Question 1

How do I choose the right credit card?

Accepted Answer

Start by identifying your primary spending categories (online shopping, dining, fuel, travel). Then look for cards that offer the highest rewards in those categories. Also consider annual fees — a free card with lower rewards might beat an expensive card if your spending is moderate. Use CardCheck to filter by reward type, fee range and special features.

Question 2

What is the difference between annual fee and joining fee?

Accepted Answer

The joining fee is a one-time charge when you first get the card. The annual fee is charged every year to keep the card active. Many cards charge the same amount for both, but some offer a lower joining fee with a higher annual fee (or vice versa). Some cards waive the annual fee if you spend above a certain threshold in a year.

Question 3

How do credit card reward points work?

Accepted Answer

Every time you make a purchase, you earn reward points based on the card's earn rate (e.g., 2 points per ₹100 spent). Points accumulate in your card account and can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, flight bookings, statement credits, or transferred to airline miles programs. Each point has a value (typically ₹0.25 to ₹1) depending on how you redeem. Points may expire after 2–3 years if unused.

Question 4

What CIBIL score do I need for a credit card?

Accepted Answer

Most banks require a CIBIL score of 700 or above for standard credit cards. Premium cards may require 750+. Some entry-level and secured cards accept scores as low as 650. If you don't have a credit history, look for cards designed for first-time applicants — these may not require a CIBIL check at all.

Question 5

How does airport lounge access work with credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Cards with lounge access give you complimentary visits to domestic and international airport lounges. Most domestic access is through the DreamFolks programme — simply present your card at participating lounges. International access is typically via Priority Pass. Each card specifies how many free visits you get per quarter or year. Additional visits are charged at the prevailing walk-in rate.

Question 6

What is forex markup on credit cards?

Accepted Answer

When you make a purchase in a foreign currency, the bank charges a forex markup (typically 1.5%–3.5%) on top of the exchange rate. This is essentially a fee for currency conversion. Travel-focused cards often have lower forex markups (as low as 0%–1.5%), making them better for international shopping and travel.

Question 7

Can I get an annual fee waiver on my credit card?

Accepted Answer

Many cards offer an annual fee waiver if you spend a certain amount in a year (e.g., spend ₹2 lakh in a year to get next year's fee waived). Some cards are lifetime free with no annual fee ever. You can also call your bank and request a waiver — banks often waive fees to retain customers, especially if you've been a good customer.

Question 8

What is a fuel surcharge waiver?

Accepted Answer

When you pay for fuel with a credit card, the fuel station charges a surcharge (typically 1%–2.5% of the transaction). A fuel surcharge waiver means the bank refunds this surcharge back to your card. Most waivers apply to transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000, with a monthly cap on the waiver amount.

Question 9

What does "best for" mean on a card page?

Accepted Answer

The "best for" label indicates the primary use case the card excels at. For example, "best for online shopping" means the card offers the highest rewards on online purchases. This is determined by analyzing the card's reward structure, benefits and fee economics.

Question 10

Where does CardCheck get its data?

Accepted Answer

All card data on CardCheck is sourced from official bank websites and Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) documents. We regularly update our database to reflect the latest fees, rewards and benefits. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions