When it comes to managing your finances smartly, choosing the right cashback credit card can make a significant difference. Unlike points or travel rewards, cashback is instant, straightforward, and directly reduces your expenses. We have meticulously assessed the top performers in 2025, analyzing cashback structure, annual fees, category coverage, and unique benefits. If your goal is to maximize returns on everyday spending – from shopping and dining to bills and utility payments – here’s a deep dive into the best options.
1. SBI Card Cashback – King of All-Round Cashback
The “Cashback Card” from State Bank of India remains the most versatile and widely accepted cashback credit card in India. It delivers maximum flexibility and high returns on online spends, making it ideal for frequent online shoppers.
Cashback Benefits:
- 5% cashback on all online purchases.
- 1% cashback on offline transactions.
- Annual Fee: ₹999 (waived if annual spending surpasses ₹2,00,000).
- Why It’s Great:
- No category restrictions — valid across all e-commerce platforms.
- Simplifies cashback — credited directly to the cardholder account.
- Pro Tip: Pair it with a dining rewards card to balance lifestyle benefits and maximize savings across all expenses.
Best For: Heavy online spenders wanting hassle-free cashback without category limitations.
2. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card – Best for Amazon Shoppers
Ideal for those loyal to Amazon’s ecosystem, this card rewards every purchase, making each transaction count for cashback.
Cashback Benefits:
- 5% cashback for Prime members, 3% for non-Prime.
- 2% cashback at Amazon Pay partner merchants.
- 1% cashback on all other spends.
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (waived for lifetime)
- Why It’s Great:
- Seamless cashback credited directly into Amazon Pay balance.
- Stadically good for everyday spending beyond just shopping.
- Pro Tip: Use for groceries, bills, and subscription services to maximize cashback.
Best For: Amazon-centric users who want a simple, free card with solid cashback on everyday transactions.
3. HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card – Best for Lifestyle & Entertainment Cashback
If you’re spending across dining, entertainment, and lifestyle brands, this card delivers outstanding cashback and perks on some of India’s most popular platforms.
Cashback Benefits:
- 5% cashback on brands like Amazon, Flipkart, BookMyShow, Zomato, Cult.fit, Sony LIV, Tata CLiQ.
- 1% cashback on other spends (excluding fuel).
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000 (waived on ₹1,00,000 annual spend).
- Why It’s Great:
- Combines lifestyle satisfaction with cashback.
- Includes select domestic lounge access and travel benefits.
- Pro Tip: Focus your card usage on entertainment, dining, and online experiences where you spend most.
Best For: Frequent moviegoers, diners, OTT users, and online shoppers.
4. HSBC Live+ Credit Card – Unmatched Grocery & Dining Cashback
This multifaceted card offers stellar category-based cashback on essential daily spending — groceries, food delivery, and dining — while maintaining decent rewards across other categories.
Cashback Benefits:
- Up to 10% cashback on dining, grocery, and food delivery (capped).
- 1.5% cashback on all other eligible transactions.
- Annual Fee: ₹999 (waived at ₹2,00,000+ annual spend).
- Why It’s Great:
- Helpful for users who spend heavily on daily essentials.
- Complimentary domestic lounge access.
- Pro Tip: Use for food, grocery, and dining to reap maximum rewards, and other spenders as fallback.
Best For: Families and individuals spending heavily on groceries, cafes, restaurants, and quick commerce platforms.
5. Axis Bank ACE Credit Card – Best for Utility & Bill Payments
If you want cashback on monthly bills, subscriptions, and essential utility payments, this card delivers consistent cashback on recurring spending — a rarity in the market.
Cashback Benefits:
- 5% cashback on bill payments via Google Pay (internet, electricity, DTH, etc.).
- 4% cashback on Swiggy and Zomato transactions.
- 1% cashback on miscellaneous spends.
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived with annual spend ≥ ₹2,00,000).
- Why It’s Great:
- Practical cashback for everyday recurring expenses.
- Extra benefits such as golf lessons and hotel discounts.
- Pro Tip: Automate bill payments with this card for maximum returns and effortless savings.
Best For: Households who pay multiple bills per month and frequent food delivery users.
Smart Tactics to Maximise Cashback
Regardless of which card you choose, a few smart tactics can make a huge difference:
- Pair Complementary Cards – Combine a lifestyle card (e.g., Millennia) with a utility card (e.g., ACE) to cover every spending category.
- Track Spend Caps – Some cards cap cashback on categories. Monitor your monthly spend to ensure you’re earning the maximum.
- Leverage Introductory Bonuses – Many cards offer bonus cashback or vouchers for early spends.
- Use Pay Platforms – Cards that integrate with platforms like Google Pay or Amazon Pay often increase cashback percentages.
- Timely Statement Payment – Pay full balances on time to avoid interest charges, which can negate your cashback gains.
Final Verdict: Which Card Is Best for You?
- Online Shoppers: Choose SBI Card Cashback – straightforward and high returns online.
- Amazon Loyalists: Go with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card.
- Entertainment Enthusiasts: HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card is unbeatable for lifestyle rewards.
- Essential Spenders: HSBC Live+ Credit Card offers highest percentage on daily needs.
- Bill Payers & Delivery Lovers: Axis Bank ACE Credit Card maximizes returns on recurring payments.
By aligning your card choices with your spending habits, you can turn everyday transactions into consistently rewarding financial decisions. Remember — the biggest returns come from using cashback credit cards strategically, not from chasing top percentages blindly.
