Compare & Apply Best Credit Cards Online

Apply for a Credit Card

Gone are the days where you had to trudge to the bank to apply for a credit card. Today, applying for one is extremely simple. All you need is an internet connection. If you have that, you can apply for a credit card online.

How to Apply for Credit Card Online?

Applying for a credit card online is as easy as booking a movie ticket online. Here are the steps:

• Visit the bank's website.
• Take a look at the credit cards offered by the bank.
• If the bank has a comparison tool, use it to see how each card compares to the other.
• Select the credit card that is the right one for you and hit the 'Apply' button.
• Fill in the required details and upload all necessary documents.
• Submit your form.

And that's it. It really is that simple.

Note: Each bank may have a different application procedure. Visit the bank's website for more details regarding how to apply for their credit card online.

Compare & Apply Credit Card on BankBazaar by Following 4 Simple Steps:

• Step 1 - Compare credit card offers
• Step 2 - Select from the top credit cards offered by leading Indian banks
• Step 3 - Check your eligibility by entering a few personal details
• Step 4 - Enjoy instant approval online after filling out your application form

Different Types of Credit Cards Offered by Bankbazaar

Not everyone needs a same credit card. While some consider it as a line of credit, a few consider it as an instrument to track their expenses and for some others it's a way to get best deals on every purchase.
Today's customer-centric market has thus come with a solution for all - A credit card for every need. The partnership between card issuers and retailers made the categorization even simpler. From shopping to travel to dining to rewards, there are cards for each category.

Make Life Easier with Lifestyle Credit Cards

A lifestyle credit card is an "All-in-one" credit card that provides privileges across categories. From shopping to travel, rewards to cashback, entertainment to dining, you can enjoy special offers and discounts on most of them.
The Lifestyle Credit Cards typically come with a high annual fee and joining fee, which of course, is worth spending for the privileges offered by the cards. Some Lifestyle Credit Cards also have low or no annual fee and are designed for low-income group individuals.

HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card

• Joining fee - Rs.0, if you apply on Bankbazaar.com or Rs.2,500.
• Annual fee - Rs.2,500 (Waived if the total spends exceed Rs.3 lakh)
• Welcomes on board with 2,500 reward points.
• Complimentary Priority Pass Membership providing access to more than 700 airport lounges.
• 15% discount on dining spends at premium restaurants across India.
• 24X7 concierge assistance for travel and entertainment bookings.
• 12 free lounge visits per year to domestic airports.

SBI Card Prime

• Joining fee - Rs.2,999; Annual fee - Rs.2,999 (Waived if the total spends exceed Rs.3 lakh).
• Welcomes on board with a complimentary e-gift voucher worth Rs.3,000 from partner brands.
• 20 reward points on utility bill payments, spends at partner stores, dining, grocery, and movies.
• Free membership to Trident Privilege Red Tier Programme that provides exclusive benefits on hotel stays.
• Complimentary membership to Club Vistara Silver tier.
• 8 free domestic airport lounge visits and 4 international lounge visits per year.
• 20 reward points for every Rs.100 spent on your birthday.

Axis MY Zone Credit Card

• Joining fee - Rs.500 (Waived on the spends of Rs.5,000 in first 45 days); Annual fee - Rs.500.
• 25% cash back on movie ticket bookings.
• 1 free airport lounge access per quarter to domestic airports
• Up to 20% off on dining at partner restuarants in India.
• 4 reward points for every Rs.200 spent.

HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card

• Joining Fee - Nil
• Annual Fee - Nil
• Introductory offer includes vouchers worth Rs.2,250 until 5 May 2020.
• 10% cashback of up to Rs.2,000 on spending Rs.10,000 within the first 90 days of card issuance.
• BookMyShow voucher of Rs.500.

YES Bank Premia Credit Card

• First year membership fee of Rs.1,500 waived off if applied through BankBazaar.
• No annual fee when applied through BankBazaar, if not Rs.1,500.
• 25% on movie tickets booked on the BookMyShow app or website.
• Priority Pass Membership and MasterCard program includes 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter.
• Enjoy discounts and offers on dining at partner restaurants all over the country.
• 4 Green Fee waivers at top golf courses in India.

Shopping Credit Cards:

The name says it all - Shopping Credit Cards are designed for shopaholics or frequent shoppers. While some cards provide deals and discounts for shopping online, others are designed for in-store shopping. Further, there are co-branded Shopping credit cards that provide offers and rewards on specific brands or stores.
Shopping Credit Cards are typically affordable with a starting annual fee of Rs.500. The benefits offered on the cards including the welcome gifts, reward points, deals and discounts, etc., revolve round the shopping category.

SimplySAVE SBI Card

• Joining fee - Rs.499; Annual fee - Rs.499 (Waived if the total spends exceed Rs.1 lakh).
• 2,000 bonus reward points on spending Rs.2,000 or more in the first 60 days of card issuance.
• 10 reward points on spends related to movies, dining, grocery, and departmental store.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between Rs.500 and Rs.3,000.

Axis Bank Buzz Credit Card

• Joining fee- Rs.750; Annual fee- Rs.750.
• Welcomes on board with Flipkart gift voucher worth Rs.1,000
• Up to 10% discount on Flipkart.com valid from 1-5 of every month.
• 5% instant discount on Flipart.com from 6-31 of every month.

Kotak Essentia Platinum Credit Card

• Joining fee- Rs.1,499; Annual fee- Rs.749.
• Up to 10 reward points for every Rs.100 spent at grocery and departmental stores.
• Access to priority customer service with ASSIST
• 6 free PVR tickets or 1,200 reward points for spends over Rs.1.25 lakh in 6 months.

Travel Credit Cards – Make your Holidays Budget-friendly:

Mostly providing air travel benefits, the Airline Credit Cards are best suited for frequent travelers. The features and benefits offered on the cards revolve around the air travel. Reward points to air mile conversion, free flight tickets, complimentary airport lounge access, and accelerated rewards on air ticket booking, among others are some common features offered by Travel Credit Cards.
Most of the Travel Credit Cards are co-branded cards offered in collaboration of the card issuer and an Air Carrier or Travel Website. The annual fee of the cards ranges from Rs.500 to Rs.5,000 depending on the benefits they offer.

Yatra SBI Card

• Joining fee - Rs.499; Annual fee - Rs.499 (Waived if the total spends exceed Rs.1 lakh)
• Welcome gift voucher of Rs.8,250 from Yatra.com
• Up to Rs.4,000 off on flight ticket bookings made through Yatra.com
• 20% off on hotel bookings made within India through Yatra.

Air India SBI Signature Card

• Joining fee - Rs.1,499; Annual fee - Rs.1,499.
• 2,000 bonus reward points on every renewal.
• Welcome voucher worth up to Rs.8,250 from Yatra.com on joining.
• Up to Rs.1,000 on domestic flight bookings for a minimum transaction amount of up to Rs.5,000.
• Rs.4,000 off on international flight bookings for a minimum booking amount of Rs.40,000.
• Discount of 20% given on domestic hotel bookings on a minimum booking amount of Rs.3,000.
• 6 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on departmental store, dining, grocery, movies and entertainment, and international spends.

JetPrivilege HDFC Bank Diners Club

• Joining fee - Rs.10,000; Annual fee - Rs.5,000 (Waived if the total spends in a year equals Rs.8 lakh).
• Welcomes aboard with up to 30,000 bonus Intermiles.
• Get 8 InterMiles for every Rs.150 spent on retail expenses.
• For every Rs.150 spent on every flight ticket booked on www.intermiles.com, get 16 InterMiles.
• Unlimited complimentary golf games and lessons across the globe.
• Personalised 24x7 concierge services for all your bookings.

AXIS Bank Miles & More World Credit Card

• Joining fee - Rs.3,500; Annual fee - Rs.3,500.
• Welcomes aboard with award miles and complimentary Priority Pass Membership.
• Up to 55,000 miles can be earned in the first membership year.
• 4 free visits per quarter to MasterCard lounges within India.
• 2 free visits per year to priority pass lounges across the globe.
• 24X7 concierge services to assist flight ticket bookings, gift deliveries, event bookings, etc.
• Complimentary travel insurance that covers lost baggage, loss of card, and air accidents.

Citi PremierMiles Credit Card

• 10,000 free Miles on the first spend made within 60 days of card issuance.
• 10 Miles per Rs.100 spent on flight and hotel bookings made through PremierMiles website.
• Complimentary access to select airport lounges within India.

Reward Credit Cards - Get Rewarded while you Shop:

Rewards Credit Cards offer accelerated rewards on most of the spending categories. Credit Card issuers are providing a wide variety of redemption options ranging from gifts to air miles to cashback. Reward Credit Card also provide welcome rewards, bonus rewards, milestone rewards, etc., in terms of reward points. Most of the cards offer reward points with unlimited validity.

Citi Rewards Credit Card

• Up to 2,500 bonus points within 60 days of card issuance as part of welcome rewards.
• 10 reward points on apparel and departmental store spends.
• Up to 300 bonus reward points on spends more than Rs.30,000 in a month.
• Reward points can be redeemed instantly for fuel, in-store shopping, online shopping, air miles, cash back, etc.

IndusInd Platinum Credit card

• Zero 1st-year and 2nd- year fees if applied through BankBazaar.
• Avail best-in-class insurance benefits
• Fuel surcharge on all petrol-pumps all over the country
• Movie ticket benefits twice a month from Sathyam Cinemas and 1 free movie ticket from BookMyShow.
• 1 complimentary golf session per quarter.
• Priority Pass Membership

YES First Preferred Credit Card

• No annual fee is charged if applied through BankBazaar, if not Rs.2,500.
• Renewal fee waived off if applied from BankBazaar, if not Rs. 2,500.
• Make the most of 15,000 reward points received on your first transaction within 3 months.
• Enjoy a renewal benefit of 10,000 reward points with each renewal.
• With the Priority Pass Membership and MasterCard program, get 4 complimentary lounge visits per year.
• Avail discounts and offers with purchasing a wide range from products through YesRewardz.

Cashback credit cards (Earn while you spend):

Cashback credit cards offer cash back, cash rebates, and other money-saving benefits on most of the credit card spends. While some care offer cashback in the form of reward points others offer direct cashback to the credit card account which can be used to pay off the card outstanding.

HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card

• Joining fee:Rs.500 Renewal fee:Rs.500 (from 2nd year onwards).
• 2 reward points on every Rs.150 spent online.
• Spend Rs.50,000 in a quarter and get e-voucher worth Rs.500.
• Free accidental death insurance up to Rs.50 lakh.
• Reward points can be redeemed for cashback against card outstanding (100 reward points = Rs.20).

Citi Cashback Card

• Joining Fee: Rs.500; Renewal Fee: Rs.500.
• 5% cashback on movie ticket bookings.
• 5% cashback on all telephone bill payments.
• 5% cashback on all utility bill payments made through Citibank online Bill Pay Facility.
• 0.5% cashback on all other spends.
• Cashback credited automatically as statement credit in multiple of Rs.500.

Axis Bank Neo Credit Card

• Annual fee of Rs.250 will be charged.
• Joining fee of Rs.250 will be waived off if Rs.2,500 or more is spent within 45 days.
• Earn eDGE loyalty reward points with each transaction made with the card.
• Get an Amazon gift voucher of Rs.250 on your first transaction with the card.
• Avail a 15% discount on dining at all partner restaurants in the country.
• Make the most of cashback offers on spends made with the credit card.

Fuel isn’t Expensive with Fuel Credit Cards:

Partnered with major industry players like Hindustan Petroleum (HP), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), Indian Oil, etc., credit card issuers are offering Fuel credit cards loaded with partner-specific benefits. Fuel credit cards provide accelerated reward points on fuel spends, fuel surcharge waiver facility, reward points redemption against fuel purchases, and other value back benefits, enabling the users to keep the fuel costs under check.

BPCL SBI Credit Card

• Joining Fee: 500. Renewal Fee: Rs.500. Waived if the total spends in the previous year equal Rs.50,000.
• 5X reward point on other transactions like shopping or dining.
• 4.25% ValueBack + 1% fuel surcharge waiver at any BCPL Petrol Pump in the country.
• Redeem reward points instantly for fuel purchases at IndianOil outlets.

Indianoil Citi Platinum Credit Card

• Joining fee: Rs.499; Annual fee: Rs.499 (From 2nd year). Waived if the total spends in a year is Rs.50,000 or more.
• 4 turbo points on every Rs.150 spent on fuel at authorised IndianOil outlets.
• 2 turbo points on every Rs.150 spent at grocery and supermarkets.

SimplySAVE SBI Card

• 1st year fee on the card is Rs.499.
• Renewal fee of Rs.499 is waived off if annual spends are more than Rs.90,000 when applied through BankBazaar.
• Enjoy 10X reward points on dining and movie spends.
• Avail 10X reward points on purchases made at departmental and grocery stores.
• Get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at any petrol pump for transactions between Rs.500 - Rs.3,000.

Axis MY Zone Credit Card

• 1st year fee of Rs.500 is waived if Rs.5,000 is spent within 45 days when applied through BankBazaar.
• 2nd year fee of the card is Rs.500.
• Enjoy a cashback of 25% on movie ticket bookings.
• Avail complimentary airport lounge access at major domestic airports.
• For every Rs.200 spent on the card, get 4 reward points.
• Avail a 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all fuel stations in the country.

Things to know before Applying for Credit Card

Credit Card Statement

Credit card statement (or credit card bill) is generated every 30/31 days. The bill generation date depends on the date on which the credit card is first issued, and the same date will be followed for the subsequent months.

Besides the bill amount which is also called the outstanding amount on the card, the statement also provides a detailed history of all the transactions conducted during the billing period.

It also reflects the total credit limit, available credit limit, cash limit, due date and other related information.

The statement is typically mailed to the cardholder’s registered e-mail every month. However, if the total outstanding balance is less than a certain cut-off, say Rs.200, no statement will be generated.

What is Credit Card Limit

Your credit card comes with a pre-assigned credit limit. This limit is the total amount you can charge to your card. For example, if your credit card provider says that the credit limit on your card is Rs.25,000, it means that you can make transactions up to a total of Rs.25,000 using your card.

Each time you swipe your card, the amount is deducted from the total credit limit and each time you pay your bill, your credit limit increases by that amount.

Here's what affects your credit limit:

• Income: Your monthly or annual income will be taken into consideration while determining your credit card limit. Based on the type of credit card you apply for, the income requirement will differ.
• Type of card: Premium cards tend to come with a higher credit limit when compared to entry-level cards.
• Debt-to-income ratio: This ratio compares the total amount of debt you currently have to your total income. The higher the ratio, the more debt you currently have, lower the credit limit, and vice versa.
• Limit on other cards: If you already own a credit card, the credit limit on your new card may be the same amount.
• Credit history: Good credit history means you are financially responsible. As such, the credit limit on your card will be higher when compared to those with poor credit history.

Credit Card Interest Rates

When you don’t pay the total outstanding amount on a credit card by the due date, you’re automatically opting for the revolving credit facility. This means the borrowed amount which is not repaid on time attracts interest or finance charge.

The interest charge is also applicable when you pay only the minimum amount due or anything less than the total amount due.

Further, cash withdrawals attract interest from the date of the transaction till the amount is repaid in full.

The interest rate is charged at a monthly percentage rate or an annual percentage rate (APR) and varies from card to card. The issuer will communicate the rate of interest at the time of card issuance.

Zero Interest Credit with Interest-Free Period

When managed properly, a credit card acts as an interest-free credit line. This means you don’t have to pay any interest if the borrowed amount is repaid in the stipulated time.

The period between a transaction date and the credit card bill payment due date is called the ‘Interest-Free Period’.

If you pay the transaction amount on or before the due date, you don’t have to pay any interest, hence the in-between period is termed as Interest-free period or grace period.

The grace period varies for each credit card transaction and the typical period ranges from 30 to 45 days. Transactions carried out at the beginning of your credit card billing cycle would provide you with a longer grace-period.

However, the grace period is not applicable if the previous month's due has not been paid in full.

Also, cash withdrawals using a credit card are not eligible for grace period. Interest on such transactions would be levied from the withdrawal date itself.

How to Convert Credit Card Transactions into EMI

Credit card EMI is one of the useful features offered on credit cards. There are various options to use the EMI facility.

1. Opt for EMI while transacting
2. Convert to EMI after the transaction

Credit cardholders with the first option can convert their purchases instantly into EMI while carrying out a transaction. However, the product/service or the retailer should have partnered with the card issuer.

The second option allows the users to convert any of the transactions or the total outstanding on the card into easy monthly installments (EMI).

However, the request for conversion should be made within a specific period from the date of the transaction, say 20-30 days.

While availing the facility, cardholders have the option to choose the repayment period which typically ranges from 3 to 24 months.

Some issuers offer 0% interest while the others charge a low or normal interest rate. Furthermore, a processing fee of 1-2% of the converted amount may also be levied.

Once you opt for the facility, you need to repay the EMI amount every month. The associated principal amount and the interest charge, if applicable, will be added to the minimum amount due on the card.

Credit Card FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is credit card limit?

   This is the maximum amount that one can spend on their card. When you have a high limit for the credit card, it allows you to spend more and this will help your credit scores.

2. Can I get a credit card online?

   Yes, You can apply for a credit card online, once you go to the website of your preferred bank.

3. What is the minimum credit score for a credit card?

   A credit score above 650 is ideal to be able to get a credit card

4. Can I get a credit card without a job?

   Even if you do not have a job and have a pretty substantial inflow into your account every month or so, you are eligible for a credit card.

5. Can I get a credit card in one day?

   Yes, Due to the online application system, your credit card application will be approved in one day. However, you will not get the physical credit card in one day.

6. Do credit cards come with any airport lounge benefits?

   Yes, a lot of credit cards come with access to domestic and international lounges at airports.

7. Are there any benefits of having a credit card?

   Yes, most credit cards come with a reward point system, where you earn a point every time you spend a said amount of money. You can then redeem these points.

8. Is it better to apply online or in person for a credit card?

   It is much easier to apply for a credit card online. If you are applying for a retail credit card, it is better to go in person and apply for the same.

9. What is the minimum salary required to apply for a credit card?

   The minimum salary requirement to be able to have a credit card is different for every bank. The figure varies for salaried and self-employed individuals.

10. What is the difference between a debit and a credit card?

    A debit card draws money from your account immediately when you make a purchase. Whereas a credit card enables you to borrow the money required against credit and you will have to pay the bank when you receive your credit card bill.

11. How do credit cards work?

    A credit card gives you a line of credit and you can use this to make balance transfers, all kinds of purchases, and cash advances. You will have to pay back the amount by the date specified by the bank. When you use a credit card, you have to keep in mind the minimum payment to made every month by the due date.

12. How can I get a credit card for the first time?

    If you already have a credit history, you can check your eligibility, choose a card that suits your lifestyle needs and apply for it on Bankbazaar. If you do not have a credit history, you can opt for a secure credit card usually offered against fixed deposits.

13. Do credit cards require proof of income?

    As your income does not show up on any of the credit reports, many credit card issuers do not verify your income source. However, proof of income could increase the chance of your credit card application being approved.

14. Can we get a credit card with bad credit score?

    A credit score between 300 and 650 is considered a bad credit score by most banks. In most cases, banks will not consider this score to be ideal to offer you a credit card. However, if you have a credit score between 550 and 650, it might be considered poor credit. In these situations, if banks deem you as a responsible borrower, you might be qualified for an unsecured credit card.

15. Which is the best and easiest way to apply for a credit card?

    The best and the easiest way to get a credit card is to apply for it on a platform like Bankbazaar. You can compare the features, benefits, fees, interest rates etc. and then choose a card that best suits your needs. You will also benefit from exclusive offers available only on Bankbazaar. Alternately, you can directly visit the bank’s website to apply for a card.

16. How long does it take to get a credit card approved?

    The banks typically state that they would take 21 days to disburse a credit card. However, depending on the applicant's profile, availability of documents, verification checks, etc., it might also take a little longer than the stipulated time.

17. Can I use my credit card in other countries?

    It depends on your card type. If your credit card is accepted globally, you can use it in other countries as mentioned by your creditor. However, a certain fee known as the foreign transaction fee will be charged for all the purchases made abroad.

18. Do credit cards offer protection against fraud?

    Not all credit cards do, but there are quite a few credit cards that come with fraud liability protection cover.If your card offers the protection, most of the fraudulent transactions that might happen on the card when it's either lost or stolen will be covered. However, you need to intimate about the loss of the card immediately to the respective creditor.

19. Should I pay interest on all the purchases I make using a credit card?

    No, you don't have to pay interest on all the transactions. However, if you're not repaying the due amount within the stipulated time, the unpaid due would attract interest along with all the new transactions, till the due amount is repaid in full.

20. Should I get a charge card or credit card?

    Having a credit card would mean that you will get small and quick loans while you make your everyday purchases and it offers payment flexibility. If you are a charge cardholder, you will have to pay back the whole amount that you borrow every month on the due date and failure will lead to a heavy fee being charged.

21. How many credit cards should I have?

    The number, one should own is not fixed. It depends on your financial ability and your spending behavior. However, ensure to manage all the cards properly. Use them responsibly, repay the outstanding on time and make sure none of them is affecting your credit score.

22. What does 'minimum due' mean on a credit card statement?

    The minimum amount due is the minimum amount a credit cardholder needs to pay in case he/she is not able to pay the total outstanding. It is typically 5% of the total outstanding amount on the card. Paying the minimum amount would save you from the late payment fee.

23. If I make a late payment on my credit card, will it affect my credit score?

    It depends on various factors - the number of days late, the number of instances and the amount due. Based on all this your credit card issuer would take a call about whether or not to report the same to the credit agencies. But once reported, it would certainly affect your credit score.

24. Do I need to pay processing fee for a loan against credit card?

    Yes, banks do charge processing fee for loans against credit card. However, you need to pay a very nominal amount as processing fee.

25. Which credit card has highest limit in the world?

    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has the highest limit of $100,000.

26. What are the different types of credit cards?

    There are many different kinds of credit cards in India. They are:

    • Secured Credit Cards
    • Business Credit Cards
    • Student Credit Cards
    • Balance Transfer Credit Cards
    • Prepaid Cards
    • Kisan Credit Cards
    • Rewards Credit Cards