The more you explore co-branded credit cards, the better you will understand why cardholders prize their features. As you know, there are a variety of credit cards available. Each offers a unique benefit to match your spending habits.
One such type of credit card is offered together by a financial company and a brand. Co-branded cards are basically a collaboration of two entities to offer better deals to their customers. Here is a complete overview of these cards.
Definition of Co-branded Credit Cards
A co-branded credit card offers you the benefits of a regular credit card while bringing you some added benefits. With these cards, you can enjoy one or more of the following:
- Discounts
- Reward points
- Air miles
- Fuel surcharge waivers
- Shopping benefits
- Dining discounts
- Merchandise and/or welcome benefits
Usually, two business entities are involved: the card issuer and another business platform or company. Thanks to two companies working together, you can get twice the benefit in a single card.
Categories of Co-branded Credit Cards
Every card comes with its own focus area and benefits, so you should choose whichever is applicable to your life the most. Some types of co-branded credit cards are:
- Travel: Enjoy discounts on hotel and flight booking along with lounge access and more
- Fuel: Get fuel benefits and waivers on surcharges up to a fixed limit in a month
- Shopping: Shop at partner stores to get discounts and cashback on your purchase
- Entertainment: Get discounts on movie tickets and OTT platform subscriptions
- Grocery: Save more on your grocery shopping at partner outlets
- Food: Leverage dining benefits and discounts on online food orders via partners
Based on your lifestyle, you can choose a card within the category that you use the most for higher rewards.
How to Choose a Co-branded Credit Card?
If you wish to enjoy all its benefits, here are some tips for choosing the best option.
- Choose the credit card related to a brand/company you purchase from most frequently to earn maximum rewards
- Get a card that gives you your preferred reward option between points, air miles and cashback
- Select a card with the lowest interest rate and fees (annual and joining)
- Try to find a credit card with a mobile app that allows you to keep track of your expenses easily
- Choose a card that gives you maximum credit limit as it keeps your credit utilisation ratio low
Popular Co-branded Credit Cards
Here, you can find a list of India’s most popular co-branded credit cards in 2024. Each credit card comes with its own features to add value to your experience. While some are ideal for travel bookings, others offer more savings on online shopping or fuel purchases. Based on your lifestyle, you can choose any one from this list:
| Credit cards | Best for | Fees |
| Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card |
|
Joining fees – ₹500 + GST
Renewal Fees – ₹500 + GST |
| Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card |
|
Joining fees – Free
Renewal Fees – Free |
| Indian Oil Axis Bank RuPay Credit Card |
|
Joining fees – ₹500 + GST
Renewal Fees – ₹500 + GST |
| EazyDiner IndusInd Platinum Credit Card |
|
Joining fees – Free
Renewal Fees – Free |
| Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card |
|
Joining fees – Free
Renewal Fees – Free |
| Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card |
|
Joining fees – ₹350 + GST
Renewal Fees -₹350 + GST |
| Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card |
|
Joining fees – Free
Renewal Fees – Free |
| HDFC Bank Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card |
|
Joining fees – ₹3000 + GST
Renewal Fees – ₹3000 + GST |
| IRCTC SBI Card Premier |
|
Joining fees – ₹1499 + GST
Renewal Fees – ₹1499 |
| Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME |
|
Joining fees – ₹2999 + GST
Renewal Fees – ₹2999 + GST |
Each of these credit cards can be used for its particular benefit, and you can enjoy exclusive offers from the brand. Some of them may have higher annual fees but the features make them worthwhile.
You can explore as many co-branded credit cards as you prefer, but if you want an all-rounder credit card, consider the One Credit Card. It comes with numerous benefits in various categories with seasonal discounts. Moreover, there are no joining charges or annual fees, which makes it more pocket friendly.
You can get 5X reward points on your top two purchase categories each month – based on your spending patterns. This is a stylish metal card also links to a powerful mobile app to make tracking your purchases and redeeming points effortless. To get started, you can apply now, and enjoy these benefits right away.