Most Expensive Credit Card in India : Top Picks for 2024

Most Expensive Credit Card in India : Top Picks for 2024

Credit cards are a commonly used payment tool in the financial world, with enticing rewards and benefits for each cardholder. As a symbol of luxury, many banks offer premium credit cards that help attain elite privileges, luxury experiences, and top-tier purchases. Some of India's most powerful credit cards have set new standards for exceptional perks, such as personalised services and exclusive bonuses. Traditionally, a credit card does not require immediate payment, and the cardholder receives a bill only at the end of the month, which saves much hassle from financial constraints and helps shop without any worry about the bank balance limit.

Here are some of India's top-tier and most expensive credit cards in India that might change your lifestyle and help you in every aspect of your life, from fine dining to travelling.

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Written By
Amrita Sinha
Amrita Sinha
Amrita Sinha comes with a background in journalism and mass communication, drawing from her roots in journalism, she has found her voice in the world of finance. As an accomplished writer, she specialises in Financial Services, Mutual Funds, Loan Assessments, Banking & Loan Products. She has established herself as a reliable expert in the field, offering valuable advice to those looking to navigate the various aspects of personal finance.
Reviewed By
Piyush Bothra
Piyush Bothra
Chief Financial Officer, Square Yards
Piyush Bothra is the Chief Financial Officer at Square Yards, bringing over two decades of rich experience in finance and leadership. He is an MBA graduate from the prestigious IIM Lucknow and holds a BE in Information Technology from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology. He has played pivotal roles in scaling businesses and driving financial strategies. At Square Yards since 2015, Piyush is known for his strategic vision, strong financial knowledge, and valuable financial insights, significantly contributing to the company's growth and success.

List Of 10 Best Premium Credit Card in India

Card Interest Charges Perks Reward Points
SBI Aurum Credit Card 3.50% per month Amazon Prime EazyDiner Prime

BB Star

Lenskart Gold

One-Year Club Marriot Membership

Domestic and International Lounge

4 Movie Tickets

For Joining- 40,000 points

4 Reward points per INR 100 purchase

( Value of 1 Reward Point is INR 0.25)

 

SBI Elite Credit Card 3.50% per month Movie tickets worth INR 6000

Club Vistara Silver Membership

Trident Red Tier Membership

Domestic and International Airport Lounge

Foreign Currency Mark-up Charge of 1.99% on International use

Joining voucher of INR 4,999

5 times reward points for grocery shopping

2 reward points on every international transaction

(4 reward points=1, Ruppee)

50,000 reward points every year

HDFC INFINIA Credit Card 3.4% Club Marriott membership for the  first year

Unlimited airport lounge access for cardholders and add-on member

Save 1-day costs on ITC Hotels

In-class dining privileges

Movie ticket booking

Free golf course visits

5 reward points for every INR 150 spent

10 times reward points on Smartbuy purchases

2 times reward points on flight bookings on Air Vistara

Standard Chartered Bank Ultimate Credit Card

 

3.75% p.a. 5% cashback on duty-free spends

Access to 1000 airport lounges

Complimentary Priority Pass membership

Access to premium golf courses in India

Air travel accident coverage worth INR 1 Crore

Medical insurance worth $25K

 

Welcome benefit of 6000 points

5 reward points for every INR 150 spent

1 reward= 1 rupee

HSBC Premier Credit Card 2.49% each month 1:1 redemption rate for 20 airlines

Fraud insurance coverage of INR 300,000

Dining discount of up to 30% using EazyDiner

Balance Transfer options

Offers for BookMyShow

 

3 reward points for every INR 100 purchase
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card

 

3.40% each month 50% dining discounts

INR 1500 off on BookMyShow tickets

Travel Voufchers of INR 6000

Unlimited access to international and domestic airport lounges

Taj Epicure membership for the first year

ICICI Emeralde card

6 reward points for every INR 200 spent on groceries, insurance and utilities

(1 Reward Point=1 Rupee)

ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card 3.40% each month Vouchers for shopping and travel worth INR 10,000

2 complimentary airport lounge visits

2 complimentary airport spa visits

4 complimentary rounds of golf

15% savings on 2500+ savings

20,000 payback points every year

6 payback points on every INR 100 spent

4000 payback points for spending INR 4 Lakh using your car

IndusInd Pioneer Heritage Metal Credit Card 2.99% per month No delayed payment charges

Gift Voucher from Oberoi Hotels

Luxe Gift Card

24/7 Concierge Service

ITC Club Culinaire Membership

INR 3000 off total bill on 100+ exclusive restaurants

1 reward point per INR 100 spent on domestic transactions

2.5 rewards points per INR 100 spent on International transactions

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

 

3% per month Annual Fee waiver for spending INR 25 Lakhs in the first year

Foreign mark-up fee of 2% on foreign transactions

24/7 concierge desk

Insurance for lost

Free second ticket from BookMyShow

5 times rewards on purchases via Travel eDGE

2 Partner Miles across 20 travel partners

12 eDGE Rewards per 200 spending

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

 

3% per month Complimentary tickets on BookMyShow

Special experiences via extraordinary weekends.com

Free Golf Rounds

Accor Plus Membership

Club Marriott Asia Pacific Membership

15,000 Edge Reward Points initially

15 Edge Reward Points on every INR 200 spent

30 Edge Reward Points on every INR 200 spent internationally

Most Premium Credit Card in India

Here is the detailed information about all of these premium credit cards:

SBI Aurum Credit Card

SBI Aurum Credit Card

SBI Aurum Credit Card is an exclusive “invite-only” premium credit card that serves the elite with luxury experiences, such as using more than 100 international lounges at the airport. More than 24 million shopping outlets across the globe accept this card. Any person over 18 can be considered an add-on to the card and enjoy flexible payment plans, allowing them to manage their expenses conveniently. This premium credit card is available at a low cost of INR 9,999 yearly, and the bank takes a renewal charge of the same amount yearly. The late-payment fee for the SBI Aurum Credit Card is merely Rupees 1,300 on debt more than INR 50,000, which seems feasible for everyone.

SBI Elite Credit Card

The SBI Elite Credit Card is available to everyone at a low joining and renewal cost of INR 4,999. This exclusive and most expensive credit card in India is perfect for daily purchases and collecting rewards on small expenses, given that it offers five times the reward points on the grocery purchase of the cardholder. This card is also well-suited for international usage, with a mark-up charge of 1.99%, other than being accepted in 24 million retail outlet stores across the globe. The late payment charge on the charge is a minimal INR 100 for two consecutive months, which is extremely affordable.

HDFC INFINIA Credit Card

HDFC INFINIA Credit Card

The HDFC INFINIA Credit Card is a super-premium financial tool relevant even a decade after its launch. This card is perfect for people who travel a look and require lounge access, given its low forex markup fee and access to domestic and international waiting rooms. It will also help you save on regular purchases via Smartbuy and even allot multiple reward points. The card’s joining fee is barely INR 12,500 and will offer the same reward points. You also don’t need to pay the card’s renewal fee if you spend INR 10 Lakh within the first year.

Standard Chartered Bank Ultimate Credit Card

Standard Chartered Bank Ultimate Credit Card

The Standard Chartered Bank Ultimate Credit Card is available at a mere joining fee of INR 5000. This card is well-suited for frequent travellers given its low foreign currency markup rates of 2% and the opportunity to make duty-free spends with 5% cashback. The cardholder will also have access to more than 1000 airport lounges internationally and obtain a complimentary priority pass membership. Credit card recipients will have utmost accident coverage of over 1 Crore in case of travel-related issues.

HSBC Premier Credit Card

HSBC Premier Credit Card

The HSBC Premier Credit Card is a premium credit card which offers 1:1 redemption air miles for more than 20 airlines. The card also allows exclusive red carpet treatment at the airport and entertainment shows on BookMyShow. You can also shop in branded shops and take advantage of discounts on marquee brands. The HSBC Premier Credit Card has a Taj Experiences gift card worth INR12,000 and an exclusive membership across all Taj Hotels.

ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card

ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card

The ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card is one of the super-premium cards of the ICICI Bank, with a 1:1 redemption rate on purchases. The card allows for 3% savings out of your total expenses and helps you obtain EaseMyTrip vouchers as milestone benefits. You can also apply for insurance covers, a low forex mark-up fee and an INR 12,000 refund on travel booking cancellations. The cardholder can avoid paying the renewal fees by spending INR 10 Lakh within the first year.

ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card

ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card

The ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card is one of the bank’s most premium credit cards, offering Mastercard and Visa variants. The card comes with an unlimited list of amenities and benefits at extremely low fees. These include Complimentary Dragon Pass Membership, Golf Privileges and Visa Lounge Access. The card is well-suited for people who like to travel and shop almost daily, allowing them to earn thousands of reward points. Some gifts with the card include INR 9000+ as a welcome gift, a Zomato Pro membership and four vouchers from Uber.

IndusInd Pioneer Heritage Metal Credit Card (Mastercard Version)

IndusInd Pioneer Heritage Metal Credit Card (Mastercard Version)

The IndusInd Pioneer Heritage Metal Credit Card redefines luxury with unparalleled services and rewards. These include the Luxe Gift Card, special discounts at Experience Montblanc, vouchers for brands like Pantaloons and a complimentary stay at the Oberoi Chain of Hotels. The card allows for contactless payments and is accepted at more than 10 Lakh merchant outlets.  There is no late payment fee for IndusInd Pioneer Heritage Metal Credit Card and a low foreign currency markup of 1.8%.

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

The Magnus Credit Card is a premium credit card allocated by Axis Bank with numerous amenities and personalised discount options. These include dining delights and BookMyShow tickets. Cardholders will also receive certain vouchers from well-established brands and take advantage of airport concierge services. You can get up to 30% off on over 400 restaurants and get special insurance benefits at low-cost premiums.

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

The Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card is an exclusive credit card of the bank with excellent reward rates and travel-focused benefits. These include special concierge services, unlimited domestic lounge visits, Club ITC Culinaire Membership, exclusive visits to the Oberoi hotels and restaurants, and complimentary EazyDiner Prime Membership. The cardholders can also avail of exclusive insurance benefits and take advantage of the multiple rewards-related program.

How To Apply for a Premium Credit Cards in India

Each bank and financial institution will have different methods for applying for premium credit cards; here are some of the common steps that you will have to take:

  • Research and Compare Credit Cards: Before applying for a credit card, compare the various cashbacks, rewards, interest rates and drawbacks of each type of financial tool. You can use Urban Money to do so and check out all the different features and charges applicable to them.
  • Ensure that you fit the eligibility criteria: Premium Credit Cards have different types of customers, so they have high eligibility criteria. This can include a minimum annual income of INR 12 to 15 Lakhs and a high credit score.
  • Establish a relationship with the bank: It will be preferable if you apply for a credit card with a pre-existing bank account or have already taken a loan from it. If you need a bank account, ensure your guarantor has one in the same financial institution.
  • Fill in the application form: You can go to the Urban Money website to fill in the credit card application form, including your personal and professional details.
  • Gather all the documents: Premium credit cards have certain document requirements involving proof of repayment capabilities and address. These might include your electricity bills, ITR forms, and bank statements. Once your documents are verified, your credit card will be issued.

Now, sit back and use your credit card anytime, anywhere!

Eligibility for a Premium Credit Cards

The following eligibility criteria might apply to you while filling in the application for most premium credit cards in India:

  • Age- Many banks have different age criterias for their applicants. Usually, this is set between 18 and 65 years of age, ensuring that the applicant can work and repay the loan.
  • Income: Applicants of various occupations need to have a set income and provide proof of the same. This limit can vary between self-employed, entrepreneurs and salaried employees.
  • Credit Score: People with good credit history can easily apply for credit cards and get approved for them. This proves their creditworthiness and impeccable payment history.
  • Nationality: Any Indian National or Non-Resident Indian can apply for a credit card, depending on bank-to-bank.

Required Documents for a Premium Credit Cards

Document Type Details Accepted Documents
Identity Proof Proof of identity to verify the applicant’s identity. – Aadhaar Card

– Passport

– Voter ID Card

– PAN Card

– Driving License

Address Proof Proof of current residence address. – Aadhaar Card

– Passport

– Utility Bill (Electricity, Water, Gas)

– Rent Agreement

– Voter ID Card

Income Proof To verify the applicant’s financial stability. – Latest Salary Slips (3-6 months)

– IT Returns (last two years)

– Form 16

– Bank Statements (last 3-6 months)

– Salary Certificate

Age Proof To confirm the applicant’s age. – Aadhaar Card

– Passport

– Birth Certificate

– Voter ID Card

– PAN Card

– Driving License

Photograph Passport-sized photographs. – Recent passport-sized photographs (usually 2-3 required)
PAN Card Mandatory for all financial transactions. – PAN Card
Employment Proof (if applicable) For salaried individuals. – Offer Letter/Appointment Letter

– Employment ID Card

Business Proof (if applicable) For self-employed individuals. – Business Registration Certificate

– IT Returns

– Bank Statements

Credit Report (optional) To assess creditworthiness. – Credit Report (CIBIL, Experian, etc.)

Which Credit Card is Most Luxurious?

All of the above-mentioned credit cards are extremely luxurious and are well-suited for the elite class. You can use the Urban Money website to compare the various features of these premium credit cards and find out which one suits your lifestyle and checkmarks on all of the desired boxes, along with finding out the EMI payment to be made each month.

Urban Money