Choose Best Credit Card for Online Grocery Shopping in India

I have used several credit cards & am still using them for online grocery shopping in India. Below is the complete comparison given for your reference;

Top Credit Cards for Online Grocery Shopping in India (2025): The Ultimate Guide

Online grocery shopping has become a lifeline for millions of Indian families, offering convenience, variety, and often, better deals than local stores. As the market for online groceries continues to boom, credit card companies have responded with tailored offerings that reward shoppers with cashback, discounts, and exclusive perks.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the best credit card for your online grocery needs?

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the top credit cards for online grocery shopping in India in 2025, analyze their features, compare their benefits, and offer actionable tips to help you maximize your savings. Whether you’re a loyal Amazon Fresh customer, a bigbasket regular, or someone who loves Swiggy Instamart, there’s a card that’s perfect for you.

Why Use a Credit Card for Online Grocery Shopping?

Before diving into the best cards, let’s understand why using a credit card for grocery shopping online is a smart move:

• Cashback and Rewards: Many cards offer up to 10% cashback or equivalent rewards on grocery spends, which can add up to significant savings over time.
• Exclusive Offers: Cardholders often get access to special discounts, instant savings, and bundled offers on leading platforms.
• Convenience: Credit cards make checkout faster, and many support one-click payments or integration with digital wallets.
• Expense Tracking: Credit card statements help you track your monthly grocery expenses, making budgeting easier.
• Security: Most credit cards offer robust fraud protection, making online transactions safer.

What to Look for in a Grocery Credit Card

Choosing the right card isn’t just about the highest cashback rate. Here’s what you should consider:

1. Where You Shop: Different cards partner with different platforms (Amazon Fresh, bigbasket, Swiggy Instamart, Reliance Smart, etc.).
2. Cashback/Reward Rate: Higher is better, but check for monthly caps and exclusions.
3. Annual Fees: Some cards are free, while others charge fees that might be offset by rewards.
4. Other Benefits: Look for lounge access, dining discounts, fuel surcharge waivers, etc.
5. Welcome Offers: Some cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses.
6. Ease of Redemption: Cashback is usually simpler to redeem than reward points.
7. Eligibility: Income and credit score requirements vary.

1. Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card

Overview

• Joining Fee: ₹500
• Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived on ₹2 lakh annual spends)
• Grocery Cashback: 10% cashback on Swiggy Instamart, Swiggy food orders, Dineout, and Genie; 5% cashback on other online spends
• Monthly Cashback Cap: Up to ₹3,500
• Other Benefits: 1% cashback on all other spends, 3-month Swiggy One Membership worth ₹1,199 on activation

Detailed Analysis

The Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card is a powerhouse for those who rely heavily on Swiggy’s ecosystem, not just for food delivery, but also for groceries via Instamart. The 10% cashback is among the highest in the industry, and the ₹3,500 monthly cap is generous for most households.

The 5% cashback on all other online spends (including other grocery platforms) is a strong secondary benefit, making this card versatile. The complimentary Swiggy One membership adds value for frequent Swiggy users, offering free deliveries and exclusive deals.

Best For:

• Swiggy Instamart regulars
• Households that order both food and groceries online
• Users looking for a single card for most online spending

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High cashback rate on the Swiggy platform
• Good online cashback even outside Swiggy
• Generous cashback cap

Cons:

• Cashback is limited to Swiggy wallet
• Not as beneficial if you shop mostly on Amazon Fresh or bigbasket

2. HSBC Live+ Credit Card

Overview

• Joining Fee: ₹999
• Annual Fee: ₹999 (waived on ₹2 lakh annual spends)
• Grocery Cashback: 10% cashback on all grocery spends (online and offline), capped at ₹1,000 per month
• Other Benefits: Unlimited 1.5% cashback on other spends, 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year, up to 15% off at partner restaurants
• Welcome Offers: ₹1,000 cashback on spending ₹20,000 in the first 30 days, ₹250 Amazon voucher on online application

Detailed Analysis

The HSBC Live+ Credit Card is unique in that it offers 10% cashback on groceries regardless of where you shop—online or offline. This is a huge advantage for those who split their grocery shopping between local supermarkets and online platforms like Amazon Fresh, bigbasket, JioMart, and more.

The unlimited 1.5% cashback on all other spends ensures that you’re always earning something back, no matter what you buy. The lounge access and dining discounts are nice perks for frequent travelers and foodies.

Best For:

• Shoppers who buy groceries both online and offline
• Users who want a straightforward cashback card
• Those who shop at multiple grocery platforms

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Universal grocery cashback
• Good for both online and offline shopping
• Strong welcome offer

Cons:

• Cashback cap of ₹1,000/month
• The annual fee is higher than some competitors ‘

3. Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card

Overview

• Joining Fee: ₹500
• Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived on ₹2 lakh annual spends)
• Grocery Cashback: 10% cashback on Swiggy and bigbasket purchases (up to ₹500 per statement cycle)
• Other Benefits: 25% cashback on Airtel spends, 10% on utility bills, 1% on other spends, 4 domestic airport lounge visits per year

Detailed Analysis

The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is a great option for those who shop for groceries on bigbasket or Swiggy Instamart. The 10% cashback is competitive, and the card also offers excellent value on Airtel bills and utility payments.

The cashback cap is lower than some other cards, but the breadth of categories (groceries, utilities, telecom) makes it a versatile choice for digital-first households.

Best For:

• bigbasket and Swiggy Instamart shoppers
• Airtel users and those with high utility bills
• People looking for a low-fee, multi-purpose card

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High cashback on groceries and utilities
• Useful for Airtel customers
• Low annual fee

Cons:

• Cashback cap is relatively low
• Not as beneficial for Amazon Fresh or JioMart shoppers

4. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card

Overview

• Joining Fee: Nil (Lifetime Free)
• Annual Fee: Nil
• Grocery Cashback: 5% cashback (as Amazon Pay balance) on Amazon Fresh for Prime members, 3% for non-Prime users
• Other Benefits: 5% on all Amazon spends for Prime members, 1% on other spends

Detailed Analysis

The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is a no-brainer for Amazon Fresh loyalists. The 5% cashback (in the form of Amazon Pay balance) is simple to redeem and can be used for a wide range of purchases on Amazon and partner websites.

Being a lifetime free card, it’s a risk-free addition to your wallet, and the lack of an annual fee means every rupee you save is pure gain.

Best For:

• Amazon Fresh regulars
• Amazon Prime members
• Anyone looking for a free, easy-to-use credit card

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Lifetime free
• Seamless cashback redemption
• Good for all Amazon purchases

Cons:

• Lower rewards for non-Prime users
• Limited benefits outside Amazon ecosystem

5. Reliance SBI Card Prime

Overview

• Joining Fee: ₹2,999
• Annual Fee: ₹2,999
• Grocery Cashback: 10 reward points per ₹100 spent at Reliance Retail stores (JioMart, Smart Bazaar, etc.), 5% cashback up to ₹1,000/month on JioMart
• Other Benefits: Welcome vouchers, lounge access, fuel surcharge waiver

Detailed Analysis

If you’re a regular at Reliance Retail outlets or JioMart, the Reliance SBI Card Prime is tailor-made for you. The high reward rate at Reliance stores and the 5% cashback on JioMart can lead to substantial savings, especially for large families or those who shop in bulk.

The annual fee is on the higher side, but the welcome vouchers and additional perks (like lounge access) can offset this for heavy spenders.

Best For:

• JioMart and Reliance Retail shoppers
• Large families or bulk buyers
• Those who can maximize the welcome and ongoing benefits

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High rewards at Reliance stores
• Good welcome perks
• Useful for frequent travelers

Cons:

• High annual fee
• Limited benefits outside Reliance ecosystem

Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Your Online Grocery Shopping

With so many options, here’s a step-by-step process to help you decide:

1. Analyze Your Shopping Habits

• Which platform do you use most? (Amazon Fresh, bigbasket, Swiggy Instamart, JioMart, etc.)
• How much do you spend monthly on groceries?
• Do you also shop offline or only online?

2. Compare Cashback and Rewards

• Check the cashback rate for your preferred platform.
• Look for monthly/annual caps on cashback.
• Consider secondary benefits (other online spends, utility bills, etc.).

3. Factor in Fees and Eligibility

• Is the annual fee justified by the rewards you’ll earn?
• Are there easy ways to get the fee waived?
• Do you meet the income/credit score requirements?

4. Look at Redemption and Flexibility

• Is cashback credited as statement credit, wallet balance, or reward points?
• How easy is it to redeem your rewards?

5. Consider Additional Perks

• Lounge access, dining discounts, fuel surcharge waivers, etc.

Tips to Maximize Your Savings on Online Grocery Shopping

1. Stack Offers: Combine credit card cashback with platform-specific discounts, coupons, and wallet offers for double or triple savings.
2. Time Your Purchases: Many platforms run monthly, weekly, or festival sales. Plan your bulk purchases accordingly.
3. Monitor Cashback Caps: Be aware of monthly limits; spread out purchases if needed to maximize benefits.
4. Use Multiple Cards: If you shop on multiple platforms, use the card that offers the best rewards for each.
5. Track Your Spending: Use your credit card app or statements to keep tabs on your grocery expenses and rewards earned.
6. Pay Bills in Full: Always pay your credit card bill in full to avoid interest charges, which can wipe out your savings.
7. Upgrade or Downgrade as Needed: If your grocery habits change, consider switching to a card that better suits your new needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use these credit cards for offline grocery shopping?

• Some cards, like HSBC Live+, offer cashback for both online and offline grocery spends. Others are more platform-specific.

Q2: What happens if I exceed the cashback cap?

• Once you hit the monthly cap, additional grocery spends will earn the base reward rate (usually 1% or less).

Q3: Are there any hidden charges?

• Always read the fine print. Watch out for GST on annual fees, late payment charges, and foreign transaction fees if you shop on international grocery sites.

Q4: Do I need to be a Prime member for Amazon Pay ICICI Card benefits?

• You’ll still earn cashback as a non-Prime user, but at a lower rate (3% instead of 5%).

Q5: Can I get more than one of these cards?

• Yes! Many savvy shoppers use two or more cards to maximize rewards across platforms.

The Future of Grocery Shopping and Credit Cards in India

The Indian online grocery market is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, with more players entering the space and existing platforms expanding their reach. Credit card companies are likely to introduce even more targeted offers, personalized rewards, and innovative redemption options.

Expect to see:

• More co-branded cards: Like the Swiggy HDFC and Reliance SBI cards, more platforms may launch their own cards.
• Dynamic rewards: AI-driven offers tailored to your shopping habits.
• Integration with UPI and digital wallets: Making online grocery payments even smoother.

Conclusion: Which Card Should You Get?

The best credit card for online grocery shopping in India depends on your personal shopping habits, preferred platforms, and spending patterns. Here’s a quick summary:

• Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card: Best for Swiggy Instamart and frequent Swiggy users.
• HSBC Live+ Credit Card: Best for those who want universal grocery cashback, both online and offline.
• Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card: Great for bigbasket, Swiggy, and Airtel/utility bill payments.
• Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card: Perfect for Amazon Fresh loyalists and those who want a lifetime free card.
• Reliance SBI Card Prime: Ideal for JioMart and Reliance Retail shoppers.

Pro Tip: If you shop across multiple platforms, consider holding more than one card to maximize your rewards. Always pay your bills on time, track your spending, and enjoy the convenience and savings that come with smart credit card usage.

Happy grocery shopping and saving in 2025!

Did you find this guide helpful? Have a favorite grocery credit card or a tip to share? Let us know in the comments below!