7 Best Cashback and Discount Credit Cards for Festive Shopping in 2026; One Is Lifetime Free

7 Credit Cards to Consider for Online Festive Shopping in 2026

Festive sales are among the busiest shopping periods in India, with consumers purchasing electronics, clothing, home appliances, groceries and gifts through online marketplaces.

Credit cards can help shoppers save through cashback, reward points, instant discounts and special shopping offers. However, the actual benefit depends on the card's reward structure, annual fee, spending limits and applicable terms and conditions.

According to an October 2026 report by Economic Times, seven credit cards offer cashback or rewards that may benefit online shoppers during the festive season. One of these cards has no joining or annual fee.

1. SBI Cashback Credit Card

The SBI Cashback Credit Card is designed for consumers who frequently shop online.

Key benefits:

• 5% cashback on eligible online transactions.

• 1% cashback on eligible offline transactions.

• 1% fuel surcharge waiver on eligible fuel transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000.

• Cashback is automatically credited to the card account.

• Maximum combined cashback of ₹4,000 per statement cycle, according to the report.

Fees:

• Joining fee: ₹999 plus applicable taxes.

• Annual renewal fee: ₹999 plus applicable taxes.

The card may appeal to shoppers who regularly purchase products across different online platforms. However, applicants should verify the current exclusions and cashback rules before applying.

2. HSBC Live+ Credit Card

The HSBC Live+ Credit Card offers accelerated cashback on selected spending categories, including shopping, groceries, dining and food delivery.

According to the Economic Times report, the card's promotional offer provides 10% cashback on Myntra purchases during the specified offer period from July 31 to October 31, 2026. The offer is subject to applicable conditions and spending limits.

Key benefits:

• Promotional 10% cashback on eligible Myntra purchases during the offer period.

• 10% accelerated cashback on eligible dining, food delivery, grocery, shopping and utility spending, subject to the stated monthly cap.

• 1.5% cashback on most other eligible transactions.

• Two complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per calendar year.

Fees:

• Joining fee: ₹999.

• Annual fee: ₹999.

• Annual fee waiver if eligible annual spending exceeds ₹2 lakh, according to the report.

The card may suit consumers who spend regularly on groceries, dining, food delivery and shopping. However, the promotional Myntra offer has a specified validity period, so shoppers should confirm whether it remains active when making a purchase.

3. HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card

The HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card offers accelerated CashPoints on selected retail and online shopping platforms.

Its 10X rewards feature provides additional CashPoints on eligible spending at platforms including Amazon, BigBasket, Flipkart, Reliance Smart Superstore and Swiggy.

Key benefits:

• 10X CashPoints on eligible purchases at selected merchants.

• A maximum of 2,500 CashPoints per month under the specified 10X feature.

• Two CashPoints for every ₹200 spent on other eligible transactions.

• A ₹500 gift voucher for eligible quarterly spending of ₹50,000 or more, subject to the applicable terms.

Fees:

• Joining and renewal membership fee: ₹500 plus applicable taxes.

This card may be worth considering for shoppers who frequently use the listed platforms. Before applying, consumers should check the CashPoints redemption value and the conditions attached to the gift voucher.

4. BOBCard Cashback Credit Card

The BOBCard Cashback Credit Card offers cashback across eligible domestic transactions.

Key benefits:

• 5% cashback on eligible domestic spending, subject to a monthly limit of ₹1,500.

• 1% cashback on eligible transactions under the card's applicable reward structure.

• 1% fuel surcharge waiver on eligible fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000.

• Fuel surcharge waiver capped at ₹250 per statement cycle, according to the report.

Fee options:

• Monthly fee: ₹49, or

• Joining and annual fee: ₹499 per year.

The card could be suitable for consumers looking for cashback across eligible domestic spending. However, applicants should compare the fee structure with their expected monthly expenses to determine whether the rewards justify the cost.

5. HDFC Millennia Credit Card

The HDFC Millennia Credit Card offers cashback on purchases made through selected online shopping and lifestyle platforms.

Key benefits:

• 5% cashback on eligible purchases at Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Swiggy, Zomato and other specified merchants.

• 1% cashback on other eligible spending.

• A ₹1,000 gift voucher for eligible spending of ₹1 lakh in a calendar quarter, subject to the applicable conditions.

Fees:

• Joining and renewal membership fee: ₹1,000 plus applicable taxes.

The card may suit consumers who regularly shop online and spend on food delivery. However, the annual fee and quarterly spending requirement should be considered before choosing it.

6. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card

The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is the lifetime-free option highlighted in the report.

The card offers reward benefits on Amazon.in and selected other transactions. Its rewards are credited as Amazon Pay balance, subject to the applicable terms.

Key benefits:

• Up to 5% rewards on eligible Amazon.in purchases for Amazon Prime members.

• 3% rewards on eligible Amazon.in purchases for non-Prime members.

• 1% rewards on eligible spending outside Amazon at participating merchants, subject to the card's terms.

• 5% cashback on eligible flight and hotel bookings through Amazon Pay for Prime members.

• 3% cashback on eligible Amazon Pay flight and hotel bookings for non-Prime members.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Nil.

• Annual fee: Nil.

Because the card does not carry a joining or annual fee, it may appeal to regular Amazon shoppers who want rewards without paying a recurring card membership charge.

However, consumers should review the current exclusions and reward conditions. A lifetime-free card does not automatically mean every purchase qualifies for the highest reward rate.

7. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

The Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card offers cashback on selected e-commerce platforms and other eligible spending categories.

Key benefits:

• 7.5% cashback on eligible Myntra purchases, capped at ₹4,000 per statement quarter.

• 5% cashback on eligible Flipkart and Cleartrip purchases, subject to a quarterly cap of ₹24,000 per merchant.

• 4% cashback on selected preferred merchants, including FitPass, Uber, Swiggy and PVR.

• 1% cashback on other eligible transactions.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Nil under the limited-period offer reported by Economic Times.

• Annual fee: ₹500 from the second year.

This card may be suitable for consumers who regularly shop on Flipkart and Myntra or use its selected partner services. Applicants should confirm the latest joining offer, annual fee and cashback exclusions before applying.

Comparison of the Seven Credit Cards

Credit CardHighlighted BenefitJoining/Annual FeeSBI Cashback5% cashback on eligible online spending₹999 joining; ₹999 annual renewal, plus taxesHSBC Live+Promotional 10% cashback on eligible Myntra spending; accelerated cashback on selected categories₹999 joining and annual fee; waiver conditions applyHDFC MoneyBack+10X CashPoints on selected merchants₹500 plus applicable taxesBOBCard Cashback5% cashback on eligible domestic spending, subject to a cap₹49 monthly or ₹499 annual fee optionHDFC Millennia5% cashback on selected online platforms₹1,000 plus applicable taxesAmazon Pay ICICI BankUp to 5% rewards on eligible Amazon purchases for Prime membersLifetime freeFlipkart Axis Bank7.5% cashback on eligible Myntra purchases and 5% on Flipkart and CleartripLimited-period joining offer; ₹500 annual fee from year two

Note: These details reflect the Economic Times report published on October 24, 2026. Credit card benefits, promotional offers, fees and eligibility rules may change. Check the issuer's official website for the latest terms before applying.

Which Credit Card Is Best for Festive Shopping?

There is no single credit card that is best for every shopper. The right option depends on where you shop, how much you spend and whether the rewards exceed the card's fees.

For Amazon shoppers

The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card may be worth considering for eligible Amazon purchases, particularly for Prime members. Its lifetime-free structure also avoids joining and annual membership fees.

For Flipkart and Myntra shoppers

The Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card may be useful for shoppers who regularly purchase products through Flipkart and Myntra, provided the cashback limits and exclusions match their spending habits.

For shoppers across multiple online platforms

The SBI Cashback Credit Card may appeal to consumers who shop across several eligible online merchants. However, the ₹4,000 combined monthly cashback limit and annual fee should be considered.

For groceries, dining and everyday purchases

The HSBC Live+ Credit Card may suit consumers who spend regularly on groceries, dining, food delivery and utilities. The value depends on category eligibility, promotional validity and monthly cashback limits.

For selected retail partners

The HDFC MoneyBack+ and HDFC Millennia cards may suit consumers who frequently use their listed partner platforms. Compare the redemption value of rewards and applicable spending requirements before deciding.

Hidden Costs to Check Before Applying

A high advertised cashback rate does not always translate into the highest actual savings. Consumers should check the following before choosing a card:

• Annual and joining fees: Calculate whether the expected cashback exceeds the cost of holding the card.

• Cashback caps: Some cards restrict the maximum rewards available per month or quarter.

• Merchant exclusions: Certain transactions, payment methods or categories may not qualify for cashback.

• Minimum spending conditions: Promotional benefits may require a minimum transaction or spending amount.

• Reward redemption rules: Check how rewards are credited, whether they expire and how they can be used.

• EMI charges: Processing fees, interest and other charges can reduce the benefit of an advertised offer.

• Late-payment penalties and interest: Unpaid balances can quickly outweigh the value of cashback.

• Offer validity: Festive promotions may expire or change before the purchase is completed.

Consumers should compare the final payable amount after all applicable discounts and charges rather than choosing a card based only on its headline cashback rate.

How to Maximise Festive Shopping Savings

A few practical steps can help shoppers make better use of credit card offers:

1. Choose a card that matches your usual shopping platforms and spending categories.

2. Check whether the merchant offers an additional bank discount or an instant sale price.

3. Compare the final price across different sellers before making a purchase.

4. Read the cashback terms, transaction exclusions and maximum reward limits.

5. Avoid making unnecessary purchases simply to qualify for a reward or spending milestone.

6. Pay the entire credit card bill by the due date to avoid interest charges.

7. Confirm the card's latest fees and terms directly with the issuing bank.

Key Takeaways

• Seven credit cards highlighted for festive shopping in 2026 include SBI Cashback, HSBC Live+, HDFC MoneyBack+, BOBCard Cashback, HDFC Millennia, Amazon Pay ICICI Bank and Flipkart Axis Bank.

• The cards offer different cashback rates and rewards depending on the merchant, spending category and applicable conditions.

• The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is the lifetime-free option in the list.

• The SBI Cashback Credit Card offers 5% cashback on eligible online transactions, subject to its rules and limits.

• The Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card offers higher cashback on selected merchants, including Myntra and Flipkart.

• Fees, reward caps, merchant exclusions and promotional validity can significantly affect actual savings.

• Paying the outstanding balance in full is essential to avoid interest costs that could erase the value of cashback.

Bottom Line

The seven credit cards highlighted by Economic Times offer different ways to save on online festive shopping in 2026. The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card stands out for having no joining or annual fee, while the other cards offer cashback or rewards tailored to selected shopping platforms and spending categories.

Before applying, consumers should compare the benefits with their own shopping habits, check current fees and eligibility rules, and avoid spending more than planned just to earn rewards. The best card is the one that delivers genuine savings after accounting for all applicable costs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice or an endorsement of any particular credit card. Offers, fees, cashback rates and eligibility requirements can change. Verify the latest terms with the card issuer before applying.