Best Credit Cards for Cashback in India (2025 Guide)
Cashback credit cards are among the most rewarding financial tools for savvy spenders. They allow you to earn a percentage of your spending back as cash rewards, effectively reducing your expenses. With numerous options available in India, choosing the best cashback credit card can be overwhelming.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore:
✅ Top 10 Cashback Credit Cards in India
✅ How Cashback Credit Cards Work
✅ Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Card
✅ Comparison of Cashback Rates & Fees
✅ Tips to Maximize Cashback Rewards
By the end, you’ll know exactly which cashback credit card suits your spending habits.
1. How Do Cashback Credit Cards Work?
Cashback credit cards reward users with a percentage of their spending back as cash. The cashback can be:
• Flat-rate cashback (e.g., 1.5% on all spends)
• Category-specific cashback (e.g., 5% on groceries, 2% on dining)
• Rotating cashback (quarterly changing categories)
The earned cashback is either:
✔ Credited to the card statement (reducing your bill)
✔ Redeemed as gift vouchers or bank transfers
2. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cashback Credit Card
Before applying, evaluate these factors:
A. Cashback Percentage & Categories
• Flat-rate cards (good for general spending)
• Category-specific cards (better if you spend heavily in certain areas like fuel, groceries, or online shopping)
B. Annual Fees & Waiver Conditions
• Some cards have lifetime free offers
• Others waive fees on spending a minimum amount annually
C. Cashback Capping & Exclusions
• Many cards have monthly/quarterly cashback limits
• Some exclude wallet reloads, rent payments, and EMIs
D. Additional Benefits
• Welcome bonuses
• Airport lounge access
• Fuel surcharge waivers
• Discounts on dining & entertainment
E. Eligibility & Credit Score Requirements
• Most premium cashback cards require a good credit score (750+)
• Salaried vs. self-employed eligibility criteria differ
3. Top 10 Best Cashback Credit Cards in India (2025)
Here’s a detailed comparison of the best cashback credit cards in India:
1. SBI Cashback Credit Card
✅ Best for Online Shopping
• Cashback: 5% on online spends (Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, etc.), 1% on offline & other spends
• Annual Fee: ₹999 (waived if annual spending > ₹2 Lakh)
• Cashback Cap: ₹5,000/month
• Other Benefits: No minimum cashback redemption, instant discounts on e-commerce
π‘ Best for: Frequent online shoppers
2. HDFC Millennia Credit Card
✅ Best for Multi-Category Cashback
• Cashback: 5% on Amazon, Flipkart, Uber, Zomato; 1% on other spends
• Annual Fee: ₹1,000 (waived if annual spending > ₹1 Lakh)
•Cashback Cap: ₹1,000/month per category
• Other Benefits: Movie discounts, fuel surcharge waiver
π‘ Best for: Millennials with diverse spending
3. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card
✅ Best for Google Pay & Utility Bills
• Cashback: 5% on Google Pay spends, 4% on bill payments (electricity, gas, etc.), 2% on other spends
• Annual Fee: ₹499 (sometimes free for first year)
• Cashback Cap: ₹500/month on Google Pay
• Other Benefits: No joining fee in some offers
π‘ Best for: UPI & utility bill payments
4. ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
✅ Best for Amazon Shoppers
• Cashback: 5% on Amazon, 2% on other online spends, 1% on offline
• Annual Fee: Lifetime Free
• Cashback Cap: No limit
• Other Benefits: No minimum redemption, Amazon Prime discounts
π‘ Best for: Regular Amazon customers
5. American Express SmartEarn Credit Card
✅ Best for Fuel & Groceries
• Cashback: 5% on fuel, 2% on groceries/dining, 1% on other spends
• Annual Fee: ₹495 (waived if annual spending > ₹90,000)
• Cashback Cap: ₹200/month per category
• Other Benefits: Amex rewards, lounge access
π‘ Best for: Fuel & grocery spenders
6. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card
✅ Best for Offline Shopping
• Cashback: 5% on departmental stores, 2% on utility bills
• Annual Fee: ₹999 (sometimes waived)
• Cashback Cap: ₹2,000/month
• Other Benefits: Discounts on dining
π‘ Best for: Offline retail shoppers
7. IDFC First Wow Credit Card
✅ Best Secured Cashback Card (FD-Backed)
• Cashback: 2% on all spends
• Annual Fee: Zero Joining & Renewal Fee
• Cashback Cap: No limit
• Other Benefits: No credit check required (FD-backed)
π‘ Best for: Those with low credit score or new to credit
8. Kotak League Credit Card
✅ Best for Entertainment & Dining
• Cashback: 5% on Zomato, Swiggy, BookMyShow
• Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived on ₹50,000 annual spend)
• Cashback Cap: ₹250/month
• Other Benefits: Discounts on movies & IPL tickets
π‘ Best for: Foodies & movie buffs
9. RBL Bank Shoprite Credit Card
✅ Best for Online & Offline Shopping
• Cashback: 5% on partner brands, 1% on other spends
• Annual Fee: ₹499 (sometimes free)
• Cashback Cap: ₹500/month
• Other Benefits: Discounts on Myntra, Flipkart
π‘ Best for: Frequent shoppers
10. HSBC Cashback Credit Card
✅ Best for International Spends
• Cashback: 10% on dining, 1.5% on other spends
• Annual Fee: ₹1,499 (waived on ₹3 Lakh annual spend)
• Cashback Cap: ₹1,000/month
• Other Benefits: Lounge access, global acceptance
π‘Best for: Frequent travelers & diners
4. Comparison Table: Best Cashback Credit Cards in India (2025)
Credit Card | Cashback Rate | Annual Fee | Cashback Cap | Best For |
SBI Cashback | 5% online, 1% offline | ₹999 | ₹5,000/month | Online shopping
HDFC Millennia | 5% on select spends | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000/month | Multi-category
Axis Ace | 5% on GPay, 4% on bills | ₹499 | ₹500/month | UPI & bills
ICICI Amazon Pay | 5% on Amazon | Free | No limit | Amazon shoppers
IDFC Wow | 2% all spends | Free | No limit | Secured card
Kotak League | 5% on dining/entertainment | ₹499 | ₹250/month | Food & movies
RBL Shoprite | 5% partner brands | ₹499 | ₹500/month | Shopping
HSBC Cashback | 10% dining, 1.5% others | ₹1,499 | ₹1,000/month | International spends
5. How to Maximize Cashback Rewards?
• Use the right card for the right category (e.g., SBI Cashback for online, Amex for fuel)
• Track rotating cashback categories (if applicable)
• Pay bills on time (avoid interest charges)
• Combine with discounts & offers (e.g., Amazon card + Prime Day deals)
• Avoid cash withdrawals (high fees & no rewards)
6. FAQs on Cashback Credit Cards
Q1. Which card gives the highest cashback in India?
SBI Cashback (5% online) and HDFC Millennia (5% on select spends) offer the highest cashback rates.
Q2. Are cashback credit cards worth it?
Yes, if you pay bills on time and spend strategically. Otherwise, annual fees & interest may outweigh benefits.
Q3. Can I get a cashback card with a low credit score?
Yes, secured cards like IDFC Wow (FD-backed) are available.
Q4. Is cashback taxable in India?
No, cashback is considered a discount, not income.
7. Final Verdict: Which Cashback Card Should You Choose?
• Best for Online Shopping: SBI Cashback
• Best for Amazon: ICICI Amazon Pay
• Best for UPI & Bills: Axis Ace
• Best for Fuel & Groceries: Amex SmartEarn
• Best Lifetime Free: IDFC Wow
Pro Tip: If you spend heavily in multiple categories, consider 2-3 cashback cards for maximum rewards.
Apply Now & Start Earning Cashback!
Check your eligibility and apply via Bank Websites, Paisabazaar, or Card Insider.
π Which cashback card do you use? Share in the comments!
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