Premium credit cards are designed for high-income individuals who want more than just basic credit facilities. These cards offer exclusive lifestyle benefits, including airport lounge access, luxury hotel privileges, golf games, travel insurance, and high reward rates.
Some premium cards are invite-only, while others require stringent eligibility criteria like a high monthly income, excellent CIBIL score, and a strong relationship with the bank. Annual fees typically range from ₹10,000 to ₹60,000, but the perks can easily outweigh the cost for frequent travelers and luxury spenders.
Here’s a curated list of the best premium credit cards in India 2025, highlighting key features, benefits, and ideal usage.
Top Premium Credit Cards in India 2025
1. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card
Best For: Travel & Rewards
- Joining Fee: ₹50,000 + Taxes (Waived on spending ₹35 Lakh in the previous year)
- Annual Fee: ₹50,000 + Taxes
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited domestic and international lounge access with 12 free guest visits
- 15 Edge reward points per ₹200 spent; 30 Edge points per ₹200 on international spends
- Priority Pass membership with unlimited lounge access
- 50 complimentary golf rounds annually
- Hotel privileges with Club Marriott, ITC Culinaire, AccorPlus, Oberoi, and Postcard Hotels
- Health and wellness benefits via Weljii
Ideal for: frequent travelers seeking a combination of luxury travel and reward benefits.
2. HDFC Infinia Credit Card
Best For: All-Round Luxury & Travel Benefits
- Joining Fee: ₹12,500 + Taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹12,500 + Taxes (Waived on spending ₹10 Lakh)
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited free Priority Pass lounge access globally
- Low forex markup of 2%
- Unlimited golf games at select courses
- 5 reward points per ₹150 on retail spends, 10X rewards via HDFC SmartBuy on travel and shopping
- 1-year Club Marriott membership as welcome benefit
- Dining program at premium restaurants across top cities
Perfect for: high-spending frequent travelers looking for maximum rewards and travel perks.
3. YES Private Credit Card
Best For: International Travel & Exclusive Perks
- Joining Fee: ₹50,000 + Taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + Taxes (Waived on spending ₹25 Lakh)
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited domestic and international lounge access with 12 guest visits
- Low forex markup fee of 0.5%
- 20 reward points per ₹200 domestic spend; 40 points per ₹200 international spend
- VIP airport meet-and-greet services
- Hotel benefits at Shangri-la Singapore, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Oberoi properties
- Golf privileges including 12 free green fees and lessons
Ideal for: international travelers looking for high rewards and VIP services.
4. HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card
Best For: Rewards and International Travel
- Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + Taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + Taxes (Waived on spending ₹5 Lakh)
Key Benefits:
- 5 reward points per ₹150 on all retail spends
- Up to 10X reward points on SmartBuy transactions
- Unlimited access to 1,000+ airport lounges globally
- Memberships: Club Marriott, Amazon Prime, MMT Black, Times Prime, Swiggy One
- 6 golf games per quarter at select courses
Great for: consumers seeking travel rewards, lounge access, and lifestyle memberships at a relatively lower fee than Infinia.
5. Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card
Best For: Rewards & Lifestyle Perks
- Joining Fee: ₹50,000 + Taxes (Nil for Burgundy Private customers)
- Annual Fee: ₹50,000 + Taxes (Nil for Burgundy Private customers)
Key Benefits:
- 15 Edge points per ₹200 spent
- Complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership
- 50 free golf rounds annually
- Free tickets to movies and events via BookMyShow
- Unlimited domestic and international lounge access with 12 guest visits
- Hotel memberships including Club Marriott, AccorPlus, Taj Epicure
Perfect for: high-net-worth individuals prioritizing lifestyle perks alongside rewards.
6. HSBC Taj Credit Card
Best For: Premium Hotel Benefits
- Joining Fee: ₹1,10,000 + Taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹1,10,000 + Taxes
Key Benefits:
- Taj InnerCircle Platinum membership with concierge services
- Complimentary stays and breakfast at Taj Palace hotels
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- 5 reward points per ₹100 spent at participating hotel chains
- Chauffeur-driven limousine transfers (4 times/year)
- Discounts at lifestyle brands like Starbucks, Zomato, Swiggy
Tailored for: affluent travelers who prioritize ultra-luxury hotel stays and exclusive lifestyle perks.
7. ICICI Emeralde Private Credit Card
Best For: All-Round Rewards & Travel
- Joining Fee: ₹12,499 + Taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹12,499 + Taxes (Waived on spending ₹10 Lakh)
Key Benefits:
- Unlimited lounge access globally
- Taj Epicure membership and milestone vouchers
- 6 ICICI reward points per ₹200 on all spends
- Unlimited golf rounds and lessons
- Complimentary EazyDiner membership
- Buy 1 ticket get discount on the second ticket on BookMyShow
Good all-rounder for high-spenders seeking travel, dining, and lifestyle rewards.
8. IDFC FIRST Private Credit Card
Best For: Rewards and Travel
- Joining Fee: ₹50,000 + Taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹50,000 + Taxes
Key Benefits:
- 1,00,000 reward points worth ₹25,000 as welcome bonus
- Complimentary Club ITC Culinaire Select & Accor Plus Explorer memberships
- Unlimited lounge access and golf privileges
- 0% forex markup and cash withdrawal interest
- Milestone benefits on hotel stays and dining
Invite-only card offering excellent value for luxury travelers and reward enthusiasts.
9. Axis Bank Magnus for Burgundy Credit Card
Best For: Travel & Reward Optimization
- Joining Fee: ₹30,000 + Taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹30,000 + Taxes (Waived on spending ₹30 Lakh)
Key Benefits:
- 12–60 EDGE points per ₹200 spent depending on category
- Unlimited international lounge visits with additional guest passes
- Low forex mark-up fee of 2%
- Complimentary airport meet & greet services
- Welcome gift voucher worth ₹5,000
Exclusive card for Burgundy customers with high-value rewards on travel and shopping.
How to Choose the Right Premium Credit Card
When selecting a premium card, consider:
- Travel Frequency: Cards with unlimited lounge access and low forex fees are ideal for frequent travelers.
- Reward Structure: Evaluate how reward points can be redeemed for air miles, hotel stays, or other benefits.
- Lifestyle Perks: Memberships, golf rounds, concierge services, and hotel privileges can add significant value.
- Annual Fee vs. Benefits: High fees are justified if the benefits exceed the cost for your spending habits.
Final Thoughts
Premium credit cards in India 2025 offer unmatched travel, lifestyle, and reward benefits for those who spend and travel frequently. By choosing the right card aligned with your lifestyle, you can maximize rewards, enjoy luxury perks, and get the best value for your high spending.