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The Ultimate Credit Card Guide – One-Stop Solution for All Your Queries with RR Analysis!

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Hey everyone! I'm planning to add a few more credit cards here and want to ensure I cover the most beneficial options. I aim to include widely available credit cards that offer great value, so let’s exclude private/invite-only cards for now.

Which credit cards do you think I should add?
Any hidden gems I missed?

Drop your suggestions below! Let's build a list that benefits everyone.
 
Fini7777 said:
Comprehensive Credit Card Guide
First and foremost, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to this community for sharing knowledge and spreading awareness about credit cards. Over the past three years, I’ve learned a lot and gained significant insights into the world of credit cards, thanks to all of you.

Now, it's my turn to contribute! I’m excited to present a Comprehensive Credit Card Guide, which includes detailed analysis, comparisons, and insights to help you make informed decisions.

Key Highlights of the Guide:​

Banks Analyzed: 16 issuers, covering 105 credit cards
Excluded Banks: Public sector banks (except SBI & BOB)
Excel File Includes 5 Sheets:
  • Sheet 1: Credit Card Database - Comprehensive details on all analyzed cards, including fees, rewards, and benefits, and many more.
  • Sheet 2: Quick Report - A filter-based tool to find the best credit card based on your spending pattern.
  • Sheet 3: Comprehensive Comparisons & Analysis (Best Cards by Category, LTF & RuPay Cards List and many more.)
  • Sheet 4: ROI & RR Calculators (HDFC & AMEX Cards, and Axis cards) - will add more cards soon.
  • Sheet 5: Details of Exclusions, Rent surcharge, Fuel Surcharge, and other fees and exclusions of all credit cards.
⚠️ Important Notes & Disclaimers:
🔹 If the pre-selected cards don’t match your needs, apply filters in Sheet 2 to find the best card for your spending pattern.
🔹 This guide maintains a minimal number of cards while ensuring the best possible returns, making selection easier.
🔹 Reward rates are based on optimal redemption options, but exclusions may apply.
🔹 Income eligibility details are not included—visit the official website for exact criteria.
🔹 No referral or affiliate links—this is purely for awareness & educational purposes.

💡 Important Note: If you ever face issues with your credit or debit card—such as unauthorized charges, incorrect reporting, or non-resolution of complaints—you can escalate the matter to the RBI Banking Ombudsman (BO). The RBI guidelines provide detailed instructions on how to file complaints and ensure fair resolution.
🔗 Reference: Master Direction – Credit Card and Debit Card – Issuance and Conduct Directions, 2022 - click here
🔹 Credit Card Chargeback – An Underrated Feature ⚡
Many cardholders are unaware that they can initiate a chargeback in case of fraudulent transactions, service disputes, or merchant issues. A chargeback allows you to dispute a transaction and request a refund through your bank if the merchant fails to provide the promised service or if unauthorized charges appear.

Do you have any suggestions or corrections? Found any missing cards that would add value? DM me, and I’ll update the sheet accordingly.
Your valuable rating/reputation motivates me to keep sharing genuine and unbiased financial insights!
  • Use MS Excel for Sheet 4 (Calculators) - Attached Below
  • Use Google Sheets for all other data - click here
Click to expand...
So much useful for this community thnx for your efforts and your informative content 😊 👍
Fini7777 said:
  • HapRead this document for more details - click here
**"My special thanks to @TechnoFino, @helloworld , @SSV , @BVC , @drsel , @Abhishek012 , and @bhavyegoel . some of your posts and reviews have been incredibly helpful in this process.***

A Quick Glimpse of the Project:​

This project is the result of extensive research and analysis, aimed at providing a one-stop guide for choosing the best credit cards. With detailed comparisons, reward calculations, and essential fee insights, this guide simplifies the decision-making process, ensuring you get the maximum value from your credit cards.

Whether you're looking for the best cashback card, travel perks, milestone benefits, or RuPay UPI compatibility, this guide has got you covered!
Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome—let’s make this even better together!


If any revisions or updates are available I'll update the Google sheet and attached Excel sheet Regularly.
Use threadmarks for latest updates.
Click to expand...
 
I got an Axis Privilege LTF. Looks decent.
Fini7777 said:
Hey everyone! I'm planning to add a few more credit cards here and want to ensure I cover the most beneficial options. I aim to include widely available credit cards that offer great value, so let’s exclude private/invite-only cards for now.

Which credit cards do you think I should add?
Any hidden gems I missed?

Drop your suggestions below! Let's build a list that benefits everyone.
Click to expand...
Axis Privilege, PNB Select.. (Not gems... some info will be good)
 
Fini7777 said:
Hey everyone! I'm planning to add a few more credit cards here and want to ensure I cover the most beneficial options. I aim to include widely available credit cards that offer great value, so let’s exclude private/invite-only cards for now.

Which credit cards do you think I should add?
Any hidden gems I missed?

Drop your suggestions below! Let's build a list that benefits everyone.
Click to expand...
You already have shared more than enough content.👏👏 A REFERENCE book 📚

Few Suggestion: for category -
First time Starter :Easily approval cards:

17-22(Student)
Home Maker(Without Cibil)
Early Earner()/ Freelance/WFH type
50-55+ or senior citizen (First time)
For occasional usage type -(online sales FK/Amz /Offline Store etc)
 
Last edited:
also, is there anyway to save this download this? i want to keep it safe locally. It's one of the most useful thing i have ever seen
 
GTSaketh said:
also, is there anyway to save this download this? i want to keep it safe locally. It's one of the most useful thing i have ever seen
Click to expand...
yes, you can open the Gdrive file and go to File section , there you will find download option. You can download in PDF, Excel or any other file format.
 
@Fini7777 looking for a CC which gives good benefits on 8-10L spends per annum (incl rental spends).
Background, so far I was using IDFC Vistara card, which had 3L rental spends + other spends. Even after paying 6k for joining and other platform fees, benefits far outweighed fees & charges as I got 3 vistara (now air india) premium economy vouchers + 9k rps which is equivalent to 1 more ticket. Now that the benefits are closed by the bank, looking for a decent card.

Recommendations & suggestions would be helpful.
 
ganibhai said:
@Fini7777 looking for a CC which gives good benefits on 8-10L spends per annum (incl rental spends).
Background, so far I was using IDFC Vistara card, which had 3L rental spends + other spends. Even after paying 6k for joining and other platform fees, benefits far outweighed fees & charges as I got 3 vistara (now air india) premium economy vouchers + 9k rps which is equivalent to 1 more ticket. Now that the benefits are closed by the bank, looking for a decent card.

Recommendations & suggestions would be helpful.
Click to expand...
For other spends, there are multiple options available currently. For rental spends up to ₹50,000, the Axis Magnus for Burgundy (M4B) works fine. However, the issue is that it's not suitable for annual spends of ₹8–10 lakhs. It's a good card if you can spend ₹1.5 lakhs or more per month.

Are you looking for a single card to cover all your expenses, including rent?
Share ur current cards portfolio so that I can help you.

check out this thread, it's relevant to ur question
Fini7777

Post in thread 'Best suited credit card as per spend category'

Cardzmania said:
After almost 3 months I would like to share my updated CC strategy, I have tried to optimised the CC and below listed are best suited for me as of now. I will definitely revisit it time to time based on CC available in market and my eligibility to get those.
I don't have any premium CC (i.e. ICICI EPM, HDFC Infinia/DCB, M4B etc....) as on date. So, my CC strategy if soley based on the available CC with me... Axis Atlas (Primary Card), Amex Platinum Travel & MRCC, Axis Airtel, HDFC Tata Neu Infinity, HDFC Swiggy, IDFC Power+

I have removed the expense column as it is based on ones...
Click to expand...
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Apply For LTF Scepia Credit Card
Fini7777 said:
For other spends, there are multiple options available currently. For rental spends up to ₹50,000, the Axis Magnus for Burgundy (M4B) works fine. However, the issue is that it's not suitable for annual spends of ₹8–10 lakhs. It's a good card if you can spend ₹1.5 lakhs or more per month.

Are you looking for a single card to cover all your expenses, including rent?
Share ur current cards portfolio so that I can help you.

check out this thread, it's relevant to ur question
Fini7777

Post in thread 'Best suited credit card as per spend category'

Cardzmania said:
After almost 3 months I would like to share my updated CC strategy, I have tried to optimised the CC and below listed are best suited for me as of now. I will definitely revisit it time to time based on CC available in market and my eligibility to get those.
I don't have any premium CC (i.e. ICICI EPM, HDFC Infinia/DCB, M4B etc....) as on date. So, my CC strategy if soley based on the available CC with me... Axis Atlas (Primary Card), Amex Platinum Travel & MRCC, Axis Airtel, HDFC Tata Neu Infinity, HDFC Swiggy, IDFC Power+

I have removed the expense column as it is based on ones...
Click to expand...
  • Like
Click to expand...
Current card portfolio -
ICICI -
HPCL card, Rubyx - MC & Amex combo (both hardly in use, just there because HPCL was my 1st card and I got LTF rubyx)

IDFC -
Vistara - Was effective till 31st March, useless now
Select - Is mainly my primary card, use it for physical + UPI spends.


Spends breakup -

1. Rent (~7L p.a)- 25k so far, will become 25k + 30-40k p.m. after next 2 months
2. Annual insurance (1.2L p.a) (self + family + vehicle)
3. Other spends (groceries, utilities, etc)- 3L p.a

Total - 12L p.a (rounded off)


Not really looking manage multiple cards + i'll be closing vistara in next 6 months and planning to close rubyx. Even if i dont close, not really planning to use rubyx.
 
This is very helpful. Read through many recommendations and tabs. And I think, I reached a reasonable build of CCs. Please correct if you see major gap.

Amex Travel: International Trx, International Flights (Post 4 Lakhs, it goes to limited use)
Marquee: International Trx, Everything International. Many online payments. (I loved their flight pricing, Airindia miles transfer)
Scapia: Backup for Forex. (Indusind Pinnacle Exclusive Combo for ATM Cash Forex)
Rupay: HDFC N+ (UPI Replacement only), Supercard Axis is in process.
ICICI Amazon: Amazon only. My go to e-commerce site.
EPM: Ok, there is limited multiplier, but overall not happy with being restricted. I might even close this card (This year it'll be free bcz of transactions amount).

Closed: Magnus Burgandy, Plat Reserve, Regalia, Regalia Gold.
Thinking of Axis Travel in place of EPM. No rent, 8k fuel monthly. Assume 10-15 LPA spent.

Airmiles/ RR is only consideration.
 
BlueMantis said:
This is very helpful. Read through many recommendations and tabs. And I think, I reached a reasonable build of CCs. Please correct if you see major gap.

Amex Travel: International Trx, International Flights (Post 4 Lakhs, it goes to limited use)
Marquee: International Trx, Everything International. Many online payments. (I loved their flight pricing, Airindia miles transfer)
Scapia: Backup for Forex. (Indusind Pinnacle Exclusive Combo for ATM Cash Forex)
Rupay: HDFC N+ (UPI Replacement only), Supercard Axis is in process.
ICICI Amazon: Amazon only. My go to e-commerce site.
EPM: Ok, there is limited multiplier, but overall not happy with being restricted. I might even close this card (This year it'll be free bcz of transactions amount).

Closed: Magnus Burgandy, Plat Reserve, Regalia, Regalia Gold.
Thinking of Axis Travel in place of EPM. No rent, 8k fuel monthly. Assume 10-15 LPA spent.

Airmiles/ RR is only consideration.
Click to expand...
@Fini7777 Any observations? Any gaps? Open to all suggestions. Thanks
 
Update - Calculators New
Hi everyone,

I've updated the RR & ROI Calculator with the latest data. You can access the calculators using the link below.
ROI & RR Calculators for HDFC, Axis, and AMEX Cards

Key Updates:​

  • Reward rates of AMEX cards have been revised.
  • Features of some cards have been updated due to recent devaluations.
  • Some cards have been removed from the list as they are no longer available for new applicants.
Please refer to Sheets 3, 4, and 5 for detailed modifications.

Note: AMEX cards' Reward Rates are calculated by factoring in milestone benefits and accelerated rewards — they are not based on flat base rewards.
To understand the accurate RR and ROI of AMEX cards, use the calculators and input your own Reward Point value based on your redemption type.
Click to expand...

I’ve tried my best to reflect all recent changes, but with frequent devaluations, it’s getting challenging to track every update.
If you notice any errors or missing updates, feel free to DM me — I'm happy to make any necessary corrections.

Thanks for your continued support!
 

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    • BlueMantis said:
    This is very helpful. Read through many recommendations and tabs. And I think, I reached a reasonable build of CCs. Please correct if you see major gap.

    Amex Travel: International Trx, International Flights (Post 4 Lakhs, it goes to limited use)
    Marquee: International Trx, Everything International. Many online payments. (I loved their flight pricing, Airindia miles transfer)
    Scapia: Backup for Forex. (Indusind Pinnacle Exclusive Combo for ATM Cash Forex)
    Rupay: HDFC N+ (UPI Replacement only), Supercard Axis is in process.
    ICICI Amazon: Amazon only. My go to e-commerce site.
    EPM: Ok, there is limited multiplier, but overall not happy with being restricted. I might even close this card (This year it'll be free bcz of transactions amount).

    Closed: Magnus Burgandy, Plat Reserve, Regalia, Regalia Gold.
    Thinking of Axis Travel in place of EPM. No rent, 8k fuel monthly. Assume 10-15 LPA spent.

    Airmiles/ RR is only consideration.
    Click to expand...
    You've a well-balanced portfolio
    A few suggestions from my end to fine-tune it further
    • For UPI payments, consider adding the YES Bank Kiwi card.
    • Axis Atlas is definitely worth adding, it's good for airmiles and lounge benefits.
    • For fuel spends (~₹8K/month), look at SBI BPCL Octane or RBL Indianoil XTRA based on your fuel brand preference.
    • While E.P.M. is restrictive, you can extract value by using it smartly for purchasing GVs instead of using ICICI Apay cc or Marquee for online purchases.
    I've shared a simple Excel File (you can fill this based on your current usage) — try organizing your cards by primary use-case. This will help you visually assess if each card has a purpose and if there’s any overlap or redundancy:
    Let me know if all your cards are fulfilling your needs with the minimum required set. If you can trim further without losing out on benefits, it’ll be even better for management and tracking.
     

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