Premium cards charge a higher annual fee but return far more value to people who spend a lot — through high reward rates, welcome vouchers, unlimited lounge access, hotel memberships and golf.
Before applying, do a simple check: add up the value of the benefits you will actually use in a year. If it's clearly more than the fee, the card is worth it.
⭐ Top pick
Axis Bank
Magnus
★ 4.5 / 5
Super-premium card with unlimited international lounges
- 💎35 points/₹200 above ₹1.5L monthly spend
- ♾️Unlimited lounges international + domestic
- 🎫₹12,500 voucher welcome benefit
Annual fee₹12,500/yr
Rewards≈1.2% – 3.5%+ in points
Apply Now — it's free →
⭐ Top pick
14 lounge visits, free movie tickets and 50,000 bonus points a year
- ✈️8 + 6 lounges domestic + international
- 🎬2 free tickets/month on BookMyShow
- 🏆50,000 points in yearly milestones
Annual fee₹4,999/yr
Rewards0.5% – 2.5% value back
Apply Now — it's free →
15 reward points per ₹100 online, plus unlimited lounge visits
- 🛒15 pts / ₹100 online, travel, dining & movies
- ✈️Unlimited lounges domestic, spend-linked
- 🌍2% forex lower than most cards
Annual fee₹2,499/yr
Rewards0.75% – 3.75% value back
Apply Now — it's free →
HDFC Bank
Marriott Bonvoy
★ 4.3 / 5
Free Marriott night every year + 24 lounge visits
- 🏨Free night worth up to 15,000 points, every year
- ✈️12 + 12 lounges India & abroad, no spend needed
- ⭐Silver Elite Marriott Bonvoy status
Annual fee₹3,000/yr
Rewards2 – 8 Bonvoy points / ₹150
Apply Now — it's free →
IDFC FIRST Bank
FIRST Mayura
★ 4.3 / 5
0% forex + 32 airport lounge visits a year
- 🌍0% forex on international spends
- ✈️32 lounges/year 16 domestic + 16 international
- 🎬Buy 1 Get 1 on BookMyShow
Annual fee₹5,999/yr
Rewards5X – 10X reward points
Apply Now — it's free →
Who should get a premium credit card?
People with a high income who spend ₹50,000 or more a month on their cards and travel regularly.
Can the annual fee be waived?
Most premium cards waive the renewal fee if you cross a yearly spend target. Many also give a welcome voucher that offsets the joining fee.
What income do I need?
Usually ₹12 lakh to ₹24 lakh+ a year, depending on the card. Each card page lists the minimum.
Approval is at the bank's discretion. Check final terms on the bank's page before applying.
