Top 5 Credit Cards for Rewards in India

In today’s fast-paced world, credit cards have become more than just a convenient way to pay—they’re a smart financial tool that can help you earn rewards on every purchase. Reward credit cards are especially popular in India because they offer cashback, points, or other perks that can make your spending more valuable. Whether you’re shopping online, dining out, or planning a trip, the right reward credit card can help you save money and enjoy exclusive benefits.

This comprehensive guide explores the top 5 reward credit cards in India for 2025. We’ll dive into their features, benefits, reward structures, fees, and who they’re best suited for. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to choose a card that matches your lifestyle and financial goals. Plus, we’ve included an FAQ section to answer common questions about reward credit cards in India.Top 5 Credit Cards for Rewards in India

Why Choose a Reward Credit Card?

Reward credit cards are designed to give you something back for every rupee you spend. Here’s why they’re worth considering:

• Earn While You Spend: You get points, cashback, or other benefits on your purchases, which can be redeemed for travel, shopping, or cash.
• Tailored to Your Lifestyle: Different cards cater to different needs—whether you’re a frequent traveler, an online shopper, or a foodie.
• Additional Perks: Many cards offer benefits like airport lounge access, dining discounts, travel insurance, and more.
• Cost-Effective: Some cards have annual fees, but these can often be waived if you meet spending thresholds.
• Flexibility: Rewards can be redeemed in multiple ways, giving you the freedom to choose what suits you best.

With so many options available, picking the right card can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve carefully selected the top 5 reward credit cards in India based on their reward programs, accessibility, and overall value.

1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card: A Premium Choice for High Spenders

The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is a premium offering from HDFC Bank, known for its generous reward program and extensive benefits. It’s designed for those who spend significantly and want to maximize their rewards.

Key Features

• Rewards Program:
  • Earn 4 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent across all categories, including insurance, utilities, and education (which many cards exclude).
  • Earn 20 reward points per Rs. 150 spent at select partners like Nykaa, Myntra, Marks & Spencer, and Reliance Digital.
• Milestone Benefits:
  • Quarterly: Spend Rs. 1.5 lakh to get a Rs. 1,500 voucher from brands like Myntra, Marriott, Marks & Spencer, or Reliance Digital.
  • Annually: Spend Rs. 5 lakh for a Rs. 5,000 flight voucher; spend an additional Rs. 2.5 lakh for another Rs. 5,000 voucher.
• Lounge Access:
  • 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year.
  • 6 complimentary international lounge visits per year (shared with add-on cardholders).
  • Complimentary Priority Pass Membership after completing 4 retail transactions.
• Welcome Benefits:
  • Gift voucher worth Rs. 2,500 on card issuance.
  • Complimentary Swiggy One and MMT Black Elite memberships on spending Rs. 1 lakh within 90 days.
• Redemption Options:
  • Redeem points via SmartBuy for flights, hotels, air miles, products, vouchers, or cashback.
  • Exclusive Gold Catalogue for premium brands like Apple, Fitbit, and Bose.
• Fees:
  • Joining fee: Rs. 2,500 + taxes.
  • Annual fee: Rs. 2,500 + taxes (waived on spending Rs. 4 lakh in the preceding year).
• Other Benefits:
  • 2% foreign exchange markup fee (lower than many cards).
  • Insurance benefits: Rs. 1 crore accidental air death cover, up to Rs. 15 lakh for emergency overseas hospitalization, and up to Rs. 9 lakh credit liability cover.

Who Should Get This Card?

The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is ideal for high spenders who value travel perks and milestone benefits. If you frequently shop at partner brands like Nykaa or Myntra, or if you travel often and want lounge access, this card offers excellent value. It’s best suited for those with an annual income of Rs. 12 lakh or more and monthly spends of Rs. 50,000 or higher.

Why It Stands Out

This card’s versatility in earning rewards across all categories, combined with its premium travel benefits and milestone rewards, makes it a top choice for those who want a well-rounded reward card. The low foreign exchange markup fee is an added bonus for international travelers.

Source: HDFC Bank

2. Axis SELECT Credit Card: Perfect for Online Shoppers and Occasional Travelers

The Axis SELECT Credit Card from Axis Bank is a great option for those who shop online frequently and want some travel benefits. It offers a balanced mix of rewards and discounts tailored to modern lifestyles.

Key Features

• Rewards Program:
  • Earn 10 Axis EDGE reward points per Rs. 200 spent on eligible categories (e.g., dining, shopping, travel).
  • Earn 2X (20) points per Rs. 200 on retail transactions up to Rs. 20,000 monthly spend.
  • Redemption: 1 reward point = Rs. 0.25 for vouchers/merchandise; transferable to airline/hotel partners at ratios like 5:4 for Air India.
• Discounts on Brands:
  • Flat Rs. 500 off monthly on BigBasket for transactions above Rs. 2,500.
  • Rs. 200 off twice monthly on Swiggy for orders above Rs. 1,000 (use code AXIS200).
  • Buy 1 get 1 movie ticket offer up to Rs. 250 twice monthly on District app (use code AXISSELECT).
• Welcome Benefit:
  • 10,000 EDGE reward points worth Rs. 2,000 on your first transaction within 30 days of issuance.
• Lounge Access:
  • Complimentary Priority Pass Membership for the first year (post first transaction).
  • 6 complimentary international lounge visits annually.
  • 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter on spending Rs. 50,000 in the previous quarter.
• Fees:
  • Joining fee: Rs. 3,000 + taxes.
  • Annual fee: Rs. 3,000 + taxes (waived on spending Rs. 8 lakh annually).
• Other Benefits:
  • Up to Rs. 800 savings on dining bills via Axis Bank Dining Delights Program.
  • 3.5% foreign exchange markup fee.

Who Should Get This Card?

The Axis SELECT Credit Card is perfect for online shoppers who frequently use platforms like BigBasket and Swiggy. It’s also suitable for occasional travelers who want lounge access and travel perks without the high fees of premium cards. It’s recommended for those with an annual income of Rs. 6 lakh or more.

Why It Stands Out

This card offers a great balance of rewards on everyday spending and specific discounts on popular brands. Its lounge access and welcome benefits add value for those who travel occasionally, making it a versatile choice for urban professionals.

Source: Axis Bank

3. SBI Prime Credit Card: Ideal for Dining and Entertainment Lovers

The SBI Prime Credit Card from State Bank of India is tailored for those who enjoy dining out, watching movies, and shopping for groceries. It offers high reward rates in these categories and additional lifestyle benefits.

Key Features

• Rewards Program:
  • Earn 20 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on your birthday (capped at 2,000 points/year).
  • Earn 10 points for every Rs. 100 on dining, groceries, departmental stores, and movies (capped at 7,500 points/month).
  • Earn 2 points for every Rs. 100 on other retail purchases (except fuel).
  • 4 reward points = Rs. 1 (up to 2.5% back on accelerated categories).
• Milestone Benefits:
  • Gift vouchers worth up to Rs. 11,000 annually on achieving spend milestones (e.g., Rs. 5 lakh yearly or Rs. 50,000 quarterly).
  • Pizza Hut vouchers worth up to Rs. 4,000 in a year.
• Welcome Benefits:
  • Rs. 3,000 voucher from brands like Bata, Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop, Aditya Birla Fashion, or Yatra.
• Lounge Access:
  • 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (max 2 per quarter).
  • 4 complimentary international Priority Pass lounge visits per year (max 2 per quarter).
• Fees:
  • Joining fee: Rs. 2,999 + taxes.
  • Annual fee: Rs. 2,999 + taxes (waived on spending Rs. 3 lakh annually).
• Other Benefits:
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 4,000 (max Rs. 250/month).
  • No fee for up to 2 add-on cards.

Who Should Get This Card?

The SBI Prime Credit Card is ideal for those who spend heavily on dining, groceries, and entertainment. It’s also great for those who want milestone benefits and lounge access without extremely high spending requirements. It’s suitable for those with an annual income of Rs. 5 lakh or more.

Why It Stands Out

This card’s high reward rates on dining and entertainment, combined with generous milestone benefits, make it a top choice for foodies and movie buffs. Its relatively low annual fee and waiver conditions add to its appeal.

Source: SBI Card

4. American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card: Flexible Rewards for All

The American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card is known for its flexible reward program, allowing you to redeem points in various ways. It’s a great choice for those who want versatility in their rewards.

Key Features

• Rewards Program:
  • Earn 1 Membership Reward point for every Rs. 50 spent (excludes fuel, insurance, utilities, and EMI transactions).
  • Earn 1,000 bonus points for 4 transactions of Rs. 1,500 or more each month.
  • Earn 5,000 bonus points upon first-year renewal on payment of the annual fee.
• Welcome Gift:
  • 4,000 Bonus Membership Rewards points on payment of joining fee and spending Rs. 15,000 within the first 90 days.
• Redemption Options:
  • Redeem points for the 24 Karat Gold Collection (e.g., Taj voucher worth Rs. 14,000, Shoppers Stop Rs. 10,000) or 18 Karat Gold Collection (e.g., Taj voucher Rs. 9,000, Amazon Rs. 6,000).
  • Other options include travel bookings, gift vouchers, and more.
• Dining Discounts:
  • Up to 20% discount at select restaurants.
• Fuel Convenience Fee Waiver:
  • 0% fee for transactions below Rs. 5,000 at HPCL; 1% fee for transactions above Rs. 5,000.
• Fees:
  • First-year fee: Rs. 1,000 + taxes.
  • Second year onwards: Rs. 4,500 + taxes (100% waiver if spends ≥ Rs. 1,50,000; 50% waiver if Rs. 90,000–1,49,999).
• Other Benefits:
  • 24×7 card assistance, dispute resolution, zero lost card liability, and emergency card replacement.

Who Should Get This Card?

This card is perfect for those who want flexibility in redeeming rewards and value dining discounts. It’s suitable for those with moderate spending habits and an annual income of Rs. 5 lakh or more.

Why It Stands Out

The American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card offers a flexible reward program with multiple redemption options, making it ideal for those who want to tailor their rewards to their preferences. Its dining discounts and fuel benefits add extra value.

Source: American Express India

5. HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card: Best for Beginners and Online Shoppers

The HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card is an entry-level card that offers high rewards on specific online platforms, making it perfect for beginners or those with lower spending.

Key Features

• Rewards Program:
  • Earn 10X CashPoints (20 per Rs. 150) on spends at Flipkart, Amazon, Swiggy, Reliance Smart SuperStore, and BigBasket.
  • Earn 2 CashPoints per Rs. 150 on other categories, including UPI spends (for RuPay variant, capped at 500 points/month).
  • 1 CashPoint = Rs. 0.25.
• Welcome Benefits:
  • 500 CashPoints on payment of joining fee.
• Renewal Benefit:
  • 500 CashPoints on payment of renewal fee every year.
• Milestone Benefit:
  • Gift voucher worth Rs. 500 on reaching quarterly spends of Rs. 50,000 or more.
• Dining Discount:
  • Up to 20% off on partner restaurants via Swiggy Dineout.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
  • 1% on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 5,000 (max Rs. 250 per statement cycle).
• Fees:
  • Joining fee: Rs. 500 + taxes.
  • Annual fee: Rs. 500 + taxes.

Who Should Get This Card?

The HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card is ideal for beginners or those who primarily shop online on platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, and Swiggy. It’s suitable for those with an annual income of Rs. 3 lakh or more and lower monthly spends.

Why It Stands Out

This card’s low fees and high rewards on popular online platforms make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who want to start earning rewards without high spending requirements.

Source: HDFC Bank

Comparing the Top 5 Reward Credit Cards

To help you choose the best card, here’s a comparison based on key factors:

Card Name	Reward Rates	Annual Fee	Lounge Access	Redemption Options	Best For
HDFC Regalia Gold	4 points/Rs. 150 (all spends); 20 points/Rs. 150 (select partners)	Rs. 2,500 (waived on Rs. 4 lakh spend)	12 domestic + 6 international	SmartBuy, Gold Catalogue, cashback	High spenders, travelers
Axis SELECT	10 points/Rs. 200 (eligible categories); 20 points/Rs. 200 (retail, up to Rs. 20,000/month)	Rs. 3,000 (waived on Rs. 8 lakh spend)	6 international + 2 domestic/quarter	Vouchers, airline/hotel points	Online shoppers, occasional travelers
SBI Prime	10 points/Rs. 100 (dining, groceries, movies); 20 points/Rs. 100 (birthday)	Rs. 2,999 (waived on Rs. 3 lakh spend)	8 domestic + 4 international	Cashback, vouchers	Dining, entertainment lovers
Amex MRCC	1 point/Rs. 50; 1,000 bonus points for 4 transactions/month	Rs. 1,000 (1st year); Rs. 4,500 (waived on Rs. 1.5 lakh spend)	Not specified	Gold Collection, travel, vouchers	Flexible reward seekers
HDFC MoneyBack+	20 points/Rs. 150 (select platforms); 2 points/Rs. 150 (others)	Rs. 500	None	Cashback, SmartBuy, airmiles	Beginners, online shoppers

Key Insights

• Reward Rates: HDFC Regalia Gold and HDFC MoneyBack+ offer high rates on select partners, while SBI Prime excels in dining and entertainment.
• Annual Fees: HDFC MoneyBack+ has the lowest fee, making it accessible, while Axis SELECT has the highest waiver threshold.
• Lounge Access: HDFC Regalia Gold offers the most lounge visits, followed by SBI Prime.
• Redemption Options: Amex MRCC and HDFC Regalia Gold provide the most flexibility.
• Best Use Cases: Choose based on your spending—HDFC MoneyBack+ for online shopping, SBI Prime for dining, and HDFC Regalia Gold for travel.

Tips to Maximize Your Rewards

To get the most out of your reward credit card:

1. Understand the Reward Structure: Know which categories offer higher rewards and focus your spending there.
2. Meet Milestone Targets: Many cards offer vouchers or bonus points for hitting spending thresholds.
3. Redeem Wisely: Opt for high-value redemptions like travel or premium products to maximize point value.
4. Pay on Time: Avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full each month.
5. Use Add-On Cards: Share benefits with family members to accumulate points faster.

FAQ

Conclusion

Choosing the right reward credit card can transform your spending into a rewarding experience. The top 5 credit cards for rewards in India—HDFC Regalia Gold, Axis SELECT, SBI Prime, American Express Membership Rewards, and HDFC MoneyBack+—offer something for everyone, from high spenders to beginners. By understanding your spending habits and comparing the features of these cards, you can select the one that best fits your lifestyle.

Always read the terms and conditions, pay your balance on time, and use your card strategically to maximize rewards. With the right card in your wallet, every purchase can bring you closer to exciting benefits and savings.

Disclaimer: Moneyjack.in provides general financial information for educational purposes only. We are not financial advisors. Content is not personalized advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. We are not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of our content. Always conduct your own research.