Using a credit card now gets you more than just being able to pay quickly; you can get bonuses, discounts, and unique privileges. When a major brand, such as an airline, partners with a bank, the result is a co-branded credit card that offers exciting perks unavailable on standard cards.
If you want to apply for one, this guide describes what to look for, how co-branded cards differ from standard cards, India’s best picks, and useful tips for selecting the best deal for you. Consulting with an expert is the best way to learn DSA full form and more.
Learn the Basics of Co-Branded Credit Cards
Banks and firms like Amazon, Flipkart, airlines, hotels, or fuel companies partner to produce co-branded credit cards. They offer personalized benefits, special deals, and exclusive perks that go together with the types of offerings and services the partner brand offers, adding more value for the cardholder.
How are These Credit Cards Different from The Normal Ones?
With a co-branded credit card, you can save 5% on purchases from Amazon and 10% at Flipkart.
- If you spend enough annually, you can have your annual fee waived.
- You can usually only use rewards through the brands that offer them, such as earning airline miles or e-shopping vouchers.
- These cards might not require as many matter-of-fact conditions because of certain brand offers.
- Instead, general credit cards have broad rewards, more choices for using your points, and you qualify if you meet income and credit score requirements.
Some of the Unique Benefits You Might Have
We are familiar with the basics of co-branded credit cards, now it is time to have a look at the quality benefits you can have for choosing the right credit card in India.
- Higher Discounts
You get 5% cashback on all your Amazon purchases with the Amazon Pay ICICI Card. Flipkart customers get 5% cashback on Flipkart and 4% on select partner brands when using the Axis Bank Card, so it’s valuable for frequent buyers.
- Better Reward Points
Using a card like the Vistara IDFC First Card automatically gets you frequent flyer miles on all your purchases. Hotel cards for brands such as Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Card bring benefits, including free stays, upgraded accommodation, and bonus points, to find enjoyment in traveling and staying in hotels.
- Waiver on Fuel Use
Fuel transactions made with the card can earn you 4.25% value back, with just 1% value back on other spending. Every ₹150 spent on the HPCL Bank of Baroda Card gets you fuel surcharge discounts and points, while both cards earn you benefits if you use fuel regularly.
- Brand Perks
Frequent Swiggy customers will like the Swiggy HDFC Card, since it gives 10% cashback on each order. Zomato RBL Card users get 10% off all orders placed for delivery or dining through Zomato, so both cards save food lovers money on what they love to eat.
- Low Fees
With some co-branded cards, you are not charged the annual fee if you spend a certain amount each year. In addition, a number of cards award welcome gifts such as online coupons or free airplane trips, which attract new members and encourage them to fully use their cards right away.
Popular Co-Branded Credit Cards You Can Choose
The card you should choose will depend on how you usually spend. Online shoppers can use the Amazon Pay ICICI Card or the Flipkart Axis Bank Card. The Vistara IDFC First Card or the Air India SBI Card are popular with frequent travelers. Check a DSA partner app that can help you learn many more important aspects.
And food lovers will likely find the Swiggy HDFC or Zomato RBL Cards most useful. The BPCL, SBI, or HPCL Bank of Baroda Cards have the best deals for fuel saving. Holders of the BookMyShow HDFC Card can buy one ticket and get another one for free.
Tips that Will Help You Get the Best Card
- If you shop often at Amazon, look for a card that works well with Amazon, and if you travel frequently, pick one that aligns with airlines.
- Discover which rewards matter most to you—is it cashback or points?
- How simple is it to use them? Look out for annual charges and charges for using your card in another country.
Don’t register for multiple cards, as you could damage your credit reputation in the process. In addition, make sure to use welcome offers to get the greatest advantages at the beginning.
