HDFC Bank Credit Cards (Market Leader in India)
HDFC Bank is the largest credit card issuer in India, holding approximately 22–23% market share with over 2.2 crore cards in circulation. It offers a wide range of cards, including cashback, travel, and co-branded options like Tata Neu, making it a preferred choice for salaried users.
SBI Card (Second Largest Issuer)
SBI Card holds around 19–20% market share and is known for its wide reach and strong presence in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. It offers popular cards like SimplySAVE and BPCL for everyday spending and fuel benefits.
ICICI Bank Credit Cards
ICICI Bank accounts for approximately 18% market share. It offers premium and entry-level cards with strong digital integration and lifestyle benefits.
Axis Bank Credit Cards
Axis Bank holds around 12% market share and is known for cashback and rewards-focused credit cards, especially in the digital payments space.
RBL Bank Credit Cards
RBL Bank has approximately 5% market share and focuses on niche and co-branded credit cards targeting specific customer segments.
| Issuer | Market Share | Active Cards | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Bank | 22% – 23% | 2.2+ crore | Premium & co-branded cards (Tata Neu, Millennia) |
| SBI Card | 19% – 20% | 1.9+ crore | Mass market & fuel cards (SimplySAVE, BPCL) |
| ICICI Bank | ~18% | 1.7+ crore | Digital-first & lifestyle cards |
| Axis Bank | ~12% | 1.2+ crore | Cashback & rewards cards |
| RBL Bank | ~5% | 0.5+ crore | Niche & co-branded cards |
Private Banks Continue to Lead
Private sector issuers remain dominant in new card issuances and digital innovation. Among public sector lenders, SBI Card is the only major player consistently ranking among the top issuers.
UPI Credit Adoption Accelerates
UPI-linked credit cards, particularly those on the RuPay network, are gaining significant traction. Their share of total transaction volume is steadily rising and is approaching two-fifths of overall credit card usage.
Digital and Co-Branded Card Innovation
Collaborations between banks and digital platforms, including e-commerce and fintech companies, continue to shape product development. These partnerships are driving new features, improved rewards, and more personalized benefits for cardholders.
Growth Beyond Metro Cities
While metro cities remain key markets, adoption is expanding rapidly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 urban areas. Increasing digital payments and a gradual shift from cash to credit are fueling this growth.
Premium vs Everyday Card Segmentation
Premium cards offering travel perks, lounge access, and concierge services remain aspirational. At the same time, everyday cards focused on UPI payments and cashback rewards are attracting younger, value-conscious consumers.
FAQs about CC Issuer
Which bank is best for getting a credit card?
Many Indian banks offer credit cards. The best way to choose a credit card company is by researching whether the offers they provide are useful to you or not. The top banks to get a credit card in India are -
HDFC Bank
ICICI Bank
Axis Bank
SBI
Kotak Mahindra
Are the credit cards offered by HDFC useful?
Yes, HDFC ranks first in the list of best Indian credit card companies. The HDFC credit cards are very useful in all categories, be it entertainment, dining, travel, etc. The best HDFC credit cards are -
HDFC Regalia Credit Card
HDFC Millennia Credit Card
HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card
Hdfc Bank Easy EMI Credit Card
HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
HDFC Bank Diners Club Rewardz Credit Card
HDFC Platinum Times Credit Card
What are the factors that affect credit card eligibility?
The eligibility criteria for credit cards vary from bank to bank, but certain general factors affect the criteria. These factors are -
Credit Score
Credit History
Income Stability
Debt to Equity Ratio
What are the advantages of having a credit card?
There are many benefits of having a credit card. Some of them are -
The most accepted method of payment.
Unlimited reward points
Discounts and cashback on all transactions
Insurance coverage
Interest-free cash withdrawals.
What do credit card issuers do?
Credit card issuers create, issue and manage credit cards. They decide the policies and terms of credit cards and also determine the interest rates, rewards and fees. Credit card companies also tailor-make credit cards to meet the requirements of specific categories like frequent travelers, frequent diners, or students studying abroad.
How to know the credit card issuer?
If you are unsure about your credit card issuer and want to know about your credit card issuer, you can do so with the help of your credit card number. The credit card number is written on your card. The first six to eight digits of your credit card number help identify the credit card company.
Who can issue credit cards in India?
Banks can be issuers of credit cards in India either directly or through a subsidiary company. The non-banking financial companies, or NBFCs, can issue credit cards with prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
How can I contact my card issuer?
You can contact your credit card issuer by calling the phone number available on your credit card. You can also contact your credit card issuer by checking the card issuer’s website for the customer service contact.
You should immediately contact your credit card issuer in case you have lost your card or have observed any unexpected transactions done using your card.
