Unleash the Rewards Revolution with India's Top Five Credit Cards - Unlock Limitless Possibilities Today!

New Delhi: Indian credit cardholders today are shrewd and savvy when it comes to using these plastic cards. With more individuals becoming financially literate, they are assessing different ways in which they can maximise their credit card benefits. From reading the fine print before applying for a new card to choosing variants that align with their spending pattern, credit cardholders are becoming more diligent and sagacious.

When used properly, these financial tools extend numerous benefits and help build our credit profile. Banks now offer enticing welcome bonuses, low APRs, and ancillary benefits to make credit cards more appealing. When it comes to rewards provided by credit cards, these can come in the guise of cashbacks, discounts, or points. Once you collect enough reward points, you can redeem them against gift vouchers, merchandise, or other items.

This begs the question: Which is the best credit card in India in terms of rewards? We try to answer the question by looking at the most rewarding credit cards in India.

1. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
   
   This entry-level credit card from SBI is one of the most sought-after rewards credit cards and offers a wide range of benefits. These benefits include:

• A welcome gift in the form of an Amazon gift voucher worth ₹500.

• An e-voucher from Cleartrip worth ₹2,000 with an annual spending of ₹1 Lakh.

• The renewal fee is waived with yearly spending of ₹1 Lakh in the previous year.

• 1% fuel surcharge waiver at fuelling stations across the country for transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000 (maximum benefit of ₹100 per month).
  
  Given its rewards program and fuel surcharge waiver, it is one of the best credit cards in India for those that shop online and travel long distances using their personal vehicle.

2. Axis Bank Rewards Credit Card
   
   The Axis Bank Rewards credit card is yet another excellent option, as it offers membership and milestone benefits. Some of these rewards include:

• A welcome benefit of 5,000 EDGE REWARD points on cumulative net spends of at least ₹1,000 within 30 days of card issuance.

• Unlimited 2 EDGE REWARD points on every ₹125 spent.

• 10x reward points on every ₹125 spent on apparel and at departmental stores.

• Earn accelerated reward points for spending up to ₹7,000 per month on select categories.

3. Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Card
   
   With the Rewards credit card from Standard Chartered, you can enjoy guaranteed rewards on your transactions and bonus rewards on monthly spends of at least ₹20,000. Some of these rewards and benefits are highlighted below.

• Get 4x reward points on your retail spends of ₹150 (except for Government, Insurance, and Fuel categories).

• Get 4x reward points on all other retail spends of ₹150 after crossing the monthly spend milestone of ₹20,000 (maximum bonus reward points of 2,000 per statement cycle).

• Get 1x reward points on spending ₹150 on Government and Insurance categories.

• Get complimentary domestic airport lounge access four times a year (once every quarter).

4. YES Bank First Exclusive Credit Card
   
   YES Bank offers truly excellent credit cards that extend a range of benefits. In terms of rewards, the YES Bank First Exclusive credit card is one of the most popular variants. From attractive interest rates on revolving credit (2.99%) to complimentary international airport lounge access, you will enjoy several benefits.

   Here’s what you can expect from this credit card.

• Earn 24 reward points on every ₹200 spent on travel and dining expenses (up to ₹5,000 per statement cycle).

• Earn 12 reward points on every ₹200 spent on all categories.

• Earn 6 reward points on every ₹200 spent on utility bills, tax payments, etc.

• Earn 8,000 reward points post annual membership renewal (applicable from 2nd year onwards).

5. American Express Platinum Credit Card
   
   The final pick on our list of the best credit cards in India when it comes to rewards is the American Express Platinum credit card. This is a premium card and is reserved for high-earning individuals. It comes with an annual fee of ₹60,000 (plus taxes) and has a minimum income requirement of ₹25 Lakhs per annum for salaried employees.

   However, the benefits are worth the annual fee if you are eligible for this credit card. These benefits include:

• Access to 1,200 airport lounges across the world, including priority pass lounges and domestic partner lounges.

• Complementary hotel benefits worth ₹37,000 at the finest hotels worldwide, including The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

• Earn 5x Membership Reward Points on every ₹40 spent through Reward Multiplier.

• Earn 3x Membership Reward Points on international spends of ₹40.

• Earn 1 Membership Reward Point for every ₹40 spent on all purchases except fuel, insurance, and utilities.

Maximise Credit Card Benefits

When you opt for rewards credit cards, it is essential that you maximise the benefits offered by them. Ensure that you select a credit card that aligns with your spending behaviour and that the rewards are relevant to your requirements. You can choose any of the credit cards mentioned above to gain the maximum benefit.