22 September, 2025 | 12:29 IST
With so many credit cards offering different benefits, choosing the right one can be confusing. Some focus on cashback and rewards, while others offer travel perks or OTT discounts. Every card also comes with its own fees, charges, and conditions.
With so many options available, how do you make the right choice? Here is everything you need to know.
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A credit card comparison helps you make informed choices by identifying cards that best match your spending habits, whether it is online shopping, travel, or everyday expenses.
It allows you to maximize credit card rewards such as points, cashback, or air miles, while also giving you clarity on various credit card fees, including joining fees, annual charges, and foreign transaction costs.
Ultimately, a smart comparison helps you find real value by selecting cards that strike the right balance between features, rewards and costs.
Mid-2025 has brought several key changes to credit card offerings by major Indian banks.
HDFC Bank will impose new charges on rent, gaming, and wallet top-ups from July 1, and cap reward points on select spends.
Kotak Mahindra Bank launched the Solitaire Card with unlimited lounge access and 1:1 Air India Miles conversion.
Axis Bank is removing lounge access from Flipkart and Rewards cards from June 20, while increasing cashback on Myntra.
Looking for a credit card with rewards on shopping and OTT subscriptions? Moneycontrol, in partnership with top banks and NBFCs, offers a 100% paperless application process for multiple such cards.
For online shopping, the HDFC Millennia Credit Card offers 5% cashback on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato and Swiggy with an additional Rs 1,000 gift voucher on spending Rs 30,000.
The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card is another good option with 10× rewards on Amazon, Cleartrip, and BookMyShow and comes with a Rs 499 fee and Rs 500 Amazon voucher as a welcome gift.
In the all-round rewards segment, Axis Bank SELECT gives double EDGE points along with discounts on Swiggy and BigBasket, lounge access and complimentary golf privileges.
The SBI Prime card provides 10 reward points per Rs 100 on dining, departmental stores, and groceries, and includes complimentary lounge access and Trident privileges. Both have annual fees around Rs 2,999 to Rs 3,000.
For travel and airport lounge access, Kotak Mahindra’s Solitaire Credit Card offers unlimited domestic and international lounge visits, along with a 1:1 conversion rate for Air India Air Miles.
The SBI Air India Signature Card offers up to Rs 1 lakh worth of welcome rewards, 4% cashback across travel and dining, and 8 complimentary airport lounge visits annually.
If fuel savings are your priority, the IndianOil RBL XTRA Card delivers 2% cashback at IndianOil pumps with minimal fees.
Those seeking lifetime free credit cards should look into HSBC Platinum, which provides 2 reward points per Rs 150 spent and a welcome cashback offer, or the IDFC First Millennia Card, which gives 10× reward points on spends above Rs 20,000 and features a low forex markup with no annual charges.
Apply for shopping and OTT-friendly credit cards through Moneycontrol’s 100% digital platform, powered by trusted banks and NBFCs.
Annual and joining fees: Many cards charge Rs 500-Rs 5,000 annually. You need to confirm that the benefits like cashback, lounge access, or vouchers justify the fee. Some cards waive it if you meet annual spending thresholds.
Foreign transaction charges: If you travel or subscribe to international OTT platforms, check the forex markup. Cards like IDFC Millennia and SBI Prime Advantage offer competitive rates.
Spending exclusions and caps: Starting July 1, HDFC has capped or removed rewards on rent payments and gaming spends. Axis Bank has also revised benefits. Always review exclusions before choosing a card.
Reward redemption value: Don’t be swayed by flashy offers. Look for cards that let you redeem points for air miles, statement credits, or useful vouchers.
Applying for a credit card is now easier than ever. You can check your eligibility based on age, income and credit score and complete the process online with your PAN, Aadhaar, income proof, and credit report.
Many issuers now offer approvals within 24 hours. To make it even simpler, Moneycontrol has partnered with leading banks and NBFCs to offer access to multiple online shopping and OTT subscription credit cards. You can apply for these credit cards in a 100% paperless process through the Moneycontrol app and website. These cards come with no joining or annual fees.
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