In today’s fast-paced world, credit cards have become more than just a payment tool—they’re a smart way to save money on everyday purchases. Cashback credit cards, in particular, are a favorite among Indian consumers for their simplicity and direct rewards. By offering a percentage of your spending back as cash or redeemable points, these cards help you maximize savings on groceries, dining, online shopping, and more. With 2025 bringing new offers and features, choosing the right cashback credit card can significantly boost your financial efficiency.
This comprehensive guide explores the best cashback credit cards in India for 2025, tailored to various spending habits. Whether you’re a frequent online shopper, a foodie, or someone who spends heavily on utility bills, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the top picks, their benefits, and tips to maximize your cashback rewards.
Why Choose a Cashback Credit Card?
Cashback credit cards are designed to reward you with a percentage of your spending, credited as cash, statement credit, or redeemable points. Unlike reward points or air miles, cashback is straightforward, making it ideal for those who prefer instant savings without complex redemption processes. Here’s why cashback credit cards are a great choice:
- Instant Savings: Cashback reduces your credit card bill or adds to your wallet balance, offering immediate financial relief.
- Versatility: Many cards provide cashback across multiple categories like groceries, dining, fuel, and online shopping.
- No Redemption Hassle: Unlike points-based systems, cashback is often credited directly to your account, simplifying the reward process.
- Savings on Everyday Spends: From utility bills to online purchases, cashback cards align with your daily expenses, ensuring consistent savings.
With banks rolling out festive offers and tie-ups with e-commerce platforms in 2025, cashback credit cards are more rewarding than ever. Let’s explore the top options available.
Top Cashback Credit Cards in India for 2025
Here’s a curated list of the best cashback credit cards in India for 2025, based on their reward rates, fees, and suitability for different spending patterns. Each card has been selected for its unique benefits and alignment with common spending categories.
1. Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
The Axis Bank ACE Credit Card is a top choice for beginners and frequent online shoppers, offering high cashback rates on popular platforms.
- Key Features:
- 5% cashback on online spends via Google Pay, Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola.
- 2% cashback on all other spends (except fuel).
- No upper limit on cashback earnings.
- Annual fee: ₹499 (waived on spending ₹2 lakh annually).
- Best For: Beginners and users who frequently shop or dine via apps like Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola.
- Eligibility: Minimum monthly income of ₹25,000 or ITR of ₹6 lakh per annum.
- Why It Stands Out: The high cashback rate on popular apps and no cap on earnings make it ideal for tech-savvy spenders.
Example: If you spend ₹20,000 monthly on Swiggy and Zomato, you can earn ₹1,000 in cashback, saving ₹12,000 annually.
2. Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card
Perfect for Airtel customers, this card offers unbeatable cashback on utility bills and Airtel services.
- Key Features:
- 25% cashback on Airtel mobile, WiFi, DTH, and broadband recharges via the Airtel Thanks app.
- 10% cashback on utility bills, Zomato, Swiggy, and BigBasket via Airtel Thanks app.
- 1% cashback on all other spends.
- Annual fee: ₹500 (waived on spending ₹2 lakh annually).
- Welcome benefit: ₹500 Amazon e-voucher on activation.
- Best For: Airtel users and those with high utility bill expenses.
- Eligibility: Minimum monthly income of ₹30,000.
- Why It Stands Out: Exceptional cashback on utility bills, a category often excluded from other cards’ reward programs.
Example: Spending ₹10,000 on Airtel bills and utilities can earn you ₹2,500 in cashback monthly, totaling ₹30,000 annually.
3. Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card
Designed for foodies and Swiggy loyalists, this card offers high cashback on Swiggy services and online spends.
- Key Features:
- 10% cashback on Swiggy food orders, Instamart, Dineout, and Genie.
- 5% cashback on online spends across top brands like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra.
- 1% cashback on other spends.
- Complimentary 3-month Swiggy One membership on activation.
- Annual fee: ₹500.
- Best For: Frequent Swiggy users and online shoppers.
- Eligibility: Minimum monthly income of ₹35,000 or ITR of ₹6 lakh per annum.
- Why It Stands Out: The high cashback on Swiggy services and a free Swiggy One membership make it a must-have for food lovers.
Example: Spending ₹15,000 on Swiggy and online shopping can yield ₹1,250 in cashback monthly, saving ₹15,000 annually.
4. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card
A lifetime free card, this is a favorite among Amazon Prime members for its high cashback on Amazon purchases.
- Key Features:
- 5% cashback on Amazon for Prime members (3% for non-Prime).
- 2% cashback on Amazon Pay partner merchants.
- 1% cashback on all other spends (except fuel).
- No annual fee.
- Best For: Amazon shoppers and those seeking a no-fee card.
- Eligibility: Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakh.
- Why It Stands Out: Lifetime free with no hidden charges and high cashback for Amazon loyalists.
Example: A Prime member spending ₹20,000 monthly on Amazon can earn ₹1,000 in cashback, saving ₹12,000 annually.
5. HSBC Live+ Credit Card
This card shines for dining and grocery spends, offering high cashback rates and lounge access.
- Key Features:
- 10% cashback on dining, food delivery, and groceries (capped at ₹1,000/month).
- 1.5% unlimited cashback on all other spends.
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (on spending ₹50,000 quarterly).
- Annual fee: ₹999 (waived on spending ₹2 lakh annually).
- Welcome benefit: ₹1,100 voucher.
- Best For: Foodies and grocery shoppers.
- Eligibility: Minimum monthly income of ₹40,000.
- Why It Stands Out: High cashback on dining and groceries, plus lounge access for frequent travelers.
Example: Spending ₹10,000 on dining and groceries can earn ₹1,000 monthly, totaling ₹12,000 annually (within cap).
Also Read: 10 Best Credit Cards for Salaried Employees in India [2025 Updated List]
6. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
A great pick for Flipkart loyalists, this card offers high cashback on shopping and lifestyle spends.
- Key Features:
- 5% cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip.
- 4% cashback on preferred merchants like PVR, Uber, Swiggy, and Cult.fit.
- 1.5% cashback on all other spends.
- Annual fee: ₹500 (waived on spending ₹2 lakh annually).
- Welcome benefit: ₹600 voucher.
- Best For: Flipkart shoppers and lifestyle enthusiasts.
- Eligibility: Minimum monthly income of ₹30,000.
- Why It Stands Out: Covers popular categories like shopping, travel, and lifestyle with no cashback cap.
Example: Spending ₹20,000 on Flipkart and preferred merchants can earn ₹900 in cashback monthly, saving ₹10,800 annually.
7. SBI Cashback Credit Card
This card offers high cashback on online shopping, making it ideal for e-commerce enthusiasts.
- Key Features:
- 5% cashback on online spends (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.).
- 1% cashback on all other spends.
- Annual fee: ₹999 (waived on spending ₹2 lakh annually).
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver (₹500–₹3,000 transactions).
- Best For: Online shoppers looking for a versatile card.
- Eligibility: Minimum annual income of ₹4 lakh.
- Why It Stands Out: High cashback on online spends with no category restrictions.
Example: Spending ₹25,000 online monthly can earn ₹1,250 in cashback, saving ₹15,000 annually.
8. HDFC Bank MoneyBack Credit Card
An entry-level card perfect for new credit card users with modest spending habits.
- Key Features:
- 5% cashback on grocery shopping.
- 1% cashback on all other spends.
- 500 cash points as a welcome benefit.
- Annual fee: ₹500.
- Best For: Beginners and grocery shoppers.
- Eligibility: Minimum monthly income of ₹25,000 or ITR of ₹6 lakh.
- Why It Stands Out: Affordable entry-level card with decent grocery cashback.
Example: Spending ₹15,000 on groceries monthly can earn ₹750 in cashback, saving ₹9,000 annually.
9. Kotak Mahindra Myntra RuPay JCB Card
This card offers periodic high cashback for international travelers and Myntra shoppers.
- Key Features:
- Up to 25% cashback on international PoS transactions in countries like Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Philippines (capped at ₹3,000 per transaction, ₹15,000 quarterly).
- 5% cashback on Myntra spends.
- 1% cashback on other spends.
- Annual fee: ₹500.
- Best For: International travelers and Myntra shoppers.
- Eligibility: Minimum annual income of ₹5 lakh.
- Why It Stands Out: Unique high cashback on international spends during offer periods.
Example: Spending ₹12,000 on international PoS transactions can earn ₹3,000 in cashback per transaction, maximizing quarterly savings.
10. Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card
A versatile card with no exclusions (except fuel), ideal for diverse spending habits.
- Key Features:
- 2% cashback on online spends.
- 1% cashback on all other spends (except fuel).
- No annual fee.
- Cashback on utility bills, insurance, and wallets.
- Best For: Users with varied spending patterns.
- Eligibility: Minimum annual income of ₹6 lakh.
- Why It Stands Out: No annual fee and cashback on typically excluded categories like utilities and insurance.
Example: Spending ₹30,000 monthly (₹15,000 online, ₹15,000 offline) can earn ₹450 in cashback, saving ₹5,400 annually.
How to Choose the Right Cashback Credit Card
Selecting the best cashback credit card depends on your spending habits and financial goals. Here are key factors to consider:
- Analyze Your Spending Patterns:
- Identify your top spending categories (e.g., groceries, dining, online shopping, utilities).
- Choose a card offering higher cashback in those areas.
- Example: If you spend heavily on Swiggy, the Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card is ideal.
- Check Fees and Waivers:
- Look for cards with low or no annual fees, or those waived on meeting spending thresholds.
- Compare interest rates to avoid high costs if you carry a balance.
- Evaluate Cashback Caps:
- Some cards cap monthly cashback earnings (e.g., HSBC Live+ at ₹1,000/month).
- Opt for cards with no caps, like Axis Bank ACE, for unlimited rewards.
- Consider Additional Benefits:
- Look for perks like lounge access, fuel surcharge waivers, or welcome vouchers.
- Example: Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card offers lounge visits and an Amazon voucher.
- Check Redemption Options:
- Ensure cashback is credited as statement credit or wallet balance for ease of use.
- Avoid cards with complex redemption processes.
Pro Tip: Use multiple cards for different categories (e.g., Swiggy HDFC for dining, Amazon Pay ICICI for shopping) to maximize savings.
Tips to Maximize Cashback Earnings
To get the most out of your cashback credit card, follow these strategies:
- Use Cards Strategically: Use the card offering the highest cashback for each category (e.g., SBI Cashback for online, HSBC Live+ for dining).
- Leverage Festive Offers: Banks often tie up with Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra during sales like Diwali or Big Billion Days for extra cashback.
- Set Up Auto-Pay for Bills: Use cards like Airtel Axis for utility bills to earn cashback on recurring expenses.
- Meet Spending Thresholds: Spend enough to waive annual fees or unlock milestone benefits like vouchers.
- Pay Bills in Full: Avoid interest charges that can offset cashback savings by paying your balance on time.
Example Calculation: Anita spends ₹30,000 monthly (₹10,000 on groceries, ₹5,000 on fuel, ₹15,000 on online shopping). Using the Axis Bank ACE Credit Card (5% on online, 2% on others), she earns ₹750 (online) + ₹300 (groceries/fuel) = ₹1,050 monthly, saving ₹12,600 annually.
Conclusion
Cashback credit cards are a powerful tool to save money on everyday purchases, from groceries to online shopping. In 2025, cards like the Axis Bank ACE, Airtel Axis Bank, and Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card stand out for their high cashback rates and alignment with popular spending categories. By choosing a card that matches your lifestyle and using it strategically, you can save thousands annually while enjoying additional perks like lounge access and welcome benefits.
Don’t miss out on these savings! Visit CashMints today to compare these cards, check eligibility, and apply for the one that suits you best. Start swiping smart and watch your savings grow with every spend!
FAQs
1. What is a cashback credit card?
A cashback credit card offers a percentage of your spending back as cash, statement credit, or redeemable points, helping you save on purchases.
2. Which credit card offers the highest cashback in 2025?
The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card offers up to 25% cashback on Airtel services, while the Axis Bank ACE provides 5% on online spends with no cap.
3. Are there any no-fee cashback credit cards?
Yes, the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is lifetime free with no annual fee, offering up to 5% cashback for Prime members.
4. How is cashback credited to my account?
Cashback is typically credited as a statement credit, direct deposit to your bank/wallet, or as points redeemable in a 1:1 ratio.
5. Can I earn cashback on utility bills?
Yes, cards like the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card (10%–25%) and Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card (1%–2%) offer cashback on utility bills.
6. What are cashback caps, and why do they matter?
Cashback caps limit the maximum cashback you can earn monthly or annually. Choose cards with no caps, like Axis Bank ACE, for higher savings.
7. Do cashback credit cards have annual fees?
Most cards have annual fees (₹500–₹999), but many, like Swiggy HDFC or Flipkart Axis, waive fees on meeting spending thresholds.
8. Which card is best for online shopping?
The SBI Cashback Credit Card and Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card offer 5% cashback on online spends, ideal for e-commerce shoppers.
9. Can I use multiple cashback cards for different categories?
Yes, using cards like Swiggy HDFC for dining and Amazon Pay ICICI for shopping can maximize savings across categories.
10. How do I apply for a cashback credit card?
Visit the bank’s website or platforms like CashMints to check eligibility, compare cards, and apply online with minimal documentation.