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For some people, there is nothing more therapeutic than shopping. Earlier, you only had the option to go to a physical store to buy anything you wanted, but with the latest technology advancements, you can now effortlessly and safely shop around on your digital device without having to step out of your house. The best part – there are unlimited options to browse around from!
If you are someone who finds themselves always searching for something new to purchase every other day, then having a credit card for online shopping might be your best choice.
What is a Credit Card for Online Shopping?
A credit card for shopping is crafted to meet the demands of enthusiastic shoppers. Unlike standard credit cards, these cards are packed with perks like higher reward points, cashback, and special discounts, especially for shopping. They aim to elevate your shopping experience, ensuring each purchase is more rewarding. Whether you shop online or in physical stores, using a shopping credit card can result in substantial savings over time. This card is a financial asset for those who often enjoy retail therapy or have consistent shopping needs.
Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping in India
There are several credit card issuers and banks in India that offer the best rewards on credit cards for online shopping. We have compiled a list of such credit cards with their joining, annual, and renewal fees for your reference:
Best Credit Card for Online Shopping | Joining Fee | Annual Fee |
Jupiter Edge UPI Credit Card | NIL | NIL |
Cashback SBI Card | 999 | 999 |
Axis Bank ACE Credit Card | 499 | 2nd Year Onward: ₹499 Annual Fee waived off on annual spends greater than ₹2,00,000 |
HDFC Millennia Credit Card | 1000 + Applicable Taxes | 1000 + Applicable Taxes |
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card | 500 | 2nd Year Onward: ₹500 Annual Fee waived off on annual spends greater than ₹3,50,000 |
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card | NIL | NIL |
HSBC Cashback Credit Card | 999 (Waived if you spend more than ₹200,000 per year) | |
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card | 500 + Applicable Taxes | 500 + Applicable Taxes |
American Express SmartEarn™ Credit Card | 495 + Applicable Taxes | |
Kotak Essentia Platinum Credit Card | 1499 | 749 |
American Express® Gold Card | 1000 | 4,500 |
YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card | 999 + applicable taxes | 999 + applicable taxes |
SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card | 499 | 499 |
Axis Neo Credit Card | 250 | 250 |
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card | Zero first-year fee | Second year onwards, zero fee |
Features of Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
1. Jupiter Edge UPI Credit Card
- UPI Enabled
- Lifetime-free membership with no annual fees ever, offering a budget-friendly option
- Guaranteed 2% cashback on shopping, travel, or dining
- Guaranteed 0.4% cashback on all other UPI and credit card purchases
- ₹250 worth of welcome vouchers from leading brands like Amazon and Flipkart
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2. Cashback SBI Card
- Earn 5% cash back on any online purchase without merchant limitations
- Receive 1% cashback on all offline purchases
- Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at any petrol pump in India for transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000
- Get your annual fee reversed by spending ₹2 lakh in the previous year
3. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
- 5% cashback on Amazon purchases for Prime members
- 3% cashback on Amazon purchases for non-Prime members
- 2% cashback on payments made to partner merchants using Amazon Pay
- 1% cash back on all other transactions
- 15% discount at ICICI Bank partner restaurants
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all petrol pumps
Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
- Earn 5% cashback on bill payments, DTH recharges, and mobile recharges through Google Pay
- Get 4% cashback on Swiggy, Ola, and Zomato transactions
- Receive 1.5% cashback on all other spending
- Enjoy 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits each year by spending ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months
- Benefit from a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations for transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000
5. HDFC Millennia Credit Card
- Get 5% cashback on purchases at Amazon, BookMyShow, Cult.fit, Flipkart, Myntra, Sony LIV, Swiggy, Tata CLiQ, Uber, and Zomato
- Enjoy 1% cashback on all other categories, including EMI and wallet spends
- Receive one complimentary lounge access or a voucher worth ₹1,000 by spending ₹1 lakh in a quarter
- Benefit from a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, up to ₹250 per month, on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 at all fuel stations in India
6. HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
- Earn 10X CashPoints on purchases at Flipkart, Amazon, Swiggy, Reliance Smart SuperStore, and BigBasket
- Get 5X CashPoints on EMI spends at merchant locations
- Receive 2 CashPoints for every ₹150 spent in other categories
- Activation bonus of 500 CashPoints after paying the joining fee
- Milestone rewards of up to ₹20,000 in gift vouchers per year
- Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹250) on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 at all fuel stations
7. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
- Get 5% cashback on Flipkart purchases
- Enjoy 4% cashback on shopping with preferred merchants such as Cleartrip, Cult.fit, PVR, Swiggy, and Uber
- Receive 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Activation rewards from Flipkart and Swiggy worth ₹600
- Access 4 complimentary domestic lounges per year by spending ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months
- Benefit from a 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹400 per month) on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000
8. HSBC Cashback Credit Card
- Enjoy 10% cash back on dining, food delivery, and grocery purchases
- Earn 1.5% unlimited cashback on all other spending categories
- Receive 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually (maximum 1 per quarter)
- Get a ₹1,000 Amazon e-voucher by spending ₹10,000 or more within 30 days of card issuance
American Express SmartEarnTM Credit Card
- Earn 10X Membership Rewards® Points on purchases at Zomato, Flipkart, Myntra, Blinkit, Uber, Nykaa, Ajio, PVR, BookMyShow, and more
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® Points for every ₹50 spent on Amazon
- Receive 1 Membership Rewards® Point for every ₹50 spent in other categories
- Enjoy ₹500 cashback upon spending ₹10,000 within the first 90 days of card membership
- Get ₹500 vouchers for annual spending of ₹1.20 lakh, ₹1.80 lakh, and ₹2.40 lakh
10. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
- Receive a ₹500 Amazon gift voucher as a welcome gift
- Earn 10 reward points per ₹100 spent online at Apollo 24×7, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Dominos, Eazydiner, Myntra, Netmeds, and Yatra
- Get 5 reward points per ₹100 on other online purchases
- Earn 1 reward point per ₹100 spent in other categories
- Enjoy a Cleartrip/Yatra e-voucher worth ₹2,000 upon reaching annual spending milestones of ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh, respectively
- Benefit from a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000
11. Axis Neo Credit Card
- Get 40% off on food delivery through Zomato with a minimum order of ₹200
- Enjoy 5% off on mobile recharges, broadband payments, and DTH recharges via Amazon Pay
- Receive 10% off on Blinkit, Myntra, and movie ticket bookings through BookMyShow
- Earn 1 EDGE reward point for every ₹200 spent
- Avail 100% cashback (up to ₹300) on your first utility bill payment within 30 days of card issuance
12. Kotak Essentia Platinum Credit Card
- This card is ideal for individuals who like to use their credit card for everyday grocery and departmental store purchases
- Receive 2 BookMyShow vouchers on your first swipe within 60 days of card activation
- For transactions between ₹1,500 and ₹4,000, you can earn 10 Saving Points for every ₹100 spent at grocery and departmental stores, with each point valued at Re. 1
- You can earn a maximum of 500 points in a month
13. American Express® Gold Card
- Accumulate 1,000 Membership Reward Points each month when you complete 6 transactions of ₹1,000 or more
- Pay your card membership fee for the first year and receive 5,000 Membership Reward Points, credited to your account within 90 days after the payment is processed
- This welcome bonus is available only when you pay the annual fee in the first year and spend ₹2,000 within 60 days of card approval
14. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
- Enjoy complimentary travel vouchers
- Get 10% cashback within the first 60 days of card issuance
- Receive 15% off on dining at partner restaurants in major cities across India
- Earn 2 rewards points for every ₹150 spent on retail purchases
- Unlock up to 5 times the rewards points—10 points for every purchase—once you exceed the annual spend threshold of ₹4 lakh, up to a maximum of ₹10 lakh within the first 12 months
- Accumulated reward points can be redeemed for a variety of options, including gifts, vouchers, airline miles, and charitable donations
15. YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card
- YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card is a great option for online shopping
- Offers 2x reward points on online purchases
- Earn 8x points on other expenses, including dining, travel, and international spending
- Includes comprehensive benefits like access to international and domestic airport lounges
- A well-rounded card for frequent travellers and online shoppers
How to Apply for a Credit Card for Online Shopping?
Applying for a shopping credit card is easy. You simply have to visit the credit card issuer’s website and apply there. Many banks now allow you to apply for credit cards online, making the process convenient. Here’s how you can apply for a shopping credit card directly through your bank’s website:
Steps to apply for a shopping credit card online:
- Go to your bank’s official website
- Find the shopping credit card you’re interested in
- Click on the card for detailed information
- Hit the ‘Apply’ button to start your online application
- Complete the application form with accurate details, read the terms and conditions, and then click ‘Submit’
Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a reference number. The bank will review your application within three to four days. If you meet their eligibility criteria, you’ll get a call about the next steps.
If everything is in order, expect the bank to process your credit card within seven to ten days. You can also track your application status using the reference number on the bank’s website.
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Documents Required for Credit Card for Online Shopping
- Proof of identity
- Address proof
- Passport size photographs
- Proof of income
Who Can Apply for Online Shopping Credit Card?
Below is the eligibility criteria for getting a shopping credit card in India:
- Age: Most applicants should fall within the 21 to 60 age range, though there can be some exceptions
- Income: Having a reliable income is crucial. ICICI Bank may set specific monthly or annual income criteria based on the card type
- Credit History: A solid credit score indicates financial reliability and can make the application process easier
- Residential Status: Resident Indians and NRIs can both apply, provided they have the necessary documentation
What to Look for in Online Shopping Credit Cards?
When choosing the best credit card for shopping, there are several factors to consider according to your goals and needs. Below are some points to remember:
1. Cashbacks
Most people want to get great cashback when shopping. Hence, the best credit card for online shopping in India is the one that gives you high cashback on shopping and other purchases.
2. Discounts
Do you have any go-to brands or online shopping platforms where you always end up buying your stuff? Well, then, you should lean more towards a credit card that provides more discounts at your favourite platform for maximum benefits.
3. Gift Vouchers
Many credit card issuers provide gift vouchers upon reaching a certain spending value on the card. So, if you are a regular shopper, consider getting credit cards that offer such gift vouchers in return for spending.
4. Bonus Points
Numerous card issuers provide bonus points for online purchases to encourage online shopping. These bonus reward points can be accumulated and exchanged for various rewards, such as gifts, vouchers, mobile recharges, or even statement credits.
5. Additional Benefits
Numerous credit card companies offer extra rewards and perks through select portals. Shopping at these sites can lead to additional savings. For instance, certain cards provide a special discount on BookMyShow when you reach a specified spending limit each month.
6. Cost Efficient
Make sure the shopping credit card you take is cost-efficient for your needs and not another financial burden. Make sure to consider all the additional costs attached to the credit card to avoid yearly fees for savings.
7. Global Acceptance
Another factor to consider when searching for a shopping credit card is whether it is globally accepted or not. Globally accepted cards are great for making purchases on international sites, reducing the issues of currency or merchant compatibility.
8. Purchase Protection
Look for shopping credit cards with purchase protection to save yourself from theft and other potential damages. Also, make sure the card has price protection, which allows you to reimburse the difference after the price drops on a purchase you just made.
Types of Shopping Credit Cards In India
There are three main types of shopping credit cards in India, such as:
1. Cashback Shopping Cards
Cashback shopping credit cards do exactly what their name suggests: they return a portion of your spending as cashback. The cashback percentage can differ depending on the retailer. If you frequently shop with specific brands, it’s worth looking for credit cards that provide cashback for those particular stores.
2. Shopping Cards with Accelerated Rewards
While shopping credit cards might not guarantee immediate rewards, they can definitely delight you with various gifts and incentives. Unlike typical purchases, spending in certain categories—such as clothing, accessories, and beauty products—earns you extra reward points. These points can be redeemed for gifts, discounts, and special offers from your bank.
3. Shopping Cards with Discount Offers
Certain shopping credit cards offer ongoing discounts for purchases at specific retailers, both in-store and online. If you often shop at a particular store, like Shoppers Stop, LifeStyle, or Trends, consider selecting a credit card that gives you savings on your spending at those locations.
How to Use a Shopping Credit Card
Purchasing with a shopping credit card is relatively easy; however, you should be aware of the steps beforehand to have a smoother experience. Let’s take a look at how to use your shopping card efficiently:
Step 1: Select Purchase Items
The first step is to add the items you desire to purchase to your virtual cart and proceed to the checkout page.
Step 2: Enter Shipping Information
Once you land on the checkout page, you have to fill out the shipping details like your name, address, email ID, phone number, city, state, and pincode. On this page, you will get the total price of your shopping cart, post taxes or any shipping charges. Also, enter the billing address if it’s different than the shipping address.
Step 3: Choose Payment Method
Once you have entered all the necessary information, you are moved forward to select the payment method and enter the payment details. You will have payment options such as UPI, COD, Netbanking, and Credit/Debit Card. Select the card option and enter your card details. If the credit card is not compatible with purchasing on the site, you will get a dialogue box that says “invalid” or “does not support”. Make sure your shopping credit card is compatible with purchasing on the desired website.
Third-Party Payments: Several third-party platforms, such as PayPal and Citrus, enable you to set up an account and link your credit card. You only need to input your credit card details once. Then, whenever you shop online, you can choose the ‘Pay with PayPal’ option and log in with your username and password to complete your transaction effortlessly.
FAQs
Depending on the credit card issuing company and the type of card you have, you can redeem your reward points against their catalogue of rewards against any outstanding balance. Some cards offer the facility to redeem points against gift vouchers, movie tickets, hotel bookings, flights, cash credit, or donations to a charity.
Accelerated reward points refer to bonus points you earn for certain types of purchases. These categories can vary depending on the card and may include options like online shopping, travel, or grocery expenses.
Large-value purchases are items that are worth thousand or lakh of rupees, such as flights, jewellery, holiday bookings, digital devices, flight tickets, electrical appliances, and others.
Reward points increase your savings by maximising your discounts.
You can effortlessly redeem your reward points by logging into your net banking account and navigating to your credit card section. If you’ve opted to use your points for items in the rewards catalogue, they will be delivered right to your doorstep. Alternatively, if you choose air miles, you can use them to purchase airline tickets.
Using a third-party payment processor allows a company to accept payments without setting up a merchant account, which is essential for holding funds from credit and debit card transactions.
Yes, making a purchase online with a credit card is completely safe. Just make sure you are making purchases on trusted websites and apps.
With a debit card, you purchase from your own bank account, but with a credit card, you are purchasing something on the line of credit given to you that you later need to return with interest. Moreover, compared to a debit card, credit cards provide more protection against fraud.
If you are a regular shopper who always loves browsing your favourite shopping sites and discovering new platforms or websites, then an online shopping credit card is great for you!