Are you Looking to earn maximum points or cashback while using your credit card? Whether it’s for shopping online, paying bills, or booking flights, the right credit card can turn your everyday spending into rewards.
In this guide, you will learn how to earn points and cashback efficiently, steps to apply for a credit card, eligibility requirements, and the what are best credit cards in India.
✅ Requirements to Get a Credit Card
- Age: 21–65 years (varies by bank).
- Income: Usually ₹2.5–3 lakh per year for entry-level cards. Premium cards may require higher income.
- Credit Score: Minimum CIBIL score of 650+ recommended.
- Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, income proof (salary slips, Form 16, bank statements).
💳 How do you Earn Points & Cashback While Using Credit Cards
Earning rewards isn’t just about swiping your card. Here’s how to maximize points and cashback efficiently:
Step 1: Choose the Right Credit Card
- Look for cards with high cashback on your preferred spending categories (e.g., groceries, online shopping, dining).
- Some cards provide accelerated reward points for specific platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Ola.
- Check welcome bonuses — many cards give free points or cashback after initial spending.
Step 2: Understand Reward Categories
- Flat cashback: 1–5% on all spends.
- Tiered reward points: 2–10 points per ₹100 spent in select categories.
- Special offers: Extra points for online payments, travel, or partner brands.
Step 3: Use Cards Strategically
- Pay bills, shopping, and subscriptions with credit cards to accumulate points.
- Look for seasonal promotions or bonus cashback days.
- Redeem points wisely — some cards allow instant cashback or gift vouchers.
Step 4: Avoid Extra Charges
- Always pay bills on time to avoid interest.
- Stay within your credit limit to prevent penalties.
- Combine multiple cards if you want to maximize category-specific rewards.
📝 Steps to Apply for a Credit Card
- Check your eligibility — income, age, and credit score.
- Choose the card that aligns with your spending style.
- Apply online or at a bank branch — most banks now offer instant application online.
- Submit documents: PAN card, Aadhaar, income proof, and sometimes bank statements.
- Wait for approval — cards are usually approved in 3–7 business days for salaried individuals.
- Activate your card and start spending to earn points and cashback.
💳 Best Credit Cards for Points & Cashback
Here are some of the top-performing credit cards in India that help you earn maximum rewards:
1. HDFC Millennia Credit Card
- Top Features:
- 5% cashback on online shopping via Amazon, Flipkart, and Ola Money.
- 10% cashback on Zomato, Swiggy, and entertainment subscriptions.
- 2 Reward Points per ₹150 spent elsewhere.
- Eligibility: Salaried ₹4 lakh+ annual income, age 21–60.
- Joining & Annual Fees: ₹1,000 + GST; waived on first year for select campaigns.
- Best for: Young professionals and online shoppers.
2. Amazon ICICI Credit Card
- Top Features:
- 5% back for Amazon Prime members on Amazon.in purchases.
- 3% back on Amazon Pay UPI and bill payments.
- 1% back on all other spends.
- Eligibility: Salaried ₹2.5 lakh+ annual income, age 18–60.
- Joining & Annual Fees: ₹500 + GST; waived with minimum spend in first year.
- Best for: Frequent Amazon shoppers, Prime users.
3. SBI Card Neu
- Top Features:
- 5% cashback on online payments using UPI, credit card, or QR.
- 2% cashback on online shopping.
- 1% cashback on offline spends.
- Customizable rewards categories via the SBI app.
- Eligibility: Salaried ₹2.5 lakh+ per year, age 21–60.
- Joining & Annual Fees: ₹499 + GST; often waived for first year.
- Best for: Everyday spenders and digital payments.
Top Credit Cards Comparison Table – Points & Cashback
| Credit Card | Joining/Annual Fee | Cashback / Reward Points | Key Features | Eligibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Millennia | ₹1,000 + GST (waived first year) | 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Ola; 10% cashback on dining & entertainment; 2 Reward Points per ₹150 elsewhere | Accelerated online rewards, Zomato/Swiggy cashback | Salaried ₹4 L+; Age 21–60 | Online shoppers & millennials |
| Amazon ICICI Credit Card | ₹500 + GST (waived with spend) | 5% back for Prime members on Amazon, 3% back on Amazon Pay UPI/bills, 1% on other spends | Prime-focused cashback, easy Amazon payments | Salaried ₹2.5 L+; Age 18–60 | Amazon Prime users |
| SBI Card Neu | ₹499 + GST (first year often waived) | 5% cashback on online payments, 2% on online shopping, 1% offline spends | Digital payment cashback, customizable categories | Salaried ₹2.5 L+; Age 21–60 | Everyday spenders, app-focused |
| Axis Bank Ace Credit Card | ₹499 + GST | 5% cashback on Google Pay, 2% on all other spends | Contactless payments, Google Pay integration | Salaried ₹3 L+; Age 21–60 | Digital payments & online shopping |
| Citi Rewards Credit Card | ₹1,000 + GST | 10X Reward Points on groceries & department stores; 1 point per ₹100 elsewhere | Grocery & shopping focused rewards | Salaried ₹2.5 L+; Age 21–60 | Shopping enthusiasts |
| HDFC Regalia Credit Card | ₹2,500 + GST | 4 Reward Points per ₹150 spent; lounge access | Travel & premium benefits, airport lounges | Salaried ₹12 L+; Age 25–60 | Frequent travelers & premium users |
| ICICI Coral Credit Card | ₹500 + GST | 5% cashback on dining, 2% on groceries, 1% on other spends | Dining & entertainment rewards | Salaried ₹2.5 L+; Age 21–60 | Dining & lifestyle spending |
Additional Top Credit Cards in India (for rewards & points)
- Axis Bank Ace Credit Card – great for online payments and Google Pay users.
- Citi Rewards Credit Card – best for groceries and department store shopping.
- HDFC Regalia Credit Card – premium card for travelers with lounge access.
- ICICI Coral Credit Card – excellent for dining & lifestyle rewards.
- Standard Chartered Manhattan Credit Card – strong cashback on groceries and supermarket spends.
- Kotak 811 Credit Card – online and e-commerce focused rewards.
💡 Tips to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards
- Combine multiple cards for different categories.
- Pay bills and subscriptions digitally to earn extra points.
- Check monthly offers from the bank — sometimes extra points or cashback is added for specific merchants.
- Redeem points smartly — some cards give better value when redeemed for vouchers or travel rather than gift cards.
- Maintain good credit habits — timely payments prevent interest charges that outweigh rewards.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Using credit cards smartly can turn everyday spending into free points, cashback, and rewards. Which in turn can give additional benefits. Using Credit cards efficently can help you can gain rewards and cashback. So, It every important to get the best credit Cards like HDFC Millennia, Amazon ICICI, SBI Card Neu, and Axis Bank Ace as these offer some of the best cashback programs in India.
By choosing the right card, understanding reward categories, and applying smart spending habits, you can maximize returns and enjoy a rewarding lifestyle. So, Start using your credit card wisely today, and make your money work for you!
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