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Best Credit Cards in India 2026
Updated: 17 June 2026 · Expert Reviewed · 5 min read
Finding the right credit card in India can save you thousands of rupees every year. With hundreds of options available, we have done the hard work for you. Our experts have analyzed over 100 credit cards and narrowed it down to the top 5 cards that offer the best combination of rewards, low fees, and easy approval in 2026.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Card | Fee | Best For | Apply |
|---|
| 🟢 HSBC Live+ Credit Card |
₹999 |
5% cashback on dining & entertainment, 1.5% on all other spe... |
Apply → |
| ✈️ Equitas PowerMiles Credit Card |
FREE |
Lifetime FREE card with accelerated reward miles on travel a... |
Apply → |
| 🎮 HDFC Pixel Play Credit Card |
FREE |
Choose your own cashback categories — OTT, gaming, online sh... |
Apply → |
| 📱 KIWI UPI Credit Card |
FREE |
India's first UPI Credit Card — earn rewards on every UPI pa... |
Apply → |
| 💳 Axis Bank ACE Credit Card |
₹499 |
5% cashback on bill payments via Google Pay, 4% on Swiggy, Z... |
Apply → |
Detailed Card Reviews
🏆 #1 Best Pick
5% cashback on dining & entertainment, 1.5% on all other spends
✅ Pros
- 5% cashback on dining
- 1.5% unlimited cashback
- Airport lounge access
- Zero forex markup
- Global acceptance
❌ Cons
- ₹999 joining fee
- Higher income requirement
💡 Best for: People who dine out frequently and love entertainment
📌 Waived on ₹2 lakh annual spend
Apply for HSBC Live+ Credit Card →
#2
Lifetime FREE card with accelerated reward miles on travel and fuel spends
✅ Pros
- Zero joining fee
- Zero annual fee forever
- Accelerated travel miles
- Fuel surcharge waiver
- Easy approval
❌ Cons
- Lesser-known bank
- Miles redemption has conditions
💡 Best for: Anyone wanting a free card with travel perks
📌 Lifetime FREE — No Annual Fee Ever
Apply for Equitas PowerMiles Credit Card →
#3
Choose your own cashback categories — OTT, gaming, online shopping and more
✅ Pros
- HDFC trusted brand
- Customize cashback categories
- OTT & gaming rewards
- First year free
- Wide acceptance
❌ Cons
- Category selection limited quarterly
- ₹500 fee from 2nd year if spend is low
💡 Best for: Millennials who shop online, stream OTT, and play games
📌 First year free, waived on ₹1.5L annual spend
Apply for HDFC Pixel Play Credit Card →
#4
India's first UPI Credit Card — earn rewards on every UPI payment you make
✅ Pros
- Lifetime zero fee
- Rewards on UPI payments
- Easy approval
- Works on all UPI apps
- No documents hassle
❌ Cons
- Newer product
- Credit limit may be lower initially
💡 Best for: Anyone who uses UPI daily — which is almost everyone in India
📌 Lifetime FREE — Absolutely Zero Charges
Apply for KIWI UPI Credit Card →
#5
5% cashback on bill payments via Google Pay, 4% on Swiggy, Zomato and Ola
✅ Pros
- 5% cashback on Google Pay bills
- 4% on food & cab apps
- 2% on all other spends
- Axis Bank trust
- Widely accepted
❌ Cons
- ₹499 joining fee
- Cashback capped per month
💡 Best for: People who pay bills via Google Pay and order food regularly
📌 Waived on ₹2 lakh annual spend
Apply for Axis Bank ACE Credit Card →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card gives maximum cashback in India 2026?
The HSBC Live+ Credit Card gives the highest cashback of 5% on dining and entertainment, and 1.5% on all other spends. For a lifetime free card, Equitas PowerMiles is the best option.
Which is the best lifetime free credit card in India?
The Equitas PowerMiles Credit Card and KIWI UPI Credit Card are both lifetime free with zero annual fee. The Equitas card is better for travel rewards, while KIWI is best for UPI users.
How to apply for a credit card online in India?
Click the Apply button on any card above. You will be directed to the bank's application page. Keep your PAN, Aadhaar, and income proof handy. Most applications are approved within 24–48 hours.
What is the minimum income required for a credit card in India?
It depends on the card. KIWI UPI Card requires as low as ₹15,000/month. Premium cards like HSBC Live+ require ₹30,000/month or higher. Most cards on this list accept ₹20,000–₹25,000/month income.