Best Credit Cards in India 2026
Complete Comparison Guide

Best suited for cardholders with annual spending above ₹6 lakh who can maximize the 3.3% reward rate. The unlimited lounge access and strong airline transfer partners add significant value for frequent travelers. Note: This is an invite-only card in 2026. Existing HDFC customers with ₹60L+ annual income and strong spending history on Regalia First may receive upgrade invitations. Alternatively, NRV of ₹30L+ with HDFC may expedite invitations.

Well-suited for frequent international travelers who can benefit from the 5% reward rate on forex transactions and zero markup. The card offers strong value at its price point, particularly for those who travel abroad at least 2-3 times annually. Domestic spenders may find better value with other options.

Offers comparable reward rates to HDFC Infinia with more accessible eligibility criteria. The dining program and entertainment benefits add significant value for lifestyle-focused cardholders. Note: Diners Club network may have limited acceptance at some merchants compared to Visa/Mastercard.

The Regalia Gold is the stepping stone to HDFC's premium cards. With easier eligibility than Diners Black and Infinia, it offers solid 2% rewards and good lounge access. Building spending history here can lead to upgrades to Regalia First and eventually Infinia.

The Amex Platinum is a lifestyle card, not a rewards card. The ₹70,000 annual fee (as of 2026) is justified only if you frequently travel internationally and can utilize the hotel credits, Centurion lounge access, and hotel elite status. For pure reward seekers, HDFC Infinia offers better value.

The MRCC is the best way to enter the Amex ecosystem. The 18:1 airline mile transfer ratio is excellent for premium cabin redemptions. With ₹2L spending in 2026, the fee is waived, making it essentially free for moderate spenders.

Offers a balance of travel rewards (4% on international) with lifestyle benefits including concierge, spa access, and chauffeur services. Best suited for cardholders who value comprehensive lifestyle benefits alongside their travel rewards.

Offers good value through entertainment and hotel benefits. The complimentary movie tickets and Trident hotel night can offset the annual fee for users who regularly utilize these perks. Well-suited for entertainment enthusiasts and occasional travelers.

Offers a straightforward 1.5% cashback on all transactions without caps or category restrictions. The simplicity makes it easy to calculate expected returns. For example, ₹10 lakh annual spending would yield approximately ₹15,000 cashback against the ₹999 annual fee.

A good option for frequent Amazon shoppers, particularly Prime members who receive 5% back on Amazon purchases (3% for non-Prime). The lifetime free status with no annual fee makes it low-risk to add to your wallet. Note that rewards are limited to Amazon Pay balance.

Well-suited for regular Flipkart and Myntra shoppers who can maximize the 5% cashback. The 4% on food delivery and ride-hailing adds value for urban users. The low annual fee can be waived with ₹2L spending, making it accessible for moderate spenders.

Provides good value for users who regularly shop across Tata brands including BigBasket, Croma, and Air India. The 5% reward rate on the Tata ecosystem and 1:1 NeuCoin redemption (1 NeuCoin = ₹1) offers clear value for ecosystem-aligned spending.

A practical entry-level card for online shoppers with 10X rewards on partner sites including Amazon. The low annual fee (waivable at ₹1L spend) and accessible income requirement make it suitable for building credit history.

Suitable for users who primarily shop online and use digital payment methods. The 5% cashback on major e-commerce platforms and 2.5% on wallet/UPI transactions provide value for digital-first spending patterns. Low income requirement aids accessibility.

Ideal for those spending ₹3,000+ monthly on fuel. The combination of 6% rewards at fuel stations plus the 1% surcharge waiver makes this the most effective fuel card available. Also works well for daily essentials with 4X on grocery and dining.

The 13X rewards at BPCL stations translates to approximately 4.5% value back on fuel purchases. Best suited for those with a BPCL outlet nearby and fuel spends exceeding ₹5,000/month. The added lounge access makes it a well-rounded mid-tier card.

Excellent value for frequent Vistara flyers. The complimentary business class ticket (worth ₹15,000-25,000) alone justifies the annual fee. Club Vistara Silver status adds priority services and extra baggage allowance on every flight.

A strong alternative to HDFC Infinia with similar reward rates at a lower annual fee. The unlimited Priority Pass lounge access and 5X on travel/dining categories make it compelling for frequent travelers. Easier to obtain than HDFC's invite-only premium cards.

The best free metal credit card in India. The dynamic 5X rewards on your top spending categories means the card adapts to your habits. The app experience is superior to traditional banks. Ideal for tech-savvy users who want a premium feel without fees.

Revolutionary concept — pick the benefits that matter to you. Traveling this month? Add lounge access. Watching movies? Add BOGO tickets. No fixed features mean you're never paying for benefits you don't use. Perfect for those whose needs change frequently.

The simplest rewards card available. 3X on everything with zero annual fee and zero conditions. The 0% forex markup makes it excellent for international transactions too. Ideal for those who want consistent rewards without tracking categories.

Designed for millennials and Gen-Z lifestyle — food delivery, OTT subscriptions, and ride-hailing. The 5% on these everyday categories is excellent for young professionals. Very low income requirement (₹15K/month) makes it accessible for early career individuals.

The BizBlack is essentially a Diners Club Black for businesses. It offers the same excellent 3.3% reward rate with added business features like GST invoicing and employee add-on cards. Ideal for business owners with annual turnover above ₹15L.

A practical choice for small and medium businesses with moderate spending. The 4X rewards on travel and dining suit businesses with client entertainment and travel expenses. The 45-day credit period helps with cash flow management.

Best entry-level business card with 10X rewards on typical business expenses like office supplies and telecom. The ₹499 annual fee (waivable) makes it accessible for freelancers and small businesses just starting out.

Essential for students going abroad for education. Zero forex markup saves 3-3.5% on every international transaction compared to regular credit cards. Parents can reload the card from India, and the multi-currency feature avoids conversion losses.

Designed specifically for college students in India. No income documentation needed — just a valid student ID. The ₹20,000 credit limit (as of 2026) prevents overspending while helping students build credit history for the future.

The most versatile forex card for students with support for 22 currencies. The rate lock feature is valuable when rupee is depreciating — you can lock favorable rates in advance. Ideal for students studying in less common destinations beyond US/UK.

Best option for credit score repair or building credit from scratch. Your FD continues earning interest while serving as collateral. After 12 months of good repayment history, HDFC typically offers an upgrade to an unsecured card.

The most cost-effective secured card with zero annual fee for 4 years. Perfect for those with low/no credit scores who want to build credit without paying fees. Guaranteed approval means no rejection risk.

The Infinia Metal Edition is the crown jewel of HDFC's credit card portfolio. Available only through invitation to HDFC's most valued customers (typically ₹8L+ monthly spends or ₹30L+ NRV), this card combines exceptional rewards with unmatched privileges. The metal construction makes it a status symbol, while the benefits justify the exclusivity.

The Amex Centurion (Black Card) is a legend in the credit card world. You cannot apply for it — you must be invited after spending ₹60L+ annually on Amex Platinum and meeting undisclosed criteria in 2026. The titanium card is made by the same manufacturer as the US version. It's not about rewards; it's about access to a world of experiences that money alone cannot buy. True ultra-HNI territory.

ICICI's answer to the ultra-premium segment, the Emeralde Privé is reserved for ICICI Private Banking clients with ₹7 crore+ Net Relationship Value (updated for 2026). The metal card comes with benefits that rival Infinia, including unlimited lounge access and exceptional concierge services. A true status symbol for ICICI's elite customers.

The Axis Magnus is the bank's most premium offering, competing directly with HDFC Infinia. The 35 Edge Points per ₹200 (~4.37% return when transferred to miles) makes it excellent for travelers. The 1:1 miles transfer to InterMiles, Marriott, and Singapore Airlines adds significant value. Previously harder to get, Axis has relaxed eligibility somewhat.

SBI Aurum is SBI Card's answer to HDFC Infinia and Axis Magnus. The metal card offers a compelling 3% reward rate (30 RPs per ₹100 with 1 RP = ₹0.10 value). The Taj InnerCircle Gold membership adds significant value for those who frequent Taj properties. Lower annual fee compared to competitors makes it value-oriented.