Request received - loud & clear!
Returning you to where you were...
Credit Card - Apply for a wide range of Credit Cards on BankBazaar starting at 0 annual fees, offering many benefits such as lucrative deals and discounts on Shopping, higher Rewards, Cashback, & Welcome Vouchers.
Credit Cards help you make payments for all your expenses with ease. They can be used for both online and offline transactions and offer various benefits.
Apply for a credit card online and select a card that best suits your needs. Enjoy instant approval, zero documentation, hassle-free application process, and a range of other benefits. Compare the best credit cards in India. You can find cards offered by top banks along with their features, benefits, fees, and latest offers in a single place.
A credit card is a plastic or a metal card issued by a bank or a financial body which allows you to borrow money from them to purchase goods and services for yourself. It is important that when you use a credit card to make a certain purchase, you also return the amount back to the bank within a decided date or time.
In case there is a delay in the payment of the billing amount, the bank will charge an interest on the outstanding sum. Further delay in the payment of the outstanding sum may result in not only your card getting revoked but also your credit score getting affected which may make it difficult for you to avail loans or credit cards in future.
In addition to the regular credit line, card issuers may provide a distinct cash line of credit (LOC) to cardholders. This allows them to borrow money through cash advances, accessible via bank tellers, ATMs, or credit card convenience checks. Cash advances typically come with different terms, such as no grace period and higher interest rates, compared to transactions accessing the main credit line. Borrowing limits for cash advances are typically predetermined by issuers based on an individual's credit rating. The majority of businesses allow customers to make purchases using credit cards, which continue to be one of the most widely used payment methods for buying consumer goods and services today.
To help you choose the right card, we have curated a list of the top ten credit cards in India.
Credit Card | Category |
---|---|
RBL Bank BankBazaar SaveMax Co-branded Credit Card | Reward Points |
FinBooster: YES BANK – BankBazaar Co-branded Credit Card | Reward Points |
HSBC Platinum Credit Card | Travel and Dining |
IndusInd Platinum Card | Fee Waiver |
IndusInd Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card | Lifestyle |
SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card | Reward Points |
HDFC Diners ClubMiles Credit Card | Lounge Access |
HDFC Freedom Credit Card | Reward Points |
Axis Bank Neo Credit Card | Shopping and Movies |
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card | Cashback |
Credit Cards come with a range of features and benefits. They allow you to make online and in-store secure payments, build a good credit history, and offer instant access to funds during emergencies. You can earn rewards such as points or cashback on your purchases, enjoy travel perks such as access to airport lounges and travel insurance, and get protection for your purchases with extended warranties.
They also offer the flexibility to pay off balances over time and provide fraud protection. Overall, they provide convenience and extra advantages for consumers.
Welcome Gift | Many banks offer a welcome gift to new applicants once the card is issued through bonus reward points, vouchers, discounts, and other benefits. |
Rewards Program | They generally offer a reward program, which allows cardholders to earn reward points on every transaction they make using their cards. |
Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Banks offer a fuel surcharge waiver to the cardholders on spending a specific amount of money on fuel every month. |
Cashback Benefits | Many cards offer cashback on daily spends and help the cardholder save money. |
Lifestyle Benefits | Cardholders can enjoy various lifestyle benefits on their cards, such as offers on dining, shopping, wellness, entertainment, and other benefits. |
Travel Benefits | Travel benefits of these cards include air miles, airport lounge access, travel insurance, airline offers, hotel offers, and other benefits. |
Airport Lounge Access | Some cards offer complimentary airport lounge access to cardholders. The offer varies from one bank to another. |
Add-on Cards | Cardholders can apply for add-on cards for their immediate family members and share the benefits of their card. |
Insurance Coverage | Some premier cards come with a comprehensive insurance policy that provides coverage against air accidents, life, lost baggage, lost card, outstanding, and other benefits. |
Balance Transfer | Cardholders can transfer the outstanding balance of their existing cards issued by one bank to the card account of another bank and pay off the balance at a lower interest rate. |
Global Acceptance | Today, most credit cards that are issued in India are international cards and are accepted by various merchants all over the world. |
EMI Conversion | This feature allows the cardholders to convert their transactions into easy monthly instalments (EMIs). |
Credit Score | Owning a card helps you build a healthy credit score or a CIBIL score. By making timely payments on your card and in full, you can build your credit history and improve your credit score. |
Credit card issuers in India offer a variety of cards to cater to the varied needs and preferences of the users. Some of the popular types of credit cards available include the following:
Choosing the right credit card that aligns with individual spending habits and financial goals can help you reap the maximum benefits of your card.
To be eligible for a credit card in India, you typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a regular source of income. The income requirement varies depending on the type of card and the issuer. Having a good credit history and a positive credit score can also improve your chances of approval. You must provide identification, address proof, income proof, and other necessary documents when applying. Meeting the eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee approval, as the credit card issuer may consider other factors.
Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
---|---|
Nationality | Indian |
Age | 18 years |
Employment status | Salaried or Self-employed |
Income | Differs from one bank to the other |
Credit Score | Good credit score (700 and above) |
When applying for a credit card, the documents required may vary depending on the issuer. However, in most cases you will need to submit the following documents:
Given below are the steps that shows how a card works:
You can choose a card that best suits your needs, by considering the following factors:
You can compare & apply for a credit card on BankBazaar by following these four simple steps:
Step 1: Provide your employment details, pin code, mobile number, and first and last name with just a few clicks.
Step 2: Enter the OTP received on your phone and click on 'Submit'.
Step 3: Based on the profile, the best cards available to you will be displayed on your screen.
Step 4: Select the card you like, apply for it and enjoy instant approval online.
Alternately, you can also apply for a card online on the bank’s website.
BankBazaar offers an end-to-end application process, wherein you can browse through most of the credit cards offered by various banks, compare their features and benefits, and apply for the best credit card in just a few clicks.
Let's look at the perks that we offer for applying for a credit card through us.
It is the 12 to 16 digit number printed on the front or back of your card. It is used to identify both the credit card issuer and the account holder and is normally 16 digits long and appears in sets of four.
The following are some of the important tips on how to use a credit card:
If you have more than one credit card, ensure that you are using the right one based on your needs. For instance, use a travel credit card if you spend a considerable part of your income on travel expenses such as booking flight tickets, hotels, and more. This way you can earn more reward points.
One of the best ways to use credit cards is to convert your purchases into EMIs and repay the bills as per your convenience.
Keep a track of your spends to ensure that you do not go overlimit, and that you have sufficient funds to pay of your credit card spends.
Credit cards offer higher reward points when you use them to make purchases online.
You can to redeem their reward points to get discounts on hotel bookings, flight tickets, etc. These reward points provide exclusive shopping vouchers, cashbacks, and recharge voucher to the users.
In India, you cannot transfer money directly from your card to other bank accounts. However, you can always use third-party websites and apps to do the same. You can transfer money to other bank accounts using your debit card. This can be done via net banking and mobile banking.
The reward point system of credit cards allows you to earn reward points every time you spend on different purchases. The accumulated reward points can be redeemed for merchandise, air miles, gift vouchers, or cash. The reward points have an expiry date and the minimum points needed for redemption differs from one card to another.
Generally, the rejection of your application for a credit card will not directly impact your CIBIL score. Your CIBIL score is largely affected by default in payments and an unstable income source. You can always reapply for a new card once you have understood the reasons why your credit card application was rejected the first time and rectify the same. This can be done by paying off all dues.
A Credit card statement or bill is generated every 30/31 days. The bill generation date depends on the date on which the card is first issued, and the same date will be followed for the subsequent months.
Besides the bill amount, which is also called the outstanding amount on the card, the statement also provides a detailed history of all the transactions conducted during the billing period.
It also reflects the total credit limit, available credit limit, cash limit, due date, and other related information. The statement is typically mailed to the cardholder’s registered e-mail address every month. However, if the total outstanding balance is less than a certain cut-off, say Rs. 200, no statement will be generated.
Fraudulent credit card transactions are very common in today's world. Through credit card skimming, phishing, and vishing, your credit card information can be stolen and used without your knowledge. You need to be very alert about any suspicious emails and calls that you may receive. You must report any fraudulent credit card transactions to your bank at least within two days of the event happening. A few banks also allow you to block your credit card online. Keep in mind that with the growing cases of cybercrimes, you need to be very careful as to where and to whom you give your credit card information.
A credit cards is a financial tool that enables cardholders to pay for their online and offline purchases on credit. The cardholders usually don’t have to pay any interest on their purchases, if they pay off their credit card bills within the due date.
Yes. You can apply for a credit card online on the credit card issuer’s website, or you can conveniently compare multiple cards and apply for one on BankBazaar.
The renewed card usually has the same number as your expired card, but the new card's CVV (Card Verification Value) number is different.
If you already have a credit history, you can check your eligibility, choose a card that suits your lifestyle needs and apply for it on BankBazaar. If you do not have a credit history, you can opt for a secure credit card, usually offered against fixed deposits.
A credit card gives you a line of credit; you can use this to make purchases, cash advances and balance transfers. You will have to pay back the amount by the due date specified by the bank. You have the option to pay the minimum amount, any amount more than that, or the total amount due.
The credit limit is the maximum amount one can spend on their card. A higher credit limit will allow you to spend more, and can also help improve your credit score.
You do not have to use your card every month, but you must use it often to avoid the bank labelling it as an inactive card.
A credit score above 750 is ideal for getting a credit card.
Even if you do not have a job and have a substantial cash inflow into your account every month, you may be eligible for a credit card.
Yes. Due to the online application system, your credit card application could be approved in one day. However, you may not get the physical credit card in one day.
Yes. Many credit cards offer complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
Yes. Most credit cards come with a reward point system that lets you earn points on your credit card spends. You can redeem these points for vouchers, cashback, or air miles.
The number one should own is not fixed. It depends on your financial ability and your spending behaviour. However, ensure that you smartly manage all the cards and make payments on time.
Credit scores above 750 are generally deemed suitable for credit card approvals. Scores below 750 are usually considered poor, and approval may be subject to pledging a collateral as security (collateral such as fixed deposits).
The best and easiest way to get a credit card is to apply for it on a platform like BankBazaar. You can compare the features, benefits, fees, interest rates, etc., and choose a card that best suits your needs.
No. You don't have to pay interest on all the transactions. However, if you're not repaying the due amount within the stipulated time, the unpaid due would attract interest along with all the new transactions till the due amount is repaid in full.
The minimum amount due is the minimum amount a credit cardholder needs to pay in case they cannot pay the total outstanding. It is typically 5% of the total outstanding amount on the card.
Yes. Banks do charge processing fees for loans against credit cards. However, you need to pay a very nominal processing fee.
Credit cards are automatically renewed toward the end of the expiration period. A renewed card with a new expiration date is usually sent to the cardholder a month before the existing card's expiration.
Credit cards issued in India are usually valid for 3 to 5 years.
It depends on your card type. If your credit card is accepted globally, you can use it in other countries, as mentioned by your card issuer. However, a foreign transaction fee may be charged for all purchases abroad.
It depends on various factors - the number of days late, the number of instances, and the amount due. Based on all this, your credit card issuer would decide whether to report the same to the credit agencies.
You can always reopen a credit card account if it is closed. The credit card issuer will consider how long ago you closed the credit card account. However, remember there is no guarantee that the issuer will allow you to reopen the account.
In most cases, credit card issuers will not charge you any fee if your credit card hasn't been used for months. They will likely charge you an inactivity or dormant account fee. Depending on the credit card issuer, an inactivity fee is generally charged on deposit accounts.
Different banks will charge different fees. Typically, the charge will range from 2.5% to 3% of your transaction amount. There will be a minimum amount of Rs.250 to Rs.500.
When you lose your credit card, you need to notify the bank immediately, and they will block your account.
Yes, you may be able to get a secured credit card without having a credit score. However, the bank will charge a higher fee. Usually, banks accept a CIBIL score of 700-750 and above to issue a card.
This process is also known as a cash advance. The bank will set the maximum amount you withdraw from an ATM using your credit card. Remember that this is generally capped at up to 30% to 40% of your card limit.
You must be minimum 18 years old to apply for a credit card.
If you apply for a credit card online, the approval process may be completed within a day.
You can use international credit cards in India. You can contact your credit card issuer to learn if you card can be used in India.
Yes. You can set a transaction limit on your credit card. You must contact your credit card issuer to set the limit.
You can reach a bank's credit card customer care by calling their customer care number or by sending an email to them. You may also contact them though chat support or WhatsApp support.
You can easily disable or enable international transactions either by contacting your card issuer’s customer support or through their website, or their mobile app.
You will have to submit a form to change the phone number of your credit card. Some credit card issuers will allow you to change your number online; while others will need you to visit their branch to update contact details.
The credit card issuer will decide the credit limit for your card by looking into a lot of factors, like your repayment history, credit score, monthly income, total debt, etc.
Yes, you might be charged a fee of 1% to 4% of the transaction amount for international transactions.
A CPP service will protect your credit card from loss, theft, fraud, etc.
The five major credit card networks in India are Visa, MasterCard, American Express Banking Corp (Amex), Discover, Diners Club International, and RuPay (by the National Payments Corporation of India).
Yes, you can pay your credit card bill with another credit card, by transferring the balance of your card to the other card.
On the cardholder's demise, the payment of the remaining bills must be made by the legal heir.
In most cases, you cannot use your credit card at an ATM without a PIN.
Yes, you can apply for multiple cards simultaneously if you meet the eligibility criteria.
In an effort to improve customer experience, AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) introduced a number of financial products on 23 April 2024. Two of these products are credit cards: the AU SPONT Rupay Credit Card and the Secured Credit Card - NOMO (No Missing Out). With the UPI Scan and Pay feature, users of the AU SPONT Rupay credit card can easily link the card to their favourite UPI-enabled application and make payments conveniently. The NOMO (No Missing Out) Credit Card is backed by a fixed deposit (FD) and is the first secured credit card offered by the bank.
The NOMO credit card is intended for individuals who do not meet the requirements for unsecured credit cards because of reasons like limited credit history, no credit score, or lack of proof of income. In addition to offering reward points based on card usage, this credit card comes with extra benefits like fuel surcharge waivers and access to airport lounges.
25 April 2024
As the spending on travel credit cards surges, SBI Card introduces three versions of its travel-centric credit card, SBI Card MILES. These variants—SBI Card MILES ELITE, SBI Card MILES PRIME, and SBI Card MILES—are designed to cater to all types of travellers, from frequent flyers to passionate explorers. Operable on both Mastercard and RuPay networks, SBI Card MILES enables users to convert travel credits into air miles and hotel points. Additionally, they enjoy enhanced rewards on all travel bookings, airport lounge access, and more. These credits can be converted into air miles or hotel points with partner brands or used directly for booking flights and accommodations via the SBI Card mobile app or website. With a wide array of redemption options, including partnerships with over 20 airlines and hotel chains such as Air Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet, ITC Hotels, and Accor, users have flexibility in how they utilise their travel credits.
24 April 2024
Indian fintech giant Paytm unveiled two domestically manufactured soundboxes on 22 April 2024, designed for UPI and credit card payments via QR code, promising enhanced instant notifications for received payments. These advanced soundboxes offer superior sound quality and battery life, catering specifically to Indian conditions. The launch coincided with One97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of Paytm, completing the migration of merchant customer accounts from Paytm to other UPI handles. Starting on 17 April 2024, the company-initiated customer migration to partner Payment Service Provider (PSP) banks such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, and Yes Bank. Sharma emphasised that the soundboxes were developed to address the high-noise environments in India, describing them as 'authentic Indian innovations'.
The launch features sleek versions of the Paytm soundbox and pocket soundbox, both waterproof and equipped with 4G connectivity, instant audio confirmation, powerful speakers, long-lasting battery life of up to 10 days, and support for notifications in 11 languages. The company's statement highlighted the Paytm Soundbox's capability to enable Rupay Credit Card transactions on UPI, offering zero MDR to small merchants for transactions under Rs. 2000, thereby aiding in reducing transaction fees for small businesses and encouraging digital payments adoption.
23 April 2024
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced enhancements to the RuPay Credit Card on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform.
The latest features include an EMI facility for linked credit accounts on the UPI app, Credit Account Bill Payment, Instalment Payment, and limit management. NPCI has directed issuing entities such as banks and card issuers to activate these features by 31 May 2024.
5 April 2024
Two major banks, Yes Bank and IDFC First Bank, have announced the implementation of a credit card surcharge on utility transactions beginning May 1. This move comes as credit card issuers reassess their incentive categories and income streams due to recent industry developments. For Yes Bank, when the total amount of utility bill payments made with a credit card exceeds Rs 15,000 in a statement cycle, the bank would levy a 1-percentage-point plus GST surcharge. IDFC First Bank, on the other hand, would incur a similar extra of 1% + GST when utility bill payments surpass Rs 20,000 in a statement cycle.
3 April 2024
The newly introduced Titan SBI card, a shopping credit card, aims to cater to consumers' aspirational spending requirements and provide enhanced benefits across various lifestyle categories.
Interested individuals can conveniently apply for the card through the SBI Card SPRINT platform, available on the SBI Card website or at Titan stores, offering a seamless digital enrollment process.
22 March 2024
Beginning on April 1, 2024, ICICI Bank plans to modify the airport lounge access perks associated with some of its credit cards. "Starting April 01, 2024, you can enjoy one complimentary airport lounge access by spending Rs. 35,000 in the preceding calendar quarter," reads the ICICI Bank website. Access for the upcoming calendar quarter will be granted based on the expenditure made in the previous quarter. To qualify for free lounge access for the April, May, and June 2024 quarter, you must spend at least Rs. 35,000 during the January, February, and March 2024 quarters, and likewise for the subsequent quarters.
20 March 2024
Punjab National Bank (PNB) and EaseMyTrip collaborated to introduce the PNB EMT Credit Card, a travel credit card designed to provide Indian travellers with a range of benefits. This credit card can be used in 100 countries and has an annual membership fee of Rs.2,000. Customers can take advantage of special deals like a renewal fee waiver, insurance, fuel surcharge waiver, airport lounge access, cashback, discounts, and welcome gifts. The PNB EMT Credit Card enables customers to earn rewards in a number of categories, such as hotels, flights, and trip packages.
To avail the credit card, a customer has to log in to easemytrip.com or pnbindia.in or PNB ONE App. Additionally, customers can avail special offers like cashback on a maximum of four card transactions per month for hotels, airline tickets, and holiday packages. On bus bookings, customers can also receive a flat discount of Rs.125 with a minimum transaction of Rs. 500. Exclusive benefits on the card include a welcome gift voucher worth Rs.3,000, 300+ reward points upon activating the card, insurance cover of up to Rs.2 lakh for accidental death and personal total disability, and complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
5 March 2024
HDFC Bank, a prominent private financial institution in India, has broadened its SME payment solutions by introducing a new range of business credit cards. These cards, available in four variants — BizFirst, BizGrow, BizPower, and BizBlack — are tailored to meet the needs of business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. With a 55-day interest-free credit period, they facilitate significant savings on crucial business expenses. The BizFirst Variant earns 3% cash points on EMI spending, 2% on utility bills and electronics, and 1% on other expenses. The BizGrow Variant grants two cash points for every Rs. 150 spent on business necessities, with 10x cash points on specific business expenditures. The BizPower Variant rewards four points for every Rs. 150 spent on business essentials and provides 5x reward points on selected business spends, along with domestic airport lounge access. The BizBlack Variant grants five reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on business requirements, offers 5x reward points on specific business spends, and includes an exclusive redemption catalogue. Moreover, the Metal edition of these cards offers unlimited access to airport lounges.
9 February 2024
The popularity of credit cards in India is witnessing a steady rise, with the total number surpassing the 100 million mark. According to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as of December 2023, there were 97.9 million outstanding credit cards, with a remarkable addition of 1.9 million cards during that month alone.
In the calendar year 2023, 16.71 million credit cards were added, a significant increase from the 12.24 million added in 2022. This growth trend has remained consistent over the past five years, with the number of credit cards in circulation witnessing a surge of nearly 77 percent from 55.53 million in December 2019.
The surge in credit card issuance can be attributed to a combination of sustained efforts by banks and evolving consumer spending habits. Among the private sector players, HDFC Bank continues to lead the pack with 19.81 million cards in circulation as of December 2023, slightly up from 19.51 million in November. Additionally, HDFC Bank recently announced crossing the milestone of 20 million cards in January this year.
Other major players in the credit card segment include ICICI Bank with 16.48 million cards, SBI Card with 18.48 million cards, and Axis Bank with 13.58 million cards.
In terms of credit card spending, Indians made transactions amounting to approximately ~1.65 trillion in December 2023, compared to ~1.61 trillion in November. This increase reflects a mix of spending patterns across point of sale (PoS) and e-commerce platforms.
2 February 2024
Display of any trademarks, tradenames, logos and other subject matters of intellectual property belong to their respective intellectual property owners. Display of such IP along with the related product information does not imply BankBazaar's partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property or issuer/manufacturer of such products.
Gain an edge by connecting with us via email. We promise never to spam you.
Request received - loud & clear!
Returning you to where you were...
Psst... We'll ensure you're the very first to know the moment rates change.
We'll email you immediately! You snooze, you lose.