Real cashback beats reward points you never redeem. Here are 12 cards from SBI, Axis, HDFC, AU, Kotak, HSBC and Kiwi, with fees, cashback rates and who each one suits.
Our 12 picks, in detail
Tap "Apply now" to go straight to the bank's official application page.
- 5% cashback on every eligible online transaction, on any website or app
- 1% back on everyday offline spends
- Combined cashback capped at ₹4,000 per statement cycle (up to ₹48,000/year)
- 25% cashback on Airtel payments
- 10% on Zomato, Blinkit and District
- 10% on utility bills and 1% on UPI
- 5% on Croma, 15% off on Tata CLiQ
- 15% on EazyDiner and 20% off on movie tickets
- 15% domestic and 10% international on Cleartrip
- 1.5% Scan & Pay cashback (2% with Kiwi Neon)
- 0.5% cashback on online spends
- Kiwi Neon: up to 5% cashback and lounge access at ₹50K, ₹1L and ₹1.5L annual spend
- 5% on grocery, food and entertainment
- 3% on fuel and 0.5% unlimited on everything else
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹3,500/year
- 10% on Blinkit and BookMyShow
- ₹150 off on Myntra, 5% on mobile and DTH recharge
- 100% cashback on your first utility bill (₹300)
- 10% cashback on Samsung purchases
- 2% on Zomato, Myntra, BigBasket, Tata 1mg and Urban Company
- Up to 7% cashback on online spends
- 0.75% unlimited on offline and 0.55% on utilities
- Welcome benefit: 5,000 Edge Points (worth ₹1,000)
- 5% cashback on any 2 brand packs you choose, capped at 500 cash points a month per category
- Packs: BookMyShow + Zomato, MakeMyTrip + Uber, Blinkit + Reliance Smart Bazaar, Croma + Reliance Digital, Nykaa + Myntra
- 5% cashback on SmartBuy flights, hotels, bus, rail and vouchers (capped at 500 points a month)
- 1% cashback on UPI spends
- 2.5% back at Amazon, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Apollo24x7, Yatra, Netmeds, EazyDiner and Swiggy
- 5X reward points on other online spends (about 1.25% back)
- 10% accelerated cashback
- Up to 15% off dining at 200+ partner restaurants
- 15% back in MakeMyTrip 'My Cash' on India hotel stays with code VISASIGNATURE
Side-by-side comparison
Swipe to see everything on mobile.
| Card | Fee | Headline benefit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Cashback Card | ₹999 + GST | 5% online, 1% offline | Apply |
| Axis Airtel Card | ₹500 + GST | 25% back on Airtel | Apply |
| AU LIT Credit Card | Lifetime free | Up to 20% off movies | Apply |
| Kiwi RuPay Credit Card | Lifetime free | 1.5–2% on Scan & Pay | Apply |
| Kotak Cashback+ | ₹750 + GST yearly (no joining fee) | 5% groceries, food, entertainment | Apply |
| Axis Neo RuPay | Lifetime free | 10% on Blinkit, BookMyShow | Apply |
| Axis Samsung Signature | ₹500 + GST | 10% on Samsung | Apply |
| Axis Cashback Credit Card | ₹1,000 + GST | Up to 7% online | Apply |
| HDFC Pixel Play | Lifetime free | 5% on 2 brand packs | Apply |
| HDFC Pixel Go | Lifetime free | 5% on SmartBuy | Apply |
| SBI SimplyCLICK | ₹499 + GST | 2.5% back on partner sites | Apply |
| HSBC Live+ | ₹999 + GST | 10% accelerated cashback | Apply |
How to pick the right one
FAQs
Which cashback card is best for beginners?
Lifetime-free cards like AU LIT, Axis Neo, HDFC Pixel Go and Kiwi are a low-risk start, since there is no fee to recover.
Is cashback taxable?
Cashback on your own spends is generally treated as a discount on the purchase, not income. Rules can change, so check with a tax professional.
Will applying hurt my credit score?
Every application triggers a credit check, which can cause a small temporary dip. Apply for one card at a time and only where you are likely to be approved.
Do I pay Checkb4Buy anything?
No. Comparing and applying through us costs you nothing.
Recommend credit cards, loans and insurance to friends and family through Checkb4Buy. Zero investment, 50+ products from top banks, monthly payouts straight to your bank account.
Become an EarnerDisclosure: Checkb4Buy may earn a commission when you apply through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Fees, benefits, caps and eligibility are set by each bank and can change, so always confirm the latest terms on the bank's website before applying. This is general information, not financial advice.