February 25, 2026 · 7 mins read
Santosh Kumar
Rewards credit cards are the rage amongst Indian consumers to gain some value from their daily spending. These cards enable customers to accumulate reward points on purchases, which can be redeemed for travel reservations, shopping gift cards, goods or cash rebates. Unlike regular credit cards, rewards credit cards offer extra value in the form of organized reward schemes, making them popular among frequent credit card users.
Digital payments are on the rise, with consumer spending in India hitting a record high. As a result, banks have developed an extensive line of reward credit cards to cater to various lifestyles. An appropriate rewards credit card can help you maximize your rewards, minimize your costs, and increase your financial flexibility. This article will examine the six best rewards credit cards available in India, comparing features, benefits, reward structures, and value.
To put it another way, rewards credit cards give you points (or other types of benefits) that you earn by using your credit card. You can redeem them for a variety of items, including airline tickets, gift cards, products, and/or statement credits. The value of your rewards points varies from one card to another as do the available options for redeeming your points.
Most rewards credit cards provide you with bonus points if your expenses fall within a specific category, such as dining or travel, groceries, or online retail. All or certain rewards credit cards that you are able to use as a milestone when you reach certain spending amount.
If you're a big user of credit cards, and your main goal is generating more value for your everyday credit card purchases, rewards credit cards are the way to go.
Also Read: Can I Invest in an FD in My Wife’s Name?
The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card is popular for its well-rounded reward structure and premium benefits. Provides reward points on retail spends, travel bookings, and dining transactions. Users can redeem points for flight tickets, hotel bookings or shopping vouchers.
The card comes with free airport lounge access at domestic and international terminals, travel insurance and milestone rewards on hitting spend targets. Perfect for business people and frequent flyers looking to balance lifestyle and travel benefits.
Also Read: How to Withdraw Money From Phonepe Wallet
SBI Card PRIME is a premium rewards card for those who want robust reward offerings in a variety of spending categories. This card offers bonus points on dining, groceries and department stores.
It also provides welcome benefits, milestone rewards, and lounge access. Cardholders get to enjoy e-gift vouchers and exclusive entertainment privileges. The card is for people who desire reliable rewards and luxury lifestyle perks.
Axis Bank Select Credit Card offers reward points on daily expenses as well as dining and shopping benefits. The card provides dining discounts, free lounge visits, and annual-spend milestone rewards.
It further features travel perks, entertainment deals and exclusive merchant partnerships. It’s the perfect card for people who want a little bit of rewards and a little bit of lifestyle.
Also Read: Virtual RuPay Cards: Using UPI without Bank Account
This is a solid rewards card with great flexibility in redemption options. Cardholders receive membership points on transactions which can be redeemed for travel, shopping vouchers or partner loyalty programmes.
It provides milestone benefits, exclusive partner offers and personalised customer service. It’s especially good for those who like flexible rewards redemption and premium service.
ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card rewards lifestyle points daily transactions The card offers dining discounts, fuel surcharges waivers and entertainment privileges.
It furthermore provides airport lounge access and allows users to redeem rewards for travel and shopping. The card can be a good fit for users looking for a balanced rewards credit card with reasonable fees and steady benefits.
Also Read: How to Transfer Money From Phonepe Wallet to Bank Account
The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is well-known for its customer-centric nature and clear reward mechanism. It provides points on every transaction with no expiration, simplifying redemption.
The card offers perks like free railway and airport lounge access, insurance, and interest-free cash withdrawal for a short duration. It’s great for those who want to hold and reap the rewards over time.
SBM Bank ZET Credit Card is a secured, FD-backed credit card for first-timers and those with little or no credit history, so it’s a perfect option for the credit newbies looking to establish their credit profile while getting rewarded on everyday spends. To get the card, applicants have to open a fixed deposit from ₹5,000, and the credit limit is generally up to 90% of the deposit, as the FD keeps earning interest. Working with the RuPay network, the card facilitates UPI payments and enables smooth digital payments through leading UPI applications, as well as offers benefits on mobile recharges, utility bill payments and voucher purchases via the app.
Because it has no credit check, income verification or paperwork requirements, it is ideal for those who are new to borrowing (including students, young professionals) as well as those who have never borrowed before. It often does not have a joining or annual fee, and provides an interest-free period of up to 45 days, but if payments are not made on time additional fees may apply, including cash withdrawal fees, late fees and/or interest on an outstanding balance. Therefore, it is a great way for someone just starting out on their credit journey to build their credit profile while taking advantage of easy-to-make digital purchases.
Also Read: Which Credit Card Offers Fuel Cashback in India?
The Indian rewards credit card market is growing rapidly due to the increasing use of digital services and the demand for custom financial products. Banks are introducing larger rewards programs, more flexible reward redemption options, and better ways to manage rewards digitally to improve customer satisfaction.
As the rewards credit card continues to develop and change innovatively, it will remain a prominent consumer finance solution for value-conscious consumers.
When you use a rewards credit card for everyday purchases, you will be able to earn rewards that can be redeemed for travel benefits or other rewards associated with an enjoyable lifestyle. The type of rewards credit card you select will be based on your spending patterns, needs, and ability to qualify. You can also enjoy greater rewards opportunities, better financial management and a better experience as a consumer when you choose a suitable rewards credit card and maintain your account properly.
A credit card that provides a user with reward points or miles for use toward purchasing travel tickets, shopping, or receiving cash back or other types of cash, based on items purchased through the reward program.
You may use points from reward programs to shop for items on the bank's reward website or use for travelling and/or statement credit; however, each program has individual terms of use for the redemption of points.
Some reward credit cards charge an annual fee, others will waive the annual fee based on minimum purchase requirements and/or maintaining your account in good standing.
Banks generally prefer to provide credit cards to applicants with credit scores near 700 and higher.
Some reward programs have expiration of points, while others have no expiration criteria.
Your rewards credit card will benefit you by giving you additional benefits (points) for daily purchases (ex., dining or shopping and/or paying bills, etc.).
If used in a responsible manner and paid on time, your reward credit card can assist you in building and/or improving your credit.
Build and Maintain a 750+ Credit Score
