A Credit Card is now more than a tool for large purchases, with many users relying on cards for everyday spending, online shopping, travel, cashback, and UPI transactions. In 2026, the rise of the RuPay credit card and UPI-linked credit payments has also changed how people use cards for smaller merchant transactions.

India’s credit card market has expanded significantly, with around 113 million active cards reported by late 2025 and early 2026 according to the source provided. Private banks continue to hold a large share of issuance, while UPI-linked credit and co-branded cards are becoming more prominent.

Here are 10 major credit card issuers in India to know in 2026.

• HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank remains one of India’s largest credit card issuers and serves users across entry-level, mid-range, and premium categories.

Key Cards

• HDFC Infinia
• Diners Club Black
• Regalia series
• Co-branded credit cards

Why It Stands Out

HDFC Bank offers a wide range of cards covering rewards, travel, lifestyle, shopping, and premium benefits.

Its digital onboarding and broad card portfolio make it relevant to both mass-market and premium customers.

According to the provided source, HDFC Bank held an estimated 22–23% market share in late 2025 and early 2026.

• SBI Card

SBI Card has a large national presence and benefits from the wider State Bank of India ecosystem.

Key Cards

• SBI Cashback Card
• SimplyCLICK SBI Card
• SBI Elite
• IRCTC SBI Card

Why It Stands Out

SBI Card has strong reach beyond major metros, including tier-2 and tier-3 markets.

Its card portfolio covers online shopping, travel, everyday rewards, and co-branded products.

The source estimates SBI Card’s market share at around 19–20%.

• ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank has built a strong credit card presence through digital services and popular co-branded products.

Key Cards

• Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
• ICICI Coral
• ICICI Rubyx
• ICICI Sapphiro

Why It Stands Out

ICICI Bank combines conventional bank-issued cards with digital-first and co-branded offerings.

The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card has helped strengthen its position among users focused on online shopping and cashback.

Its estimated market share is around 15–16%, according to the provided source.

• Axis Bank

Axis Bank offers cards across travel, cashback, lifestyle, and premium categories.

Key Cards

• Axis Ace
• Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
• Axis Atlas
• Axis Reserve

Why It Stands Out

Axis Bank focuses strongly on rewards and travel benefits while also maintaining popular co-branded cards.

Its portfolio has also expanded following the integration of Citi India’s card business.

The source places its estimated market share at around 13–14%.

• RBL Bank

RBL Bank has developed a credit card portfolio focused heavily on lifestyle and younger urban consumers.

Key Cards

• RBL Platinum Maxima
• Popcorn Credit Card
• Cookies Credit Card

Why It Stands Out

Its products often focus on dining, entertainment, shopping, and lifestyle-related benefits.

RBL Bank’s estimated market share is around 4% based on the figures provided.

• Kotak Mahindra Bank

Kotak Mahindra Bank offers a mix of premium, lifestyle, and everyday credit card products.

Key Cards

• Kotak White Reserve
• Kotak Essentia
• Kotak League

Why It Stands Out

Kotak has focused on digital onboarding and partnerships with fintech platforms.

Its product range covers both value-focused users and customers looking for premium benefits.

The source estimates its market share at approximately 4%.

• IDFC FIRST Bank

IDFC FIRST Bank has built its card proposition around transparent pricing, lifetime-free options, and everyday spending benefits.

Key Cards

• FIRST Classic
• FIRST Select
• HPCL Power+
• FIRST Millennia

Why It Stands Out

The bank appeals to users looking for lower-fee cards and straightforward rewards.

Some RuPay variants also provide UPI compatibility, making them relevant to users who prefer merchant QR payments.

Its market share is estimated at around 3–4%.

• IndusInd Bank

IndusInd Bank focuses on specialised partnerships and lifestyle-oriented benefits.

Key Cards

• IndusInd Legend
• EazyDiner Credit Card
• IndusInd Pinnacle

Why It Stands Out

Its portfolio includes dining, travel, premium lifestyle, and personalised reward propositions.

The source places IndusInd Bank’s approximate market share at 2–3%.

• American Express India

American Express operates differently from traditional bank issuers and focuses mainly on premium customers.

Key Cards

• American Express Platinum
• Gold Charge Card
• SmartEarn Credit Card

Why It Stands Out

American Express is known for premium rewards, travel benefits, and service-focused card offerings.

Its acceptance network may be more selective than Visa, Mastercard, or RuPay, which can matter for users making payments at smaller merchants.

The source estimates its market share at below 2%.

• YES Bank

YES Bank has strengthened its credit card presence through digital partnerships and UPI-linked offerings.

Key Cards

• YES First Exclusive
• YES Prosperity
• Kiwi RuPay co-branded cards

Why It Stands Out

YES Bank’s partnerships with fintech platforms allow it to participate in newer payment formats, including RuPay cards linked to UPI.

The Kiwi partnership is particularly relevant for users who want to make eligible merchant UPI payments using a RuPay credit card.

Its estimated market share is around 1–2%.

Key Credit Card Trends in 2026

Growth of RuPay and UPI-Linked Credit

RuPay has become increasingly important because eligible RuPay credit cards can be linked to supported UPI apps.

According to the supplied source, RuPay represents around 18% of India’s credit card market, while UPI-linked credit cards account for an estimated 38–40% of credit card transaction volume by count.

More Co-Branded Cards

Banks increasingly partner with fintech, travel, retail, and e-commerce companies to create cards built around specific spending habits.

Examples include cards focused on shopping, travel, UPI payments, dining, and fuel.

Everyday Credit Card Usage

Credit cards are increasingly being used for smaller daily transactions rather than only major purchases.

UPI-linked credit has accelerated this trend by allowing eligible cards to be used at merchant QR codes.

Growth Beyond Metro Cities

Credit card adoption is also increasing across tier-2 and tier-3 cities as more consumers move from cash to digital payments.

Premium and Value Cards Growing Together

Premium users continue to seek travel, lounge, concierge, and lifestyle benefits, while younger and value-focused users tend to prioritise cashback, UPI compatibility, and lower fees.

What to Compare Before Choosing a Credit Card Issuer

Choosing an issuer should involve more than comparing market share.

Users should also consider:

• Annual and joining fees
• Cashback and reward rates
• UPI compatibility
• Card network
• Reward redemption options
• Lounge and travel benefits
• Forex charges
• Customer service
• Digital banking experience
• Eligibility requirements

A large issuer may offer more card choices, but a smaller bank or fintech partnership may provide stronger benefits for a specific spending pattern.

Conclusion

The Indian Credit Card market in 2026 is led by large issuers such as HDFC Bank, SBI Card, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank, while banks such as IDFC FIRST, YES Bank, and IndusInd continue to expand through focused product propositions.

The growing use of the RuPay credit card with UPI is also changing how users choose cards, particularly for everyday merchant payments. Instead of looking only at an issuer’s size, users should compare fees, rewards, digital features, UPI support, and redemption flexibility before selecting a card.

FAQs

Which Bank Issues the Most Credit Cards in India?

HDFC Bank is listed as the largest issuer in the supplied source, with an estimated market share of around 22–23%.

Which Credit Card Issuers Support RuPay UPI Payments?

Banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, YES Bank, and others offer eligible RuPay cards that may support UPI linking.

What Should I Compare Before Choosing a Credit Card Issuer?

Compare fees, reward value, UPI support, card network, travel benefits, redemption options, and eligibility before applying.