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What is Credit Card Reward Points

Understand what credit card reward points are, how they are earned through eligible transactions, the different redemption options available, and practical ways to maximise their value.

Last updated on: Jul 13, 2026

How to Earn Reward Points on Credit Cards

Reward points are earned when a credit card is used for eligible transactions, and the number of points depends on the type of spend, card category, and issuer-specific reward structure.

The key ways reward points are earned are as follows:

  • Welcome benefits: Reward points may be credited when a new card is activated or when a spending milestone is achieved, as seen with cards like FIRST Select Credit Card or SBI PRIME Credit Card.
  • Regular spending: Points are earned on everyday transactions such as shopping, bill payments, and utility payments using cards like FIRST Classic Credit Card or SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card.
  • Accelerated categories: Higher reward rates apply on specific spends such as travel, dining, or online shopping with cards like SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card, IndiGo SBI Card, or FIRST Millennia Credit Card.
  • Fuel and co-branded spends: Additional points may be earned on partner categories such as fuel or brand-specific usage with cards like SBI BPCL Credit Card or IndianOil Kotak Credit Card.
  • High-value transactions: Bonus or additional reward points may be credited when spending crosses defined thresholds during a billing cycle.
  • International usage: Some cards, such as FIRST Wealth Credit Card, provide reward points on international transactions or foreign currency spends.


The reward earning structure varies across cards, with each card offering a different mix of regular and accelerated benefits depending on usage patterns.

How to Earn Reward Points on Credit Cards?

Reward points are earned based on how and where a credit card is used, with different categories offering varied earning structures and timelines.

Type of Reward Points How to Earn Points When Will It Be Credited

Welcome Reward Points

On card activation or achieving initial spending milestones

After meeting onboarding conditions

Regular Reward Points

On everyday transactions such as shopping, bill payments, and utilities

After each eligible transaction is processed

Accelerated Reward Points

On specific categories like travel, dining, or online transactions

After qualifying category spends are completed

High-value Purchase Points

On large transactions such as travel bookings or high-ticket purchases

After the transaction is successfully processed

International Reward Points

On transactions made abroad or on international platforms

After foreign transactions are settled

Bonus Reward Points

On exceeding spending thresholds within a billing cycle

After meeting defined spending conditions

Loyalty Reward Points

On card renewal or continued usage over a period

After renewal or as per issuer’s reward schedule

Supplementary Card Points

On usage of add-on or supplementary cards linked to the main account

After transactions by supplementary cardholders

Credit Cards that Offer Reward Points Available on Bajaj Markets

The table below provides an overview of selected credit cards available on Bajaj Markets along with their key reward points benefits across different spending categories:

Credit Card Reward Points Benefits

IDFC FIRST Bank SWYP Credit Card

  • Earn 2,000 reward points on spending ₹5,000 within 30 days of card issuance
  • Earn 1,000 reward points on first EMI conversion within 30 days
  • Earn up to 1,000 reward points based on monthly spend milestones
  • Earn reward points on UPI, utility, and rental transactions

IDFC FIRST Bank SELECT Credit Card

  • Earn 10X reward points on spends above ₹20,000 in a month
  • Earn 10X reward points on birthday spends
  • Earn 3X reward points on spends up to ₹20,000

IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card

  • Earn around 3.5% savings through reward points on fuel spends

  • Earn up to 2.5% savings on grocery and utility payments

  • Earn 2X reward points on retail and UPI transactions

IDFC FIRST Bank Classic Credit Card

  • Earn 10X reward points on spends above ₹20,000 monthly
  • Earn 10X reward points on birthday purchases
  • Earn 3X reward points on regular spends up to ₹20,000

IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card

  • Earn 10X reward points on monthly spends above ₹20,000
  • Earn 3X reward points on UPI transactions

IDFC FIRST Bank WOW! Credit Card

  • Earn up to 4X reward points on eligible online transactions
  • Earn reward points on eligible offline purchases

IDFC FIRST Bank Wealth Credit Card

  • Earn 10X reward points on monthly spends above ₹20,000
  • Earn additional bonus reward points on hotel and flight bookings
  • Earn reward points on insurance and utility payments

IndianOil Kotak Credit Card

  • Earn 4% back as reward points on fuel purchases at IndianOil stations 

  • Earn 2% back as reward points on dining and grocery spends

  • Earn base reward points across all transactions including UPI

Kotak League Platinum Credit Card

  • Earn up to 8 reward points per ₹150 spent on select categories
  • Higher reward rate based on annual spend thresholds
  • Earn bonus reward points

SBI SimplySAVE Card

  • Earn 10X reward points on groceries, dining, and movies
  • Earn reward points on all other eligible spends
  • Receive 2,000 bonus reward points on spending ₹2,000 within the first 60 days of activation

SBI Card Prime

  • Earn 10 reward points per ₹100 spent on groceries, dining, movies, and department stores
  • Earn bonus reward points on birthday transactions
  • Earn accelerated points during birthday period

SimplyCLICK SBI Credit Card

  • Earn 10X reward points on selected partner platforms
  • Get 5X reward points on online shopping at other eligible retailers
  • Earn base reward points on eligible regular transactions

SBI Card Elite

  • Earn accelerated rewards on lifestyle categories
  • Earn up to 50,000 reward points annually on milestone spends 
  • Get 2 reward points per ₹100 spent on eligible transactions

BPCL SBI Card

  • Earn accelerated reward points on fuel spends
  • Get 1 reward point on every ₹100 spent on other non-fuel purchases 
  • Earn activation bonus reward points

SBI IRCTC RuPay SBI Card

  • Earn 10% value back as reward points on IRCTC bookings
  • Earn reward points on other retail spends
  • Get bonus points on initial transactions

BPCL SBI Card OCTANE

  • Earn up to 25X reward points on fuel purchases at BPCL pumps 
  • Earn reward points on groceries, dining and shopping
  • Get a welcome bonus of 6,000 reward points upon activation

SBI Card Pulse

  • Earn up to 10 reward points on health, pharmacy, and fitness spends

  • Earn base reward points on other eligible transactions

IndiGo SBI Card

  • Earn IndiGo BluChips on airline and travel bookings
  • Earn 2 BluChips for every ₹100 spent on hotel, travel, and other related transactions
  • Get milestone-based reward benefits on annual spends

YES Bank Klick Credit Card

  • Earn cashback on eligible transactions

  • Higher cashback on scan and pay transactions with Neon subscription

Disclaimer: Card features, reward points, fees, and eligibility may vary by issuer and card variant. Details are subject to change based on updated terms and conditions. Refer to the official website of the respective card issuer for the latest and accurate information.

What Can You Get in Exchange for Your Reward Points

You can earn and enjoy a host of benefits when you decide to redeem credit card points as listed below:

  •  Merchandise

Each credit card provider will have a collection of a specific list of products along with the number of reward points needed to purchase that product. These items include apparels, beauty products, stationeries, accessories, electronic gadgets, travel merchandise, etc.

  •  Gift Vouchers

You can use the reward points you earn to get e-vouchers from popular restaurants, merchants, or brands.

  •  Air Miles

Some credit cards allow you to earn air miles directly or with some cards, your points can be converted to air miles. You can redeem these miles for purchasing or availing a discount on your air tickets.

  •  Cashback

A cashback credit card reward is a bonus provided to users when they spend using a cashback credit card, whether on online shopping or in-store purchases, with the earned cashback often credited to the account or adjusted against the outstanding balance.

  •  Donations

Redemption of credit card reward points can be done by donating to the charities listed. You can select the charity of your choice and cash equivalents of the reward points will be given.

How to Redeem Credit Card Reward Points

Reward points can be redeemed in the following ways:

Redeem Credit Card Points Online:

  • Step 1: Visit your credit card net banking portal and log in with your credentials.

  •  Step 2: Select from the available options: vouchers, merchandise, or cash credit (if applicable).

  • Step 3: If you select ‘vouchers’, you will receive a code on your registered mobile number which you can then use to avail of price breaks/discounts while shopping. Alternatively, if you choose ‘merchandise’, you will receive the item at your registered address. Lastly, if eligible for cash credit, the rewards points are converted into cash and added/adjusted against your credit card balance.

Redeem Credit Card Points Offline:

1. By Visiting Bank Branch or Via Post

  • Step 1: Visit the nearest bank branch and obtain a reward redemption form.

  • Step 2: Fill out the form and submit/send it to the bank’s credit card division.

  • Step 3: You will receive your order at your registered address within 15 days.

2. By Calling Customer Care

You can easily redeem credit card reward points by calling the customer care team of your credit card provider. The representative will then guide you through the process.

 Apart from these, you can redeem accumulated reward points by shopping at retail and online partner stores. Please note that you have to pay for the remaining balance of the purchase with your credit card.

Before you attempt to redeem credit card points, you must consider certain factors:

  • Minimum Reward Points: Make sure that you have the minimum points that can be redeemed as per your lender’s provisions.

  • Validity: Keep an eye on the expiry date of credit card points and make sure to redeem them before they run out.

  • Redemption Fee: Check the fee payable for redeeming the credit card rewards.

How to Make the Most of Your Credit Card Reward Points?

  • Cash is always preferred over products or services. Check if your lender allows you to cash out your credit card reward points.

  • Keep an eye out for products or services, especially items you have added to the cart for a long time and take advantage of the discounted rates.

  • Use one credit card to maximise the collection of reward points and avail the highest benefits.

  • Keep an eye out for the expiry date so that you have plenty of time to redeem your reward points.

  • Assess the credit cards available in the market based on the reward points they offer before opting for one.

  • In spite of rewards being an added advantage, in order to maximise reward points, you must not overspend on your card.

  • You should periodically check the terms and conditions of the reward points since credit card companies tend to modify the same.

  • And finally, make sure to pay your credit card dues in full and on time to maximise the benefits of the reward points earned.

Ways to Avoid Losing Credit Card Reward Points

Read the Fine Print: Always review your credit card’s terms and conditions. Pay close attention to reward expiration policies, category caps, and any specific clauses that could forfeit your points, such as account inactivity or late payments.

Align Cards with Your Lifestyle: Choose a card whose rewards structure matches your actual spending habits. For instance, if you rarely travel, avoid cards tailored around airline miles or premium lounge perks. Opting for a card that rewards your daily expenses ensures you accumulate and redeem points naturally.

Track Your Points Regularly: Stay updated on your current rewards balance. If you are unsure of your point tally or expiration dates, check your monthly statement, log into your banking app, or contact a customer care representative to ensure you use your points before they lapse.

Financial Content Specialist

Reviewer

Saptarshi Ghosh

FAQs on Credit Card Reward Points

Can I use my reward points to pay my credit card bills?

You will have to check with your lender if they allow you to pay credit card bills through the reward points you collect.

Most lenders enable you to convert credit card reward points to cash through their netbanking portals. However, check with the lender about the procedure.

It is important for you to assess the reward points offered by different credit cards since the kinds of rewards offered by different lenders differ significantly. It is best to choose a credit card based on your requirements and interests.

Credit card reward points can be used to avail discounts while shopping or for air miles. They can be converted into cash and some credit cards even let cardholders pay their outstanding bills through accumulated reward points.

You can calculate reward points by evaluating the price of the gift available with respect to the reward points in your account. For instance, a credit card company is offering a ₹2,500 purse against 7,500 reward points. Thus, each reward point is 33 paise.

The primary benefit of credit card reward points is that they can be used to avail discounts during shopping. A rewards program gives customers the opportunity to redeem points for rebates and discounts on their purchases once a certain number of points have been accrued.

In most cases, the credit card reward points earned have an expiry period of 24 to 36 months from their earned date unless otherwise specified by the bank. In some cases, if you do not use your card for more than 6 months,the collected points will lapse.

Unfortunately, most financial institutions do not permit you to cancel your request to redeem points if you have raised a request to convert your points into a gift or in any other form.

Yes, there are charges levied on the redemption of reward points. These charges vary from card to card.

No, credit card reward points cannot be transferred from one credit card to another.

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