For women, a credit card can be more than just a payment method. It can help build credit, manage expenses, and provide financial security. Some cards offer cashback, while others focus on travel rewards or shopping discounts.

Women should pick a card that aligns with their lifestyle. If they love shopping, a cashback card on retail purchases is ideal. Frequent travellers can opt for a card with air miles and lounge access. Let’s explore the best credit cards available for women in India.

Pay Bills on Time

Late payments lead to high-interest charges and penalties. Missing payments also lowers the credit score. Women should set reminders or enable autopay to ensure they never miss the due date. A good credit score helps in getting better loan deals in the future.

Adhil Shetty, CEO of Bankbazaar.com, says, “Most credit cards offer an interest-free period of 45-50 days. This is a great way to manage cash flow without paying extra. Women can plan big purchases accordingly. However, it is important to clear the full bill before the due date to avoid interest charges.”

Also Read: Should you buy jewellery using your credit card?

Avoid Minimum Payments

Paying only the minimum amount may seem tempting. But it leads to mounting debt due to high-interest rates. Always pay the total outstanding amount to stay debt-free. If the full amount isn’t possible, at least pay more than the minimum to reduce interest costs.

Earn and Redeem Rewards

Many credit cards offer reward points on transactions. Women should check their card benefits and make purchases accordingly. Accumulated points can be redeemed for shopping vouchers, travel tickets, or discounts on bills. Some banks also provide exclusive women-centric deals.

Use EMI Facility Wisely

Credit cards allow big-ticket purchases to be converted into EMIs. This makes expensive items more affordable. However, one must check the interest rate and processing fee before opting for EMIs. Zero-cost EMI options are the best choice.

Be Aware of Hidden Charges

Credit cards come with several fees, including annual fees, late payment charges, and foreign transaction fees. Women should read the terms carefully and choose a card with minimal fees. Some banks waive the annual fee if a certain spending limit is met.

Shetty explains, “Credit cards can be a great financial ally for women. With the right approach, they can enjoy benefits while staying debt-free. Smart usage, timely payments, and keeping track of expenses are key. A well-managed credit card can open doors to financial independence and better opportunities.”

Best Credit Cards for Women in India

* BOBCARD Tiara Credit Card

This card comes with a joining and annual fee of Rs 2,499, which can be waived on achieving milestone spends. It offers 15 reward points per Rs 100 on dining, travel, and international transactions, along with 5X reward points on select categories (capped at 5,000 points per cycle). Cardholders get unlimited domestic airport lounge access, a complimentary women’s health package (including Pap smear and mammography), and special discounts at Myntra, Nykaa, Flipkart, and Lakmé Salon. Other benefits include a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, an easy EMI option, and zero liability on fraudulent transactions.

* Divaā Credit Card (Union Bank of India)

This card has a joining fee of Rs 499 + GST, with an annual fee of Rs 499, which can be waived on annual spends of Rs 30,000. It offers 2 reward points per Rs 100 spent (redeemable at Rs 0.25 per point) and includes complimentary domestic lounge access (8 visits per year) and international lounge access (2 visits per year). Additional benefits include Rs 10 lakh personal accident insurance, exclusive Nykaa, Myntra, Flipkart vouchers, Swiggy One free deliveries, BookMyShow discounts (Rs 250 off per quarter), and UPI linkage for seamless payments.

* IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card

This entry-level credit card has no joining or annual fee and is accessible without income proof or credit history. It offers 4 reward points per Rs 150 spent, with no expiry on reward points. There is also a 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to Rs 200 per month), Rs 2 lakh personal accident cover, Rs 25,000 lost card liability cover, and complimentary roadside assistance.

* IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card

This premium card has zero joining and annual fees with lifetime reward points validity. Cardholders earn 10X reward points on spends above Rs 20,000 and 3 reward points per Rs 150 spent on other transactions. It includes 2 complimentary domestic and 2 international lounge access per quarter, along with 2 complimentary spa visits at domestic airports per quarter. Other benefits include Rs 10 lakh personal accident cover, Rs 1 crore air accident cover, complimentary golf rounds and lessons, and roadside assistance.

* Cashback SBI Card

This card has no joining fee and an annual fee of Rs 999, which is waived on spending Rs 2 lakh in a year. It is ideal for cashback lovers, offering 5% cashback on online spends and 1% on offline transactions. The card also provides a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs 500 and Rs 3,000.

* SBI Simply CLICK Credit Card

This entry-level credit card comes with a joining fee of Rs 499 and an annual fee of Rs 499, which is waived on spending Rs 1 lakh in a year. It is designed for online shopping and offers 10 reward points per Rs 100 spent on partner brands (Apollo24x7, BookMyShow, Cleartrip, Swiggy, etc.), 5 reward points per Rs 100 on all other online purchases, and 1 reward point per Rs 100 on other spends. Additional perks include a Rs 500 Amazon gift card on joining and milestone benefits with Rs 2,000 e-vouchers for annual online spends of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh.

RBL Shoprite Credit Card

With a joining and annual fee of Rs 500 (waived on annual spends of Rs 1.5 lakh), this card is suited for entertainment and shopping. It offers 20 reward points per Rs 100 on grocery purchases, 1 reward point per Rs 100 on other spends, and a 10% discount on BookMyShow movie tickets. It also provides 2,000 welcome reward points and annual fee reversal on spending Rs 1.5 lakh.

* Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

This co-branded credit card comes with a joining fee of Rs 500 and an annual fee of Rs 500, which is waived on spending Rs 3.5 lakh annually. It is designed for cashback and shopping, offering 5% unlimited cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip. Cardholders receive Rs 600 worth of welcome benefits, four complimentary domestic lounge access per year, and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver.

* American Express SmartEarn Credit Card

This rewards-based credit card has a joining fee of Rs 495 and an annual fee of Rs 495, which is waived on spending Rs 40,000 annually. It provides 10X reward points on Nykaa, Zomato, Ajio, BookMyShow, and Uber, 5X reward points on Amazon, and 1X reward points per Rs 50 on other categories (excluding fuel, utilities, EMI conversions, etc.). Additional benefits include a Rs 500 cashback on spending Rs 10,000 within the first 90 days and milestone vouchers worth Rs 500 on reaching Rs 1.2 lakh, Rs 1.8 lakh, and Rs 2.4 lakh spend targets.

(Disclaimer: Credit card dada has been provided by Bankbazaar.com)