Types of credit cards in India
Indian banks issue over 200 distinct credit-card variants. Almost every card belongs to one of six broad categories. Pick the category first, then pick the specific card that matches your spending pattern.
By Rohan Desai·Senior Writer, Cards & Credit·reviewed by editor
Last updated: 15 June 2025
Cashback cards
Return a fixed percentage (typically 1-5%) of your spend as statement credit. Simple, transparent, and best for people who dislike tracking reward-point redemption. Examples: HDFC Millennia, Axis ACE, SBI Cashback.
Rewards cards
Give you points per rupee spent, which you redeem against a catalogue of vouchers, air miles, or statement credits. Better for high-spenders willing to optimise. Examples: HDFC Regalia, Axis Magnus, ICICI Amazon Pay.
Travel and airline cards
Turbo-charged points for flights and hotels, complimentary lounge access, and free flight vouchers on spend milestones. Best if you travel more than 4 times a year. Examples: HDFC Infinia, Axis Vistara, SBI Etihad.
Fuel cards
Cashback and surcharge waiver at fuel stations. Modest overall benefit unless you drive heavily. Examples: HDFC IndianOil, SBI BPCL, ICICI HPCL.
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Business / corporate cards
For companies to expense-manage employee spend, with GST invoicing and controlled limits. Rarely available to individuals.
Super-premium cards
Very high annual fee (₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh) with unlimited lounge access, concierge, personal butler, and reward-earn rates of 4-8%. Usually invitation-only.