you apply against Fixed Deposit?
Thanks Pardeep, I have HDFC gold card, but it does not ask for pin while swiping it.
Considering, it is not safe I am looking for a new card.
My requirement is simple – more than freebies, discounts and rewards. I would prefer to have:
================
1) No annual fee or very less
2) reminder call on due payment to avoid late payment fee
3) more safe and secured
4) limited withdrawal limited (my spending by card is limited, hence I would not like to have withdrawal or spending limit more than 50,000 a month)
5) good discounts on online shopping
Thanks in advance,
Sanjay
Sanjay, I am not aware of any credit card company which calls to remind due date. You can set the reminder through apps like MoneyView.
For security, rewards & Low annual fees card, apply for Manhattan Card from Standard Chartered (I use that card as primary).
Discounts keep vary time to time, suggest to own the cards from all major banks.
Hi Pradeep, I was looking for a card with benefits on fuel and valid for all Petrol Pumps. Could you please suggest me. Currently I am using Std Chartered Platinum rewards card for my other expenses.
Standard Chartered Platinum is good for earning rewards.
Use
Citibank card for IndianOil petrol pumps. Earn 4 Turbo Points (equal to 4 Rs.) on Rs.150 of fuel purchases at authorized IndianOil Retail Outlets across the country.Which one of these is better for domestic travel – HDFC Jet Privilege World vs Citibank Premier Miles.
My primary goal is domestic travel using air miles.
Rohit, It depends how you are using your credit cards for travel.
CitiBank Premier Miles wins HDFC Jet Priviledge in long run if you spend all your travel on Citi Card.
Thanks Pardeep. I have applied for the Premier Miles card.
Cool. Let me know once it got approved 🙂
Received the card today. Came in the same packaging as their rewards card. I was expecting more frills in the package considering their free card (Rewards) came with a card sleeve.
Hi Pardeep, nice article. I have been using the manhattan card for many years now. How do you waive off the annual charges?
Thanks Ramesh. Read this post about waiving annual charges – https://staging.cashoverflow.in/fees-waiver-credit-cards/
Can i put some of your informations in my website http://www.s4saving.in
What exactly you want to put on your website? Copying content is not allowed but a portion can be used to refer the important part. Send me email before re-posting.
I have HDFC-Regalia(life time free for me), Amex-Gold, Amex- Platinum (every year they waived off all yearly charges) specially Amex- Gold have much benefits compare to other cards. (every 9 months I earn 7500 INR, Depending on your uses), I have SBI platinum too which has other benefits like balance transfer, balance transfer on EMI etc, I will put Amex -Gold is No One, Amex- platinum is No2 , SBI platinum No3, HDFC regalia No-4
Thanks a great strategy. You can join our group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1411849252447667/ for insightful discussions on credit cards.
Nice Article Pardeep. I have the Amex Gold card, HDFC Regalia and Citibank First Citizen card (shopper’s stop). I want to upgrade or cancel my citibank card. Given the other cards I have, which card should I opt for?
Hi Srinavas, I have the Amex-Gold card. How can I maximise its benefits? Could you help with the strategy to get 7500 every 9 months?
so you have used all the credit cards in the list right
Not all cards. My favorite cards are Amex Gold and Stan Manhattan. I also have Regalia, HDFC All Miles, and ICICI Platinum. Planning to apply for SBI & CITI bank cards.
i have joined one company last month, till now i have only one salary(& Payslip ofcourse) can i get standard chartered manhatten card,
Depends on your salary. Have you applied?
how about citi Prestige
What did you like in that which is not covered by above mentioned cards?
Hi Pardeep,
I was planning for a secured Credit Card, so recently paid a visit to my local HDFC branch, I was offered HDFC regalia card for 4 lakhs, and Regalia first for 2 Lakhs, since regalia is being downgraded from Nov 1, should i go for the Regalia first for 2 lakhs FD ?
Hi Pradeep,
What is this CPP Card Protection Plan. Is this trustworthy and useful ?
Hai Sir I am interested in credit card but all those credit cards apply but we required IT written ,but without IT Written apply with bank credit card
You can get ICICI Platinum card against Fixed Deposit.
For students which is best
ICICI Platinum is good for anyone who want to apply for the first time.
Hi Mr. Pradeep,
Thanks for your nice article. I spend approx. 30000/- for me and my family members against utility bills, like electricity, telephone, misc. insurance etc. plz suggest me best credit card…
sbi simply save card
Excellent blog with great info..Will follow the advise and provide the feedback
Great Article with lots of useful info. Thanks Pardeep. Will try your advise and revert with feedback
Hi.. I have a CC spend of nearly 15k per month on shopping, utilities, travel booking etc. and nearly 10k-15k by cash on various several other places. Now i am looking for a credit card where i can collect points or miles for next 2 to 3 year and use it for international/domestic flight booking. I travel frequently but it is taken care by my organisation.
Can you help me with such credit card which can help me achieve by goal? Card shall not have too much of AMC charges
ICICI Platinum card needs a fixed deposit at ICICI Bank.
http://www.icicibank.com/Personal-Banking/cards/Consumer-Cards/Credit-Card/instant_platinum/ipcc-how-to-apply.page?#toptitle
I don’t want to open account at ICICI Bank. Can I still get the card?
You don’t have to open FD with ICICI. Apply directly from this link
I want credit card with no Joining and annual fees
ICICI platinum card is best in that case.
Hi Pardeep,
Income <1200000 Annually
Monthly Spends:
Fuel Exp =3000-4000(min transactn 200)
Movie Exp=900-1800
Grocery=3000-7000
Dining=1000-2000
Online Shopping=3500-5000
Utility=5000-7000
Need:
Low Joining/ Annual fee
Points to Cashback adjustable in the Card bill
Offers for Movie/ Online Shopping
Add on Card
Cards used:
Icici HP Coral Platinum for fuel(2.5%Surch Waived & 2.5%Cash Back no mimimum transaction amt)
SBI Simply Save Titanium for Groceries, Dining and Movies(10x rewards)
Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium(5% cashback for transaction of rs 750 on fuel, mobile & utility bills)
Kindly suggest which is the Best Credit Card for the Above needs.
Thanks
Pradeep
If I would be at your place,
#1. I would ask ICICI to convert Coral to free-for-life card (since coral card does not come with great perks and have annual fees)
#2. Convert SC Titanium to Manhattan for 5% cashback on groceries
#3. Keep using SBI Titanium for Dining and Movies
#4. Apply for Amex Gold for loading Paytm and Amazon for online shopping (earning 400 worth of money just by spending 4000 online every month) Ref: Review on Amex Gold
Don’t you spend money on travel?
🙂
Thanks for the Suggestions Pardeep.
#1. ICICI HP Coral: Will try calling them and make it free for life (I prefer this card for Fuel as it gives me (2,5% surcharge waiver+ 2.5% cashback+ 5%payback points=10% Benefit).
#2. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium : Recently they increased my Credit limit, but will get it converted to Manhattan.
#3. SBI Simply Save : Recently they asked for Upgrading it to SBI Visa Signature CC (I am confused if I should go for it).
#4. Amex : Will give it a try 😉
I want to Travel (Who doesnt? :p ), was planning an International Trip for last 2 years. I really liked, your writeup about the long Thai International trip, really inspired me. By the way, which is the Best card for International Trips/spends.
Cheers.
Great Post
Thanks Megha
Dear Pradeep,
Iam a AXIS BANK -MY BUSINESS card holder, resendly I got a call from SBI CARD people & applied for SBI CARD. Could you explain MERIT & DEMERIT of TATA TITANIUM CARD?
thanks..shree
Hello Pardeep,
I don’t have any credit history with any bank. I am planning to have a credit card so that i can build my CIBIL.
Kindly suggest which card is the best for the fist time applicant.
Hi ,
The application link for Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum card is incorrect, it is getting routed to Titanium credit card, request you to kindly correct the same.
I tried that and know that by default it takes to Titanium card. I tested by filling application on my friend’s name and received call from Standard Chartered. I confirmed that they are ready to apply for Manhattan Card even when I filled application for other card.
Basically your card application starts by filling u physical form. They collect your information so that they can call you.
Try that and let me know if your card gets approved.
Pro Tip: You can ask for waiver of joining fees and annual fees when they call you back 🙂
Hi Pradeep,
My monthly expenditure bellow 10000,
Please tell me which credit card best for me. I am a salaried person & Sbi account holder and my monthly gross Salary 32000
You can easily get
ICICI Platinum card, highly recommended for you.At same time, you can also apply for
Standard Chartered Manhattan that offers you better cashback and rewards (you can get waiver on joining fees and annual fees).Update me which card got approved for you, with how much credit limit 🙂
I think you missed the Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium card. 5% cash back forever on fuel, utility and phone bills!!
btw, really good articles on managing finances!
Titanium is also a good card but benefits are limited to fuel, utility and phone bills. That you can find in many regular cards.
I suggest Manhattan card because it gives you 5% on groceries on which we spend about 10,000 every month. A potential cashback of 500 every month.
They are asking for 500 annul fee for hdfc money back credit card!!
Chirag, you can get fees waiver after spending 10,000 on card within 90 days of activation.
Pradeep I spend in excess of 50,000 monthly on cards – what would be the best card that rewards me with airline miles (Jet etc) or equivalent. Regards Rajiv
Rajiv, Apply for Amex Platinum Travel or Citi Premier Miles or HDFC Regalia.
Dear Pradeep,
Thanks for this useful article…Currently I am using BOB Card but customer service is bad so I want to apply for another credit cards. May I know which are the best credit cards for
1. Flight, Train or Hotel Booking
2. Utility Bills Payment with cash back offer
3. Online Shopping with Amazon, Croma, Flipkart, Ebay etc…
I will prefer cards of SBI, HDFC, Axis, HSBC or Stan Chart with a minimum annual fee. Kindly advice. Thanks and have a good day.
Regards,
Raj Sing
PSU banks suck at their customer service for credit cards except SBI whose credit card division is managed by a separate company.
If you spend a lot on particular category then apply for specialized card – like for railways SBI Railway card, for air travel Citi Premier Miles, for online shopping HDFC Moneyback, for groceries SC Manhattan..
But if you spend about 1 to 2 Lakh per year on everything combined then apply for Manhattan Card. You will get 5% cashback on groceries in supermarket.
Read my detailed review on Manhattan card before applying.
Hi Pradeep,
Thanks for this useful article. I want to know which credit card will be great for all round performance and secondly, I want to know that which card is great for getting rewards/savings, specially from online shopping and grocery shopping.
Also, you mentioned that you use HDFC Regalia for foreign transactions, is it good for those kind of transactions????
Hey Nikhil, If you have HDFC Regalia then you can run 100% of your expenses on that card, but the issue is that it’s very difficult to get this card.
My Regalia is lifetime free, but you may get that with Rs. 2500 annual fees.
So better option is to
apply for SC Manhattan Card. I run 90% of expenses on Manhattan even when I have Regalia.On Bank Bazaar, it is clearly showing that HDFC regalia is life time free card. Please let me know if I am missing any information
Not sure why BankBazaar has written wrong information. Regalia is free for very selected people who have strong relationships with HDFC bank (like previous loan accounts, other hdfc credit card with high limit).
You can check the annual fees list from their website (They revised the fees to 2500 which is waived off by spending 40K in 90 days of card activation) – http://www.hdfcbank.com/assets/pdf/cc_common_MITC.pdf
I am applying for DCB Payless credit card which is based on fix deposit I got this reference from creditmantri.com they say dcb bank update cibil every month is it true please waiting for reply…………
Every bank update CIBIL every month. Avoid getting credit card from government banks except SBI, you will face difficulty in customer service.
Go for Credit cards against Fixed Deposit -> ICICI, HDFC, SBI
Look at this:
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
This card by Amex comes with 8% reward rate which is a good reason to consider if you are a frequent traveller. Also, American Express Platinum Travel Card is a charge card with a higher credit limit which is an add-on benefit.
Annual fee: 3500?
Nothing is accurate about this article. This is a credit card, and not a charge card. Annual fee is 5000 + tax or ~5775 (even though joining fee is indeed 3500+tax = ~4000)
The author of this article is clueless
Hi Deepak, I am the clueless Author of this article 🙂
Thanks for bringing this into my notice. Readers like you always help me look at my mistakes and improve myself (and my articles).
The article is not well researched. The author does not seem to have a clue about reward points, and makes sweeping generalisations saying : “1% return on online shopping. No other card can beat that”.
Hey Deepak, I appreciate your comments even when they sound bitter. You can read exclusive review of Manhattan card here and let me know your thoughts. I explained how I earn 1% cashback.
Hey,
Excellent info Pradeep.
I have Citi Rewards card and HSBC Platinum Card.
My monthly spends are around 20000. I Spend mostly online shopping and recharges like PayTm, Mobiquick, Flipcart and for grocery shopping at Reliance Fresh.
Can you please suggest me best credit card for me.
I too have most of spending online and on grocery. I use SCB Manhattan Card. Read complete review in my article before applying – https://staging.cashoverflow.in/sc-manhattan-credit-card-review/
Hey,
Excellent review there Pradeep.
I’m planning to get my very first credit card and I’m thinking of getting the ICICI Instant Platinum card.
But I noticed it doesn’t have any theft cover. So I want to know what happens when your card details gets compromised or you lose your card and is misused. I’ve heard of a few cases where people still have their card with them but foreign currencies have been drawn from it without them doing it. What are some tips to avoid such incidents and are we to pay for the misuse of cards?
Thank You!!
American Express cards and premium cards provide theft cover. Rest of the cards provide protection after you reported loss/misuse of card.
As a first card, apply for ICICI. Build your credit history and apply for premium cards.
If you have salary of 6L+ then directly apply for SCB Manhattan card – read complete review here – https://staging.cashoverflow.in/sc-manhattan-credit-card-review/
Even in US merchants hates AMEX because of huge txn charges.. Same in India..I canceled my AMEX after one year.. Regalia is way better..
There is no comparison of AMEX with Regalia.. use amex gold card to earn bonus 1000 points every month. Regalia for earning 4 points for every 100 rupees.
Hello, I have not used any credit card yet. I need a credit card in which i get good cashback rewards point in buying items online, buying grocery at retail store, shopping, dinning, booking train & flight tickets, fuel & fuel surcharge waive off and buying international items online. The card should also be used outside india and have nil or less joining fees with APR.
I have an account in kotak & icici. Please advise.
In my experience, SCB card works best for online shopping and groceries.. I save 6000+ rupees every year and they waive off my annual fees. Read my review before applying – https://staging.cashoverflow.in/sc-manhattan-credit-card-review/
Manhatten Credit Card has a Joining Fee as well as an annual fee
You can get it waived off if you use card regularly.
I am holding this card for more than 5 years and never paid annual fees 🙂
Hi,
I use an Axis Signature Credit card and I do not have annual fees. My points accrued also enable me to claim various gifts from their featured catalogue.
I do have a 25% cash back on movie tickets too. As well as other features for dining and shopping.
Just a query. You do not think it is worth it?
You might have got special offer from Axis otherwise Signature card comes at annual fees of 5000 Rupees. Keep using Axis Signature card, it’s definitely worth if there is no annual fees.
Hi,
You can pay your mobile bills with the accrued Axis Edge reward points. I guess each point is 20 paise. I do the redemption that way only before the points get expired.
Standard chartered points are worth 30 paisa. Read my review about Manhattan card – https://staging.cashoverflow.in/sc-manhattan-credit-card-review/
Hello, i am thinking of taking a credit card for my mom shes a state govt employee. This would be the first. I was thinking about hdfc moneyback card. Would it be good? Please suggest.
Ps. Low annual fee is an important priority.
I don’t know about your spending pattern.
I think you should apply for Citi Bank Cashback Credit Card, to earn 0.5% cashback on all transactions and 5% on selected categories.
Read more in the article above….
Hi,
Did you check Citi Prestige and HDFC Diners black? Both have very good features.
I checked all the credit cards. Citi Prestige and HDFC Diner are good cards but my favorites are SCB, Regalia and Amex Gold
Nice article… I liked SCB credit card but I have heard many negative Standard Chartered Credit Cards. Can you educate me more on this?
I always had a great experience with SCB.
Hi Pardeep, Thank you for making these blog posts regarding Credit cards, it is very informative and useful.
I am planning to apply for the HDFC Cash back credit card, my usage is only for doing online bookings for touring and hotels like on booking.com or Viator.
So does this card works for international online transactions? I heard usually credit cards have an international transaction fee when the amount is In Dollars or Euros. So how much is that?
My main aim is only for doing bookings, so which credit card would you recommend? I don’t want to pay a big amount in yearly fee or joining fee, just want it for simple use. I don’t even need it for buying things or doing shopping, only for bookings.
Kindly Reply
Thank You
Shashi, Almost all cards charge 3.5% transaction charges on international spends except HDFC Regalia that charge 2%.
HDFC Cash back card is good for online transactions.
ps: I prefer standard chartered Manhatten card for most of my transactions.
This is incorrect information. I use the Amex Gold Card and the Annual fee is INR 5,000 not INR 1,000
Thanks Aditya for bringing that to my attention. I have updated the annual fees.
I have recently applied for Gold Card and it’s under process. How have been your experience with Gold Card so far?
I am using Amx Gold card since 1 year. First year fee is 1000 and then 5000 for next year. Worst experience till now. Amex does not have banking operation in india because of that most of the stores are not accepting this as they are still not integrated with Amx. Only Visa and master is popular in india. Also their payment gateway is very slow. Sometime it take 30 min to complete the transaction on amazon and due to that you miss great deal online because things go out of stock on big sale day very quick.
I got my Amex card last month only. I applied to get bonus points after spending 1000 Rs. four times a month.
I will share my experience via an article soon.
What has banking operation got to do with merchant acceptance? I use American Express Platinum Travel extensively, with almost nil annual fees, since my annual spend is upwards of 7L per annum on it. Rewards rate is almost 12% if you know some hacks. Best if the customer service, available at any time of the day. I hardly use my HDFC visa card, and customer service is pain. No toll free nos, point redemption you have to submit manual forms
Premier Miles is my personal favourite. Even on non-travel spends, you get 4 miles for every INR 100 (1mile = INR 0.45) and thus 1.8% on every transaction.
Have not come across any other card which beats that.
Hi Saurabh… I think you havent tried the Diners Club Credit Cards from HDFC… BTW, Coming to premiermiles credit card, wat are the redemption options in non-travel categories? I have received my premiermiles credit card just now
Hi, All spending on premiermiles would earn 4 reward points on 100 rupees spent. 4 points are equal to 1.8 rupees which you can redeem against airtravel on premiermiles.com. Additionally on flight tickets on 100 rupees you get 10 rewards points which is equal to 4.5 rupees or 4.5% which you can again redeem it on premiermiles.com against flight tickets across all airlines. so in nutshell 4.5 % on air travel, and 1.8% on all other spends. beats offers of all other credit cards. Use this credit card along with AMEX Platinum card and Amex Gold Card. The moment you spend 4 lacs on AMEX platinum travel credit card you get 20000 rupees voucher of indigo. which is 5% plus one Taj voucher of 10000 rupees.. Use your AMEX gold card for minimum 4 times in a month for more than 1000 rupees for each transaction and you get 1000 points every months which is equivalent to 400 rupees every month. To Summarize the above discussion. Minimum 1000 rupees per transaction 4 times in a month on Amex Gold Card. All Non Flight transactions on Amex Platinum card till 4 Lakhs in a year to get 5% back in the form of Indigo vouchers plus Taj vouhers. All flight Tickets on Citi Premier miles Credit Card again 5% Back in the form of airmiles. No one can beat this combination.
That’s a good way of using credit cards if you are frequent air traveller and spend about 4 Lakh per year.
Hi Amit,
Thanks for your reply. I took a Amex Platinum Travel card recently to move towards 4lacs (on Amex) + Additional Spends (Citibank PM) strategy. However one drawback with Amex is that benefits come with an expiry date unlike Citibank. You get Indigo vouchers and all but then you have to redeem in a stipulated period. However with Citi you can accumulate points without any fear of expiry.
Managing Amex is becoming a nightmare for people like me who cannot keep track of so many things. I am thinking of moving back to doing all spends on Citibank PM. Hopefully they will not reduce the conversion ratio further. Have 1 lakh+ miles
Can you suggest one between
1.Citi PremierMiles Card
2.Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card
I am not very frequent traveler. But 2-3 domestic round trips a year. So 30K spent slmost.
Mostly shop online. For groceries and others, I prefer retail supermarkets.
Thanks
Sachin, Go with Citi PremierMiles which is better than Axis Privilege card in terms of travel rewards.
For groceries, use Standard Chartered Manhattan Card. You can read my personal experience and review before applying.
Hi Pardeep,,
I am a frequent traveler and a huge fan of Amex Platinum Travel Card.
Yes you said it right, this card gives better benefits for IndiGo.
Thank you for sharing this list. I am planning to apply for the Amex Gold Card after reading your post.
Did you apply for Amex Gold Card? Can you share your experience?
I am using it more than a year. It’s a very nice card specially for online payments, wherever it is accepted.
However, In most small shops and rarely some big merchants as well, it is not accepted. So when you are sure of being able to use it specially 4 times for Rs 1000 or more, it will pay good. I use paytm for occasional uber and DTH, recharge. Sometimes I use amex to book train tickets (Rs1000 plus) if I happen to fall short of 4 transactions in that month, but there’s transaction fess, and potentially internet banking will be cheaper. Same with the electric bill, but check if your company accepts it.
I had used the points to payoff against the purchases, and this is super convenient. Most other cards don’t let you use small number of points.
This time, since I was able to amass more points due to some business trips, I am planning to keep earning points till 18000, when I can avail statement credit. I hope that would be nice.
When it comes to renewal, check with them if you can get any deal. If they see you as valued customer, you could save on fees.