How to Choose a Rewards Credit Card in 2026
Find the best rewards credit card in India — 1 reward point per ₹100, redemption value, and transfer partners. Compare HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and Amex rewards cards.
FinWiz24 Editorial
A rewards credit card earns reward points on every spend, which can be redeemed for cashback, air miles, product vouchers, or transferred to airline and hotel partners. The right rewards card depends on your spend pattern, your preferred redemption method, and whether you want transfer partners for maximum value. This guide walks you through the 6-step process of choosing the right rewards card.
Why this matters
Rewards cards can be more valuable than cashback cards if you transfer points to airline or hotel partners. For example, 1 HDFC Reward Point = ₹0.20 in cashback, but 1 HDFC Reward Point transferred to airline partners = ₹0.50–1.00 in flight value. The transfer option can double the value of your rewards.
Related cards
How to Choose a Rewards Credit Card in 2026
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is redeeming points for cashback when transfer to airline partners would give 2–3x more value. The second is letting points expire — most cards have a 24-month expiry. The third is not tracking the monthly cap on accelerated rewards.
Pro tips
- Transfer points to airline or hotel partners for maximum value
- Track the points expiry in the bank's app
- Set up auto-pay to avoid interest charges that wipe out the rewards
- Use the card for all retail spends to accumulate points faster
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best rewards credit card in India?
Amex MRCC is the best for transfer partners. HDFC Regalia is the best for mid-premium rewards. Axis Atlas is the best for EDGE Miles transfers.
What is the value of reward points?
Cashback redemption: 1 point = ₹0.20–0.30. Voucher redemption: 1 point = ₹0.25–0.50. Airline transfer: 1 point = ₹0.50–1.00. Hotel transfer: 1 point = ₹0.40–0.80.
Do reward points expire?
Yes. Most rewards points expire 2–3 years after accrual. Check the bank's app for the exact expiry date of your points.
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Written by FinWiz24 Editorial
Editorial Disclosure: Our editorial team provides independent, unbiased information about credit cards. We may receive compensation from partner links, but this does not influence our reviews or recommendations.