Save More with These Top Credit Cards in 2025!
When I first decided to get a credit card, I was very confused – which card should I get, which one is best for my needs? It took me a while to figure out what my spending habits are, and which card would benefit me the most. But now, after reading about the best credit cards in India and through my own experience, I have learned a lot. Today, I will tell you about some of the top credit cards in 2025, which are suitable for different needs – whether you shop online, travel, or need a card for everyday expenses. So, let’s find out!
Best Credit Cards in India: Which Card is Right for Who?
The number of credit cards in India has increased significantly. In 2025, about 44 million people were using credit cards, and this number will increase to 45.81 million by 2029, according to a report. But how do you choose the right card for you from all these cards? I think you should choose a card based on your spending habits and needs. Here are some top credit cards that are best for different needs
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SBI Cashback Credit Card: Best for online shopping and cashback:
If you do a lot of online shopping like me, then SBI Cashback Credit Card is the best for you. I like this card because it gives you 5% cashback on online spending and 1% cashback on offline spending. That means whenever I shop on Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra, I get cashback every time. The joining fee for this card is Rs 999 + tax, and if you spend Rs 2 lakh in a year, the renewal fee for the next year is waived. I got Rs 1500 cashback on my online shopping last month, and I felt great. This card is especially good for new credit card users because it gets approved quickly.
HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card: Best for Travel and Luxury
If you love to travel and want a luxury lifestyle, then the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card is perfect. A friend of mine has this card, and he said that it has benefited him a lot. This card gives you unlimited domestic and international lounge access, which means you can sit in luxury lounges while waiting at the airport. Moreover, you get 5 reward points for every Rs 150 spent, and 10X reward points on SmartBuy.
You can use these reward points for flight bookings, hotel bookings or shopping. The joining fee for this card is Rs 10,000 + tax, and the renewal fee is the same, but if you spend Rs 5 lakh in a year, the renewal fee is waived. I think, if you are a big spender and love to travel, then this card is the best for you.
ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card: Best for everyday spending
If you want a simple and beneficial card for everyday spending, then ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card is a good option. My sister got this card because it has no joining fee or annual fee – meaning it is lifetime free. On this card, you get 2 reward points for every Rs 200 spent, and 1% surcharge waiver on fuel. I find this card very simple, as it has no complicated terms, and it is very good for everyday spending – like groceries, dining or fuel. Moreover, this card can also be used for contactless payments, which means you don’t have to swipe the card, just tap and pay.
Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card: Best credit card for Fuel and Utility Bills
If you are an Airtel user and spend a lot on fuel or utility bills, then Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is a good option for you. One of my neighbours got this card, and he said that it saved him a lot. With this card, you get 25% cashback on Airtel recharges, broadband or DTH bill payments (up to a maximum of Rs 250). Also, you get 10% cashback on utility bills, such as electricity bills, and spending on Swiggy, BigBasket, Zomato.
There is also a 1% surcharge waiver on fuel, which is applicable on transactions between Rs 400 and Rs 4000. The joining fee of this card is Rs 500 + taxes, and I think, if you are an Airtel user, this card is very beneficial for you.
Axis Bank ACE Credit Card: Lifetime Free and Best for Beginners
If you are a new credit card user and want a lifetime free card, then Axis Bank ACE Credit Card is the best. One of my cousins got this card, and she loved it. The joining fee of this card is Rs 499 + tax, but if you spend Rs 2 lakh in a year, then the next annual fee is waived. With this card, you get 5% cashback on utility bill payments on Google Pay, 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola, and 2% cashback on other expenses. I think this card is good for beginners, as it has simple and beneficial offers, and you get the cashback benefit immediately.
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What to keep in mind while choosing a credit card?
Choosing a credit card is not easy, but if you keep a few things in mind, it will be easy for you to choose the right card. I share some tips from my experience:
- Understand your spending habits: What do you spend the most on – online shopping, travel, fuel, or everyday necessities? For me, online shopping is a big expense, so I chose the SBI Cashback Card.
- Check Rewards and Cashback: Do you want reward points or cashback? I prefer cashback because it is credited directly to my statement, and I can use it immediately.
- Check Fees and Charges: Some cards have high joining and annual fees. If you don’t spend a lot, choose a card with lifetime free, like the ICICI Platinum Chip Card.
- Check Credit Score: If you have a good credit score (above 750), you can get premium cards. My credit score is good, so I got the SBI Cashback Card early.
- Check Interest Rates: Credit cards have interest rates ranging from 23% to 49%. So, if you don’t pay your bill on time, you will have to pay a lot of interest. I always pay my bill on time, so I don’t worry about it.
How to use a credit card?
Using a credit card is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Pay your bills on time: If you don’t pay your bills on time, you’ll end up paying a lot of interest, and your credit score will suffer. I set up autopay for my bills so that I don’t have to worry.
- Don’t overspend: Don’t overspend just because you have a credit card. Spend only what you can afford to pay back. I spend within my budget.
- Take advantage of rewards and offers: Make the most of the offers and rewards available on your card. I got a discount on Swiggy on my SBI Cashback Card last month, and I loved it.
What I Think!
I think credit cards are a great tool if you use them properly. For me, SBI Cashback Credit Card is the best, because I do a lot of online shopping. But if you want travel or luxury, then a card like HDFC Diners Club Black is good. And if you are a new user, then get a lifetime free card like ICICI Platinum Chip or Axis ACE. Choose the card according to your needs, and take advantage of it. If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to ask me. I will tell you in simple terms! Now choose a credit card according to your needs and spend smart!
FAQ for Best Credit Cards in India:
1. What are the best credit cards in India for 2025?
Top credit cards for 2025 include SBI Cashback for online shopping, HDFC Diners Club Black for travel, and ICICI Platinum for daily spends, catering to various needs.
2. Which credit card is best for online shopping in India?
SBI Cashback Credit Card is ideal for online shopping, offering 5% cashback on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, with a joining fee of just ₹999.
3. Are there lifetime free credit cards in India for 2025?
Yes, ICICI Bank Platinum Chip and Axis Bank ACE Credit Cards are lifetime free, offering rewards on daily spends and online purchases, perfect for beginners.
4. What credit card should I choose for travel in 2025?
HDFC Diners Club Black is great for travel, with unlimited lounge access, 5 reward points per ₹150 spent, and 10X points on SmartBuy purchases.
5. How do I pick the right credit card for my needs?
Match the card to your spending habits—choose SBI Cashback for shopping, HDFC Diners for travel, or ICICI Platinum for daily use. Check fees, rewards, and interest rates.