Best Credit Cards in India for Cashback & Rewards (2025)

Best Credit Cards India 2025

📌 Introduction

As digital payments dominate the Indian economy in 2025, owning a credit card that rewards your spending is no longer just a luxury — it’s smart financial planning. Whether you're a salaried professional, student, or small business owner, selecting the right credit card can help you save thousands every year through cashback, points, and exclusive deals.

This blog reviews the best credit cards in India for cashback and rewards in 2025, covering key features, fees, eligibility, and usage tips — so you can make an informed decision and maximize your savings.

💳 Why Use a Cashback or Rewards Credit Card?

When used wisely, credit cards offer:

  • Cashback on groceries, fuel, online shopping, dining, and more
  • Reward Points for every rupee spent, redeemable for vouchers, flights, and merchandise
  • Zero-cost EMIs on electronics and big-ticket purchases
  • Credit Score Boost by maintaining a good repayment history

Let’s now explore the top contenders for 2025!

🏆 Top 7 Cashback & Rewards Credit Cards in India (2025)

1. HDFC Millennia Credit Card

  • Cashback: 5% on Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Myntra; 1% on others
  • Annual Fee: ₹1,000 (waived on ₹1 lakh annual spend)
  • Best For: Millennials who shop online frequently

This card remains a top pick due to its excellent partner cashback deals. It's also widely accepted and offers EMI options on major purchases.

2. SBI Cashback Credit Card

  • Cashback: 5% on all online spends (except wallet reloads and EMIs)
  • Annual Fee: ₹999
  • Best For: Users focused on online transactions

Flat 5% on almost every online purchase? That’s rare. Perfect for ecommerce users and digital-first spenders.

3. Axis Bank ACE Credit Card

  • Cashback: 5% on bill payments via Google Pay, 4% on Swiggy/Zomato/OLA, 2% everywhere
  • Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived at ₹2 lakh annual spend)
  • Best For: Budget users who pay bills online

Backed by Google Pay integration, the ACE card delivers unmatched value in bill payments and daily services.

4. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

  • Cashback: 5% for Prime members, 3% for non-Prime on Amazon.in; 1% elsewhere
  • Annual Fee: Free for life
  • Best For: Amazon shoppers and students starting their credit journey

Zero fees and high rewards on Amazon make this one of the most student-friendly credit cards in India.

5. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

  • Cashback: 5% on Flipkart and Myntra; 4% on Swiggy, Uber; 1.5% on others
  • Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived on ₹2 lakh spend)
  • Best For: Flipkart loyalists

Great value if you're a regular Flipkart user, especially during Big Billion Day and Diwali sales.

6. OneCard (by FPL Technologies)

  • Cashback: Up to 5X reward points (customizable categories)
  • Annual Fee: Free (lifetime)
  • Best For: Tech-savvy users who prefer app-based control

With metal finish and sleek mobile control, OneCard is ideal for Gen Z and young professionals entering the credit market.

7. IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

  • Cashback: 3X to 10X reward points on retail and utility spends
  • Annual Fee: Free for life
  • Best For: All-rounders who want no annual fee and great value

Flexible, easy to use, and accepted everywhere — this is an underrated gem for 2025.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

Card Cashback/Rewards Annual Fee Ideal For
HDFC Millennia Up to 5% ₹1,000 Online shoppers
SBI Cashback 5% online ₹999 Ecommerce users
Axis ACE 5% on bills ₹499 Bill payers, Swiggy fans
Amazon Pay ICICI 5% Amazon Free Students, Amazon users
Flipkart Axis 5% Flipkart ₹500 Flipkart loyalists
OneCard Up to 5X points Free Young professionals
IDFC FIRST Select Up to 10X Free All-round users

📌 How to Choose the Right Credit Card?

Here are factors you should consider before applying:

  • Spending Habits: Online vs offline, travel vs groceries, EMI vs full payment
  • Annual Fee: Choose free or waiver-based cards if on a budget
  • Redemption Options: Cashback is easier than complicated reward catalogs
  • Student or New to Credit? Go for Amazon Pay ICICI or OneCard
  • Travel Often? Choose HDFC Regalia or Axis Vistara cards instead

🧠 Tips to Maximize Rewards

  1. Always pay your bills in full before the due date
  2. Use your credit card for planned spending only
  3. Track offers on your card provider’s app or portal
  4. Convert purchases to no-cost EMI where possible
  5. Never withdraw cash from credit card ATMs

📚 Related Reads from Smart India Money

✅ Final Verdict

In 2025, the best credit card for you depends on where and how you spend. Cashback cards like SBI Cashback and Axis ACE are great for frequent online spenders, while Amazon Pay ICICI and OneCard are perfect for students or first-timers.

Used responsibly, a good credit card can save you money, earn you rewards, and build your credit history — all while simplifying payments. The key is to choose based on your lifestyle, not hype.

Follow Smart India Money for more weekly guides on credit cards, investing, student finance, and budgeting in India!

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