For those seeking the best in convenience and luxury, premium credit cards are designed to offer more than just the standard benefits. These high-end credit cards, typically referred to as “super premium” cards, are curated for individuals with a high-income bracket, excellent credit scores, and significant financial relationships with their banks. Total Relationship Value (TRV), which considers the combined value of a customer’s savings, loans, credit, and insurance accounts with a bank, plays a significant role in determining eligibility for these cards.
These luxury cards come with an array of benefits like unlimited airport lounge access, travel perks, golf privileges, and exclusive memberships. While they often carry high fees, the rewards and privileges generally outweigh the costs for regular users.
Here’s a breakdown of the seven best luxury credit cards available in India, designed for those who want to enjoy the finer things in life.
1. HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition)
Joining Fee: ₹12,500
Annual Fee: ₹12,500
- Airport Lounge Access: Unlimited access for both primary and add-on cardholders.
- Reward Points: Earn 10X reward points for travel and shopping on HDFC’s SmartBuy platform, and 5 points for every ₹150 spent on categories like insurance, utilities, and education.
- Other Perks: Memberships to premium hotels, restaurants, and discounts on various luxury services.
The HDFC Infinia Metal Edition is known for its flexibility in redeeming reward points and is a favorite among high-spenders, especially frequent travelers. With its high earning potential on SmartBuy, this card brings immense value for big spenders.
2. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹12,499
Annual Fee: ₹12,499 (Waived if annual spends exceed ₹10 lakh)
- Airport Lounge Access: Unlimited, with access to domestic and international lounges.
- Reward Points: Earn 6 reward points per ₹200 spent on regular transactions, including groceries, utilities, and insurance. The points can be redeemed for a variety of services, with a value of up to ₹1 per point.
- Additional Benefits: Access to EasyDiner Prime Membership for 12 months, unlimited golf rounds, and exclusive hotel stay offers.
The ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is perfect for individuals who enjoy frequent dining out and travel. Its mix of golf privileges, high-value reward points, and premium hotel memberships makes it a top choice.
3. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹10,000
Annual Fee: ₹10,000
- Airport Lounge Access: Unlimited access for both the primary and add-on members.
- Reward Points: Earn 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent, and up to 10X points on purchases through the HDFC SmartBuy platform. On dining during weekends, you can earn 2X points.
- Additional Benefits: Membership renewals are free if annual spending exceeds ₹8 lakh. Forex markup fees are as low as 2%.
This card offers exceptional rewards for frequent travelers and diners, thanks to its 10X points on SmartBuy transactions and the added benefit of unlimited lounge access.
4. Axis Bank Olympus Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹20,000
Annual Fee: ₹20,000
- Airport Lounge Access: Unlimited access to lounges in both domestic and international airports.
- Reward Points: Earn up to 2 Edge Miles for every ₹100 spent, with 1 Edge Mile translating to 4 partner points.
- Additional Benefits: Get 10,000 Taj/ITC Hotel Vouchers and 2,500 Edge Miles on joining. Access to free airport concierge services and 8 free rounds of golf per month.
Axis Bank Olympus offers an unbeatable combination of high rewards on travel, premium hotel stays, and concierge services, making it ideal for frequent flyers and luxury seekers.
5. Axis Magnus Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹12,500
Annual Fee: ₹12,500
- Airport Lounge Access: Unlimited access to domestic and international lounges, with 4 guest passes annually.
- Reward Points: Earn 60 Edge Reward Points for every ₹200 spent. These points can be converted into air miles or hotel loyalty points.
- Welcome Offer: Get Luxe Gift Cards or a voucher for The Post Card Hotel worth ₹12,500 within 30 days of card issuance.
With a strong focus on travel benefits, Axis Magnus offers some of the best conversion rates for air miles, making it a great option for those who spend frequently on travel and dining.
6. YES Bank Marquee Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹9,999
Annual Fee: ₹4,999
- Airport Lounge Access: 24 visits per year to domestic and international airport lounges.
- Reward Points: Earn 36 YES Rewardz points per ₹200 spent online, and 18 YES Rewardz points per ₹200 spent offline.
- Other Perks: Up to 12 free golf lessons annually, plus BookMyShow offers where you can buy 1 ticket and get up to ₹800 off on the second.
The YES Bank Marquee Credit Card is excellent for frequent shoppers and moviegoers, with its high-value reward points and BookMyShow discounts making it a preferred option.
7. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹50,000
Annual Fee: ₹50,000
- Airport Lounge Access: Unlimited access to domestic and international lounges via Priority Pass.
- Reward Points: Earn up to 30 Edge Reward Points per ₹200 spent, with 2X points on international transactions.
- Additional Benefits: Complimentary memberships to ITC Culinaire, Accor Plus, Club Marriott, and other luxury hotels.
As one of the most premium cards on the list, Axis Bank Reserve offers unparalleled luxury benefits, including concierge services, luxury hotel memberships, and high rewards for international spenders.
Final Thoughts on Luxury Credit Cards
While these luxury credit cards come with high annual fees, their extensive benefits — such as unlimited airport lounge access, premium hotel stays, golf privileges, and superior rewards points — make them highly attractive for high-income individuals who travel frequently. Choosing the right card depends on your specific needs, such as travel habits, dining preferences, and spending behavior.
