Credit cards can be very useful when it comes to tackling financial emergencies. You can not only use them to pay for products and services, but also withdraw cash and get a loan. That said, if you’re planning to apply for a credit card online in the near future, you should know that there are multiple types of cards that you can choose from.
Being aware of the different kinds of credit cards available in India can help you easily determine the one that’s right for you. Let’s take an in depth look at the various options available.
Different Types of Credit Cards Available in India
Credit cards in India are usually categorised according to the benefits that they provide. You have lifetime free credit cards, which don’t come with any joining or annual fees. Likewise, there are premium cards, which offer enhanced and accelerated benefits. In addition to these two, there are other categories of credit cards as well, which are elaborated below.
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- Basic Credit Cards
This category of credit cards are designed primarily for first-time credit card users. They come with very low annual fees, often in the range of hundreds of rupees, and don’t require you to possess any credit history. Since the eligibility criteria is relaxed, it is very easy to apply for and get these credit cards. The benefits offered by basic credit cards tend to be very minimal. Some of the credit cards under this category are as follows:
- SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
- Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
- HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card
- Axis Ace Credit Card
Lifestyle Credit Cards
If you’re someone who tends to use a credit card for dining, purchasing groceries, or other lifestyle expenses, then this category of cards may just be the perfect choice. They’re designed to offer rewards, discounts and benefits when used for paying lifestyle expenses. Some of them even offer complimentary lounge access and concierge features as well. A few of the most popular lifestyle credit cards available in India are listed below.
- SBI Elite Credit Card
- HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
- HDFC Diners Premium Credit Card
Lifetime Free Credit Cards
In addition to a joining fee, credit card issuers also charge an annual renewal fee. However, as you’ve already seen before, lifetime free credit cards don’t come with any such requirement. They’re free to apply and don’t require you to pay any annual or renewal fee. They’re highly advantageous for individuals like students and first-time credit card users. Here’s a quick look at a few of the most popular credit cards under this category.
- Axis Bank Select Credit Card
- Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card
- SBI Card Unnati
- IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card
Entertainment Credit Cards
These credit cards are designed to offer discounts on movie tickets, concerts and other events. Depending on the type of credit card that you opt for under this category, you may even be eligible for free tickets to events. However, these discounts and free tickets are only available if you use your credit card to book tickets on certain specified platforms. Some of the many credit cards that you can find listed under this category are mentioned down below.
- Axis Bank Neo Credit Card
- Citi Cashback Credit Card
- SBI Card Prime
- Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card
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Travel Credit Cards
As the name itself signifies, travel credit cards offer travel-related benefits and rewards for using your card. If you’re a frequent traveller, this category of credit cards will serve you well since they offer benefits like travel insurance and low foreign currency conversion charges. Some cards even offer discounts on train tickets, flight tickets and hotel bookings too. You can apply for the following travel credit cards online.
- IRCTC SBI RuPay Card
- RBL Travel Easy SuperCard
- Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
- Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
Rewards Credit Cards
With rewards credit cards, you get to accumulate reward points on certain select categories of spends. And once you’ve accumulated enough reward points, you can proceed to redeem them to receive offers, discount vouchers, and more. Check out the list below for some of the more popular rewards credit cards available in India.
- Citibank Rewards Credit Card
- Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card
- HDFC Regalia Credit Card
- SimplySAVE SBI Credit Card
Shopping Credit Cards
If you’re a regular shopper who is planning to apply for a credit card online, then this category of cards is what you should look into. Shopping credit cards are designed to offer rewards like discounts and cashbacks on certain select online and offline purchases. With these cards, you get to save while you spend. Let’s take a look at some credit cards under this category.
- Axis NEO credit card
- HDFC Millennia Credit Card
- SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
- Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
Premium Credit Cards
Cards that offer premium rewards on spends like complimentary access to golf clubs, concierge services, travel and accommodation vouchers are categorised as premium credit cards. The eligibility criteria for such cards usually tend to be more stringent and they come with high annual fees as well. You can consider applying for the following premium credit cards online.
- HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition
- Air India SBI Signature Card
- American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card
- Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Card
Fuel Credit Cards
If you’re a traveller who commutes regularly using your own personal transportation vehicle, then you can consider applying for these credit cards online. Fuel credit cards are primarily designed to offer discounts on fuel spends. In addition to that, you also get to enjoy fuel surcharge waivers for fuel spends above a certain amount. The list of fuel credit cards available in India are as follows.
- BPCL SBI Card Octane
- IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card
- BPCL SBI Card
- IndianOil Citibank Platinum Credit Card
Conclusion
As you can see, in addition to lifetime free credit cards, there are also multiple other types of credit cards with varying levels of benefits. To ensure that you get the card that fits your requirements, it is important to read through the features and benefits of the credit card. Additionally, remember to also go through the fees and charges applicable before you proceed to apply for a credit card online. This will help you make a more informed decision.