Online shopping is more common than ever. But what many people don’t know is that certain credit cards let you get instant discounts (at the checkout) on sites like Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, Myntra, and more. These discounts reduce how much you pay right away, instead of giving you rewards later.
In this post, you’ll see which cards commonly do this, how to get the discount, and what to watch out for.
What Is an “Instant Discount” Offer?
An instant discount means the price gets lower immediately at checkout when you use a specific credit card. This is different from cashback or points, which may come later. Examples:
- 10% off immediately on Amazon when using SBI cards during a sale.Forbes+3mint+3ratingok.com+3
- 12% instant discount on BigBasket when using Kotak credit cards, with minimum order amount and a cap. images.kotak.com
- Axis Bank offering instant discounts on Flipkart Back to College offer; using Axis cards gives 10% instant discount up to a certain limit. Axis Bank
Examples of Instant Discount Offers in 2025
Here are some real examples of instant discount offers:
Which Cards Frequently Have These Offers
These are some credit cards that often appear in instant discount deals:
- SBI Cards — SBI runs large festive / sale campaigns with instant discounts on Amazon, mobiles, fashion. mint+2ratingok.com+2
- Axis Bank Credit Cards — For Flipkart & partner sites (Electronics, fashion) under certain “Back to College” etc. offers. Axis Bank
- Kotak Bank Credit Cards — For grocery/BigBasket/BB Now with codes and caps. images.kotak.com
- ICICI Bank / Amazon Pay ICICI — For Amazon shopping during sale events; instant discount or bonus off + cashback. mint+3CardGrid+3ratingok.com+3
How to Avail Instant Discounts — What to Do
To make sure you get these instant discounts, follow these simple steps:
- Check sale events — Instant discount offers often appear during big sale days (for example, “Great Indian Festival”, “Flipkart Big Billion Days”, etc.). Banks usually announce them ahead of time.
- Check if your card is eligible — Some offers exclude co-branded cards or certain card types. Always check the terms.
- Use promo code if needed — Some discounts need you to enter a code (e.g. “KOTAKCC” for BigBasket) before paying.
- Meet minimum spend requirement — Offers usually have a minimum cart value. If your order is below, you won’t get the discount.
- Watch for caps — There’s often a maximum discount you can get per card/transaction or per month.
- Check merchant exclusions — Some categories may be excluded (e.g. electronics, lifestyle, groceries) depending on the offer.
Pros & Cons of Instant Discount Offers
Tips to Get Maximum Benefit
- Keep a list of your credit cards and mark which ones often get instant discount deals.
- Subscribe to bank newsletters or enable notifications in bank apps so you hear about offers early.
- During sale seasons, check which cards are offering instant discount vs which ones give cashback — sometimes one is better.
- Try combining discount + coupon codes + bank offer, when possible. But always check if combining is allowed.
Things to Watch Out For / Fine Print
- Some cards might not allow discount + another coupon together.
- If using EMI, some “instant discount” offers do not apply (EMI is excluded).
- Co-branded cards are sometimes excluded; always check terms.
- Offers vary by city & category; what works in metro cities may not be valid everywhere.
Conclusion
Instant discount offers from credit cards are a great way to save money when shopping online. They reduce what you pay on the spot, especially during big sales or seasonal promotions.
If you regularly shop online, using the right credit card that frequently participates in these instant discount offers can make a big difference. Keep track of offers, know your card eligibility, and plan your purchases around the discounts to get the best value.