Top 20 Credit Cards with Cashback in India 2025

Top 20 Credit Card Details with Cashback in India (2025 Guide)

Top 20 Credit Card Details with Cashback in India (2025 Guide)

Cashback credit cards are among the most useful financial tools for Indian consumers today. Every time you pay for groceries, order food online, recharge your mobile, or book a cab, a well‑chosen card can quietly return a percentage of that spend back to you.

This detailed, SEO‑friendly guide covers the top 20 credit cards with cashback in India. We will explain features, fees, cashback structure, pros and cons, and who should actually apply for which card. The language is simple and practical so that even a first‑time credit card user can understand.

Important: Bank offers, fees and cashback percentages change regularly. Always confirm final details on the bank’s official website or a trusted marketplace before applying. For research, we also referred to:
https://www.paisabazaar.com/credit-card/25-best-credit-cards-india/

How Cashback Credit Cards Work in India

A cashback credit card gives you back a part of what you spend, usually as:

• Statement credit – reduces your upcoming bill
• Wallet balance – for example, Amazon Pay balance
• Reward points convertible to cash – points that you can redeem as statement credit or vouchers

For example, if your card gives 5% cashback on online shopping and you spend ₹10,000, you can get back ₹500 (subject to caps and exclusions). If your card gives points, you first earn points and then redeem them. When points are easily converted to cash, we treat such cards as “cashback‑like” in this article.

How to Choose the Best Cashback Credit Card in India

Before jumping into the card list, spend 5 minutes thinking about your spending pattern:

• Where do you spend the most – Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, fuel, groceries, travel, bills?
• Are you okay paying an annual fee if rewards are high?
• Do you want simple direct cashback or are you comfortable with reward points?
• Can you pay your bill in full every month (very important)?

Once you know this, it becomes much easier to pick the right product.

Quick Comparison Table – Top 20 Cashback Credit Cards (Snapshot)

#	Credit Card	Approx. Annual Fee	Key Cashback / Reward Benefit	Best For
1	HDFC Millennia Credit Card	₹1,000	High rewards on leading online partners, 1%+ elsewhere (convertible to cash)	Online shoppers, young salaried
2	HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card	₹500	Bonus points on online spends & bills	Beginners, digital spends
3	SBI Cashback Credit Card	₹999	Up to 5% direct cashback on online spends	Heavy online users
4	SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card	₹499	Extra rewards on partner e‑commerce sites	Entry‑level online shopping
5	Axis Bank Ace Credit Card	₹499	Up to around 5% cashback on bill payments & recharges	Utility bills, recharges
6	Axis Bank Neo Credit Card	₹250–500	Rewards & partner offers for youth	Movies, fashion, youth spends
7	Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card	₹500	Entertainment & lifestyle offers	Movies, dining
8	Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card	₹0 (Lifetime Free)	Up to 5% back on Amazon, 1–2% elsewhere (as Amazon Pay balance)	Amazon shoppers
9	ICICI Coral Credit Card	₹500	Reward points on all spends + dining & movie offers	General first card
10	Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card	₹500	5% on Flipkart, 4% on Myntra/partners, 1.5% elsewhere	Flipkart/Myntra shoppers
11	HSBC Cashback Credit Card	₹750	Flat‑rate cashback on online & offline	Simple cashback lovers
12	Citi Cashback Credit Card*	₹500–1,000	Cashback on movies, telephone, utilities	Bills & entertainment
13	Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card	₹499	Cashback / savings on digital spends, EMI‑friendly	EMI + regular usage
14	Kotak Rewards / Mojo Variant	₹500–1,000	Enhanced online rewards (cashback‑like)	Online + milestones
15	Yes Bank entry rewards card	₹399–499	Reward points convertible to statement credit	Entry‑level rewards
16	IndusInd Legend / similar	High one‑time fee	Premium rewards convertible to value cashback	High‑spend users
17	IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card	Often ₹0	No annual fee, good everyday rewards	Beginners, fee‑conscious
18	RBL Shoprite Credit Card	₹500	Groceries & fuel benefits	Supermarket + fuel
19	AU Bank LIT Credit Card	Custom pricing	Customizable benefits including cashback packs	People who like flexibility
20	SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card	₹499	Extra rewards on groceries, movies, dining	Offline spends

*Citi’s consumer business in India has been acquired by Axis Bank. Product names/benefits may be rebranded. Always check latest status on Axis Bank’s site.

Detailed Reviews – Top 20 Credit Cards with Cashback in India

1. HDFC Millennia Credit Card

Best for: Online Shopping Young Professionals

The HDFC Millennia Credit Card is one of the most popular cashback‑style cards among young salaried professionals in India. It is designed keeping in mind the spending pattern of people who frequently use apps and websites such as Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Ola, and various online bill payment platforms. Instead of traditional “travel” or “luxury” positioning, this card is built for day‑to‑day digital life.

Core Idea of HDFC Millennia

Millennia is technically a rewards card: it gives you reward points on different categories. However, these points can be converted to cashback as statement credit, which practically makes it a cashback card. The key difference from very basic cards is that you get higher rewards for specific categories, especially popular online partners, while still earning some rewards on generic spends.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹1,000 + GST (often available on offers)
• Annual / renewal fee: ₹1,000 + GST (usually waived if you cross a certain annual spending threshold, e.g., ₹1,00,000 or more – check current condition)
• Eligibility: Typical salaried income requirement is medium; self‑employed may need higher ITR proof. Good credit score (700+ CIBIL) generally required.

If you are a salaried professional in metro or tier‑1 city with a stable income and decent credit history, chances of approval for Millennia are good.

Cashback / Reward Structure (Conceptual)

Exact merchant list and reward rates change from time to time, but broadly HDFC Millennia offers:

• Higher reward rate (like 5X+) on specific online partners – major e‑commerce, food delivery and travel sites.
• Moderate reward rate on other online spends – generic online shopping, bill payments etc.
• Base reward rate on offline spends – point‑of‑sale transactions at shops, petrol pumps (fuel may be excluded for cashback), pharmacies, etc.

When you convert reward points to statement credit, your effective cashback can be roughly around:

• About 5% range for specific partner online merchants (subject to caps)
• About 1–1.5% range for general online spends
• Around 0.5–1% range for offline spends

These are not exact numbers; always refer to the latest official brochure for precise details.

Other Benefits & Features

• Welcome benefits: Joining bonus in the form of reward points or vouchers.
• Milestone benefits: Additional rewards when your yearly spends cross certain slabs (for example, extra points or vouchers at ₹1 lakh / ₹2 lakh annual spend).
• Fuel surcharge waiver: Small waiver (1% typically) on fuel transactions within a defined range and monthly cap.
• Contactless payments: Tap‑and‑pay facility for faster transactions below the contactless limit.
• EMI conversion: Option to convert large purchases into EMIs, which may be useful for gadgets or appliances (though not directly linked to cashback).

Pros – Where HDFC Millennia Shines

1. Focused on real‑life online spends: It gives high value on places where many urban Indians already spend heavily – Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato and travel sites.
2. Cashback‑like redemption: If you do not want to waste time choosing gifts, just convert points to statement credit and reduce your bill.
3. Reasonable acceptance: HDFC is one of the largest card issuers in India; most merchants accept its cards without issues.
4. Upgrade path: If you maintain good history, you can later upgrade to more premium HDFC cards.

Cons – Points to Watch Out For

1. Complex structure: Different categories and partners have different reward multipliers. If you prefer very simple “X% cashback on everything”, Millennia may feel slightly complicated.
2. Capped benefits: Maximum points / cashback per billing cycle can limit your savings if you spend very heavily in a single month.
3. Annual fee: ₹1,000 + GST is not small. If you are a light spender and cannot hit the fee‑waiver threshold, net savings may drop.
4. Partner dependency: Exact partners and reward rates can change. You must occasionally check HDFC communication or website to stay updated.

Who Should Choose HDFC Millennia?

This card is an excellent choice if:

• You spend at least ₹10,000–₹15,000 per month via online shopping, food delivery, cabs, movie tickets, travel bookings, etc.
• You are comfortable remembering that certain apps/websites give more rewards than others.
• Your annual total spends are likely to be enough to get the annual fee waived (often around ₹1 lakh+ per year).

If you are a very light spender, or you hate tracking reward categories, a simpler free card like Amazon Pay ICICI might be better. But for an online‑heavy lifestyle with moderate to high spends, HDFC Millennia can return solid value as effective cashback.

2. HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card

Best for: First‑Time Users Online & Bill Payments

The HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card is a natural evolution of the classic “MoneyBack” card. It is designed to be a friendly first credit card for people who are new to credit or have recently started earning. While Millennia is slightly more premium and partner‑oriented, MoneyBack+ stays more affordable and easier to get, but still offers better returns than very basic cards.

Positioning of MoneyBack+ in HDFC Portfolio

Think of MoneyBack+ as a step between a pure entry‑level card and a lifestyle card. It is ideal for people who:

• Spend modestly but regularly on online shopping and bill payments
• Want to earn back some money on these spends
• Are not yet ready to pay very high annual fees

Instead of confusing you with too many partners, MoneyBack+ offers structured multipliers such as 10X or 5X reward points in certain transaction categories, and those points can be converted into statement credit.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹500 + GST (sometimes waived in bank offers)
• Annual / renewal fee: ₹500 + GST, waiver possible if you spend above a set annual amount (for example, ₹50,000 or ₹75,000 – check latest conditions)
• Eligibility: Salaried income requirement is lower than Millennia, so easier approval. Good for people in first or second job with moderate income.

Reward / Cashback Structure (Conceptual)

MoneyBack+ centers around multipliers on certain types of spends. While exact offers change with time, broadly it works like this:

• 10X reward points on designated online categories or specific merchant transactions (these may include popular shopping sites, bill payment through HDFC’s own platform, etc.).
• 5X reward points on some other bonus categories like utilities, smart EMI transactions, or wallet reloads (as per current rules).
• Base reward points on all other spends – both online and offline.

When you convert those points into statement credit, you get a cashback‑like value. Typically, effective returns look like:

• Up to around 3–5% equivalent cashback on specific high‑multiplier categories
• Roughly 1–1.5% equivalent on general online & offline spends

Exact value depends on the point‑to‑cash conversion rate and any redemption charges, so always check the latest rewards catalog.

Key Features & Benefits

• Statement credit redemption: You do not have to buy gifts that you don’t need; you can simply reduce your card bill.
• EMI support: Ability to convert bigger purchases into EMIs at pre‑defined rates (helpful for large gadgets, appliances).
• Fuel surcharge waiver: Typically, 1% waiver with a monthly cap, which slightly reduces your fuel cost though fuel often doesn’t earn reward points.
• Contactless payments: Tap‑and‑pay for quick payments at POS terminals.

Pros – What Makes MoneyBack+ Attractive

1. Low entry cost: Annual fee around ₹500 is more affordable than many lifestyle cards, and can be waived if you use the card regularly.
2. Good for everyday digital spends: With bonus points on online categories and bill payments, you see noticeable value even on moderate spends.
3. Beginner‑friendly: Reward structure is easier than many complex travel cards. Good option as a first HDFC card.
4. Upgrade potential: After building a good track record, HDFC may offer you upgrades to higher‑end cards without completely fresh documentation.

Cons – Limitations to Keep in Mind

1. Not as high‑powered as Millennia: If you are a big online spender, Millennia or premium HDFC cards may yield higher total value.
2. Points, not pure cashback: You must redeem points; it is not automatic statement reduction as soon as you spend, though redemption is relatively easy.
3. Capped & category‑linked benefits: Higher multipliers apply only up to a limit and only on specified categories/merchants.

Who Should Apply for HDFC MoneyBack+?

MoneyBack+ makes sense for you if:

• You are new to credit cards and want something safe, simple and affordable.
• Your monthly spending is usually between ₹10,000 to ₹40,000, mostly in online shopping, groceries, bills and everyday expenses.
• You want to build relationship with HDFC but don’t qualify yet for higher‑tier cards.

If you are a very heavy spender (₹50,000+ monthly), you may outgrow this card and might want to combine it with or upgrade to a Millennia or other premium options. But for many salaried users starting out, HDFC MoneyBack+ delivers a good balance of cost and cashback‑like rewards.

3. SBI Cashback Credit Card

Best for: Heavy Online Spends Simple Direct Cashback

The SBI Cashback Credit Card is one of the newest and most straightforward cashback cards in the Indian market. Unlike many cards that revolve around reward points and complex catalogs, this product focuses on clear, direct cashback – especially on online transactions. It is issued by SBI Card (SBI Cards & Payment Services Ltd.), one of the largest credit card issuers in India.

Core Concept of SBI Cashback Card

In simple words, this card tries to answer the typical user’s question: “If I spend X rupees online, how much money do I get back in real terms?” The answer is given as a constant percentage cashback, for example up to 5% on online spends and a lower rate on offline spends. The biggest advantage here is transparency and ease of understanding.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹999 + GST
• Annual / renewal fee: ₹999 + GST, often waived if yearly spending crosses a specific threshold (for example, ₹2 lakh in the previous year; check latest T&C)
• Eligibility: Suitable for middle to upper middle income users with good credit scores. Persistent high credit usage and timely repayment history helps in approval.

Cashback Structure (Conceptual)

Exact percentages and caps may change; always see SBI Card’s website. Broadly, the structure looks like this:

• Online spends: Up to 5% cashback on eligible online transactions. This usually includes e‑commerce, food delivery, travel booking and other genuine online purchases.
• Offline spends: Lower cashback rate (for example around 1%), which still gives something back for physical store purchases.
• Excluded categories: Typically, rent payments, wallet loads, fuel, certain government transactions, cash advances, etc., do not earn cashback. You must read the latest exclusion list carefully.
• Monthly cap: There is often a maximum cashback cap per billing cycle, so if you spend very heavily, incremental spends may not attract 5% beyond that limit.

The best way to use this card is to route all day‑to‑day online transactions (shopping, food, travel, subscriptions, bills) through it as long as you stay within the cashback cap.

How Cashback is Credited

The reward is pure cashback. Instead of earning reward points, the card auto‑credits the cashback amount to your card account, usually in the next billing cycle. This effectively reduces your next bill amount. You don’t have to log in and redeem points unless SBI later adds a points variant – currently, it is straightforward.

Additional Benefits

• Contactless card: Tap‑and‑pay facility for faster offline transactions.
• Global acceptance: Like other SBI cards, it works on the Visa/MasterCard/RuPay network across India and abroad.
• Utility and EMI features: Online EMI conversion, easy bill payment integration, etc. These are generic credit card features that make it easy for you to use daily.

Pros – Why Many Users Prefer SBI Cashback Card

1. Very easy to understand: No complicated reward charts. If you spend ₹10,000 online and you are eligible for 5% on that category, you get ₹500 back, subject to caps.
2. Excellent for online‑only users: People who do almost everything online – shopping, cabs, travel, food – can gain substantial cashback every month.
3. Direct bill reduction: Cashback is adjusted against your statement, you see savings clearly in rupees.
4. Strong SBI network: Wide card acceptance, supportive mobile app, and SMS/email alerts help keep track of spends.

Cons – Where SBI Cashback Card May Not Suit You

1. High annual fee: ₹999 + GST is significant. You should be sure that your annual online spending is high enough to earn more cashback than this fee.
2. Exclusions & caps: If most of your spending is in excluded categories (rent, wallet, fuel), you might not earn the attractive 5% rate.
3. Offline value is modest: Cashback on offline transactions is low. For heavy offline supermarket or fuel usage, a different card could be better.

Who Should Apply for SBI Cashback Credit Card?

Consider this card if:

• Your major expenses like shopping, food, travel and bills are mostly done online.
• You spend easily ₹20,000+ per month online. At this level, even a modest 3–5% online cashback quickly exceeds the yearly fee.
• You value simplicity over complex rewards. You don’t want to track points or browse catalogs.

On the other hand, if you rarely shop online or you just want a first card with low fee, you might be better served by low‑fee options or lifetime‑free cards like Amazon Pay ICICI, IDFC FIRST Millennia, etc.

4. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card

Best for: Entry‑Level Online Shopping Low Fee

The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card is one of the most famous entry‑level online shopping cards in India. It is not a pure “cashback” card in the strict sense, because it gives you reward points. But the points are easy to earn and redeem, and if you use the card smartly, the value you get is quite similar to cashback.

Who is SBI SimplyCLICK Designed For?

SimplyCLICK is targeted at:

• Young professionals, freshers, and people in early stages of their career
• Users who shop online occasionally to moderately on leading platforms
• Customers who want an affordable card with useful benefits instead of a very premium product

It’s a great first card if you want to get into the habit of using credit cards responsibly while getting some reward on e‑commerce purchases.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹499 + GST
• Annual / renewal fee: ₹499 + GST (often waived when your previous year’s spend crosses a certain amount, for example ₹1,00,000)
• Eligibility: Income requirement relatively low; good for salaried individuals in smaller cities as well. Credit score of 700+ makes approval easier.

Reward Structure (Conceptual)

SimplyCLICK normally gives:

• Higher reward points on online spends – typically, accelerated rewards on specific partner e‑commerce websites (like Amazon, BookMyShow, Cleartrip and more, depending on current partners).
• Standard reward points on other online and offline spends – you still earn something on every spend, but enhanced rate applies only to certain online transactions.
• Milestone rewards: Once your annual spend crosses certain levels (for example ₹1 lakh, ₹2 lakh), you receive additional e‑vouchers from top e‑commerce sites.

These reward points can be redeemed through SBI Card’s reward catalog for vouchers, gifts, or sometimes statement credit. The most efficient redemptions can give you an effective rate close to 1–2% on your major online spends, depending on partner deals and how you redeem.

Other Benefits

• Welcome e‑voucher: Often, you receive a welcome gift voucher from a leading e‑commerce site when you pay your joining fee and make your first transaction within a given timeframe.
• Fuel surcharge waiver: Usually a 1% waiver at petrol pumps on transactions within a certain range, with a monthly cap on waiver amount.
• EMI offers during sales: During major sales, SBI partners with marketplaces to offer instant discounts + EMI at low interest, which can stack on top of your reward points.

Pros – Strengths of SBI SimplyCLICK

1. Low annual fee: At around ₹499 + GST, it is accessible for beginner cardholders. With moderate usage, you can hit fee‑waiver milestones.
2. Focused on popular online platforms: If you use the listed partner sites, you get faster rewards and better overall value.
3. Good as a first card: Helps you learn how credit cards work while rewarding your basic digital payments.
4. Anchor card in SBI ecosystem: Once you build a history with SBI Card, you may later upgrade to more premium SBI cards (Prime, Elite, etc.).

Cons – Limitations of SimplyCLICK

1. Not pure cash in hand: Rewards are points; you need to redeem them. If you want direct cashback to reduce every bill, this may feel less direct.
2. Offline value is modest: Rewards are significantly better online. For heavy offline grocery/fuel, SimplySAVE or other cards may be better.
3. Partner dependency: Maximum benefit is obtained only if you shop on the specific partner sites; if you use mainly non‑partner sites, your effective reward rate is lower.

Who Should Choose SBI SimplyCLICK?

Go for SimplyCLICK if:

• You are in the beginner to intermediate stage of using credit cards.
• Most of your discretionary shopping (clothes, electronics, accessories, books) is done online.
• You want a card that has clear synergy with SBI’s frequent online sale tie‑ups.

If you are already a heavy online spender and do not mind a higher annual fee, the SBI Cashback Card or other premium cashback cards might give bigger absolute savings. But at its price point, SimplyCLICK is one of the strongest low‑fee online rewards cards in India.

5. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card

Best for: Bill Payments & Recharges Strong Online Cashback

The Axis Bank Ace Credit Card quickly became very popular because it offered a high flat cashback rate on everyday payments such as utility bills and mobile/DTH recharges, especially when paid via Google Pay (as per earlier structures). While offers evolve with time, the fundamental idea remains the same: this card is designed to maximize savings on the payments that most people must make every month.

Idea Behind Axis Ace

Most people routinely pay for:

• Electricity, water, gas and broadband bills
• Mobile and DTH recharges
• Online food orders and general online shopping

Axis Ace takes these boring but necessary transactions and turns them into cashback‑earning opportunities. The card gives relatively high cashback on such spends, making it especially attractive if you manage your entire household’s bills with a single card.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹499 + GST
• Annual / renewal fee: ₹499 + GST, usually waived on reaching a particular annual spend (for instance, ₹2,00,000 per year – verify latest terms)
• Eligibility: Mid‑income users with reasonable credit history. Many users with salaries of ₹25,000+ per month have reported approvals, but official criteria are subject to change.

Cashback Structure (Conceptual)

Exact percentages can differ over time, but broadly Axis Ace follows this model:

• Highest cashback (around 5%) on bill payments and recharges done via specified methods (for a long time it was via Google Pay using the card).
• Moderate cashback (for example around 2%) on other online spends – e‑commerce, food delivery, travel bookings, etc., outside the special bill payment category.
• Base cashback (~1%) on offline POS spends – in‑store purchases like clothing, electronics, restaurants where card is physically swiped or tapped.
• No cashback on certain categories – including fuel, wallet loads, rent, cash advances, etc., depending on the latest T&C.

Cashback typically gets credited to your card account as statement credit, effectively reducing your next cycle’s bill.

Additional Features

• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver at fuel stations within a specified transaction range and monthly cap, though fuel itself might not earn cashback.
• Dining discounts: Axis Bank’s dining offers on partner restaurants can stack with your regular cashback savings.
• EMI conversion: Like most credit cards, offers convert‑to‑EMI on high‑value transactions.
• Contactless payments: For fast and secure tap‑and‑pay experiences.

Pros – Strengths of Axis Bank Ace

1. Very strong for bills & recharges: If your monthly household bills add up to ₹8,000–₹15,000, getting up to ~5% cashback on these is a big yearly saving.
2. Good for general online spends: Even outside of bills, the ~2% cashback on many online categories is above average compared to standard entry‑level cards.
3. Reasonable annual fee: ₹499 + GST is acceptable for the value offered. If you hit the spend threshold and get a fee waiver, the card becomes extremely cost‑effective.
4. Trusted private bank: Axis Bank’s mobile app, transaction alerts and customer support are reasonably good in most cities.

Cons – Potential Drawbacks of Axis Ace

1. Dependency on specific payment channel: Historically the maximum cashback was tied to using Google Pay for bill payments. If T&C change or if you do not prefer that app, you may not get full benefit.
2. Caps on cashback: There can be maximum cashback per billing cycle or per transaction category; heavy users need to monitor those caps.
3. Limited lounge / premium features: This is a value‑driven cashback card, not a travel or luxury card. If you want international lounge access and premium features, you should look at premium Axis or HDFC products.

Who Should Use Axis Bank Ace?

This card is ideal for:

• People who handle multiple household bills and recharges from one card.
• Consumers whose monthly online bill/recharge payments are consistently high, say ₹5,000–₹15,000 or more.
• Users who prefer clear % cashback over voucher‑driven rewards.

If your primary spending is fuel and offline groceries, Ace alone may not fully serve your needs; you could combine it with a fuel/grocery‑oriented card. But as a core card for bill and online payments, Axis Bank Ace is one of the most powerful cashback cards in the Indian market.

6. Axis Bank Neo Credit Card

Best for: Youth & First Job Holders Online Shopping & Entertainment

The Axis Bank Neo Credit Card is crafted especially for younger customers – college graduates, first job holders, and people whose spending is focused on online shopping, fashion, food, and movies. It is an affordable entry‑level card that gives a mix of partner‑based discounts and reward points, which together behave like a decent cashback system when used intelligently.

Positioning of Axis Neo

In the Axis Bank credit card lineup, Neo sits below cards like Ace or Flipkart Axis in terms of pure cashback power, but above very basic, no‑benefit cards. It tries to deliver high perceived value through:

• Welcome vouchers or discounts from popular brands
• Ongoing partner offers for online fashion and entertainment
• Reward points on every spend (redeemable for vouchers / statement credit)

This structure is good for users who love deals and discounts, especially in the urban youth lifestyle segment.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Typically in the range of ₹250–₹500 + GST
• Annual / renewal fee: Similar, often waived on meeting modest annual spend criteria (for example, spends of ₹50,000 or more – confirm latest)
• Eligibility: Lower income requirement than premium Axis cards, making it accessible to people in their first or second job. A decent credit score, if available, helps, but many banks also approve first‑time applicants based on salary slips and employer category.

Rewards & Cashback‑Like Benefits

Axis Neo is more of a discount + rewards hybrid than a pure high‑cashback card. The typical benefit structure includes:

• Partner discounts: Upfront discounts or cashbacks when you shop on popular platforms (for example, fashion sites, movie ticket portals, food apps). The actual partners change over time; common names have included Myntra, BookMyShow, etc.
• Reward points: You earn points for every rupee spent, with extra points for online transactions. These points can then be redeemed for gift vouchers, merchandise, or sometimes statement credit.
• Occasional flat offers: For example, “Get X% off on minimum spend of ₹Y on Z brand,” during festive seasons.

When you add up these discounts and the value of points, your effective cashback‑like saving can be quite good if you are someone who frequently avails brand‑specific offers.

Key Features & Add‑Ons

• Welcome benefits: Often, the card is bundled with vouchers or discounts worth around or more than the joining fee value, thereby recovering your initial cost if you use them properly.
• EMI options: On large online purchases, you can convert transactions into EMIs at specified rates.
• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver up to a monthly limit, though these transactions may not earn standard rewards.
• Contactless payments: Tap‑and‑pay for small ticket offline transactions.

Pros – Why Axis Neo Appeals to Youth

1. Low cost of entry: With joining/annual fees around ₹250–₹500 and fee‑waiver possibilities, the financial risk of holding this card is low.
2. Good partner ecosystem for youth: Youth spend more on fashion, movies and online food. Axis Neo’s offers and brand tie‑ups match this pattern.
3. Helpful as first credit card: It allows you to start building a credit history while still enjoying meaningful discounts.
4. Easy to understand: Benefits are described in simple terms like “X% off” or “Y cashback” rather than complicated reward charts.

Cons – Limitations of Axis Neo

1. Not a pure cashback powerhouse: If your main aim is maximizing cashback on big spends across all categories, then cards like Axis Ace, SBI Cashback, or Amazon Pay ICICI are stronger.
2. Heavily partner‑driven: The best value comes only if you regularly use specific partner platforms. If your favorite shopping sites are different, you might not get maximum benefit.
3. Points require active management: You must redeem your points and track voucher expiry to actually realize the reward value.

Who Should Apply for Axis Bank Neo Credit Card?

Axis Neo is particularly suitable if:

• You are in your early 20s or 30s, in first job or early career stage.
• Your spends are modest but focused on fashion, movies, and online lifestyle brands.
• You like the idea of brand‑specific deals plus some reward points rather than pure flat cashback.

If your monthly spends are high and you want maximum rupee‑value cashback across a wide set of categories, Neo may not be enough alone. But used smartly as a secondary card dedicated to offers, it can complement a strong primary cashback card very well.

7. Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card

Best for: Movies & Lifestyle Offers + Rewards

The Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card is another lifestyle‑oriented offering from Axis Bank, but with more focus on entertainment, movies, and dining. While it does not market itself as a “cashback” card, the savings you get through offer‑driven discounts + rewards effectively behave like cashback for many users.

How My Zone is Positioned

My Zone is aimed at people in metro and tier‑1 cities who often spend on:

• Movie tickets
• Dining out
• Fashion & lifestyle purchases
• Occasional online shopping & food delivery

It acts as a value‑lifestyle card, not a no‑frills cashback card. You get offers such as “Buy 1 Get 1” on movie tickets and other partner discounts which, combined, can easily beat plain 1–2% cashback if you actively use these offers.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹500 + GST
• Annual fee: ₹500 + GST, typically waived upon crossing a certain annual spend threshold (for example, ₹1,00,000+; verify with Axis)
• Eligibility: Salaried users with moderate income; Axis often markets this card in corporate offices and through tele‑sales.

Benefits & Savings Structure

My Zone usually offers:

• Movie benefits: “Buy 1 Get 1” or similar offer on movie tickets on a supported platform (like Paytm Movies or BookMyShow) on specific days or a limited number of tickets per month.
• Dining & lifestyle offers: Discounts at partner restaurants, cafes, and select retail brands through Axis Bank’s dining / merchant programs.
• Reward points on spends: Standard reward points across offline and online spends that can be redeemed for vouchers or merchandise.
• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharge within defined limits and caps.

If you calculate total savings from the movie BOGO offer + periodic dining discounts + value of reward points, effective cashback can be quite healthy for lifestyle‑heavy users.

Pros – Strengths of Axis My Zone

1. Great for movie buffs: If you and your partner watch 2–4 movies in theatres every month, the BOGO offer alone can easily cover the card’s annual fee and more.
2. Lifestyle‑fit benefits: Dining and fashion offers align well with urban spending habits.
3. Balanced reward structure: You still earn reward points on generic spends, giving some cashback‑like return even outside of special offers.
4. Good as secondary lifestyle card: You can pair My Zone with a flat cashback card (like Ace) and use each where it gives most value.

Cons – Where My Zone Lags Pure Cashback Cards

1. Offer‑dependent: If you don’t actively use movie and dining offers, you are left mostly with modest reward points.
2. Not ideal for utility/bill‑heavy users: For people whose major spends are bills and fuel, rewards from My Zone may feel weak.
3. Requires planning: To maximize value, you must remember to book movies through the correct platform on valid days, etc.

Who Should Choose Axis Bank My Zone?

My Zone is a good pick if:

• You regularly watch movies in theatres and don’t want to pay full price for both tickets.
• You enjoy dining out and lifestyle shopping, and are comfortable using axis‑partner offers.
• You can keep this card as a specialized lifestyle card alongside another primary cashback card.

If your routine spending is dominated by groceries, fuel, and utility bills, then My Zone might not be your main workhorse card; instead, think of it as an “entertainment pass” that pays for itself with just a few movie outings per year.

8. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

Best for: Amazon & Amazon Pay Users Lifetime Free

The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card is often regarded as one of the best no‑annual‑fee cashback cards in India. It is a co‑branded card issued by ICICI Bank in partnership with Amazon. If you shop even moderately on Amazon and use Amazon Pay for your everyday payments, this card can give you excellent long‑term value with zero annual fee.

Core Idea of Amazon Pay ICICI Card

Almost everything about this card is simple and user‑friendly:

• You get cashback as Amazon Pay balance.
• Cashback percentage depends on whether you’re an Amazon Prime member and what type of transaction you’re doing.
• There are no joining or annual fees, making it truly lifetime free.

This structure is extremely attractive because you get real monetary benefit without worrying if your annual fee is being recovered or not.

Fees & Eligibility

• Joining fee: ₹0
• Annual fee: ₹0 (lifetime free, without conditions)
• Eligibility: You need to be an Indian resident, meet ICICI’s minimum income / credit score criteria, and generally have a verified Amazon account with KYC done for Amazon Pay. ICICI often sends pre‑approved invites to eligible Amazon customers.

Cashback Structure (Indicative)

The card offers tiered cashback:

• Amazon.in purchases:
  • 5% cashback for Amazon Prime members on most categories bought on Amazon.in (except certain excluded categories).
  • 3% cashback for non‑Prime users on Amazon.in.
• Amazon Pay partner merchants: Around 2% cashback when you pay using the card through Amazon Pay at partner merchants (like many apps & websites that accept Amazon Pay).
• All other spends: Roughly 1% cashback on offline purchases and non‑Amazon online transactions.
• Exclusions: Some categories like fuel, cash advances, EMI conversion charges, and certain other financial services may not earn cashback.

The cashback you earn appears as Amazon Pay balance in your Amazon account and can be used for:

• Shopping on Amazon.in
• Paying bills (electricity, mobile, broadband, DTH, etc.)
• Recharges (mobile, DTH)
• Buying from thousands of partner merchants who accept Amazon Pay

Additional Benefits

• EMI options on Amazon: During sales, you can often combine Amazon card offers, no‑cost EMI, and your cashback to get huge total savings.
• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% surcharge waiver at fuel stations on transactions within specified slabs (though these may not earn cashback).
• ICICI benefits: Basic ICICI card features like SMS alerts, internet banking, and access to the iMobile app.

Pros – Why This Card is a Game‑Changer

1. Truly lifetime free: No joining or annual fee, with no conditions. You can keep the card forever without worrying about renewal charges.
2. Very high value for Prime members: 5% back on Amazon is huge if you regularly buy electronics, groceries, personal care, etc. from Amazon.
3. Useful Amazon Pay balance: Cashback doesn’t sit idle; you can use it for many day‑to‑day payments.
4. Good universal card: Even if not on Amazon, you still get 1% back on general spends, which is comparable to many paid cards.

Cons – Things to Consider

1. Cashback locked to Amazon ecosystem: The money comes as Amazon Pay balance, not as statement credit or direct bank transfer. If you hardly use Amazon/Amazon Pay, this is less useful.
2. No travel or premium perks: Unlike some premium cards, this one doesn’t offer airport lounges or travel insurance as key USPs.
3. Partner dependence: The benefit is maximized mainly on Amazon and Amazon Pay partner merchants. Other usage is fine but not extraordinary.

Who Should Definitely Get Amazon Pay ICICI Card?

Apply for this card if:

• You shop at least occasionally, and preferably heavily, on Amazon.in.
• You are (or plan to be) an Amazon Prime member.
• You want a no‑risk, no‑fee card that always gives something back on your spending.

Even as a secondary card, it is incredibly useful: you can keep it just for Amazon and Amazon Pay transactions, using another card as your primary for everything else. Because there is no annual fee, there’s practically no downside.

9. ICICI Coral Credit Card

Best for: General Purpose Use Dining & Movies

The ICICI Coral Credit Card is one of the most widely distributed entry‑to‑mid‑level cards in India. It is often given to salaried professionals through corporate tie‑ups or direct marketing. While it is not marketed as a dedicated cashback card, the reward points + dining and movie discounts can approximate a steady cashback‑like value if you use it as your everyday card.

How Coral Fits in ICICI Portfolio

In ICICI’s Gemstone collection (Coral, Rubyx, Sapphiro etc.), Coral is the entry‑tier lifestyle card. It is suitable for users who want:

• One general purpose card for daily offline and online spends
• Some extra benefits on dining and movies
• An easy relationship with a large private sector bank

If you are not chasing maximum cashback percentages but want a comfortable, well‑accepted card with some perks, Coral is a solid candidate.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹500 + GST (sometimes waived for corporate salary account holders or offered as lifetime free in special campaigns)
• Annual fee: ₹500 + GST, which may be waived on meeting an annual spending threshold (e.g., ₹1,50,000 – verify current criteria)
• Eligibility: Salaried or self‑employed individuals with moderate income and a reasonable credit score. ICICI also issues Coral against fixed deposits in some cases.

Reward & Savings Structure

Coral offers a mix of:

• Reward points: You earn points on every ₹100 spent (with slightly different rates for different transaction types). These points can be redeemed for:
  • Shopping vouchers
  • Movie vouchers
  • Statement credit (subject to ICICI’s reward catalog)
• Dining benefits: Through ICICI’s “Culinary Treats” platform, you can enjoy discounts at participating restaurants when you pay using your Coral card.
• Movie ticket offers: Partial discounts or “Buy 1 Get 1” style deals on movie ticket bookings via partner platforms (availability and limits vary).
• Fuel surcharge waiver: Typically 1% waiver on fuel transactions within a defined limit per month.

When you add the monetary value of points and the cost saved on dining/movie deals, you get an effective cashback‑like return on your lifestyle spending.

Pros – Strengths of ICICI Coral

1. All‑rounder card: Coral works decently for both online and offline spends. You never get amazing cashback but you always earn something.
2. Good for dining & movies: If you dine out or watch movies frequently, the offers can represent real money saved every month.
3. Wide acceptance: ICICI has a huge card base and is accepted across almost all POS terminals and online platforms.
4. Multiple variants: Coral comes on Visa, MasterCard and sometimes American Express platforms, each with their own network‑level offers.

Cons – Where Coral Feels Average

1. Not a specialized cashback card: If your sole aim is maximum cashback percentage, there are better specialized products.
2. Reward rate is moderate: The base reward earn rate translates to roughly 0.5–1% cashback equivalent on generic spends, which is okay but not exceptional.
3. Complex reward catalog: Some users find the reward redemption portal confusing and may let points expire without using them.

Who Should Consider ICICI Coral Credit Card?

Coral is a good fit if:

• You want a single, stable card for everything – shopping, bills, dining, movies – without managing multiple benefit cards.
• You are okay with moderate rewards but better experience and service.
• You already bank with ICICI and want to keep card and banking relationship under one roof.

If you are a discount hunter or a power user chasing high cashback rates, Coral alone might not satisfy you. But as a reliable base card, especially if offered at a low or zero fee, it is quite dependable.

10. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

Best for: Flipkart & Myntra Strong Co‑Branded Cashback

The Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card is a powerful co‑branded cashback card for people who shop frequently on Flipkart, Myntra, and a few other Axis partner merchants. It combines high‑percentage cashback on these specific platforms with a good flat cashback rate on other spends, making it one of the best shopping cards if you are loyal to the Flipkart ecosystem.

Core Structure of Flipkart Axis Card

This card is built around a few clear pillars:

• High 5% cashback on Flipkart purchases.
• 4% cashback on Myntra and some partner merchants (like select travel or food brands, subject to current tie‑ups).
• 1.5% flat cashback on all other eligible spends.

Cashback is often credited directly as statement credit, which is very convenient and functions as true cashback rather than points.

Fees & Eligibility

• Joining fee: Around ₹500 + GST
• Annual fee: ₹500 + GST, usually waived on crossing an annual spend threshold (for example, ₹2,00,000; check latest terms)
• Eligibility: Salaried/self‑employed with moderate income and a decent bureau score. Flipkart and Axis often pre‑approve users based on their transaction behavior and invite them through the app or website.

Cashback Structure (Indicative)

• 5% cashback on Flipkart: On most product categories purchased on Flipkart.com or Flipkart app, except some excluded categories (like gift cards, maybe gold, etc.).
• 4% cashback on Myntra & partner merchants: For example, some travel or food delivery brands that have tie‑ups with Axis Bank.
• 1.5% cashback on other spends: This is a strong base rate that applies to offline POS transactions and non‑partner online spends as well.
• Exclusions: Fuel, cash withdrawals, wallet loads, EMI conversion fees, etc., may not earn cashback.

Other Benefits

• Welcome benefits: Often you get Flipkart vouchers or discount coupons when you pay the joining fee and make the first transaction, which can largely offset the initial cost.
• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver at participating petrol pumps within transaction and monthly caps.
• Dining offers: Access to Axis Bank’s dining discounts at select partner restaurants.

Pros – Why Flipkart Axis is So Popular

1. Extremely high payoff on Flipkart: If you buy phones, electronics, fashion, and groceries on Flipkart, 5% cashback is tremendously valuable.
2. Great base rate of 1.5% on everything else: Many cards give only 0.5–1% on non‑bonus spends. 1.5% puts this card in a premium category for general spends.
3. Strong synergy with Flipkart sales: During Big Billion Days and other sale events, you might get extra instant discounts for using this card, over and above your 5% cashback.
4. Simple, predictable cashback: Since cashback is direct, there is no headache of managing points.

Cons – Limitations of Flipkart Axis Card

1. Heavily Flipkart‑centric: If your primary shopping site is Amazon, the main 5% advantage is lost.
2. Annual fee needs justification: You must spend enough, especially on Flipkart/Myntra, to ensure cashback exceeds the yearly fee.
3. Not travel‑focused: While it has some offers, it doesn’t come with heavy lounge access or premium travel perks.

Who Should Apply for Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card?

This card is ideal if:

• You and your family buy a significant portion of your electronics, fashion, and household items on Flipkart.
• You also use Myntra or other partner merchants, so you can enjoy 4% cashback there.
• You want a card that is strong for both co‑branded and general usage, thanks to the 1.5% base cashback.

Many savvy users combine Amazon Pay ICICI for Amazon and Flipkart Axis for Flipkart/Myntra, plus maybe Axis Ace or SBI Cashback for bills, to create a powerful 2–3 card wallet that maximizes cashback across all major spending categories.

11. HSBC Cashback Credit Card

Best for: Simple Flat Cashback Metro City Users

The HSBC Cashback Credit Card is targeted at customers who want clean, flat‑rate cashback without complicated reward catalogs. Unlike many cards that work on reward points, this one focuses primarily on giving you a straight percentage of your spend back as cashback, with slightly higher rates on online or specific merchant categories.

Positioning of HSBC Cashback Card

HSBC has a relatively smaller physical branch network in India, limited mostly to metro and major urban centres. However, it offers globally competitive credit card products. The HSBC Cashback Credit Card is designed for:

• Mid‑income to high‑income salaried professionals
• Customers who value an international bank’s service quality
• People who want simple, direct cashback instead of complex points

Because it is a true cashback card, it appeals to those who prefer clarity: you know exactly what percentage of your spending you’re getting back.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Often NIL under limited‑time offers, or around ₹750 + GST
• Annual / renewal fee: Usually around ₹750 + GST, frequently waived on meeting yearly spend thresholds (for example, ₹1,00,000 or more – check latest)
• Eligibility: Typically targeted at salaried professionals in metros with a relatively higher minimum income requirement and a good credit score.

Cashback Structure (Conceptual)

The exact percentages may vary over time, but the card generally follows this type of structure:

• Higher cashback percentage on select online or digital categories – for example, online spends, online food orders, or certain bill payments.
• Lower but still meaningful cashback on other spends – both online and offline POS transactions.
• Monthly cap: Maximum cashback per billing cycle, beyond which further spends may not earn cashback or may earn at a base rate only.
• Exclusions: Cash withdrawals, fees and charges, fuel, EMIs, etc., usually do not attract cashback.

Cashback is credited directly to your credit card account, reducing your total amount due in subsequent billing cycles. This makes it essentially “real money saved.”

Other Features & Benefits

• Introductory offers: HSBC sometimes offers extended “no annual fee” for first year or extra cashback on initial spends to attract new users.
• Global brand offers: HSBC cardholders can occasionally access international deals on global brands, hotels and travel merchants.
• Fuel surcharge waiver: Standard 1% fuel surcharge waiver within specified limits.
• EMI & balance transfer: Facilities to convert high‑value purchases into EMIs and balance transfers at promotional interest rates.

Pros – Why People Like HSBC Cashback Card

1. Transparency: Because it’s cashback‑focused and not points‑based, there is less confusion regarding “how much am I really earning?”
2. Flat‑rate simplicity: You don’t have to memorize long partner lists. The structure is more category‑based than merchant‑specific.
3. International bank experience: Many users appreciate the global brand and customer support of HSBC.
4. Useful for diversified spending: For people who spend across multiple categories (groceries, dining, clothing, utilities), a flat cashback card offers consistent value.

Cons – Limitations to Keep in Mind

1. Availability limited to certain cities: HSBC’s branch and KYC network is not pan‑India. They usually issue cards mainly in major cities.
2. Not highest cashback for specialized categories: Category‑specific cards (Amazon Pay, Flipkart Axis, SBI Cashback) might yield more for power users of those platforms.
3. Annual fee requires decent spend: If your yearly spend is low, the annual fee could eat up much of your cashback.

Who Should Choose HSBC Cashback Credit Card?

Consider this card if:

• You live in a metro or large city where HSBC actively issues cards.
• Your spends are spread fairly evenly across categories (not just e‑commerce), and you prefer a simple, flat cashback experience.
• You can comfortably spend enough in a year to cross the annual fee waiver threshold.

If your major spend is on one or two categories like Flipkart or Amazon, specialized co‑branded cards may deliver higher returns. But as a straightforward all‑round cashback card from an international bank, HSBC Cashback is very competitive.

12. Citi Cashback Credit Card (Legacy / Migrated)

Best for: Bills & Movies (Legacy) Check Current Axis Equivalent

The Citi Cashback Credit Card used to be a famous cashback product in India, especially for movie tickets, telephone bills and utility payments. After Citibank’s consumer business in India was acquired by Axis Bank, many Citi cards (including cashback variants) are in the process of being migrated or rebranded under Axis.

Important Note

Because of this transition, the exact availability and features of Citi Cashback for new customers has changed. Existing Citi cardholders received communication about migration to Axis Bank systems. If you are considering “Citi Cashback,” you should now:

• Check Axis Bank’s website for equivalent or migrated products.
• See communications from Axis/Citi regarding how your existing card benefits have been mapped.
• Understand that some older benefit structures may have been altered.

Historic Benefit Structure (For Understanding)

Traditionally, Citi Cashback Card offered:

• Cashback on movie tickets – a certain percentage on movie ticket spends.
• Cashback on telephone and utility bills – direct cashback on these recurring monthly expenses.
• Lower cashback on other spends – you still got a modest cashback rate on other transactions.
• Automatic statement credit: Cashback automatically adjusted to your monthly statement above a minimum threshold.

This made it an easy “set it and forget it” card for people whose biggest card expenses were phone, internet, and utility bills.

Pros – Why It Was Popular

1. Clear categories: Bills & movies are simple, recurring categories; people intuitively understood where they get maximum benefit.
2. Automatic cashback: No redemption process – savings appeared as reduced bill amount.
3. Citi service reputation: Many users valued Citi’s strong customer service and international acceptance.

Cons – In the Current Context

1. Transition uncertainty: New applications for this exact Citi product may not be available; features for existing users might have shifted.
2. Competition has increased: Cards like Axis Ace and SBI Cashback now target the same bill/online spend segment with attractive rates.

What Should You Do Now?

If you are:

• An existing Citi Cashback cardholder: Check your Axis Bank migration communication. Understand what your new benefits are, and compare them with current top cashback cards.
• A new applicant wanting a similar card: Consider Axis Bank Ace, SBI Cashback Credit Card, or other Axis‑issued cards that replaced Citi’s products, as they cater to similar needs with bill‑centric cashback.

From a practical point of view, modern Indian users looking for a bills + entertainment cashback solution should primarily look at Axis and SBI offerings rather than the legacy Citi card, while respecting Citi’s historic role in popularizing this category.

13. Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card

Best for: Controlled EMI + Cashback Digital Spends

The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card is built with a slightly different focus: it tries to combine the benefit of cashback on daily digital transactions with affordable EMIs on big purchases. It’s ideal for users who want to manage their spending carefully while still earning something back.

Positioning of SC Smart Card

This card aims at customers who:

• Frequently use their card for online shopping, bill payments, and everyday digital payments
• Occasionally make large purchases (appliances, gadgets, furniture) and need EMIs to manage cash flow
• Want a balanced mix of cashback and affordability

Standard Chartered, being a global bank, also offers international acceptance and a certain brand assurance.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹499 + GST (may be waived during some promotions)
• Annual fee: ₹499 + GST, often waived if you meet an annual spend target
• Eligibility: Salaried/self‑employed with moderate income; SC tends to be selective in some smaller cities.

Cashback & Savings Structure

The Smart Credit Card provides:

• Cashback or accelerated savings on digital transactions – online purchases, utilities, or specific digital partners (check the latest structure on Standard Chartered’s website).
• Smaller cashback rates on other spends – ensuring you still get some return on non‑digital transactions.
• Promotional interest rate EMIs: On certain transactions or programs, you may get low‑interest or no‑cost EMI options if you convert purchases within a given timeframe.

While the pure cashback percentage may not always be the highest in the market, the combination of savings + EMI control can be very helpful for budget‑conscious users.

Additional Features

• Balance transfer: Ability to transfer outstanding from other bank cards to Standard Chartered at promotional interest rates.
• Contactless usage: Tap‑and‑pay for quick, secure transactions at NFC‑enabled POS terminals.
• Fuel surcharge waiver: Standard 1% waiver within prescribed limits.

Pros – Where Standard Chartered Smart Card Excels

1. Good for disciplined users: If you use EMIs only when really needed and otherwise pay in full, you can keep interest costs low while still earning cashback.
2. Digital‑centric design: Focus on online/digital spends suits modern payment habits (shopping, subscriptions, online services).
3. International bank support: For people in big cities, SC’s service and digital platforms are quite solid.

Cons – Limitations to Consider

1. Not the highest cashback percentage: Cards like SBI Cashback, Amazon Pay ICICI, or Flipkart Axis may beat it on pure cashback for heavy category‑specific users.
2. Availability limited geographically: SC’s targeting and presence is stronger in metros and larger cities.
3. Fee vs. benefit check required: Because the annual fee is not negligible, you must ensure your yearly savings exceed that fee.

Who Should Use Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card?

This card makes sense if:

• Your spending is largely digital and online, but you also occasionally need EMIs for big purchases.
• You prefer a conservative, controlled spending pattern with a reputable global bank backing your card.
• You are okay with a moderate but consistent cashback rate instead of chasing highest percentages.

If your primary objective is absolute maximum cashback on specific categories, a more aggressive cashback card might be better. But if you appreciate the combination of reasonable cashback + EMI support, SC Smart Card can be a good tool in your wallet.

14. Kotak Rewards / Mojo‑Type Credit Card

Best for: Online Rewards & Milestones Kotak Customers

Kotak Mahindra Bank offers several rewards‑oriented cards (for example, Kotak Mojo Platinum, Kotak Royale, Kotak Urbane etc. – product names and variants may change over time). For the purpose of this guide, we refer broadly to a Kotak Mojo/Rewards‑type card that emphasises online spending and milestone benefits.

General Positioning in Kotak Portfolio

Kotak’s mid‑tier rewards cards are good for:

• Users who already bank with Kotak & want card + account in the same bank
• People whose spending pattern is e‑commerce heavy – travel portals, fashion, electronics, etc.
• Customers willing to track milestone spends to unlock bonus rewards

Instead of flat cashback, these cards accumulate reward points or miles, which can be ultimately redeemed for vouchers or statement credit, giving them a cashback‑like outcome.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Typically around ₹500–₹1,000 + GST depending on variant and offer
• Annual fee: Similar to joining fee, waived on crossing specific annual spending thresholds
• Eligibility: Salaried/self‑employed with moderate to higher income; easier if you are an existing Kotak relationship customer.

Rewards & Cashback‑Like Structure

A typical Kotak Mojo‑style card might offer:

• Higher reward points on online spends – e‑commerce, travel bookings, movie tickets.
• Lower reward points on offline spends – in‑store purchases, local shops.
• Milestone benefits: Extra reward points or vouchers when you cross certain monthly or annual spending slabs (e.g., ₹75,000 / ₹1,25,000 / ₹2,50,000 etc.).
• Redemption options: You can redeem accumulated points for:
  • Shopping vouchers
  • Travel bookings
  • Statement credit (depending on the card’s catalog)

If you are a medium to high spender, these milestone bonuses can substantially increase your effective cashback rate.

Other Features

• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver up to a monthly cap.
• Railway/IRCTC or specific merchant offers: In some variants, special privileges for certain portals or brands.
• EMI conversion: Option to convert big spends into EMIs via Kotak’s online channels.

Pros – Where Kotak Rewards/Mojo Cards Shine

1. Strong for frequent online shoppers: If your monthly online spending is high, the multiplier on online transactions plus milestone bonuses can generate excellent value.
2. Useful if you centralize spends: When most expenses go on one main card, milestone thresholds are easier to achieve, making the card more rewarding.
3. Kotak ecosystem advantage: If you already have a Kotak savings account, managing the card, bill payments and tracking rewards is easy through a single app.

Cons – Limitations

1. Not ideal for low spenders: If you cannot hit milestone spends or fee waiver thresholds, the annual fee can reduce net benefit.
2. Redemption management: You must actively redeem points and keep an eye on expiry dates to avoid lost value.
3. Not pure cashback: Some users simply prefer automatic cashback, not points and vouchers.

Who Should Use a Kotak Mojo/Rewards‑Type Card?

These cards are suited to:

• Medium to high spenders who use one primary card for most online expenses.
• Existing Kotak customers who want to build credit card history with their primary bank.
• Users comfortable with chasing milestones and optimizing redemptions for maximum value.

If your spends are modest or you dislike tracking points, a flat cashback card might be easier. But used correctly, Kotak rewards cards can offer strong effective cashback to online‑savvy users.

15. Yes Bank Entry‑Level Rewards / Cashback‑Oriented Credit Card

Best for: Entry‑Level Rewards Existing Yes Bank Customers

Yes Bank issues several entry‑level credit cards that are reward points based but allow redemption as statement credit or vouchers, effectively giving you cashback. Product names and specific variants can change (Prosperity Edge, Yes First, etc.), so we’ll speak in general about a Yes Bank entry rewards card as a category.

Positioning of Yes Bank Rewards Cards

These cards generally target:

• New‑to‑credit or moderate income users
• Existing Yes Bank account holders wanting a card from the same bank
• People wanting low to moderate annual fee cards with decent reward rates

Yes Bank tries to attract customers by offering competitive reward structures and lower joining fees than some large private banks.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹399–₹499 + GST for basic variants (sometimes zero for pre‑approved customers)
• Annual fee: Typically same as joining fee, waived upon reaching specified annual spend limits
• Eligibility: Entry‑level income requirement, easier for existing Yes Bank relationship customers.

Rewards & Cashback Mechanism

A typical Yes Bank rewards card would offer:

• Reward points on all spends: A base rate for everyday transactions.
• Bonus points on special categories: Such as dining, groceries, movie tickets, or online shopping.
• Redemption:
  • Gift vouchers (Amazon, lifestyle brands etc.)
  • Merchandise (less recommended due to weaker value)
  • Statement credit – convert points into rupee credit against your bill, turning points into true cashback.

Depending on the point value and your usage pattern, your effective reward rate can be somewhere between 0.5–2% equivalent cashback on different categories.

Other Benefits

• Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% waiver on eligible fuel transactions within defined limits.
• Occasional offers: Yes Bank ties up with online merchants during festivals or sales to offer extra discounts for its cardholders.

Pros – Advantages of Yes Bank Rewards Cards

1. Low to moderate annual fee: Affordable for early‑career users, especially when annual fee is waived on meeting spend criteria.
2. Flexible redemption: Ability to convert points to statement credit means you can treat them like cashback.
3. Good secondary card: You can use it as a backup card for categories where your primary cards don’t give good value.

Cons – Things to Watch Out For

1. Offer ecosystem is smaller: Compared to HDFC, SBI, or Axis, Yes Bank’s partner offer network is not as extensive.
2. Need to monitor bank stability & service: Yes Bank has gone through restructuring phases historically; although it is now stable under RBI oversight, always check current service quality feedback in your region.
3. Reward rates may not beat specialized cards: On focused categories like Amazon/Flipkart, dedicated co‑branded cards still give better returns.

Who Should Consider Yes Bank Rewards / Cashback‑Oriented Cards?

These cards are a decent choice if:

• You already bank with Yes Bank and prefer all financial products under one bank.
• You want an entry‑level card with flexible reward redemption but not necessarily the highest cashback rate on any one category.
• You plan to use it as a backup/secondary card alongside a stronger primary cashback card.

For pure cashback maximization, you may want to pair a Yes Bank card with a more specialized product, but as a starter or secondary card, it works fine.

16. IndusInd Bank Legend / Premium Rewards Card

Best for: High‑Spenders & Premium Rewards Travel & Lifestyle

The IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card (and similar premium variants) is not a classic “cashback card”, but a premium rewards card where reward points can often be converted to statement credit or high‑value vouchers. When used correctly by high‑spend customers, the effective return can be comparable to, or higher than, standard cashback cards.

Positioning of IndusInd Legend

Legend and similar IndusInd premium cards are targeted at:

• Affluent individuals with high monthly credit card spends
• Frequent travellers and lifestyle‑oriented users
• Customers willing to pay a high one‑time joining fee in exchange for lifetime benefits and rewards

Many IndusInd premium cards follow a model where you pay a substantial one‑time joining fee (for example, ₹10,000+), in return for which there may be no recurring annual fees or lower future fees.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: High (varies by variant, can be in the five‑figure range), often compensated partly by welcome vouchers and gifts
• Annual fee: Sometimes NIL or relatively lower after the initial joining fee; terms change by variant
• Eligibility: High income, excellent credit score, and sometimes invitation‑only or selectively marketed to specific segments.

Reward & Cashback‑Like Benefits

Legend‑type cards generally offer:

• High reward rate on specific categories: Such as weekend spends, dining, or travel bookings.
• Good base rewards on other spends: So that even your everyday expenses earn noticeably more than standard cards.
• Redemption:
  • Air miles for travel (frequent flyer programs)
  • Gift vouchers for premium brands
  • Statement credit against outstanding balance, turning rewards into pseudo‑cashback

Since rewards per rupee spent and point valuation can be relatively high, a heavy spender can achieve a strong effective return rate on total spend.

Premium Features

• Airport lounge access: Domestic and sometimes international lounge access per quarter/year.
• Concierge services: Assistance with travel bookings, event tickets, restaurant reservations, etc.
• Golf benefits: Complimentary golf games or lessons at select courses (for some variants).
• Insurance coverage: Air accident cover, travel insurance, lost card liability, etc.

Pros – Why High‑End Users Like IndusInd Legend

1. High reward potential: For users who spend ₹50,000+ monthly on the card, points accumulate quickly and can be monetized effectively.
2. Premium lifestyle perks: Lounges, concierge, golf, and travel insurance add non‑cash value that many high‑income professionals appreciate.
3. One‑time fee model: Some people prefer paying a large joining fee upfront over annual fees year after year, especially if they know they will use the card heavily.

Cons – Not for Everyone

1. High initial cost: The joining fee is significant. If you’re not a heavy spender, you may never recover it through rewards.
2. Requires active optimization: To get maximum value, you should understand redemption options and spend patterns well.
3. Overkill for low/moderate users: People spending just ₹10,000–₹20,000 a month on cards will not justify a premium product like this.

Who Should Choose IndusInd Legend / Premium Rewards Cards?

These cards are best for:

• High‑income professionals or business owners who routinely spend large sums on their cards.
• Frequent travellers wanting lounges + insurance + strong reward earnings.
• Users willing to learn the reward ecosystem and redeem points smartly.

For the average user just looking to reduce grocery or bill expenses, a simpler cashback card is usually better. But if you are truly in the premium segment, IndusInd’s flagship cards can deliver outsized value.

17. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card

Best for: No Annual Fee + Good Rewards Beginners & Digital Spends

The IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card is a very attractive proposition for people who want a lifetime free card (or low‑fee structure) combined with a decent rewards program. IDFC FIRST Bank has positioned this card strongly for beginners and digitally savvy users who do most of their transacting online.

Positioning of IDFC FIRST Millennia

This card aims to provide:

• No or very low annual charges, often lifetime free
• Reasonable reward rates on online and offline spends
• Lower interest rates compared to typical 3–3.6% per month seen on many cards (though you should still avoid revolving debt)

For someone starting their credit journey or looking for a fee‑free secondary card, this is a compelling option.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Frequently NIL (bank has run many lifetime‑free campaigns)
• Annual fee: Often NIL for this variant (confirm on IDFC FIRST website at time of application)
• Eligibility: Young salaried or self‑employed with modest income and acceptable bureau history. IDFC may offer pre‑approved cards to existing customers.

Rewards & Cashback‑Like System

Millennia usually offers:

• Higher reward points on online spends, especially on weekends or specific digital categories (e.g., 10X rewards on weekends – structure subject to change).
• Moderate reward points on offline spends during weekdays.
• Reward points with no expiry: A significant psychological benefit; you can accumulate points over time without worrying about them expiring.
• Redemption: Points can be redeemed for:
  • Gift vouchers
  • Merchandise
  • Sometimes statement credit (depending on the program’s then‑current rules)

If used smartly, the effective reward rate can approximate 1–2% cashback equivalent on online spends and slightly lower on offline spends.

Other Features

• Lower interest rate range: IDFC markets a comparatively lower interest rate range if you revolve, but you should still always aim to pay in full.
• Fuel surcharge waiver: Standard 1% waiver within defined limits.
• EMI conversion & offers: Easy convert‑to‑EMI options and partner merchant deals from time to time.
• ATM cash withdrawal interest‑free period: Some IDFC cards provide interest‑free cash withdrawal for a short period but with a fee – always read T&C carefully before using.

Pros – Why IDFC FIRST Millennia is Attractive

1. No annual fee with rewards: A combo that is rarely seen. You can hold the card without worrying about recovering any annual fee.
2. Good for beginners: Helps young earners build credit history while getting genuine reward value.
3. No points expiry: Very encouraging for infrequent spenders who don’t want pressure to redeem quickly.

Cons – Things to Note

1. Reward catalog value must be checked: Before redeeming, compare point‑to‑rupee value across options; sometimes statement credit or certain vouchers give the best value.
2. Not as high as premier cashback cards: Hardcore discount seekers may still earn more from specialized co‑branded cards.
3. Relatively newer bank: Some people may prefer more established legacy banks, though IDFC FIRST is backed by license and regulation.

Who Should Get IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card?

It’s a strong pick if:

• You are new to credit cards or in the early years of your career.
• You want a card that is effectively free to keep and still offers good rewards.
• You do a fair amount of online/digital spending and are okay with reward points that can be redeemed later.

As a no‑annual‑fee card, it can also be a great backup card even if you already own other premium cashback products.

18. RBL Bank Shoprite Credit Card

Best for: Groceries & Fuel Entry‑Level

The RBL Bank Shoprite Credit Card is an entry‑level card focused on grocery shopping and fuel expenses. It’s not a high‑end cashback card but an accessible product that helps families save a little bit on daily essentials.

Positioning of RBL Shoprite

Shoprite is designed for:

• Households that spend a fair amount on supermarket and grocery bills
• People who commute by their own vehicle and have regular fuel spends
• New‑to‑credit or moderate income users who want a basic savings card from RBL

It focuses on a narrow but important set of categories, instead of trying to be everything for everyone.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹500 + GST
• Annual fee: ₹500 + GST, typically waived if you cross a certain annual spend limit
• Eligibility: Entry‑level to moderate income; RBL is relatively aggressive in card acquisition in many cities.

Reward & Cashback‑Like Benefits

Shoprite generally offers:

• Reward points or elevated rewards on grocery spends at supermarkets, department stores, and big retail chains.
• Fuel surcharge waiver at petrol pumps, up to a monthly cap (for example, 1% waiver on transactions between certain amounts).
• Basic reward points on other spends, which you can redeem later for vouchers or merchandise.

The exact structure can vary; sometimes the grocery benefit is in the form of bonus points per ₹100 spent at grocery merchants. Effective savings can approximate 1–2% or slightly more on targeted categories, depending on redemption value.

Other Features

• EMI offers: Option to convert large purchases into EMIs at RBL’s applicable interest rates.
• Partner promotions: Seasonal tie‑ups with brands, especially around festivals, to provide instant discounts.

Pros – Why Shoprite Can Be Useful

1. Focused on essential spends: Groceries and fuel are unavoidable monthly expenses; getting extra value here is always welcome.
2. Simple entry card: Easiest way to start using credit cards, particularly if RBL is active in your region.
3. Can be a good secondary card: Even if you have another primary cashback card, you might use Shoprite specifically at supermarkets and fuel stations for category‑boosted benefits.

Cons – Limitations of RBL Shoprite

1. Not strong for online shopping: Reward structure is more offline‑centric; heavy e‑commerce users may get less value.
2. Lower reward rate outside core categories: For general online/offline spends, many other cards offer better returns.
3. Brand/offer ecosystem smaller: Compared to HDFC, SBI, or Axis, RBL has a smaller presence of large‑scale partner offers.

Who Should Consider RBL Shoprite Credit Card?

It’s a decent choice if:

• You do regular grocery shopping at big supermarkets and want a dedicated card for that.
• You have monthly fuel expenses and want surcharge waiver and some reward benefit.
• You prefer an entry‑level card with a clear focus on essential household categories.

For broader cashback across all categories, pair this with a more versatile cashback card. But as a niche grocery/fuel card, Shoprite has its own small but useful place.

19. AU Bank LIT Credit Card

Best for: Customizable Benefits Tech‑Savvy Users

The AU Bank LIT Credit Card is one of the more unique and innovative products in the Indian credit card landscape. Instead of giving you a fixed set of permanent features, LIT is a “Live It Today” modular card where you can switch on and off different benefit packs (cashback, lounge access, fuel benefits, etc.) according to your changing lifestyle.

Core Concept of AU LIT Card

Most traditional credit cards give you:

• A fixed annual fee
• A fixed structure of benefits (cashback, points, lounges, etc.)

In contrast, AU LIT allows you to:

• Select specific benefit modules (e.g., “online cashback module,” “travel/lounges”, “fuel benefit”) for a certain time period.
• Pay a small subscription‑like fee for those packs only when you want to use them.
• Turn those packs off when you don’t need them, thereby saving cost.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Base joining fee: Moderate, depends on ongoing offers.
• Annual fee: Often low or moderate; additional cost comes from optional benefit packs you choose.
• Eligibility: Young and mid‑career salaried/self‑employed individuals in cities where AU Small Finance Bank is present.

Cashback & Benefits Model

When you activate a cashback‑oriented pack on LIT, you might get:

• Higher cashback on online spends
• Extra rewards on specific categories such as dining, travel, or grocery
• Enhanced returns for a limited time (for example, 30 days) while the pack is active

Outside of these packs, the card still provides a baseline reward structure, but the real power lies in customizing benefits around your big spend phases – like festive shopping, planned travel, or gadget purchases.

Other Features

• Lounge access packs: You can activate a lounge pack for a month when you know you will travel.
• Fuel benefit packs: Extra cashback or surcharge relief on fuel while that pack is active.
• App‑based control: Most configuration and pack selection is done via AU’s app, suiting digitally comfortable users.

Pros – Why AU LIT is Innovative

1. High flexibility: You are not locked into paying yearly for benefits you don’t always use.
2. Great for seasonal spenders: If your spending peaks during festivals or vacations, you can buy packs only in those months.
3. Appeals to experimenters: You can try different packs and see which give the most value for your lifestyle.

Cons – Challenges & Limitations

1. More complex than regular cards: Requires active management and planning; not ideal for those who want a “set and forget” card.
2. Risk of overpaying on packs: If you forget to switch off paid packs when no longer needed, you might end up paying for unused features.
3. Limited geographic reach: As AU is a relatively new bank transitioning from small finance bank status, branch presence is not truly pan‑India.

Who Should Use AU Bank LIT Credit Card?

You should consider LIT if:

• You are tech‑savvy and enjoy customizing your financial products.
• Your spending pattern changes significantly throughout the year, and you want benefits that can change accordingly.
• You are okay investing a little time each month in optimizing packs to maximize cashback and perks.

If you dislike managing settings and subscriptions, this card might feel like extra work. But for power users, LIT is one of the most adaptable cashback‑capable cards in India.

20. SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card

Best for: Offline Groceries, Dining & Movies Entry‑Level Offline Card

The SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card is an entry‑level card optimized for offline everyday expenses, especially groceries, departmental stores, dining, and movies. While it uses a reward point system rather than direct cashback, the value of those points on key categories can be equivalent to a strong cashback for families who spend more in physical stores than online.

Positioning of SimplySAVE

SimplySAVE is ideal for:

• Users who live in smaller cities or semi‑urban areas where offline spending dominates
• Families who spend regularly on groceries, department stores, restaurants and cinema halls
• New cardholders who want a trusted SBI card with low annual fee

It is a sister card to SimplyCLICK (which is more online‑focused). Taken together, they cover both offline and online reward needs.

Fees & Eligibility (Indicative)

• Joining fee: Around ₹499 + GST
• Annual fee: ₹499 + GST, often waived when annual spends cross a certain threshold (for example ₹1,00,000)
• Eligibility: Entry‑level income requirement; SBI is present in almost all regions, so availability is wide.

Reward Structure (Conceptual)

SimplySAVE typically offers:

• Accelerated reward points on spending at:
  • Grocery stores
  • Departmental stores
  • Restaurants and dining
  • Cinema halls
• Standard reward points on all other spends.
• Fuel surcharge waiver of 1% on eligible fuel transactions within a monthly cap.

The exact points per ₹100 and their conversion value to rupees can vary with time. But generally, if you redeem points efficiently (e.g., for vouchers or statement credit), your effective return in these accelerated categories can approach 1.5–2.5% equivalent cashback, which is very respectable for an entry‑level card.

Other Features

• Welcome benefits: You may receive bonus points after paying the joining fee and making your first transaction.
• Milestone benefits: Extra bonus points when crossing certain annual spend slabs.
• EMI offers: Option to convert large ticket purchases into EMIs via SBI Card platform.

Pros – Why SimplySAVE is Valuable

1. Strong in offline essential categories: Groceries, department stores and dining represent core monthly expenses for most households, so earning higher rewards here is savvy.
2. Low annual fee and easy waiver: Many families can cross the annual spend threshold organically and enjoy fee‑free benefits.
3. SBI’s reliability and reach: SBI Card is widely accepted, and its customer base and support network are extensive.

Cons – Where SimplySAVE is Not Ideal

1. Online reward rate is not standout: For heavy online shoppers, SimplyCLICK, SBI Cashback, or other online‑focused cards are better.
2. Points redemption required: Not a pure cashback card; points must be redeemed, and careless users might let them expire.
3. Limited premium perks: No airport lounges or luxury lifestyle features – it’s a basic value card.

Who Should Choose SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card?

Consider this card if:

• Your family spends a lot at local supermarkets, big grocery/department stores, and restaurants.
• You are comfortable with a simple, affordable card that quietly saves you money on everyday offline purchases.
• You want a mainstream SBI Card but do not yet need mid‑ or high‑tier premium offerings.

For many households in tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities, SimplySAVE can be the primary workhorse card for day‑to‑day expenses, especially when combined with another online‑centric card for e‑commerce.

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