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If you’ve ever found yourself asking “Arre yaar, kitne type ke credit cards hote hain India mein?” – then you’re not alone. With so many banks and fintech companies pushing different offers, it can get confusing.
Don’t worry, in this guide, we at prkshadvisors are going to simplify it for you. By the end, you’ll know exactly what types of credit cards are available in India, and which one might suit your lifestyle the best.
Introduction: Credit Cards in India – A Quick Reality Check
In India, a credit card is no longer just a piece of plastic to swipe at a mall. It’s become a financial partner that can help you:
- Manage your expenses smartly
- Earn rewards and cashback
- Build a credit score (handy for future loans like home or car)
- Access travel, dining, and lifestyle perks
But here’s the tricky part – not all credit cards are the same. Banks and issuers have designed different types of credit cards to match different needs. Some are perfect for shopaholics, some for frequent flyers, and some for those who just want cashback on every chai and samosa purchase.
So, let’s break it down!
1. Reward Points Credit Cards – For the Shopping Enthusiast
These are probably the most popular type of credit cards in India. With every swipe, you earn points that can be redeemed for vouchers, products, or even flight tickets.
👉 Example: HDFC Regalia, SBI Card Prime
👉 Perfect for: People who spend regularly on shopping, fuel, dining, or bills
Imagine this – you spend on groceries every month, and instead of just paying money, you’re earning points that can later get you an Amazon voucher. Sahi deal na?
2. Cashback Credit Cards – For the “Paisa Vasool” Crowd
If you’re the type who always looks for “value for money,” cashback cards are a blessing. Instead of points, you get a percentage of your spending back as cash (adjusted in your next bill).
👉 Example: Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card, Axis Bank Ace Credit Card
👉 Perfect for: Daily use on groceries, petrol, online shopping
For instance, if you spend ₹10,000 a month and get 5% cashback, that’s ₹500 saved. In a year, that’s ₹6,000 extra in your pocket. Who doesn’t like free money?
3. Travel Credit Cards – For the Frequent Flyers
If you’re someone who’s often at the airport, then travel credit cards are designed for you. They come with free lounge access, complimentary flight tickets, and hotel discounts.
👉 Example: Air India SBI Signature, Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card
👉 Perfect for: Frequent domestic or international travelers
Picture this – you’re waiting at the airport, and instead of sitting at a crowded gate, you chill in a lounge with free food, Wi-Fi, and cozy chairs – all thanks to your credit card.
4. Fuel Credit Cards – For the Daily Car/Bike Commuter
Petrol and diesel prices keep going up, right? Fuel cards are specially designed to give cashback or reward points on fuel spends.
👉 Example: IndianOil Citi Platinum Card, BPCL SBI Card
👉 Perfect for: People who drive daily – office-goers, cab drivers, delivery riders
Even if you save just 2-3% on fuel every month, over a year, it adds up to a decent saving. Chhoti bachat bhi badi hoti hai.
5. Lifestyle Credit Cards – For the Entertainment Buffs
Love watching movies, dining out, or shopping at malls? Lifestyle cards come with discounts on Zomato, Swiggy, BookMyShow, Myntra, and more.
👉 Example: ICICI Coral Credit Card, SBI Elite Credit Card
👉 Perfect for: Young professionals, couples, or anyone who enjoys weekend outings
With these cards, your Saturday night dinner or Friday movie ticket becomes cheaper. Matlab, enjoy bhi karo aur paisa bhi bachao.
6. Business Credit Cards – For the Entrepreneurs & Startups
If you’re a business owner or freelancer, you need a card that manages higher spending, offers credit flexibility, and provides benefits like travel insurance or free airport access.
👉 Example: HDFC Business Regalia, SBI Platinum Corporate Card
👉 Perfect for: Small business owners, freelancers, and startups
At prkshadvisors, we often recommend business cards to our DSA and partner networks because they help manage expenses smartly while earning rewards.
7. Student Credit Cards – For the College Crowd
These cards are usually low-limit cards designed for students. They help young people learn money management and start building a credit score.
👉 Example: SBI Student Plus Advantage Card
👉 Perfect for: Students in India or abroad
So, if you’re a college student ordering food from Swiggy or shopping online, a student card can give you cashback and rewards – plus, you don’t have to rely on your parents every time.
8. Secured Credit Cards – For the First-Timers
Not everyone gets approved for a normal credit card. If you’re new to credit or have a low CIBIL score, banks offer secured cards against a fixed deposit (FD).
👉 Example: ICICI Bank Coral Secured Card, SBI Advantage Plus Card
👉 Perfect for: People with no credit history or low score
Think of it as training wheels for a bicycle. Start here, build your score, and soon you can upgrade to premium cards.
9. Premium & Super-Premium Cards – For the Elite
These cards come with exclusive privileges – concierge service, golf lessons, luxury travel, 5-star dining offers, and more.
👉 Example: HDFC Infinia, SBI Aurum, American Express Platinum
👉 Perfect for: High-income professionals and business owners
Honestly, these cards are like a status symbol. But more than that, they bring a lot of lifestyle perks. Bas annual fees thoda heavy hota hai – but if you can afford it, why not?
Which Credit Card is Best for You?
Now that you know the types, the million-dollar question is: Which one should you pick?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Shopper? Go for Rewards or Cashback Cards
- Traveler? Travel Cards with lounge access
- Daily fuel expenses? Fuel Credit Card
- Movie/Dining lover? Lifestyle Credit Card
- Student? Student Credit Card
- Business owner? Business Credit Card
- Low CIBIL? Secured Credit Card
- High earner? Premium Credit Card
Final Words – Choosing Smart with prkshadvisors
Credit cards in India have come a long way. From simple swiping tools, they’ve become lifestyle companions. The key is to pick the right one based on your spending habits.
At prkshadvisors, we guide our clients, DSAs, and partners in choosing credit cards that not only make payments easy but also give real value – whether it’s cashback on groceries, free airport lounges, or discounts on food delivery.
So, next time someone asks “Kitne type ke credit cards hote hain India mein?” – you know the answer. And more importantly, you’ll know which card fits your life perfectly.
✨ Smart spending starts with the right card. Don’t just use a credit card – make it work for you.