My annual credit card review for 2025

💳 As 2025 comes to an end, it’s time for my annual #CreditCard review!
As the Indian CC industry matures, one trend has become impossible to ignore: #devaluations everywhere.
Almost every major issuer announced some form of #reward cut or restriction this year.

🔻 Major devaluations impacting most cardholders
- #AirportLounge access now requires a minimum spend in the previous quarter/month, for most cards!
- Reward reductions or exclusions on categories like: Government payments, Rent, Wallet reloads, Utility & bill payments
- Reduced acceptance of #RuPay CCs on #UPI, as merchants become more aware of MDR costs

💎 But there are still a few gems left (especially from #FinTechs)
- #Jupiter Edge Credit Card - Up to 10% discounts on select apps, 1% cashback on UPI spends, Occasional milestone rewards that meaningfully boost value
- Zero #Forex Cards (#UNI, #Scapia) - Excellent for international travel. No FX markup makes a huge difference abroad, a must-have if you travel even once a year

👛 Cards that currently earn a place in my wallet
- #HDFC Infinia - My default card for most spends. The reward ecosystem remains strong; most of my flights are funded through reward points.
- #SBI Cashback Card - My go-to for online shopping. Flat 5% cashback across most platforms, simple and effective.
- Jupiter Edge CC (for UPI spends) - Replaced HDFC Tata Neu this year after reward restructuring reduced its attractiveness. Though HDFC Tata Neu remains a great card for someone who shops a lot within the Tata Digital network
- Used UNI extensively during my trips abroad

🔮 What to expect in 2026
- Further reward tightening, especially in premium cards. Banks were once generous in their efforts to acquire customers; that phase is ending.
- “Abusers beware” - Banks like Axis are already flagging spending patterns that don’t align with declared income or indicate reward exploitation. With better data analytics, expect more scrutiny across issuers.
- FinTech consolidation - Insane rewards funded by VC money aren’t sustainable. Expect shutdowns, acquisitions, or sharp devaluations as leakage gets plugged.

🧠 Closing thoughts
- It’s perfectly okay not to own a credit card - Rewards won’t make anyone rich
- There is no perfect credit card. The best card depends entirely on your spending pattern.
- If you own a credit card, follow one golden rule: OTIF - On Time, In Full
Miss this, and all rewards instantly become meaningless.

A few referral links -
- Jupiter Edge CC - https://lnkd.in/gPxKQ8YA
- HDFC Tata Neu CC - https://lnkd.in/gPxKQ8YA
https://lnkd.in/g2Q8vwHY
- UNI Gold Card - https://lnkd.in/gmYQ9jt8