Best Credit Cards in India (2025): SBI vs IDFC vs HSBC vs Axis vs HDFC – Full Comparison

 

Introduction

In 2025, credit cards have become more than just a payment tool—they offer travel perks, cashback, lounge access, and exclusive rewards. With so many options from leading banks like SBI, IDFC FIRST, HSBC, Axis, and HDFC, choosing the right one can be confusing.

This blog gives you a clear comparison of the best credit cards from each bank, so you can pick the one that matches your lifestyle and spending habits.




🏦 Top Credit Cards Compared

BankPopular Card NameTypeAnnual FeeKey Benefits
SBISBI SimplyCLICK CardCashback₹49910X rewards on online shopping
IDFCIDFC FIRST Select Credit CardRewards/Lifestyle₹0Lifetime free, lounge access, EMI offers
HSBCHSBC Cashback CardCashback₹01.5% unlimited cashback
AxisAxis Ace Credit CardCashback₹4995% cashback on Google Pay, 2% others
HDFCHDFC Millennia Credit CardCashback₹1,0005% on Amazon/Flipkart, lounge access

💰 Annual Fees & Charges

BankJoining FeeRenewal FeeFee Waiver Condition
SBI₹499₹499Waived on ₹1L spend/year
IDFC₹0₹0Lifetime free
HSBC₹0₹0Lifetime free
Axis₹499₹499Waived on ₹2L spend/year
HDFC₹1,000₹1,000Waived on ₹1L spend/year

🛍️ Cashback & Rewards Comparison


CardCashback/Reward Rate
SBI SimplyCLICK10X rewards on Amazon, Cleartrip, BookMyShow
IDFC FIRST Select6X–10X points on online spending
HSBC Cashback Card1.5% flat cashback on all purchases
Axis Ace5% on bills via Google Pay, 2% everywhere else
HDFC Millennia


5% on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Swiggy, etc.



✈️ Travel & Lounge Benefits

CardAirport Lounge AccessOther Travel Perks
SBI SimplyCLICKNo lounge access-
IDFC FIRST Select4 domestic lounges/yearFuel surcharge waiver, EMI offers
HSBC CashbackNo lounge accessConcierge services
Axis Ace4 domestic lounges/yearFuel waiver
HDFC Millennia8 domestic lounges/yearDining & fuel rewards

📱 Mobile App Experience

BankApp Rating (Google Play)App Features
SBI4.2Card spend tracking, OTP-less EMI
IDFC4.4Instant EMI, card control
HSBC4.0Basic features, global view
Axis4.3Cashback alerts, card lock/unlock
HDFC4.1SmartHub for EMI & offers

✅ Final Verdict: Which Card is Best?

Best ForGo With...
Zero FeesIDFC FIRST / HSBC
Highest CashbackAxis Ace / HDFC Millennia
Online ShoppingSBI SimplyCLICK
Lounge AccessHDFC Millennia / IDFC
All-RounderAxis Ace / IDFC Select

My Recommendation, dear:
If you want a lifetime free card with premium benefits, IDFC FIRST Select is a great choice.
If you’re a heavy online shopper or use Google Pay often, Axis Ace or HDFC Millennia can help you save thousands every year.


CTA: Apply Now for Your Perfect Card

👉 Apply for IDFC FIRST Credit Card
👉 Get SBI SimplyCLICK Card
👉 Check Axis Ace Card
👉 Explore HDFC Cards










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