Spending is inevitable, whether it’s ordering lunch, shopping online, or booking your next vacation, daily expenses. But what if your routine expenses, food, travel, and shopping, not only satisfied your needs but also brought tangible rewards in return?
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Well this is no longer just an idea. With the right credit card, your everyday transactions can translate into real, high-value benefits—free flight tickets, luxury hotel stays, premium memberships, airport lounge access, and more.
In this article we will talk about the top three credit cards in India that are currently offering some of the best everyday spending rewards.
1. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card ranks at the top for one clear reason: it is purpose-built for people who travel frequently and want their expenses to generate real, tangible returns. With a focus on reward structures the Atlas card offers unmatched value for anyone who spends heavily on travel and related lifestyle categories.
At the heart of the Atlas credit card’s appeal is its 5% reward rate on travel bookings. When you book flights, hotels, or buy travel packages, you earn EDGE Miles that can later be redeemed for free flight tickets or hotel stays through a wide range of domestic and international travel partners.
Axis Bank’s Atlas Credit Card airport lounge access further enhances its value. It provides complimentary access to both international and domestic airport lounges, ensuring a premium travel experience from check-in to boarding.
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card reward points explained:
| Category | EDGE Miles Earnings |
|---|---|
| Clothing and Fashion | 2.0% on general fashion spends, 10X on Pantaloons, 5X on Nykaa and Tata CLiQ |
| Entertainment | 2.0% on movie tickets, digital subscriptions, and other entertainment-related expenses |
| Technology and Electronics | 5X on purchases at Croma for devices or appliances |
| Food and Dining | 5X on Swiggy for food orders |
| Groceries and Utilities | 2.0% on grocery and utility purchases |
EDGE Miles conversion rate is 1 EDGE Miles = 2.00 Partner Miles (when transferred to Accor hotels, 1 Partner Miles = ₹1.8)
These miles can be redeemed across a wide network of airlines, hotels, and travel portals, making them significantly more valuable than standard reward points or cashback.
The annual fee for the Atlas card is ₹5,000 + GST.
However, the finance charge is 52.86% per annum.
In conclusion, the Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card is ideal for individuals who books travel frequently, dines out or orders in regularly, and enjoys shopping for lifestyle products online.
2. HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card
If your monthly spending revolves around lifestyle, fashion, food, and travel, the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is built to reward you more with every swipe. It is designed for urban professionals and digitally savvy individuals who shop frequently, dine often, and travel with intent.
Let’s begin with what makes this card stand out—its elevated reward structure. The HDFC Regalia Gold card offers 5X reward points for every ₹150 spent on select premium lifestyle brands like Myntra, Nykaa, and Marks & Spencer.
But it doesn’t stop at fashion. If you’re into gadgets and electronics, purchases at Reliance Digital also earn you 5X points, effectively rewarding you for upgrading your tech stack.
HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card reward rates across categories:
| Category | EDGE Miles Earnings |
|---|---|
| Fashion & Personal Care | 5X on Myntra, Nykaa, M&S |
| Technology | 5X on purchases at Reliance Digital |
| Food & Dining | 2.67% on food and dining |
| Entertainment | 2.67% on entertainment-related expenses |
| Groceries & Utilities | 2.67% on groceries and utilities |
| Travel | 5X to 10X depending on mode (flights, hotels, trains, buses) |
Reward points conversion rate of HDFC Regalia Gold credit card is : 1 RP = ₹ 0.65
One of the most valuable benefits of the HDFC Regalia Gold card is its partnership with digital platforms that enhance your everyday convenience.
As a welcome bonus you get complimentary gift voucher worth ₹ 2,500 on paying joining fee.
You also receive a complimentary Swiggy One membership, which includes free deliveries, lower service fees, and priority customer support. You also get a free MakeMyTrip Black Elite membership, which gives you exclusive deals, special fares, and priority customer service while booking flights or hotels through the platform.
The card also proves its strength in the travel and leisure segment. You earn 5X points on flight bookings, 10X on hotel reservations, 3X on train tickets, and 5X on bus bookings via redBus. These multipliers make it one of the best cards for domestic travelers who prefer online booking platforms.pFrom a cost perspective, the card has an annual fee of ₹2,500 plus GST,.
However, cardholders should be aware of the finance charges, which stand at 45% per annum on outstanding balances.
In conclusion, the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is an ideal pick for high-frequency spenders across lifestyle and travel categories. Use it wisely, pay it off in full, and let your lifestyle work in your favour.
3. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
If you are someone who travels frequently and values premium experiences, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers unmatched lifestyle and travel benefits that extend far beyond basic cashback features.
To start with, you receive 10,000 Membership Reward Points as a welcome bonus.
You can redeem these points for travel vouchers, hotel bookings, and a wide selection of merchandise.
If you are a dining enthusiast you will also appreciate the 20% discount at select high-end restaurants.
The standout feature of American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is airport lounge access. You get complimentary access to 18 domestic and 12 international lounges which adds a layer of convenience and sophistication to your trips.
Also the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card has generous milestone rewards to offer. If you spend ₹1.90 lakh over a year, you receive a complimentary Flipkart voucher or travel voucher worth up to ₹5,000.
If you spend ₹4 lakh in a year, the rewards increase substantially, you unlock a ₹8,000 Flipkart or travel voucher and an additional ₹10,000 Taj Hotels stay voucher.
From a rewards perspective, you earn Membership Reward Points at a base rate of 2%, with accelerated earnings on select purchases.
Through the Reward Multiplier platform, you can earn 3x points on brand vouchers purchased via the American Express portal.
1 Membership Point equals 1 Marriott Bonvoy point, with a monetary value of roughly ₹0.60 per point
The annual fee for this card is ₹5,000 plus applicable GST.
Do note, however, that the card carries a finance charge of 40.20% per annum on outstanding balances, so it is best suited for users who pay their dues in full and on time.
In summary, the American Express Platinum Travel Card is a well-rounded credit card for individuals who want their spending to unlock tangible travel benefits, milestone rewards, and lifestyle perks.
American Express Platinum Travel vs. HDFC Regalia Gold vs. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
1. Eligibility & General Features
| Feature | American Express Platinum Travel | HDFC Regalia Gold | Axis Atlas |
| Eligibility Criteria | Age 18-70 years;
salary ₹12 lakhs p.a; Indian residents |
Age 21-60 years;
salary ₹18 lakhs p.a; Indian residents only |
Age 18-70 years;
salary ₹6 lakhs p.a; Indian residents only |
| Welcome Benefits | Complimentary 2,500 EDGE miles
on first transaction within 37 days |
Complimentary gift voucher
worth ₹2,500 on paying joining fee |
Welcome gift of 10,000 membership
rewards points |
| Finance Charges | 52.86% per annum | 45% per annum | 40.20% per annum |
2. Rewards & Points
| Feature | American Express Platinum Travel | HDFC Regalia Gold | Axis Atlas |
| Rewards Conversion Rate | 1 EDGE Miles = 2.00 Partner Miles
(Accor hotels: 1 Partner Mile = ₹1.8) |
Reward Points conversion rate is
1 RP = ₹0.65 |
1 MP = 1 Marriott Bonvoy point
(1 Marriott Bonvoy point = ₹0.6) |
| Clothing, technology, food and dining,
entertainment, electronics |
EDGE Miles at a rate of 2.0%
(10x on Pantaloons, 5x on Nykaa, Tata CLiQ, Croma, swiggy) |
Reward Points at a rate of 2.67%
(5x on Myntra, Marks and Spencers, Nykaa, reliance digital) |
Membership Points at a rate of 2.0%
(3x on brand vouchers via reward multiplier, brand vouchers) |
| Travel reward points Leisure | EDGE Miles at a rate of 5.0% | Reward Points at a rate of 2.67%
(5x on flights, 10x on hotels, 3x on trains, 5x on redBus) |
Membership Points at a rate of 2.0%
(3x on brand vouchers via reward multiplier) |
3.Lounge Access & Milestone Benefits
| Feature | American Express Platinum Travel | HDFC Regalia Gold | Axis Atlas |
| Domestic Lounge Access per year | 18 complimentary airport lounges | 12 complimentary airport lounge access | 8 complimentary airport lounge access |
| International Lounge Access per year | 12 complimentary airport lounge access | 6 complimentary airport lounge access | No international airport lounge access |
| Milestone Benefits | 2500 EDGE miles on annual spending of ₹3 lakhs;
up to 5000 EDGE miles on ₹15 lakhs |
Complimentary vouchers worth ₹6,000
on annual spending ₹6 lakhs; flight voucher worth ₹5,000 on annual spending of ₹5 lakhs |
Complimentary Flipkart voucher
or travel voucher up to ₹5,000 for annual spending ₹1.90 lakhs |
So, which credit card fits you best?
Each of these credit cards caters to a different user profile. Whether you’re a luxury traveler, a smart shopper, or a dining enthusiast, there’s a rewards card that matches your lifestyle and spending pattern.
But choosing the right credit card isn’t just about features. It’s about alignment—finding a card that maximises rewards where you already spend the most. To make this decision easier, you can use 1 Finance Credit Card Scoring and Ranking Model, which evaluates cards based on your personal spending behavior and financial profile.
With the right credit card, everyday expenses transform into long-term rewards. Don’t just swipe. Earn, save, and enjoy more with every transaction.
