Comparing the 10 Best Credit Cards to Have in India 2025

The quest for the best credit card to have in India is often a fraught affair with the numerous offers one is entitled to. If at all you’re in search of loyalty points, cashback, or travel rewards the appropriate credit card India will be very helpful in getting higher financial returns. On our Test My Card site, we assist you in filling out the applications and making comparisons, thus eliminating the hassle of selecting the best credit card in India in 2025.

Among many features, you will get acquainted with the ten best credit cards in India and get step-by-step instructions on how to apply for it online through our interface, which ensures that your choice is not just an ad hoc one but corresponds to your way of living.

Why Finding the Best Credit Card to Have in India Matters

Credit cards are multi-purpose not just as a payment tool; they're also financial items that can increase your purchasing ability and pay you back for your habits. A 2024 report by the Reserve Bank of India reveals that credit card usage in India rose by 27% year-on-year, thus indicating their increasing popularity (RBI Annual Report, 2024).

The best credit card to have in India for you is one that you can use in accordance with the way you spend your money and at the same time has low fees and offers you many bonuses.

Top 10 Credit Cards India for 2025

Here’s a curated list of the best credit cards to have in India for 2025, drawn from leading banks like American Express, Axis Bank, HDFC, and more. Each card is evaluated for its rewards, fees, and suitability.

1. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
• Best For: Frequent travelers
• Key Features: Earn 4 Membership Reward Points per ₹100 spent on travel, complimentary Taj vouchers worth ₹9,000 annually, and 8 domestic lounge visits per year.
• Annual Fee: ₹3,500 + GST
• Why Choose It: Ideal for those seeking travel perks and luxury hotel benefits.

2.Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

• Best For: Premium lifestyle
• Key Features: 12 EDGE Reward Points per ₹200 spent, unlimited international lounge access, and a 1% forex markup fee.
• Annual Fee: ₹12,500 + GST
• Why Choose It: Perfect for high spenders who value luxury and travel rewards.

3.HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card

• Best For: High-net-worth individuals
• Key Features: 10X reward points on SmartBuy, unlimited airport lounge access, and a low 2% forex markup.
• Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
• Why Choose It: Offers unmatched rewards for frequent shoppers and travelers.

4.ICICI Bank Amazon Pay Credit Card

• Best For: Online shoppers
• Key Features: 5% cashback for Amazon Prime members, 3% for non-Prime, and 1% on other spends.
• Annual Fee: Lifetime free
• Why Choose It: A no-fee card tailored for Amazon enthusiasts.

5.SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card

• Best For: Beginners
• Key Features: 10X reward points on online spends with partner merchants, 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
• Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST (waived on ₹1 lakh annual spend)
• Why Choose It: Great for first-time users looking for online shopping rewards.

6.AU Small Finance Bank Zenith Credit Card

• Best For: Premium rewards
• Key Features: 20 reward points per ₹100 on dining, 10 points on international spends, and 4 lounge visits per quarter.
• Annual Fee: ₹7,999 + GST
• Why Choose It: Balances luxury benefits with reasonable fees.

7.Bank of Baroda Eterna Credit Card

• Best For: High spenders
• Key Features: 15 reward points per ₹100 on travel and dining, 8 domestic lounge visits annually.
• Annual Fee: ₹2,499 + GST
• Why Choose It: Offers strong rewards for frequent travelers and diners.

8.IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card

• Best For: Millennials
• Key Features: 10X reward points on spends above ₹20,000, lifetime free, low 1.99% forex markup.
• Annual Fee: None
• Why Choose It: A no-fee card with robust rewards for young professionals.

9.HSBC Live+/Cashback Credit Card

• Best For: Dining and groceries
• Key Features: 10% cashback on dining and grocery spends, 1.5% on other spends.
• Annual Fee: ₹999 + GST (waived on ₹2 lakh spend)
• Why Choose It: Excellent for foodies and everyday spenders.

10.Kotak Mahindra Essentia Platinum Credit Card

• Best For: Grocery shopping
• Key Features: 10% cashback on grocery spends above ₹1,500, 12,000 bonus points on ₹1.25 lakh spend in 6 months.
• Annual Fee: ₹1,499 + GST
• Why Choose It: A solid choice for household shoppers.

How to Apply for a Credit Card India with Test My Card

Applying for the best credit card to have in India is straightforward with Test My Card. Here’s how you can do it:

• Step 1: Select Your Card

• Visit the “Test My Card” page and explore options from over 20 banks.
• Choose a bank that aligns with your financial needs and spending habits, such as travel or dining.
• Look for no-annual-fee cards to save money.
• Click “Upgrade Now” to start your application.

• Step 2: Compare Your Options

• Use our comparison table to evaluate up to five cards, focusing on rewards, fees, and penalties.
• Check the “Best For” category to ensure the card suits your lifestyle.
• Select “Check Eligibility” to proceed.

• Step 3: Enter Your Details

• Provide accurate details: first and last name, email, mobile number, PAN, and monthly income.
• Double-check to avoid delays, then click “Submit.”

• Step 4: Verify Your Identity

• Enter the OTP sent to your mobile to verify your identity.
• Agree to the card provider’s terms and conditions.
• Finalize your application securely.

• Step 5: Review Your Eligibility

• Receive a report listing eligible cards, prioritizing no-fee options for maximum value.

Tips for Choosing the Best Credit Card to Have in India

• Assess Your Spending

Make sure you have the correct card for online shopping if you have the ICICI Amazon Pay card. For the traveling part, go with the Axis Magnus or AmEx Platinum Travel cards.

• Check Fees

You may find cards that are free for life, for example, IDFC FIRST Millennia, and in such a way, save nothing.

• Credit Score

By having a CIBIL score above 750, you will see your odds of being offered premium cards greatly increase (Source: CIBIL, 2024).

• Rewards Redemption

You have to ensure that the card’s rewards are what you like and prefer, such as air miles or cashback.

The best credit card to have in India in 2025 would fit your lifestyle and financial goals if you make a correct choice. Test My Card is the website where you can compare and apply for any credit card India that is most suitable for you. Prioritize the categories of travel, shopping, or cashback, and connect via the website, testmycard.com.

Comment your feedback or questions in the space provided below the post. We will be happy to help you choose the right financial product!

FAQs

Q: What is the best credit card to have in India for beginners?

A: The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card is great for beginners due to its low annual fee and online shopping rewards.

Q: How can I check my eligibility for a credit card India?

A: Use Test My Card’s “Check Eligibility” feature to get a personalized report based on your details.

Q: Are lifetime free cards worth it?

A: Yes, cards like the IDFC FIRST Millennia offer strong rewards without annual fees, making them cost-effective.