This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on June 22, 2025 by Mani Karthik
Bottom line first: HDFC Infinia and Diners Club Black are still the kings, but they’re invitation-only and expensive. For most people, Axis Atlas or American Express MRCC will give you better bang for your buck.
Let me break down the credit card game in India without the marketing fluff.
The Premium Champions (If You Can Get Them)
HDFC Infinia Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹12,500
Reward Rate: Up to 3.33% (5 points per ₹150 spent)
The Reality Check: This is the holy grail, but good luck getting one.
What makes it special:
- 1:1 redemption on SmartBuy for flights, hotels, and Apple products
- Unlimited airport lounge access globally
- Monthly capping of 2 lakh points on reward earning
The catch: It’s invite-only. HDFC decides if you’re worthy, not you.
HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹10,000
Reward Rate: 3.33% (5 points per ₹150 spent)
The Reality Check: Almost identical to Infinia but slightly more accessible.
Why it’s worth considering:
- Same reward structure as Infinia at lower annual fee
- Unlimited airport lounge access to 1000+ lounges globally
- 10,000 bonus points every quarter on ₹4 lakh spend
The downside: Diners Club acceptance isn’t universal. Some merchants still don’t take it.
The Smart Middle Ground
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹5,000
Reward Rate: Variable based on spend tiers
The Reality Check: Hot pick for 2024 & 2025 despite recent devaluation
Why it works:
- General EDGE Miles transferable to multiple airlines and hotels
- Tier-based rewards that scale with your spending
- No co-branding restrictions like other travel cards
American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card (MRCC)
Annual Fee: ₹1,000 (waivable)
Reward Rate: Up to 8% with milestone benefits
The Reality Check: Popular for its reward system with Gold Collection redemption
The strategy that works:
- 1000 bonus MR points for each of first four ₹1,500 transactions monthly
- Additional 1000 points for ₹20,000 monthly spend
- Gaming it with Amazon Pay vouchers through Amex portal
The Budget Champions
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹2,500
Reward Rate: 2.67% (4 points per ₹150 spent)
The Reality Check: Good all-rounder with travel and lifestyle benefits
What you get:
- 20 points per ₹150 at select merchants like Nykaa, Myntra
- International and domestic lounge access
- Milestone vouchers that actually add value
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹499
Reward Rate: 2.5% on partner merchants
The Reality Check: Entry-level card with solid online benefits
Perfect for:
- 10 points per ₹100 on partner online merchants
- People starting their credit journey
- Those who primarily shop online
The Devaluation Reality
Here’s what credit card companies don’t want you to know: HDFC devalued Infinia and DCB cash redemption by 40% without prior notice. This is the game.
My advice: Never put all your eggs in one card basket. The rules change faster than Delhi weather.
Current Market Trends (June 2025)
What’s happening right now:
- Banks restricting credit card points on utility payments
- Premium cards getting more expensive
- Genuine users feeling the heat from recent restrictions
Smart moves:
- Diversify across 2-3 cards maximum
- Focus on spending categories that align with your lifestyle
- Don’t chase cards just for signup bonuses
The Redemption Game
Best redemption options ranked:
- Travel bookings: 1:1 ratio on premium cards
- Airline miles: Good for frequent flyers
- Gift vouchers: Usually 0.5-0.7 per point
- Cash: Worst option, avoid unless desperate
Pro tip: HDFC occasionally runs promotions offering 0.7 per point for vouchers instead of usual 0.5. Jump on these when they happen.
My Honest Recommendations
For beginners: Start with SBI SimplyCLICK or HDFC MoneyBack+
For regular spenders: American Express MRCC or Axis Atlas
For the wealthy: Chase HDFC Infinia invitation aggressively
For travelers: Axis Atlas or HDFC Diners Club Black
The Fine Print Reality
Every card has gotchas:
- Maximum 70% of booking value redeemable through points
- Monthly and annual caps on earning
- Exclusions on fuel, utilities (getting stricter)
- Foreign transaction fees (usually 2-3%)
Final Word
The credit card game in India is changing fast. What worked in 2018 doesn’t work now. Focus on cards that match your actual spending, not fantasy scenarios.
And remember: The best credit card is the one you can actually get approved for and use responsibly. Don’t let reward points cloud your judgment on basic financial health.
Note: All rates and benefits mentioned are as of June 2025 and subject to change without notice. Always verify current terms with the issuing bank.