Best credit cards for shopping in India 2014

Credit cards can be used in a variety of areas, one of which is shopping. Using credit cards for shopping is extremely convenient, as there is no need to carry cash in huge amount. In addition to this, you get a credit period to make the payment. But the biggest benefit is that you can get cash back, discounts and reward points on certain expenses. We have put out a list of the best credit cards for shopping purposes:

Citibank Rewards Card: As the name suggests, this card focuses on rewards. Rewards are high at 10 points for every Rs. 125 spent at partner outlets and 1 point on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed instantly at 700 partner outlets. You also get 2500 points on card activation. You earn bonus points on special occasions, on crossing certain amount of expenses and on renewal. The points earned do not expire as well. Interest rate is 3.25% per month.

 ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Visa Card: Joining fee for this shopping card from ICICI Bank is Rs. 199, which is reversed if spend is more than Rs.2000 in the first 60 days. Annual fee is Rs. 99, which is waived if the card spent is Rs. 50,000 or more in the previous year. The user earns Rs. 2 for every Rs. 100 spent on all retail purchases other than fuel. There is minimum 15% savings on dining at participating restaurants. You also get 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver at HPCL petrol pumps. Overdue interest rate is 3.4% per month.

American Express Payback Credit Card: With an annual fee of Rs. 750 in the first year and Rs. 1500 from second year onwards, this payback card from AMEX doesn’t come cheap. Nevertheless, you can earn 3 payback points for every Rs. 100 spent and multiple points from more than 40 payback partners. This increases the number of points you earn. You can get discount vouchers and bonus payback points when you enrol and spend over Rs. 15000 within the first 60 days respectively. Other than this, there are also offers on dining, movie ticket and travel spend.

ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card: This is an expensive card with joining fee of Rs. 6000 and annual fee of Rs. 3500 (waived if the spend is more than Rs. 5 lakhs). However, the card is great in terms of the benefits it offers across entertainment, wellness, dining and golf. You enjoy both American Express and MasterCard benefits, with payback points of upto 6 points for every Rs. 100 spent. There is a complimentary membership to priority pass programme. You can also enjoy concierge services, 15% savings on dining, 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver and a lot more benefits.

HDFC Bank Titanium Edge Credit Card: This shopping card entails reward points of 2 points for every Rs. 150 spent and 50% more on dining spends. Reward points can be redeemed as cash back. You can enjoy a fuel surcharge waiver across petrol pumps. Interest rate on revolving credit facility is 3.25% per month. Interest free credit facility of upto 50 days is available from the date of purchase.

Citibank Cash Back Card : The cash back card from Citibank gives you 5% cash back on movie ticket purchases, telephone bill payments and utility bill payments made online. For all other spends, you receive 0.5% cash back. The annual fee on the card is Rs. 500. Interest rate is comparatively nominal at 2.5% per month. You also get 20% savings on dining bills and shopping privileges at partner outlets.