Best Co-Branded Credit Cards in India

Are you looking for a credit card that can help you save money and earn rewards while you shop, dine out, or travel? Co-branded credit cards in India are a great way to enjoy exclusive discounts, perks and rewards on everyday purchases. 

These cards are issued by banks in partnership with airlines, retailers, and other brands and come with a range of benefits tailored to your spending habits. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the best co-branded credit cards in India for different categories, such as travel, shopping, fuel, and airlines, to help you choose the one that suits your needs and lifestyle the best. So, let's get started!

Table of Contents

• Best Co-branded Credit Cards for Shopping
• Best Co-branded Credit Cards for Travel
• Best Co-branded Credit Cards for Fuel
• Best Co-branded Credit Cards for Airlines

Best Co-branded Credit Cards for Shopping

1. Myntra Kotak Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹500

The Myntra Kotak Credit Card is designed for fashion enthusiasts who shop frequently on Myntra. Here's a breakdown of its features and benefits:

Features and Benefits:

• Available on both Mastercard and RuPay networks
• 7.5% instant discount on Myntra spends, capped at ₹750 per transaction
• 1.25% cashback on all UPI transactions and on any purchase made outside Myntra
• 5% Cashback on Swiggy, Swiggy Instamart, PVR, Cleartrip, and Urban Company, capped at ₹ 1,000 per month 
• Free PVR tickets on spending over ₹50,000 every quarter
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver
• 1 domestic lounge access every quarter where you get benefits such as gourmet meals, comfortable seating, free wifi and much more

2. AmazonPay ICICI Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: Lifetime Free

If you're a frequent Amazon shopper and are looking for a credit card with no annual fees, the Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card could be a good option for you. Here are its features and benefits:

Features and Benefits

• No limit on the number of reward points you can earn [ICICI Bank]
• Reward points never expire, and 1 reward point = ₹1
• 5% cashback on Amazon purchases if you are an Amazon Prime member
• 3% cashback on Amazon purchases if you are not an Amazon Prime member
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 1% waiver on fuel surcharge across all petrol pumps in India 

3. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹500

Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card is known for offering high cashback rewards, especially for frequent shoppers on Flipkart and its partner stores. Here's a quick rundown of its features:

Features and Benefits

• Earn unlimited 5% cashback on Flipkart spends
• Earn unlimited 4% cashback on Flipkart partner websites
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on all other eligible spending
• ₹500 Flipkart vouchers and 50% instant discount up to ₹100 on Swiggy as a welcome benefit
• 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every year
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions worth ₹400 to ₹4,000 (maximum waiver of ₹400 per month)
• Up to 15% discount at over 4,000 partner restaurants

4. Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹1,499

The Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card is a co-branded credit card issued by HDFC Bank and Tata Neu, the e-commerce platform of the Tata Group. This card offers benefits and rewards specifically for users who frequently shop on Tata Neu and avail of services from other Tata companies.

Here are some of the key features and benefits:

• 1,499 NeuCoins on the Tata Neu App as a welcome benefit
• 5% back as NeuCoins on Non-EMI Spends on Tata Neu and partner Tata Brands.
• 1.5% back as NeuCoins on Non-Tata Brand Spends and any Merchant EMI Spends
• 1.5% back as NeuCoins on UPI spends
• 2% on all your foreign currency spends
• 8 free Domestic Lounge Access per calendar year
• Accidental air death cover worth ₹1 crore
• Emergency overseas hospitalisation: up to ₹15 lakh
• Lost Card Liability Cover: Up to ₹9 lakh

Best Co-branded Credit Cards for Travel

1. Standard Chartered Ease My Trip Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹350

The Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card is a travel co-branded card issued by Standard Chartered Bank and EaseMyTrip, an online travel portal. It offers a combination of discounts and reward points, making it attractive for frequent travellers. Here's a breakdown of its features and benefits:

•  20% off domestic and international hotel bookings (capped at ₹5,000 and ₹10,000, respectively)
• 10% off domestic and international flight bookings (capped at ₹1,000 and ₹5,000 respectively)
• 10x rewards on every ₹100 spent at standalone hotel and airline websites/apps/outlets.
• ₹125 off on bus bookings (minimum booking amount ₹500)
• 4x reward points for retail spending.
• Earn bonus reward points on monthly spends above ₹20,000
• Free lounge access and much more.

2. Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹3,000

The Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card is a credit card designed for frequent travellers who want to earn rewards for their stays at Marriott Bonvoy properties. Here are some of its features and benefits:

• 1 Free Night Award and 10 Elite Night Credits on the first eligible spend transaction or fee levy on the card
• Free Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status
• Earn 8 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• Earn 4 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 spent on travel, dining & entertainment
• Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 spent on all other applicable purchases
• Free Golf Access 2 per quarter across the world
• 12 free lounge access within India (both at domestic and international terminals) 
• 12 free lounge access outside India and much more

Best Co-branded Credit Cards for Fuel

1. BPCL SBI Card Octane Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹1,499

The BPCL SBI Octane Credit Card is a good option for individuals who spend a lot on fuel, particularly at BPCL pumps. The high cashback rate on fuel, reward points on other spends, and lounge access can be valuable benefits for frequent drivers.

Features and Benefits

• 6000 bonus reward points equivalent to ₹1500 on payment of annual fees
• 7.25% Value back: 25x Reward Points on fuel purchases at BPCL petrol pumps 
• 25 Reward Points on every ₹100 spent at BPCL Fuel, Lubricants & Bharat Gas
• 10 Reward Points on every ₹100 spent at dining, departmental stores, grocery & movies
• 4 complimentary visits per calendar year to domestic Visa lounges in India and much more

2. IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹499

If you're a driver who fills up at HPCL stations often, the IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card is a co-branded card that could be a great fit for you. It not only rewards you with bonus points on fuel purchases but also offers benefits on everyday spending and travel.

Features and Benefits

• Up to 6.5% savings on your fuel expenses
• 5% savings as Rewards on grocery & utility expenses
• 5% savings as Rewards on IDFC FIRST FASTag recharge
• 3x Rewards on other retail transactions
• ₹500 cashback on 1st HPCL fuel transaction of ₹500 or above
• 5% cashback (up to ₹1,000) on the transaction value of 1st EMI conversion
• ₹150 Discount on orders above ₹500 on Swiggy
• ₹500 Discount on Zoomcar rentals 
• Discount up to 50% on Domestic and International Rental Cars with Eco Rent A Car and Europcar
• Free lounge access, roadside assistance and much more

3. Indian Oil Axis Bank Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹500

The IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card caters specifically to drivers who rack up significant gas expenses. It provides rewards on fuel purchases made at Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) stations while also offering some benefits in other spending categories.

Features and Benefits

• Cashback of up to ₹250 on all fuel expenses made within 30 days of card issuance
• 20 Edge Reward points for every ₹100 spent at IOCL petrol pumps, up to ₹5,000 per month. This translates to a 4% value back on fuel spending in that category
• 5 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on online shopping
• 1% fuel surcharge on transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000 and much more

Best Co-branded Credit Cards for Airlines

1. Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹4,999

The Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card is a co-branded credit card that offers rewards and benefits specifically geared towards frequent flyers on Vistara Airlines and travel enthusiasts.

Here's a quick rundown of the features and benefits:

Joining benefits:

• 1 complimentary Premium Economy Ticket Voucher
• 1 One-Class Upgrade voucher
• Club Vistara Silver Membership (for the first year)
• 3 months complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership 

Other benefits

• 1 complimentary Premium Economy Ticket Voucher (every year)
• 1 One-Class Upgrade voucher (every year)
• Club Vistara Silver Membership renewal
• Interest-free ATM cash withdrawal (domestic and international)
• Competitive foreign currency markup rate
• Complimentary airport lounge visits (domestic and international)
• Travel insurance benefits and much more.

2. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹3,000

The Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card might be a good fit for high-spending travellers who primarily fly Vistara and appreciate the airline's loyalty program. 

Features and Benefits

• Free Economy class ticket voucher as a welcome benefit
• Free Club Vistara Silver Membership
• 4 CV points on every ₹200 spent
• 4 free premium economy class tickets on achieving milestone benefits and much more

3. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

Joining and Annual Fee: ₹4,999

The Air India SBI Signature Credit Card is a premium travel credit card ideal for frequent flyers, particularly those who favour Air India. Here's a breakdown of its features and benefits:

• 20,000 Reward points as a welcome gift on payment of your joining fee
• Free Air India Frequent Flyer program, Flying Returns membership
• 4 Reward points for every ₹100 spent
• 30 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on Air India tickets booked through airindia.com, Air India mobile app
• 30 Reward Points when booked for self and 10 Reward Points when booked for others

Benefits of Owning a Co-branded Credit Card in India

Here are some of the key advantages of owning a co-branded credit card in India:

1. Tailored Rewards:

• Enhanced Rewards: You can earn accelerated rewards or cashback on purchases made with the partner brand. This is especially beneficial if you frequently shop at a particular store or use a specific service.
• Exclusive Perks: Some co-branded cards offer exclusive benefits like priority check-in at hotels, additional warranties on products, or complimentary services.

2. Brand Loyalty:

• Strengthened Relationship: Co-branded cards can deepen your loyalty to a particular brand by offering incentives and rewards for your continued patronage.

3. Convenience and Accessibility:

• Wide Acceptance: Co-branded cards are typically accepted worldwide, thanks to their association with major payment networks like Visa or Mastercard.
• Easy Application: The application process for co-branded cards is often streamlined, making it easier to acquire one.

4. Financial Benefits:

• EMI Options: Some co-branded cards offer flexible EMI options, allowing you to spread the cost of your purchases over time.
• Fuel Surcharge Waivers: Many co-branded cards offer fuel surcharge waivers, saving you money on your fuel expenses.

How to Choose the Right Co-branded Credit Card:

When selecting a co-branded credit card, consider the following factors:

• Partner Brand: Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and preferences.

• Reward Structure: Understand the reward program and how you can maximise your earnings.
• Annual Fees: Evaluate the annual fee and whether it is justified by the benefits offered.
• Interest Rates: Compare interest rates to avoid high finance charges.
• Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the card.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a co-branded credit card that best suits your needs and helps you make the most of your spending. 

Pros and Cons of Co-branded Credit Card

Features	Pros	Cons
Rewards	Tailored rewards based on the partner brand	Rewards may be limited to specific brands
Offers	Exclusive offers and discounts from the partner brand	May not be relevant to all consumers
Acceptance	Widely accepted like regular credit cards	May not be accepted by all merchants
Credit Limit	Can be easier to get approved for	May have lower credit limits than general-purpose cards

Conclusion

Choosing the right co-branded credit card in India can significantly enhance your shopping, travel, dining, and fuel purchase experiences. Whether you're a fashion aficionado, a globetrotter, a food enthusiast, or someone who is looking to save on fuel costs, there's a card tailored to meet your specific needs. 

By carefully selecting a card that matches your lifestyle and spending habits, you can enjoy a host of benefits that enhance your shopping, travel, and overall spending experience. Happy spending!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are co-branded credit cards good?

Co-branded credit cards can be a good option if you're a loyal customer of a particular brand and make frequent purchases with them.

To decide if a co-branded credit card is right for you, consider the following:

• Your Spending Habits: Are you a frequent shopper at the partner brand?
• The Benefits Offered: Do the rewards and perks align with your needs and preferences?
• The Fees: Are the annual fees and interest rates reasonable?

If you can maximise the benefits and minimize the drawbacks, a co-branded credit card can be a valuable addition to your financial toolkit.

2. Who issues co-branded credit cards?

Co-branded credit cards are issued by banks in partnership with another company or brand. The bank provides the credit line and handles the financial aspects of the card, while the partner brand offers exclusive rewards and benefits to cardholders.  

Here's a breakdown of the key players involved in issuing co-branded credit cards:

• Bank: The bank is the primary issuer of the credit card. They are responsible for underwriting credit limits, processing transactions, and managing customer accounts.  
• Partner Brand: This could be a retailer, airline, hotel chain, or any other business that partners with the bank to offer a co-branded card. The partner brand provides the exclusive benefits and rewards that differentiate the card from regular credit cards.

3. Is it easy to get a co-branded credit card?

Getting a co-branded credit card is generally easier than a regular credit card, but it still depends on your creditworthiness.

Here's why:

• Lower Credit Score Requirements: Co-branded cards often have lower credit score requirements compared to regular credit cards.
• Targeted Benefits: These cards are designed for specific consumer segments, which can make them more accessible to a wider range of applicants.  

However, it's important to note that:

• Credit History Still Matters: While the requirements may be lower, a good credit history can significantly improve your chances of approval and the credit limit you may receive.
• Income and Employment: Your income and employment stability are also key factors considered by lenders.