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Must have credit cards [ 2024]

Any list of must have Credit cards, Category wise or Non Category wise?

Here you go:

Hello TFCians,
Firstly, a very Happy New Year 2024! I extend my heartfelt wishes for success and happiness to you and your family throughout the year.

As is our tradition, we are here to recommend credit cards categorized to meet your various needs. From the best credit card for online shopping, rent payment, insurance premium payment, and utility bill payment to the ideal cards for wallet loading, government payment/tax payment, international transactions, fuel expenses, offline transactions, and airport & railway lounge access – we have curated a comprehensive list for you.

In each category, I will be suggesting a range of credit cards, spanning from lifetime free options to luxurious ones, covering cashback, air miles, and reward points. Please peruse the complete list below and select the credit card that best suits your preferences.

[A humble request: If you wish to apply for any credit card from the list, kindly use the link provided at the bottom of this post, as it will contribute to supporting our community.]

[Best Credit Cards 2024 Category-wise (YouTube Video): Watch The Video On YouTube]

Best Credit Cards For Online Shopping:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback5% Cashback on Amazon For Prime Members, 3% For Non Prime Members, 1% on other websiteNo capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SBI Cashback Credit CardCashback5% CashbackMaximum cashback: Rs. 5000 per statement.
HDFC Millennia Credit CardCashback5% Cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, MyntraMaximum cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)Axis Atlas Credit CardAirmiles4% AirmilesNo capping
Yes Marquee Credit CardReward Points4.50% Reward PointsNo capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/AirmilesUpto 16.66% via smartbuy, 3.33% directlyMaximum 15000 reward points can be earned via smarbuy portal & Maximum 200000 reward points can be earned directly per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/AirmilesUpto 16.66% via smartbuy, 3.33% directlyMaximum 10000 reward points can be earned via smarbuy portal & Maximum 75000 reward points can be earned directly per statement.
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardReward Points3% Reward PointsNo capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Utility Bill Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback2% Cashback via Amazon Pay, 1% Cashback directlyNo capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)Axis ACE Credit CardCashback5% Cashback via Google PayMaximum cashback: Rs. 500 per statement.
Axis Airtel Credit CardCashback10% Cashback via Airtel Thanks appMaximum cashback: Rs. 250 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit CardCashback5% Cashback as Neu Coin Via Tata Neu AppNo capping
SBI Vistara Prime Credit CardAirmiles2% CV PointsNo capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33% Reward PointsMaximum 200000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33% Reward PointsMaximum 75000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Biz Black Credit CardReward Points/AirmilesUpto 16.67% Reward PointsMinimum spends required Rs. 50,000 to earn 5X; Maximum 7500 5X Reward Points Per Month.
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For UPI Payments (RuPay UPI System):
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardMinimum Transaction Value Required For Earning RewardsCapping
Lifetime FreeYes Bank RuPay UPI Credit Card (Virtual)Reward Point1%Rs. 2001 per transactionMaximum 5000 Reward Points per statement.
Kiwi Axis Bank RuPay UPI Credit CardCashback1%No CappingNo Capping
IndusInd Rupay Platinum Credit CardReward Points0.7% (Cashback)/ 2% (Vistara CV Points)Rs 100 per transactionNo Capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)Kotak Myntra RuPay Credit CardCashback1.25%Rs. 2001 per transactionNo Capping
HDFC Tata Neu Plus Credit CardCashback1% Neu CoinNo CappingMaximum 500 Neu Coins per statement.
BOB Snapdeal Credit CardReward Point1%No CappingMaximum 500 Reward Points per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit CardCashback1.50% Neu CoinNo CappingMaximum 500 Neu Coins per statement.
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)N/A
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Insurance Premium Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback2% Cashback via Amazon Pay, 1% if paid directlyNo capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2% CashbackMaximum cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points2% Reward PointsNo capping
SBI Vistara Prime Credit CardAirmiles2% CV PointsNo capping
HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit CardCashback5% Neu Coin Via Tata Neu AppMaximum 2000 neu coin per day.
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33% Reward PointsMaximum 5000 reward points can be earned per day & maximum 2,00,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33% Reward PointsMaximum 5000 reward points can be earned per day & maximum 75,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Rent Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardFeesEffective RewardCapping
Lifetime FreeN/A
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2%1% + 18% GST0.82%Maximum cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points2%1% + 18% GST0.82%No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardReward Points2.50%1% + 18% GST1.32%No capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Wallet Loading:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback1% CashbackNo capping
IDFC First Wealth Credit CardReward Points1.5% to 2.5%No capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2% CashbackMaximum Cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points3.33%No capping
Amex MRCCReward Points/AirmilesUpto 10% milestone bonus just by spending Rs. 1500 per transaction, 4 times a month.No capping
Amex Gold ChargeReward Points/AirmilesUpto 10% milestone bonus just by spending Rs. 1000 per transaction, 6 times a month.No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)N/A
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Offline Transactions:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback1%No capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)Axis ACE Credit CardCashback2%No capping
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)Axis Atlas Credit CardAirmiles4% AirmilesNo capping
SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points3.33%No capping
Yes Marquee Credit CardReward Points2.25%No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%Maximum 2,00,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%Maximum 75,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardReward Points3%No capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)Axis Reserve Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3% AirmilesNo capping


Best Credit Cards For Government Payments/Tax Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeICICI Amazon Pay Credit CardCashback1%No capping
IDFC First Wealth Credit CardReward Points0.5%No capping
IDFC First Select Credit CardReward Points0.5%No capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2%Maximum Cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points2%No capping
YES Marquee Credit CardReward Points1.25%No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardReward Points2.5%No capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Other Online Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback1%No capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2%Maximum Cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
SBI Cashback Credit CardCashback5%Maximum Cashback: Rs. 5000 per statement.
Axis ACE Credit CardCashback2%No capping
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)Axis Atlas Credit CardAirmiles4% AirmilesNo capping
SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points3.33%No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%Maximum 2,00,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%Maximum 75,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Biz Black Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%No Capping
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardReward Points3%No capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Fuel Purchases:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardSurcharge Waiver
Lifetime FreeN/A
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)IDFC First Bank HPCL Power+ Credit CardReward PointsEarn 5% Reward Point on expenses of up to ₹12,000 every month, plus earn 1.5% value back as HP Happy Coins if used via HP Pay app, upto Rs. 10000 per month.Not Available
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SBI BPCL OCTANE Credit CardReward PointsEarn 6.25% on expenses upto Rs. 10,000 per statement.1% surcharges waiver on expenses of up to Rs 10,000 per statement.
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)N/A
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For International Transactions:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardMarkup FeesAdditional BenefitsEffective Reward RateCapping
Lifetime FreeIDFC First WOW Credit CardReward Points0.67%NilNil0.67%No capping
Scapia Credit CardReward PointsNilNilNilNilNot Applicable
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)N/A
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)RBL World Safari Credit CardReward PointsNilNilSpend 7.5L in a year & get reward of worth Rs. 20,500Directly: Nil
Milestone: 2.73% (If you spend 7.5L in a year)
Not Applicable
BOB Eterna Credit CardReward Points/Cashback3.75% (Online)2% + GSTNil1.39%Maximum expenses upto Rs 33,350
Yes Marquee Credit CardReward Points4.5% (online) & 2.25% (offline)1% + GSTNil3.32% (online) & 1.07% (offline)No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardReward Points5%0.50% + GSTNil4.41%No capping
HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%2% + GSTGlobal Value Back Program: Additional 1% cashback on expenses upto Rs. 1,00,000 per statement1.97%1.97% Reward Rate applicable on maximum expenses of Rs. 1L per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%2% + GSTGlobal Value Back Program: Additional 1% cashback on expenses upto Rs. 1,00,000 per statement1.97%1.97% Reward Rate applicable on maximum expenses of Rs. 1L per statement.
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)Axis Reserve Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles6% Airmiles1.50% + GSTNil4.23% Airmiles*No capping


Best Credit Cards For Domestic Airport Lounge Access:
Card TypeCard NameDomestic Lounge LimitSpend RequirementsAvailable For Add-on Card Holders (Y/N)Guest Access
Lifetime FreeScepia Credit CardUnlimitedRs. 5000 in a monthNoNot Available
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)N/A
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)BOB Eterna Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, Unlimited12 Free guest access
HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Axis Magnus Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)Axis Reserve Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, Unlimited12 Free guest access


Best Credit Cards For International Airport Lounge Access:
Card TypeCard NameDomestic Lounge LimitSpend RequirementsAvailable For Add-on Card Holders (Y/N)Guest Access
Lifetime FreeN/A
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)N/A
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)Yes Marquee Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, Unlimited12 Free guest access
HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Axis Magnus Credit CardUnlimitedNilNo8 Free guest access
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)Axis Reserve Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, Unlimited12 Free guest access


Best Credit Cards For Railway Lounge Access:
Card TypeCard NameDomestic Lounge LimitSpend Requirements
Lifetime FreeIDFC First Millennia Credit Card4 per quarterNil
IDFC First Classic Credit Card4 per quarterNil
IDFC First Select Credit Card4 per quarterNil
IDFC First Wealth Credit Card4 per quarterNil
ICICI MMT Credit Card1 per quarterNil
ICICI MMT Black Credit Card1 per quarterNil
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)N/A
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)N/A
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)N/A
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Credit Card Application Links: [Our affiliate links]


So, those are some of the best credit cards available in the Indian market right now. Select the best card for you and earn amazing rewards from your spending. And don't forget to apply for a credit card using our affiliate link, so that you contribute to running this community website.
Happy reward earning!
Cheers 🥂
 
Sbi cashback for Almost everything Online
Airtel if you order food, groceries online & if you’ve multiple Airtel connections like mobile fibre net dth & utilities
Tata Neu infinity for Upi & for Tata brands

Amazon & Au LIT as LTFs.

For instant discounts Airtel will do for axis, but for icici you may have to take Coral Rupay LTF or platinum visa LTF

For sbi you may go for sbi simply save rupay ltf
You’re good to Go
 
Last edited:
Sbi cashback for Almost everything Online
Airtel if you order food, groceries online & if you’ve multiple Airtel connections like mobile fibre net dth & utilities
Tata Neu infinity for Upi & for Tata brands

Amazon & Au LIT as LTFs.

For instant discounts Airtel will do for axis, but for icici you may have to take Coral Rupay LTF or platinum visa LTF

For sbi you may go for sbi simply save rupay ltf
You’re good to Go
Very colorful and insightful reply
 
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