Which is the best credit card in India for EMI purchases in 2026?
Kundavai Vaidyanathan
Asked 1 May 2026
I am looking for a credit card mainly for grocery shopping. My monthly income is around ₹1,00,000 and I prefer no annual fee if possible. Which card should I apply for in 2026?
3 Answers
For the fee waiver condition: most banks count only retail purchases, not EMI, wallet loads, or fuel (in some cases). Read the TnC PDF linked at the bottom of the fee-waiver email — it's usually 2-3 paragraphs of fine print that change everything.
Honestly, the annual fee is on the higher side. But if you spend consistently on the accelerated categories, the cashback more than offsets it. I did the maths on my own statement last year and came out ahead by about ₹3,200.
I've held this card for 3 years. Quick reality check: the welcome benefit is good, the first-year fee waiver is easy, but from year 2 onwards you really have to work for the milestone benefits. Don't keep it if your monthly spend drops below the milestone threshold.
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