Question 1

How do I choose the right credit card in India?

Accepted Answer

Match the card to your spending pattern: travel cards for frequent flyers, cashback cards for everyday spends, and fuel cards if you drive often. Compare annual fee, reward rate, lounge access, and forex charges side-by-side before you apply — a free card with weak rewards may cost more than a fee card you use fully.

Question 2

What is the difference between annual fee and joining fee?

Accepted Answer

Joining fee is charged once when the card is issued; annual fee is charged every year on your card anniversary. Many issuers waive the first-year annual fee as a promotion. Use our comparison table to see which cards are lifetime-free versus fee-based with offsetting benefits.

Question 3

What is reward rate vs cashback on credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Reward rate usually means points earned per ₹100 spent, redeemable for vouchers, miles, or statement credit. Cashback cards return a direct percentage to your statement. Higher headline rates may apply only to specific categories — read the rewards schedule, not just the marketing rate.

Question 4

Do credit cards in India offer airport lounge access?

Accepted Answer

Premium and travel-oriented cards often include domestic or international lounge visits per quarter. Access is typically via networks such as Priority Pass or issuer tie-ups. Compare lounge visit limits and guest policies — some cards require minimum spends to unlock lounge benefits.

Question 5

What is fuel surcharge waiver on credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Petrol pumps levy a surcharge on card payments; many co-branded fuel cards waive 1% of that surcharge (subject to monthly caps). Waiver does not remove GST on fuel. If you refuel frequently, compare fuel surcharge benefits alongside base reward rates.

Question 6

How is credit limit decided on a new credit card?

Accepted Answer

Issuers set limits based on income, credit score, existing obligations, and internal policy. RBI guidelines require issuers to assess repayment capacity. Your first limit may be modest; responsible usage and timely payments can lead to limit enhancements over time.

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