Best premium credit cards in India

Remember to assess the rewards, benefits and fees associated with each card before choosing.

In today’s fast-paced world, credit cards have become an essential financial tool, assisting with all major day-to-day transactions like paying bills, shopping and rent payments. If you are looking for the best premium credit card in India that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals, there are some great options to choose from. Let us look at some of the best premium credit cards, their features and benefits.

 

Best premium credit cards in India

Premium credit cards cater to individuals seeking elevated privileges and rewards.

HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition

Priced at an annual fee of Rs 12,500, the HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition is a premier choice among super-premium credit cards. It boasts complimentary Priority Pass Membership, granting unlimited access to both domestic and international lounges. A welcome benefit includes a 1-year Club Marriott Membership, entailing a 20% discount on dining and accommodations at affiliated hotels. The card extends extensive coverage, encompassing air accident death (up to Rs 3 crore), medical emergencies (up to Rs 50 lakh) and credit shield protection (up to Rs 9 lakh). Notable rewards comprise five points for every Rs 150 spent (excluding fuel), 2X rewards for dining and 10X rewards for travel and shopping via HDFC SmartBuy.

SBI Elite Credit Card

Designed for the elite, this credit card presents premium privileges spanning various lifestyle facets, such as dining, travel, entertainment and everyday expenditures. It extends benefits from esteemed international brands like Marks & Spencer and Shoppers Stop. With a yearly fee of Rs 4,999, the card bestows a generous welcome gift voucher worth Rs 5,000. Elevated reward points are earned on dining, grocery and department store purchases. The card encompasses complimentary movie tickets worth Rs 6,000 annually, accompanied by bonus reward points of up to 50,000. It grants six international and two domestic lounge visits annually, along with complimentary memberships to the Trident Privilege Program and Club Vistara.

Axis Reserve Credit Card

Priced at an annual fee of Rs 50,000, the Axis Reserve Credit Card stands as a premium offering with opulent benefits. These include the Club Marriott Asia Pacific Membership, entitling you to a 20% discount on food, beverages and stays at participating Marriott hotels in India and across Asia Pacific. The card presents an array of privileges, such as four annual chauffeured luxury airport drops and pickups and boundless access to domestic and international lounges via Priority Pass membership. It facilitates a 15% saving at Postcard hotels and a 25% discount through the EazyDiner Prime Membership for premium restaurant dining. You can earn 15 edge reward points for every Rs 200 spent, with rewards doubled for international expenditures.

IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card

Priced at an annual fee of Rs 9,999, the IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card stands as a super-premium offering tailored for avid travellers and reward enthusiasts. Crafted to cater to diverse categories, including travel, dining, shopping and entertainment, this credit card presents multiple benefits. On weekdays, you can accrue one reward point for every Rs 100 spent, while weekends yield a more generous two reward points for every Rs 100 spent. The card extends a complimentary visit to participating international lounges within India and abroad per quarter, alongside two complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter. It grants a Complimentary Priority Pass Membership to both primary and add-on cardholders, facilitating access to over 700 lounges worldwide.

HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card

The HDFC Diners Club Black, with an annual fee of Rs 10,000, is a premium credit card tailored for high-income groups. Its exclusive perks include annual memberships to Club Marriott, Amazon Prime, MMT BLACK, Forbes, Zomato Pro and Times Prime upon spending Rs 1.5 lakh in the first month. For spending Rs 80,000, cardholders can choose two vouchers worth Rs 500 each monthly, from options like Ola Select, BookMyShow, cult.fit Live or TataCliQ. This card rewards users with five points for every Rs 150 spent, up to 10X reward points on partner brands and 2X reward points on weekend dining. It extends unlimited lounge access to over 1,000 airport lounges globally for both primary and add-on card members. It comes with a credit liability cover of Rs 9 lakh, air accident insurance cover of Rs 2 crore, travel insurance cover of up to Rs 55,000 for baggage delay and emergency overseas hospitalisation coverage of Rs 50 lakh.

SBI Aurum Credit Card

With an annual fee of Rs 10,000, the SBI Aurum Credit Card is a top-tier credit card with an array of exclusive benefits across various categories. A generous welcome offers benefits worth Rs 10,000 through 40,000 reward points. Achieving spending milestones provides a Tata CliQ voucher worth Rs 1,500 on spending Rs 1 lakh monthly, a Rs 5,000 LUXE voucher on an annual spend of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10,000 Taj vouchers on an annual spend of Rs 10 lakh. This card earns four reward points for every Rs 100 spent. It also encompasses free movie tickets worth Rs 1,000 each month, access to four domestic lounge visits per quarter, unlimited international lounge access and one domestic airport spa access per quarter.

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card, with an annual fee of Rs 10,000, is a versatile super-premium credit card that extends substantial benefits across travel, rewards, movies and dining categories. Its welcome perks include a choice between a complimentary economy class ticket (up to Rs 10,000) for any domestic destination or a TataCLiQ voucher worth Rs 10,000. This card encompasses unlimited complimentary international lounge visits with Priority Pass, accompanied by eight additional guest visits annually, as well as unlimited access to domestic airport lounges and eight complimentary end-to-end VIP services at the airport. You can earn 12 Axis eDGE Reward Points on every Rs 200 spent and attain 25,000 eDGE Reward Points upon monthly expenditures of Rs 1 lakh. It offers remarkable dining benefits, such as up to 40% discount at over 4,000 partner restaurants throughout India under the Dining Delights Program.

 

FAQs

What is a premium credit card?

A premium credit card is a high-tier card that offers exclusive benefits, rewards and privileges to cardholders. These cards are designed for individuals with higher income levels and spending capacity.

How do I apply for a premium credit card?

You can apply for a premium credit card online through the respective bank’s website. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documents for verification.

Can I have multiple premium credit cards?

Yes, you can hold multiple premium credit cards from different banks. However, consider your spending patterns and whether the benefits justify the annual fees for each card.

What is the average annual fee for premium credit cards?

The annual fees for premium credit cards can vary from INR 2,500 to INR 30,000 or more, depending on the card’s features and benefits.

Do premium credit cards offer travel insurance?

Many premium credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance, covering flight delays, lost baggage and medical emergencies. Be sure to check the specific policy terms.

How do reward points work?

Reward points are earned on eligible transactions made using the credit card. These points can be redeemed for various rewards, such as travel vouchers, merchandise or cashback, depending on the card’s rewards program.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

 

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