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Best Credit Cards 2024 | Category-wise Credit Card Recommendation By TechnoFino

Hello TFCians,
Firstly, a very Happy New Year 2024! I extend my heartfelt wishes for success and happiness to you and your family throughout the year.

As is our tradition, we are here to recommend credit cards categorized to meet your various needs. From the best credit card for online shopping, rent payment, insurance premium payment, and utility bill payment to the ideal cards for wallet loading, government payment/tax payment, international transactions, fuel expenses, offline transactions, and airport & railway lounge access – we have curated a comprehensive list for you.

In each category, I will be suggesting a range of credit cards, spanning from lifetime free options to luxurious ones, covering cashback, air miles, and reward points. Please peruse the complete list below and select the credit card that best suits your preferences.

[A humble request: If you wish to apply for any credit card from the list, kindly use the link provided at the bottom of this post, as it will contribute to supporting our community.]

[Best Credit Cards 2024 Category-wise (YouTube Video): Watch The Video On YouTube]

Best Credit Cards For Online Shopping:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback5% Cashback on Amazon For Prime Members, 3% For Non Prime Members, 1% on other websiteNo capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SBI Cashback Credit CardCashback5% CashbackMaximum cashback: Rs. 5000 per statement.
HDFC Millennia Credit CardCashback5% Cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, MyntraMaximum cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)Axis Atlas Credit CardAirmiles4% AirmilesNo capping
Yes Marquee Credit CardReward Points4.50% Reward PointsNo capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/AirmilesUpto 16.66% via smartbuy, 3.33% directlyMaximum 15000 reward points can be earned via smarbuy portal & Maximum 200000 reward points can be earned directly per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/AirmilesUpto 16.66% via smartbuy, 3.33% directlyMaximum 10000 reward points can be earned via smarbuy portal & Maximum 75000 reward points can be earned directly per statement.
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardReward Points3% Reward PointsNo capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Utility Bill Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback2% Cashback via Amazon Pay, 1% Cashback directlyNo capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)Axis ACE Credit CardCashback5% Cashback via Google PayMaximum cashback: Rs. 500 per statement.
Axis Airtel Credit CardCashback10% Cashback via Airtel Thanks appMaximum cashback: Rs. 250 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit CardCashback5% Cashback as Neu Coin Via Tata Neu AppNo capping
SBI Vistara Prime Credit CardAirmiles2% CV PointsNo capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33% Reward PointsMaximum 200000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33% Reward PointsMaximum 75000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Biz Black Credit CardReward Points/AirmilesUpto 16.67% Reward PointsMinimum spends required Rs. 50,000 to earn 5X; Maximum 7500 5X Reward Points Per Month.
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For UPI Payments (RuPay UPI System):
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardMinimum Transaction Value Required For Earning RewardsCapping
Lifetime FreeYes Bank RuPay UPI Credit Card (Virtual)Reward Point1%Rs. 2001 per transactionMaximum 5000 Reward Points per statement.
Kiwi Axis Bank RuPay UPI Credit CardCashback1%No CappingNo Capping
IndusInd Rupay Platinum Credit CardReward Points0.7% (Cashback)/ 2% (Vistara CV Points)Rs 100 per transactionNo Capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)Kotak Myntra RuPay Credit CardCashback1.25%Rs. 2001 per transactionNo Capping
HDFC Tata Neu Plus Credit CardCashback1% Neu CoinNo CappingMaximum 500 Neu Coins per statement.
BOB Snapdeal Credit CardReward Point1%No CappingMaximum 500 Reward Points per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit CardCashback1.50% Neu CoinNo CappingMaximum 500 Neu Coins per statement.
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)N/A
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Insurance Premium Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback2% Cashback via Amazon Pay, 1% if paid directlyNo capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2% CashbackMaximum cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points2% Reward PointsNo capping
SBI Vistara Prime Credit CardAirmiles2% CV PointsNo capping
HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit CardCashback5% Neu Coin Via Tata Neu AppMaximum 2000 neu coin per day.
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33% Reward PointsMaximum 5000 reward points can be earned per day & maximum 2,00,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33% Reward PointsMaximum 5000 reward points can be earned per day & maximum 75,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Rent Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardFeesEffective RewardCapping
Lifetime FreeN/A
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2%1% + 18% GST0.82%Maximum cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points2%1% + 18% GST0.82%No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardReward Points2.50%1% + 18% GST1.32%No capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Wallet Loading:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback1% CashbackNo capping
IDFC First Wealth Credit CardReward Points1.5% to 2.5%No capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2% CashbackMaximum Cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points3.33%No capping
Amex MRCCReward Points/AirmilesUpto 10% milestone bonus just by spending Rs. 1500 per transaction, 4 times a month.No capping
Amex Gold ChargeReward Points/AirmilesUpto 10% milestone bonus just by spending Rs. 1000 per transaction, 6 times a month.No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)N/A
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Offline Transactions:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback1%No capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)Axis ACE Credit CardCashback2%No capping
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)Axis Atlas Credit CardAirmiles4% AirmilesNo capping
SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points3.33%No capping
Yes Marquee Credit CardReward Points2.25%No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%Maximum 2,00,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%Maximum 75,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardReward Points3%No capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)Axis Reserve Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3% AirmilesNo capping


Best Credit Cards For Government Payments/Tax Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeICICI Amazon Pay Credit CardCashback1%No capping
IDFC First Wealth Credit CardReward Points0.5%No capping
IDFC First Select Credit CardReward Points0.5%No capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2%Maximum Cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points2%No capping
YES Marquee Credit CardReward Points1.25%No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardReward Points2.5%No capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Other Online Payments:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardCapping
Lifetime FreeAmazon Pay ICICI Credit CardCashback1%No capping
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)SC Smart Credit CardCashback2%Maximum Cashback: Rs. 1000 per statement.
SBI Cashback Credit CardCashback5%Maximum Cashback: Rs. 5000 per statement.
Axis ACE Credit CardCashback2%No capping
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)Axis Atlas Credit CardAirmiles4% AirmilesNo capping
SC Ultimate Credit CardReward Points3.33%No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%Maximum 2,00,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%Maximum 75,000 reward points can be earned per statement.
HDFC Biz Black Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%No Capping
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardReward Points3%No capping
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For Fuel Purchases:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardSurcharge Waiver
Lifetime FreeN/A
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)IDFC First Bank HPCL Power+ Credit CardReward PointsEarn 5% Reward Point on expenses of up to ₹12,000 every month, plus earn 1.5% value back as HP Happy Coins if used via HP Pay app, upto Rs. 10000 per month.Not Available
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)SBI BPCL OCTANE Credit CardReward PointsEarn 6.25% on expenses upto Rs. 10,000 per statement.1% surcharges waiver on expenses of up to Rs 10,000 per statement.
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)N/A
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Best Credit Cards For International Transactions:
Card TypeCard NameCard's Reward TypeRewardMarkup FeesAdditional BenefitsEffective Reward RateCapping
Lifetime FreeIDFC First WOW Credit CardReward Points0.67%NilNil0.67%No capping
Scapia Credit CardReward PointsNilNilNilNilNot Applicable
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)N/A
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)RBL World Safari Credit CardReward PointsNilNilSpend 7.5L in a year & get reward of worth Rs. 20,500Directly: Nil
Milestone: 2.73% (If you spend 7.5L in a year)
Not Applicable
BOB Eterna Credit CardReward Points/Cashback3.75% (Online)2% + GSTNil1.39%Maximum expenses upto Rs 33,350
Yes Marquee Credit CardReward Points4.5% (online) & 2.25% (offline)1% + GSTNil3.32% (online) & 1.07% (offline)No capping
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardReward Points5%0.50% + GSTNil4.41%No capping
HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%2% + GSTGlobal Value Back Program: Additional 1% cashback on expenses upto Rs. 1,00,000 per statement1.97%1.97% Reward Rate applicable on maximum expenses of Rs. 1L per statement.
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles3.33%2% + GSTGlobal Value Back Program: Additional 1% cashback on expenses upto Rs. 1,00,000 per statement1.97%1.97% Reward Rate applicable on maximum expenses of Rs. 1L per statement.
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)Axis Reserve Credit CardReward Points/Airmiles6% Airmiles1.50% + GSTNil4.23% Airmiles*No capping


Best Credit Cards For Domestic Airport Lounge Access:
Card TypeCard NameDomestic Lounge LimitSpend RequirementsAvailable For Add-on Card Holders (Y/N)Guest Access
Lifetime FreeScepia Credit CardUnlimitedRs. 5000 in a monthNoNot Available
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)N/A
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)BOB Eterna Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, Unlimited12 Free guest access
HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Axis Magnus Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)Axis Reserve Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, Unlimited12 Free guest access


Best Credit Cards For International Airport Lounge Access:
Card TypeCard NameDomestic Lounge LimitSpend RequirementsAvailable For Add-on Card Holders (Y/N)Guest Access
Lifetime FreeN/A
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)N/A
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)Yes Marquee Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)Yes Private Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, Unlimited12 Free guest access
HDFC Infinia Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, UnlimitedNot Available
Axis Magnus Credit CardUnlimitedNilNo8 Free guest access
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)Axis Reserve Credit CardUnlimitedNilYes, Unlimited12 Free guest access


Best Credit Cards For Railway Lounge Access:
Card TypeCard NameDomestic Lounge LimitSpend Requirements
Lifetime FreeIDFC First Millennia Credit Card4 per quarterNil
IDFC First Classic Credit Card4 per quarterNil
IDFC First Select Credit Card4 per quarterNil
IDFC First Wealth Credit Card4 per quarterNil
ICICI MMT Credit Card1 per quarterNil
ICICI MMT Black Credit Card1 per quarterNil
Entry Level (Fees upto Rs. 1,000)N/A
Mid Range (Fees: Rs. 1001 to Rs. 5000)N/A
Super Premium (Fees: Rs. 5001 to 12500)N/A
Luxury (Fees more than Rs. 12500)N/A


Credit Card Application Links: [Our affiliate links]


So, those are some of the best credit cards available in the Indian market right now. Select the best card for you and earn amazing rewards from your spending. And don't forget to apply for a credit card using our affiliate link, so that you contribute to running this community website.
Happy reward earning!
Cheers 🥂
 
Last edited:

Pack_of_Cards

TF Premier
I reckon we could add SC Super Value Titanium to the fuel category listing. Could easily be converted to LTF.
Agreed, but max fuel ~4000 every month. This card gives only a max of 2*100 as Cashback. And also there will be that 1-3% fuel surcharge which effectively lower the 5% reward rate to 4% or 3.5% depending on surcharge levied. The only good thing is its independent of Petrol Company, but I believe the limits should have been higher.

Also I believe the max caps on utility and telecom bills interchanged as cap of 100Rs is too low on utility.
 

hs23new

TF Premier
Best Credit Cards For International Airport Lounge Access:
Best Credit Cards For Domestic Airport Lounge Access:

Yes Marquee. Unlimited for primary + addon + 8 guest visit for 5900 annual fees.

Best Credit Cards For International Transactions:
RBL World Safari Credit Card Spend 7.5L in a year & get reward of worth Rs. 20,500

@TechnoFino How 20500? 25000 rp = 6250 plus 10k Amazon Pay. Total 16250.
 

hs23new

TF Premier
Best Credit Cards For International Transactions:

Au Zenith + - 0.82%. Additional 1000 Rs on 75k spends. Total return on 75k - 2.25%, 1L - 1.82%.
 

uchitshah

TF Buzz
I am really surprised that with negative perception people have develop towards Magnus.
I recently got Burgundy Magnus (Lifetime free)
Unlimited lounge access
5:4 conversion ratio
12rp per 200rs expenditure
35rp per 200rs expenditure after 1.5 lac

What wrong with it
I found it to be best rewarding credit card if converting into airmiles.

I feels Indian metality need little tunning, they want all for free and don't even want on the card also.
Sorry but in life nothing is free.
 

sm9811911

TF Ace
VIP Lounge
I am really surprised that with negative perception people have develop towards Magnus.
I recently got Burgundy Magnus (Lifetime free)
Unlimited lounge access
5:4 conversion ratio
12rp per 200rs expenditure
35rp per 200rs expenditure after 1.5 lac

What wrong with it
I found it to be best rewarding credit card if converting into airmiles.

I feels Indian metality need little tunning, they want all for free and don't even want on the card also.
Sorry but in life nothing is free.
It's not about charges. A top national bank can't decide what it wants to do with it's one of the most premium credit card. What rewards, fees, ratios it wants to keep. Every few weeks there's a new rule. That's just crazy. I think deserves the bad press.
But at the same time, I am sure people like you who can ride the wave skillfully will enjoy the show..
 

Sreebhargava

TF Buzz
Anyone please suggest a credit card with low joining fee with low forex markup and reward points, as RBL world doesn't have any reward points looking for other options
 

drsel

TF Legend
Magnus is a very complicated product with lots of problems... so I decided to maintain safe distance from axis magnus
Infinia is even more complex.
You get 16.5% points if you buy airtickets on Smartbuy.
But only 70% of these points can be used for the next purchase of air tickets.
So how do you calculate the return % on Smart buy spends?
 

drsel

TF Legend
Add miscellaneous categories like best credit card for groceries/supermarket, I think SCB Manhattan is the king of supermarkets with 5% cashback up to 500
Bigbasket 20% discount with IndusInd exclusive debit card (400 on 2000 upto 500 on 2500).
So 5% is nothing.
 
Last edited:

sid16

TF Premier
VIP Lounge
Bigbasket 20% discount with IndusInd exclusive debit card (400 on 2000 upto 500 on 2500).
So 5% is nothing.
Bigbasket 20% discount also available on Axis Select credit card (same 400 on 2000 upto 500 on 2500)
 

sid16

TF Premier
VIP Lounge
I am really surprised that with negative perception people have develop towards Magnus.
I recently got Burgundy Magnus (Lifetime free)
Unlimited lounge access
5:4 conversion ratio
12rp per 200rs expenditure
35rp per 200rs expenditure after 1.5 lac

What wrong with it
I found it to be best rewarding credit card if converting into airmiles.

I feels Indian metality need little tunning, they want all for free and don't even want on the card also.
Sorry but in life nothing is free.
I agree regarding how rewarding it is, especially non spend based benefits such as Airport Concierge and Guest Lounge access, that's why I decided to keep it. Having said that, they made it quite complicated with the exclusions. Many times I end up paying utility bills using it and then realise that no points were given for the same. Also, their invoicing is horrendous. They just show the total ER points. Look at HDFC, they clearly show reward points per transaction. Other banks at least show total reward points earned in that statement.
 

Prime Carlsen

TF Premier
VIP Lounge
I am really surprised that with negative perception people have develop towards Magnus.
I recently got Burgundy Magnus (Lifetime free)
Unlimited lounge access
5:4 conversion ratio
12rp per 200rs expenditure
35rp per 200rs expenditure after 1.5 lac

What wrong with it
I found it to be best rewarding credit card if converting into airmiles.

I feels Indian metality need little tunning, they want all for free and don't even want on the card also.
Sorry but in life nothing is free.
You don't have Magnus, you have burgandy Magnus. For high spends ofcourse it is rewarding. I agree for this segment it should be considered.

I feels Indian metality need little tunning, they want all for free and don't even want on the card also.
Sorry but in life nothing is free.
You say this while holding one of the most rewarding card as ltf. Ofcourse it makes sense for you to keep.

Negative perception is because of frequent rule changes as someone pointed and I think because of changing its position away from what it was earlier. The card moved away from easily accessible with a good reward for a slightly higher spend to difficult to obtain, with no renewal benefit and much higher spending requirement for good returns. It shifted its spend segment where it made sense so why should people from that segment still consider it.
 

Avatar Aang

TF Premier
I am really surprised that with negative perception people have develop towards Magnus.
I recently got Burgundy Magnus (Lifetime free)
Unlimited lounge access
5:4 conversion ratio
12rp per 200rs expenditure
35rp per 200rs expenditure after 1.5 lac

What wrong with it
I found it to be best rewarding credit card if converting into airmiles.

I feels Indian metality need little tunning, they want all for free and don't even want on the card also.
Sorry but in life nothing is free.
M4B is a superb card. But IMO the criteria is very steep.
 
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