Choose a card around how you actually spend.
Start with your spending pattern, fee tolerance and repayment habits — not the biggest headline reward. We help you shortlist the card type worth applying for.
- Credit type
- Revolving
- Benefits
- Card-specific
- Costs
- Multiple
- Approval
- Issuer-led
Which kind of spender are you?
The right card depends on spending pattern, fee tolerance, reward redemption and repayment discipline. If you carry a balance, interest cost matters far more than rewards.
Rewards or cashback card
You put groceries, bills, fuel and dining on a card and want something back without thinking about it.
Travel & lifestyle card
Flights, hotels and airport visits make up a real share of your spending.
Low-fee or lifetime-free card
You spend modestly and would rather keep costs predictable than chase points.
Secured or entry-level card
You are new to credit, rebuilding, or your profile is thin.
Card types at a glance.
| Card type | Best for | Fees | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
Everyday rewardsEarn reward points on regular spends such as groceries, bills and dining. |
Regular, varied spending | Fee varies; may be waived on spend | Points that expire or are hard to redeem |
CashbackGet a share of eligible spend back as statement credit or cashback. |
Simple, no-fuss value | Fee varies by card | Category caps and monthly limits |
Travel & lifestyleAirport lounges, hotel and dining benefits, and travel-linked rewards. |
Frequent travellers | Often a higher annual fee | Fee outweighing the benefits you use |
Fuel & utilitySavings on fuel, bills and everyday utility payments. |
Commuters and households | Fee varies by card | Exclusions and per-transaction caps |
Low-fee & lifetime-freeMinimal or no annual fee with straightforward benefits. |
First card, light usage | Low or no annual fee | Fewer perks and lower limits |
Secured cardBacked by a fixed deposit, which can help build or rebuild a credit history. |
Thin or damaged credit history | Fee varies; deposit is locked | Deposit stays tied up as security |
Artwork is cosmetic. These charges are not.
A card is only a good deal if the benefits you actually use outweigh what it costs you.
- 01
Annual & joining fee
Check the fee, and the spend threshold that waives it, against the benefits you will really use.
- 02
Interest on balances
Finance charges on unpaid balances can quickly exceed any reward earned.
- 03
Reward rules
Look at earn rates, category caps, expiry and how points are redeemed.
- 04
Other charges
Cash advances, late payment, foreign currency and over-limit charges add up.
For most people, paying the full statement balance on time matters more than maximising points.
- Compare the annual fee with realistic benefits
- Check reward expiry and redemption rules
- Understand finance charges and cash-advance fees
- Use credit within a repayment plan
How issuers decide, and what to keep ready.
What issuers look at
- Income & profile
Issuers assess income, employment or business profile and existing obligations.
- Credit history
Bureau behaviour can influence approval and the credit limit you are assigned.
- Usage pattern
Your spend categories decide whether rewards and benefits are genuinely useful.
- Fee economics
Weigh annual fee, waiver thresholds and other charges against expected value.
Documents checklist
Issuers typically ask for KYC and income or profile documents. Exact requirements vary by issuer and card programme.
- PAN or other accepted KYC
- Current address details
- Employment or business information
- Income proof where required
- Salary or banking information, as applicable
- Issuer-specific declarations
Credit card FAQs
Straight answers on limits, charges and eligibility before you apply.
Tell us how you spend and we'll suggest the card type worth shortlisting.
Talk to us- No credit check to enquire with us
- Issuer decides approval and limit
Q1Which credit card is best for me?
It depends on how you spend and pay. Everyday spenders often prefer rewards or cashback, frequent travellers look at travel cards, and first-time users may start with a low-fee or secured card.
Q2What decides my credit limit?
The issuer sets your limit based on income, existing obligations and credit history. It can differ from the limit you expected or applied for.
Q3Will applying affect my credit score?
Issuers typically check your credit bureau record when you apply, and multiple applications in a short time can weigh on your profile. Sharing your requirement with us does not, by itself, run a credit check.
Q4Are there hidden charges?
Fees are usually disclosed in the card's terms. Look closely at annual fee, interest on balances, late payment, cash advance and foreign currency charges before you apply.
Q5Can I get a card with a low or no credit history?
Some issuers offer secured cards backed by a fixed deposit, or entry-level cards with lower limits. Eligibility remains at the issuer's discretion.
Q6Is Shubhbank the card issuer?
No. Shubhbank helps you compare card types and prepare your application. Approval, limit and card terms are decided by the issuer.