Compare Credit Cards in India

A credit card is a long-term financial product, so it is vital to compare credit cards before submitting applications. Comparing helps you avoid cards with high annual fees that offer limited value for your spending pattern. You can also compare credit card rewards to identify options that maximise cashback, points, or miles on your favourite categories such as online shopping, groceries, or travel.​

Using credit card comparison sites also improves approval chances, as you can shortlist cards suited to your income, credit profile, and usage. When you compare credit card benefits and eligibility criteria in advance, you minimise hard enquiries on your credit report and reduce the risk of rejection. Careful comparison of some of the top credit cards also helps you understand new rule changes around lounge access, fees, and reward caps.

Here are some parameters to consider when you compare credit cards in India:

Your Requirements

By analysing your shopping preferences and spending habits, you could shortlist the right credit cards. Financial companies offer a wide range of cards. Some offer comprehensive benefits, while others focus on specific categories like travel, entertainment, or shopping. 

To compare credit cards effectively, evaluate your needs. Consider whether you prioritise savings of fuel expenses, travel, shopping, or entertainment. Based on this analysis, you may have to compare fewer options, which makes selecting the best card easier.

Credit Limit

The limit of your card depends on your eligibility and the issuer. Consider both the maximum limit and whether you qualify as per the terms of the issuer when you compare credit cards. This may help narrow down your choices. 

Reward Programs

Focusing on the rewards ecosystem rather than on the card itself could be a smart move. Check how many points you can earn, what you could redeem them for, and what their conversion value is in INR. 

You could earn points as a welcome bonus, on crossing spending milestones, on birthdays and anniversaries and on purchases. Some cards allow you to earn accelerated points on specific transactions. Compare credit cards in India online keeping these features in mind, and choose the ideal card. 

Interest Rates

Interest applies on unpaid dues and finding a card that comes with the lowest rate is vital for your financial health. Consider this aspect when you compare credit card offers. 

Joining and Annual Fees

One-time and recurring maintenance charges may be nominal but add to your cost of holding a card. These amounts vary across issuers and cards. Normally, premium cards have higher charges and vice versa. Consider this feature when you are comparing your options. 

On Bajaj Markets, you can find a number of lifetime-free cards with attractive rewards and features.

Additional Perks

After verifying all critical factors, compare credit cards online based on their value-added features. This may help you unlock additional benefits, and some examples include: 

• Exclusive memberships to loyalty programmes

• Insurance covers for travel, luggage protection, and more

• Mobile apps for ease of usage and tracking 

• Emergency services during times of need

• Complimentary airport lounge access

For Cashback & Online Shopping

If your primary goal is savings on e-commerce and digital spends, focus on cards that offer high cashback on specific platforms or broad online categories. Co-branded cards like Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card or Amazon Pay ICICI are popular because they give elevated rewards on marketplace transactions, along with everyday benefits on partner brands.

Such cards are ideal when you compare credit cards in India mainly for shopping and bill payments rather than travel. You can use credit card compare online tools to estimate yearly cashback based on your average monthly orders, then compare credit card rewards to select the most rewarding option.

For Travel & Lounge Access

Frequent flyers should compare credit card benefits around air miles, flight vouchers, and airport lounge access. Premium products like HDFC Regalia Gold and certain SBI Bank and Axis Bank travel cards provide complimentary domestic and, in some cases, international lounges, making airport waits more comfortable. These cards may also offer milestone-based flight vouchers, hotel discounts, or travel insurance coverage.

When you compare credit cards for travel, study revised lounge access policies and caps introduced by several issuers in 2025, as benefits for some co-branded cards were reduced. Also compare credit card interest rates and forex mark-up fees if you plan international trips, since high charges can offset travel rewards.

For Fuel & Everyday Transactions

Motorists who spend regularly on fuel should look for cards offering a fuel surcharge waiver and extra points on fuel station spends. Some cards from ICICI Bank, SBI, and other issuers provide waived fuel surcharge at selected networks plus base rewards on daily categories like groceries and utilities. This helps reduce commuting costs while still earning value on routine payments.

When you compare credit cards side by side for everyday spending, evaluate whether the fuel benefits come with monthly caps or specific fuel partners. Also see if rewards on essential categories remain uncapped, as many issuers now restrict points on utility, rent, and wallet load transactions.​

For Low Annual Fee / Lifetime Free

If you prefer to minimise fixed costs, you can compare credit cards that are lifetime free or offer easy annual fee waivers on reaching a modest spend threshold. Lifetime free options and low-fee cards from issuers like ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and IDFC FIRST Bank often still provide decent base rewards and welcome offers, especially for first-time users. These are ideal if you are building credit history or use the card infrequently.

When you compare and apply for credit cards in this segment, ensure that low fees do not mean excessive interest rates or very restricted rewards. Checking the overall fee structure and typical APR on comparison sites will help you compare credit card rates effectively and avoid expensive debt.

Credit Card Fees & Charges to Watch Out For

Beyond headline rewards, you must understand key fees while doing any credit card comparison. The main recurring cost is the annual or renewal fee, which may be waived on achieving a certain annual spend; always check these conditions. Interest charges are another critical element, as most issuers in India levy monthly rates that convert to roughly 24% to 48% annually if you revolve balances.

Hidden or less-noticed costs include late payment fees, cash advance charges on ATM withdrawals, and foreign currency mark-up on international transactions. Several banks also revised charges in 2025 on wallet loads, gaming spends, and excess cash transactions, which can quietly increase your total cost of borrowing. Before you compare and apply for credit cards, carefully scan the schedule of charges so that your comparison of some of the top credit cards factors in both benefits and real-world costs.