Top Shopping Credit Cards for Enhanced Online Shopping

Online shopping has become a daily habit for most Indians from ordering groceries and fashion to booking travel and paying utility bills. But very few shoppers realise that the credit card they use can decide how much they actually save.

If you choose the right shop credit card for online shopping, you can earn cashback, reward points, instant discounts, no-cost EMIs, and exclusive offers every time you shop. This guide will help you understand how shopping credit cards work, how to pick the best one, and how to maximise your savings.

What Are Shop Credit Cards?

Shop credit cards are credit cards designed specifically to reward online purchases. Unlike regular credit cards that give flat rewards on all spends, shopping credit cards provide higher rewards, cashback, and discounts on e-commerce platforms, apps, and digital payments.

These cards focus on categories like:

• Online shopping on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio
• Food delivery on Swiggy and Zomato
• Travel bookings on MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, Yatra
• Entertainment and OTT subscriptions
• Digital wallets and online payments

The main goal is simple: spend online, earn more, and save more.

Why You Should Use a Credit Card for Online Shopping

Using a debit card or UPI is convenient, but you miss out on massive benefits. A shopping credit card gives you:

Higher Cashback & Rewards

Most shop credit cards offer 3%–10% value back on online spends through cashback or reward points. Some even give milestone benefits and bonus points on specific merchants.

Instant Discounts

Banks regularly run 10%–20% instant discount offers during sales like Amazon Great Indian Festival and Flipkart Big Billion Days.

No-Cost EMI Options

Expensive gadgets, appliances, or furniture can be converted into no-cost EMIs, letting you pay in easy monthly installments without extra interest.

Safer Transactions

Credit cards provide fraud protection, chargeback rights, and zero liability, making them safer than debit cards for online payments.

Build a Strong Credit Score

Regular and responsible usage improves your CIBIL score, helping you get loans and better credit cards in the future.

Key Benefits of Shopping Credit Cards

1. Cashback Credit Cards for Online Shopping

Cashback cards are perfect if you want simple, real savings. You earn a fixed percentage back on every eligible online purchase, which is credited to your statement.

Example benefits:

• 5% cashback on Amazon & Flipkart
• 2% cashback on other online spends
• 1% cashback on offline purchases

2. Reward Point Credit Cards

These cards earn reward points that can be redeemed for vouchers, statement credits, or products.

Example:

• 10x reward points on partner websites
• 2 reward points per ₹100 spent online

3. Co-Branded Shopping Credit Cards

These are tied to specific platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra and give maximum benefits when you shop there.

Benefits include:

• Higher cashback
• Free memberships
• Exclusive sales access

4. Lifetime Free Shopping Credit Cards

Many banks offer zero joining fee and zero annual fee cards, making them perfect for beginners who want savings without paying fees.

Best Use Cases for Shop Credit Cards

• Buying electronics and mobiles
• Fashion and lifestyle shopping
• Grocery and daily essentials
• Food delivery and dining
• Travel bookings
• OTT and subscription payments

How to Choose the Best Shop Credit Card for You

1. Look at Your Shopping Habits

If you shop mostly on Amazon, choose an Amazon card. If you shop everywhere, choose a general cashback card.

2. Compare Reward Rates

Check:

• Cashback percentage
• Reward points per ₹100
• Maximum monthly cap

3. Check Fees

A ₹999 annual fee is worth it only if you earn more than ₹999 in rewards every year.

4. EMI & Offer Eligibility

Some cards give no-cost EMI only on select merchants. Choose a card that matches your needs.

5. Credit Score Requirement

Most cards need a CIBIL score of 700+, but some beginner cards work with 650+.

How to Maximise Savings with Shop Credit Cards

• Use your card during sale days
• Combine bank offers + card offers
• Convert big purchases into no-cost EMIs
• Pay bills and subscriptions through your card
• Redeem rewards regularly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Paying only minimum due
• Missing payment deadlines
• Applying for too many cards
• Ignoring reward expiry

Shopping Credit Cards vs Debit Cards vs UPI

Are Shop Credit Cards Safe for Online Shopping?

Yes, they are the safest payment method when used correctly. They offer:

• Two-factor authentication
• OTP verification
• Instant blocking
• Zero liability protection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best credit card for online shopping in India?
The best card depends on your shopping habits. Cashback cards and co-branded cards usually give the highest value.

Can I get a shopping credit card with low CIBIL score?
Yes, some beginner cards work with scores around 650+, but benefits may be limited.

Are shopping credit cards free?
Many are lifetime free. Others have fees but give higher rewards.

Is it better to use a credit card than UPI for online shopping?
Yes, because you earn rewards, get protection, and build your credit score.