August 2024

Best FD cards in India

The Top 5 FD Cards in India in 2024

Introduction: The Top 5 FD Cards in India For students and first-time credit card users, building a solid credit history can seem daunting. However, our top 5 fd cards offer an excellent solution, especially for those with limited or no credit history. FD cards (FD based credit cards) are secured against a fixed deposit, making them a reliable choice for both the cardholder and the issuing bank. I remember how the SBM One Credit Card was instrumental in establishing my own credit score. If you’re in a similar position, looking to build your credit profile while enjoying the perks of a credit card, FD-based cards could be the ideal option for you. In this blog, we’ll delve into the top 5 FD-based credit cards available in India. We’ll explore their features, benefits, and how they can be particularly advantageous for students. Introduction Why Choose FD-Based Credit Cards? Credit Cult Recommendations: Top 5 FD-Based Credit Cards SBM One Credit Card IDFC First WOW Credit Card Kotak Mahindra #DreamDifferent Credit Card ICICI Instant Platinum Credit Card SBI Unnati Credit Card Benefits of FD-Based Credit Cards Pros and Cons of FD-Based Credit Cards Conclusion FAQs Why Choose FD-Based Credit Cards? FD-based credit cards offer a gateway to financial independence without the risks associated with unsecured credit. They are ideal for students and first-time users because they require a fixed deposit as security, reducing the likelihood of default. Credit Cult: The Top 5 FD Cards 1. SBM One Credit Card     Joining/annual Fees     FD RATE     FD Requirement         Credit LImit     Early withdrawal Nil 6.55% ₹2,000 100% of fd allowed Apply Now Why Choose It?: Upto 25% Valueback Offers on Stores Around| 100% Credit | Discount on E-commerce | #Best Know More #MetalCard 1 reward point on every Rs. 100 spent No savings account required Up to 50 days of interest free credit period 1% fuel surcharge waiver zero forex convenience fees Full control from the user-friendly OneCard App 2. IDFC First Wow Card      Joining/annual Fees     FD RATE     FD Requirement         Credit LImit     Early withdrawal Nil 7.5% p.a. ₹10,000 100% of fd No Apply Now Why Choose It?: 100% Credit | 50% off on BMS Ticket | 10% Instant Discount on Flipkart/Myntra/TataCliq Know More 50% off on BookMyShow Movie Tickets Setup your own credit limit by fixed deposit anytime, anywhere Great partner offers 300+ brands like Myntra, Flipkart, Ajio, etc. Zero Forex Conversion Fee Personal Accident cover of up to Rs.2,00,000 Fuel surcharge waiver of 1% upto Rs. 200/month 10% Instant discount on Flipkart 10% Instant discount on Myntra, AJIO, Tata CliQ,1MG 15% Instant discount on Tata CliQ, Palette, Sugar cosmetics, Zomato 10-20% Instant discounts on Travel bookings on Yatra, Adani one, MMT , GoIbibo etc 3. Kotak Mahindra Card     Joining/annual Fees     FD RATE     FD Requirement         Credit LImit     Early withdrawal Nil bank fd rates ₹5,555 or ₹10,000 90% of FD Not disclosed Apply Now Why Choose It?: UPI Enabled | 1% Valueback on Online Spends | Milestone Offers | Online Offers by Bank Know More Cash withdrawal allowed up to 90% of the credit limit 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all petrol pumps (between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000) (Maximum Rs. 3,500 per year) Up to 48 days of interest-free cash withdrawal from the date of purchase made (Fee Applicable) 500 bonus reward points on Rs 5,000 spends in the first 45 days Milestone Program on spends of 75,000/more – Earn Cashback of Rs 750 or Get 4 PVR Tickets 4. ICICI Instant Platinum     Joining/annual Fees     FD RATE     FD Requirement         Credit LImit     Early withdrawal Nil Bank fd rates ₹50,000 Not disclosed not disclosed Apply Now Why Choose It?: 10% Instant Discount and No-Cost-EMI on Online Platforms | Movie Discounts Know More Enjoy waiver of 2.5% fuel surcharge on fuel purchases at HPCL Petrol Pumps when the Card is swiped on the ICICI Merchant Services swipe machines. Fuel surcharge waiver is applicable only for transaction up to Rs 4000. Earn 2 ICICI reward points on every Rs 100 spent except on fuel purchases. Redeem your ICICI reward points for attractive products. Dining Offers on TGI Fridays, Café Coffee Day, Pizza Hut, etc through ICICI Bank Culinary Treats Program 5. SBI Unnati Credit Card     Joining/annual Fees     FD RATE     FD Requirement         Credit LImit     where to apply Nil (for 4 years) bank fd rates 25,000 Not disclosed Apply in branch Apply Now Why Choose It?: Online Offers | Milestone Benefit Know More No annual fee for the first 4 years 1 reward point per Rs. 100 spent 1% fuel surcharge waiver of up to Rs 100 per statement cycle (spend between Rs. 500 – Rs. 3,000) Milestone Rewards – Rs 500 cashback on achieving annual spends of Rs 50,000 Attractive offers & discounts from Zomato, Xiaomi, Amazon, ClearTrip, Ajio, MakeMyTrip and other top brands Benefits of FD-Based Credit Cards FD-based credit cards come with several advantages that make them an attractive option for students and those new to credit: Easy Approval: These cards are secured against an FD, making approval easier even for those with no credit history. Credit Building: Regular usage and timely payments help in building a credit score, essential for future credit needs. Low Risk: The risk is lower for both the bank and the cardholder, as the FD acts as collateral. Rewards and Offers: Despite being secured, these cards offer rewards, discounts, and other benefits similar to unsecured credit cards. Flexibility: The fixed deposit earns interest, and the credit card allows for flexibility in managing expenses. Pros and Cons of FD Cards Pros: Easy Approval Process: Since these cards are backed by a fixed deposit, the approval process is straightforward. Builds Credit History: A good option for those looking to establish or improve their credit score. Low Default Risk: The

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Best Credit Cards For Utility Bill Payments in India (2024)

Introduction: Best Credit Cards for Utility Bill Payments in India Paying for utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet can be a significant part of your monthly expenses. However, choosing the right credit card can turn these routine payments into opportunities for rewards, cashback, and other benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore the 3 Best Credit Cards For Utility Bill Payments in India (2024) that offer the best benefits for utilities payments, helping you save money and earn rewards on your essential spending. 3 Best Credit Cards for Utility Bill Payment  Table of Content: Introduction Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card Axis Bank Ace Credit Card Credit Cult Conclusion FAQs Credit Cult Recommendation: In this blog, we review three standout credit cards for utility bill payments: the Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card, Tata Neu Infinity Card, and Axis Bank Ace Credit Card. Based on our analysis of cashback percentages and overall benefits, here’s our detailed recommendation: #1. Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card Apply Now Joining and Annual Fees: Rs 500 25% Cashback on Airtel Mobile, Broadband, DTH & WiFi bill Payments via Airtel Thanks app (Upto Rs 250 per month) 10% Cashback on Swiggy, Zomato & BigBasket (Upto Rs 500 Per month) 10%Cashback on Utility Bill Payments such as electricity, gas etc. via Airtel Thanks app (Upto Rs 250 per month) Know More 1% Cashback on all other spends Enjoy 4 Complimentary lounge visits within India (4 Lounge access in a year) on minimum spends of Rs 50,000 in previous 3 months Get 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel purchases at all fuel stations across India Amazon eVoucher worth Rs 500 on your first transaction using your Airtel Axis credit card within first 30 days #2. HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card Apply Now Joining & Annual Fees: Rs 1499 or Lifetime Free 5% back as NeuCoins on Utility Bill Payments, DTH & Prepaid Recharges on Tata Neu Upto 20% instant discount on spends during TATA PayDay Sale or similar sales (including NeuPass offer) 1.5% NeuCoins on UPI spends through RuPay credit card on the TATA Neu App Know More Minimum 5% back as NeuCoins on shopping on Tata Neu or TATA Brands 1.5% back as NeuCoins on Non-Tata brand spends and any merchant EMI spends 1.5% back as NeuCoins, up to 500 NeuCoins per month, on UPI spends via RuPay card variant Additional 5% back as NeuCoins for NeuPass Members on transactions done on Tata Neu App/Website Complimentary Airport Lounge Access (1/Quarter for International and 2/Quarter for Domestic Airport Lounges) #3. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card Apply Now Joining and Annual Fees: Rs 500 5% cashback on utility bill payments, DTH and mobile recharges via Google Pay (No cashback if paid on any platform other than Google Pay) 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato and Ola 1.5% cashback on all other spends 4 Complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge visits in a year Know More You might get it as Lifetime free card 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver up to Rs 500 per bill cycle Up to 15% off at 4000+ partner restaurants in India Credit Cult Conclusion When selecting a credit card for utility payments, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences: For Maximum Cashback on Utilities: The Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card stands out as the best option if your primary focus is on maximizing cashback from utility bills. Its high cashback rate and minimal cost make it a top choice for utility-focused users. For a Versatile Card: If you’re looking for a credit card that excels in multiple areas, including utilities, the HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Card is an excellent choice. It offers a blend of high utilities cashback and valuable rewards on shopping and other categories, providing comprehensive benefits. The best thing: You might get the Tata Neu card as a lifetime free credit card. By evaluating these options, you can choose the credit card that best fits your spending habits and financial goals. Enjoy optimized savings and rewards with the right card tailored to your needs! FAQ: Credit Cards for Utility Bill Payments 1. What are the best credit cards for utility bill payments in India? Answer: The best credit cards for utilities payments in India include the Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card, Tata Neu Infinity Card, and Axis Bank Ace Credit Card. These cards offer competitive cashback rates and rewards on utility bill payments. The Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card provides the highest cashback specifically for utilities, while the Tata Neu Infinity Card offers versatile benefits across various spending categories. The Axis Bank Ace Credit Card is a great all-around option with no annual fee. 2. How can I maximize cashback on utility payments with my credit card? Answer: To maximize cashback on utility payments, choose a credit card that offers high cashback rates or rewards specifically for utilities. Cards like the Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card offer exceptional cashback rates on utility bills. Additionally, ensure you use your credit card for all eligible utility transactions and take advantage of any special offers or promotions related to utility payments. 3. Are there any credit cards that offer no annual fee and cashback on utilities? Answer: Yes, the Axis Bank Ace Credit Card is an example of a card that offers cashback on utilities without charging an annual fee. This makes it a cost-effective choice for those looking to earn rewards on their utility payments while avoiding additional annual charges. 4. What benefits do the Tata Neu Infinity Card offer besides utilities cashback? Answer: The Tata Neu Infinity Card provides not only substantial cashback on utility payments but also rewards on shopping, dining, and travel. It includes benefits such as higher cashback limits, exclusive offers, and comprehensive rewards across various categories, making it a versatile card for diverse spending needs. 5. How do credit cards with utilities cashback compare to those with travel rewards? Answer: Credit cards with utilities cashback are designed to maximize savings on essential bill payments, offering high cashback rates for utility expenses.

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credit cards offering railway lounge access

Best Credit Cards with Railway Lounge Access in India!

In today’s fast-paced world, travel comfort and convenience have become essential, especially for frequent train travelers. Railway lounge access can significantly enhance your journey, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of crowded stations. For those looking to enjoy this benefit, several credit cards in India provide access to premium railway lounges. In this blog, we will explore the top credit cards offering railway lounge access in India for 2024. Disclaimer: This blog may contain affiliate links. However, our rankings and reviews are based solely on unbiased analysis and are not influenced by these partnerships. Credit Cards with Railway Lounge Access IDFC Bank First Select Credit Card AU Bank Altura Credit Card BOB IRCTC Credit Card SBI IRCTC RuPay Credit Card AU Bank Altura Plus Credit Card MMT ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card ICICI Bank Coral Platinum Credit Card HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card Benefits of Railway Lounge Access Credit Cult Recommendation FAQs Credit Cult Conclusion #1. IDFC Bank First Select Credit Card Key Features: No Joining/Annual Fees (LTF) Only LTF Credit Card offering Railway & Airport Lounge Access (4/quarter) Welcome Benefit: 500 on spend of 15,000 5% Cashback on first EMI txn (within 90d) 15% off or B1G1 on movie tickets Apply Now #2. AU Bank Altura Credit Card Key Features: Joining & Annual Fees: Rs 199/yr Railway lounge access 2 per quarter 2% Cashback on all spends upto Rs 50 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver for fuel transactions Apply Now #3. BOB IRCTC Credit Card Key Features: Joining Fees: Rs 500, Annual Fees: Rs 350 Railway Lounge Access: 1/Quarter UPI payments through Credit Card Welcome Benefits: 1000 Bonus reward points (worth Rs 250) on spending 1,000 within first 45 days. Apply Now #4. SBI IRCTC RuPay Credit Card Key Features: Joining & Annual Fees: Rs 500 Railway lounge access : 1/Quarter 350 activation points given on the first transaction of Rs.500/more 10% ValueBack as reward points on ticket bookings through IRCTC Apply Now #5. AU Bank Altura Plus Credit Card Key Features: Joining & Annual Fees: Rs 499 Railway Lounge Access: 2/quarter Welcome Benefit: Vouchers worth Rs 1,000 on spend of 10,000 and above 5% Cashback on all POS retail spends done at merchant outlets (up to Rs 100/bill) ##Doesn’t offer that good reward benefits but better because currently the bank is actively promoting its credit cards through discount & offers around online platforms. Apply Now #6. MMT ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card Key Features: Joining Fee: 500, Annual Fees: Nil Railway & Airport Lounge Access: 1/Qtr Welcome Benefit: 500 worth My Cash; MMT holiday voucher worth Rs. 3,000 ##Doesn’t offer much but the welcome benefits are well offered by the co-branded card. Apply Now #7. ICICI Bank Coral Platinum Credit Card Key Features: Joining & Annual Fees: Rs 500/year Railway & Airport Lounge Access: 1/Quarter 25% discount on BookMyShow and Inox ##ICICI Credit Card is best for discount offers across all the E-commerce platforms. Apply Now #8. HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card Key Features: Joining & Annual fee: Rs. 499 Access to IRCTC Executive Lounges: 2/Qtr Amazon voucher worth Rs. 500 on making the 1st txn (within the first 30 days) Gift vouchers worth ₹500 on spends of ₹30,000 or more every 90 days Apply Now Benefits of Railway Lounge Access Following are the facilities mentioned on the IRCTC website which must be given for complimentary access. Generally, these lounges have been outsourced to private catering companies or hotels and the quality of facilities may vary. Two hours of lounge stay in normal seating Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner as per the time of visit and as per the offering by the lounge operator at that particular time of visit Unlimited tea & coffee with cookies Free Wi-Fi Newspaper & magazine **Any additional services availed like recliners/more will be charged separately by the operator at their actual cost of service. New Delhi Railway Station IRCTC Lounge Credit Cult Recommendation If you’re seeking value-for-money credit cards that provide railway lounge access at an annual fee of ₹500 or less, we recommend the following: IDFC FIRST Credit Cards: The IDFC FIRST Select, Millennia, and Wealth credit cards stand out as lifetime-free options that offer railway lounge access without any annual fee. These cards are ideal if you’re an occasional traveler and want to enjoy lounge benefits without extra costs. Apply for IDFC First Credit Cards Now! SBI Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card: For those who travel frequently by train, this card offers not only a 10% value back on IRCTC ticket bookings but also access to IRCTC premium lounges once per quarter. It’s a great choice for frequent travelers who want to combine cost savings with regular lounge access. Apply for the SBI IRCTC Credit Card Now! Select the card that aligns with your travel needs and preferences. Enjoy your journey with the right card from Credit Cult! Safe travels! FAQs: Railway Lounge & Credit Cards 1. What are the best credit cards with railway lounge access in India? Answer: The best credit cards offering railway lounge access in India include the IDFC First Select/Millennia/Wealth credit card, AU Bank Altura Credit Card, BOB IRCTC Credit Card, SBI IRCTC RuPay Credit Card, AU Bank Altura Plus Credit Card, MMT ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card, ICICI Bank Coral Platinum Credit Card, HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card, and more. These cards provide complimentary access to railway lounges and a range of other benefits tailored for frequent travelers. 2. How does railway lounge access work with credit cards? Answer: Railway lounge access with credit cards typically allows cardholders to enter premium waiting areas at train stations. This benefit is often available through partnerships between credit card issuers and railway operators. Cardholders can usually access lounges by presenting their credit card and a valid train ticket. Some cards offer a limited number of free visits per year. 3. Are there any credit cards offering railway lounge access without an annual fee? Answer: Most credit cards that offer railway lounge access are premium cards that come with an annual fee. However, IDFC

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credit cards in wallet

5 Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India

5 Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India! Credit cards have revolutionized the way we manage our finances, but do you know what’s even better? Lifetime free credit cards. Imagine enjoying all the benefits of a credit card without ever paying a joining or annual fee. With hundreds of options available, how do you choose the best one? To save you time and effort, this post ranks the top 5 lifetime free credit cards in India. Each of these cards offers unique perks and rewards, ensuring you get the most value without any hidden costs. Don’t miss out on our Credit Cult conclusion section for final insights. Let’s dive in! Disclaimer: This blog may include affiliate links. They help support our work but don’t affect product rankings/reviews. Our recommendations are based on unbiased evaluations & personal experience. List of 5 Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards: HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card IDFC First Select Credit Card ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card OneCard Credit Card FAQs Risks and Benefits of Credit Cards Credit Cult Recommendation Credit Cult Conclusion #Best: HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card Key Features: 10% Valueback on Shopping (Neu App) 5% Valueback on Recharge and Bills 20% Valueback during PayDay Sale UPI spends + 1% Cashback (RuPay Variant) Complimentary Airport Lounge Access You may get LTF Credit Card (Fees: 1499) Apply Now Other Features Welcome Benefits of 1,499 NeuCoins (If joining fees of Rs 1,499 is paid) Milestone Benefits are often offered by HDFC NeuPass Rewards Program (Often ran during TATA IPL) 1.5% Cashback on EMI spends at TATA Brands Joining Fees & Annual Fees: Rs 1499 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver #If you don’t initially receive the HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card as a lifetime free option, consider contacting HDFC Bank to request a conversion. Banks often accommodate such requests based on your relationship and spending patterns. This way, you can enjoy all the benefits without worrying about annual fees. Pros & Cons Pros: You may get it as Lifetime Free Credit Card Best Valueback on TATA Brands (especially spends through TATA Neu App) Best Valueback on Utilities Payment Payments through UPI and Cashback on it Cons: You may not get it as Lifetime Free Credit Card No offers on Non-TATA E-commerce brands (like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and more) #2. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card Key Features: 5% Valueback on Amazon Shopping (3% Valueback, if not a prime member) 2% Valueback on Recharge and Bills Welcome Benefits: Amazon Prime, Other Complimentary Offers worth Rs 1,500/more No Airport Lounge Access Apply Now Other Features 2% Valueback on spends on partner brands like Yatra, BookMyShow, Faasos, etc. 1% Valueback on other spends Occasionally, special rewards are offered by Amazon 3/6 months No-cost-EMI and Amazon Shopping 1% waiver on fuel surcharge Pros & Cons Pros: Great welcome benefits at Nil joining fee High cashback rate for Prime members Multiple associated partners, spends on these earn 2% cashback Lifetime free No cap on cashback earning Cashback is directly credited as Amazon Pay Includes everyday spends like wallet reloads, bill payments for cashback earning Cons: Zero benefits on travel, entertainment or any other category apart from shopping Not suited for international usage as foreign currency mark-up fee is high (3.5%) Low cashback rate for non-prime holder Benefits of ICICI Bank Credit Card are not applicable on this card (So, no good offers on other E-commerce brands) #3. IDFC First Select Credit Card Key Features: Only Lifetime Free Credit Card offering Railway Lounge Access (4/Quarter) Welcome Benefit: 500 on spend of 15,000 B1G1 movie ticket offer, twice every month 5% cashback on your first EMI transaction (within first 90 days)  Airport Lounge Access (4/Quarter) Apply Now Other Features 10X reward points on all transactions you make on your birthday 15% off at 3,000 plus health and wellness outlets Enjoy free Road Side Assistance (RSA) of up to Rs.1,399 Pros & Cons Pros: Lifetime Free Card Only Lifetime Free Card offering Railway Lounge Access Welcome Benefit of Rs 500 on a spend of Rs 15,000 Cons: Does not offer good Valueback on online/offline shopping Does not offer valueback on Utility payments #4. ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card Key Features: A Must have card for Instant Discount on E-commerce Sales (Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, and more) 15-20% off on spends at partner restaurants  No Other Benefits like Lounge Access, Utilities Bill Payment Offers Apply Now Other Features Fuel surcharge waiver of 1% No other benefits. Recommended just because I have noticed that recently ICICI is offering great discount on shopping from almost all E-commerce platforms using ICICI Bank Credit Cards (Except co-branded credit cards). Pros & Cons Pros: Instant Discount and Cashback offers on almost all E-commerce brands Lifetime Free Cons: No good Valueback on other spends No valueback on Utilities payments No Airport/Railway lounge benefits #5. OneCard Credit Card Key Features: 10-30% Valueback on stores around you (Grocery, QSR, Pharmacy, Fuel and more) Around 1% Valueback on Online Spends No Lounge Access Discounts offered on Amazon-Croma Sales Valueback on Gift Card Purchase A #MetalCard Zero Forex Fee Apply Now Other Features Exclusive Deals are offered Special Sale cashbacks under Ticking Deals Segment Travel Benefits Available OneCard’s SBM Card allows customers to get credit card against FD. Best to build a credit score. Pros & Cons Pros: Great Valueback offered under the Around You offer segment Lifetime free card Get it against FD if not credit history Occasional Exclusive Deals are offered Enhanced security through app based transaction approvals and card control Cons: No Airport/Railway Lounge Access Bank Credit Card offers are not applicable No good valueback on Utility payments Credit Cult Recommendation 3 Lifetime Free Credit Cards Owned by Me All 5 of them are the Free Gems. I own 3 of them and soon will apply for the other 2 credit cards. But, if you want the best then go for HDFC’s Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card even if you don’t get it as a Lifetime Free Credit Card. As it

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