Paying utility bills like electricity, water, and phone bills is an essential but often repetitive task. With the right credit card, you can transform this routine expense into an opportunity to earn rewards, cashback, and other benefits. Many credit cards in India offer incentives specifically for utility bill payments, allowing you to save money or earn points for every payment you make. In this article, we’ll explore the best credit cards for utility bill payments in India for 2024, highlighting their features, benefits, and eligibility criteria.
Features and Benefits of paying bills with Utility Credit Cards
- Cashback on Bill Payments:
- Direct Cashback: Some credit cards provide cashback on utility bill payments, allowing you to save a percentage of every bill paid.
- Flexible Cashback Categories: Many cards offer cashback on utility bills in addition to other everyday categories like groceries and dining.
- Reward Points:
- Earn Points on Every Payment: Credit cards often reward you with points for utility bill payments, which can be redeemed for vouchers, merchandise, or travel.
- Bonus Points for Utility Spends: Some cards offer extra reward points for bill payments made through specific portals or apps.
- Automatic Bill Payments:
- Set Up Auto-Debit: Many credit cards offer auto-debit options for recurring utility payments, making it convenient to pay bills on time and avoid late fees.
- Rewarded for Auto-Pay: Some cards provide extra incentives for setting up automatic utility payments.
- Low or No Annual Fees:
- Affordable Options: Many credit cards designed for utility bill payments come with low or waived annual fees, especially if certain spending thresholds are met.
- Fuel and Dining Discounts:
- Additional Perks: Some cards also offer fuel surcharge waivers or dining discounts, adding extra value for everyday spending.
Top Credit Cards for Utility Bill Payments in India 2025
1. HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
Features and Benefits:
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000 (waived on spending ₹1 lakh annually).
- Utility Bill Benefits: 5% cashback on utility bill payments made through PayZapp and SmartBuy.
- Additional Perks: 5% cashback on online spends via Amazon, Flipkart, and travel bookings.
- Rewards: 1 reward point for every ₹150 spent on other categories.
- Additional Perks: Fuel surcharge waiver, airport lounge access, and easy EMI conversion.
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakh.
Review and Rating:
- Review: The HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card is a well-rounded option for those looking to earn cashback on utility bill payments and other online spends. Its rewards and cashback system makes it ideal for frequent bill-payers.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
2. Axis Bank ACE Credit Card
Features and Benefits:
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived on annual spends of ₹2 lakh).
- Utility Bill Benefits: 5% cashback on utility bill payments made via Google Pay.
- Cashback: 5% cashback on mobile recharges, bill payments, and DTH payments through partner apps.
- Additional Perks: 4% cashback on other categories like groceries and food delivery.
- Fuel Benefits: 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹2.4 lakh.
Review and Rating:
- Review: The Axis Bank ACE Credit Card offers a high cashback rate on utility bill payments, making it a top choice for individuals who regularly pay bills online and want to maximize savings.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
3. ICICI Bank Amazon Pay Credit Card
Features and Benefits:
- Annual Fee: None.
- Utility Bill Benefits: 2% cashback on utility bill payments made via Amazon Pay.
- Rewards: 5% cashback for Amazon Prime members and 3% for non-Prime members on Amazon spends.
- Additional Perks: 1% cashback on all other transactions.
- No Annual Fee: This card comes with no joining or annual fee, making it an affordable option for frequent bill-payers.
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakh.
Review and Rating:
- Review: The ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card is a cost-effective option for those who frequently shop online and pay utility bills through Amazon Pay. With no annual fee, it’s an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
4. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card
Features and Benefits:
- Annual Fee: ₹750 (waived on annual spends above ₹60,000).
- Utility Bill Benefits: 5% cashback on utility bill payments, telephone bills, and fuel spends.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% on all fuel transactions.
- Additional Perks: Cashback on telephone bill payments and other regular expenses.
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹2.5 lakh.
Review and Rating:
- Review: The Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card is a versatile card with strong benefits for utility bill payments and fuel purchases, providing good value for everyday transactions.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
5. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card
Features and Benefits:
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived on annual spends of ₹1 lakh).
- Utility Bill Benefits: 10x reward points on online utility bill payments made through partner platforms like Amazon, Cleartrip, and Paytm.
- Additional Perks: 5x reward points on online spending for shopping and travel.
- Rewards: Earn e-vouchers worth ₹2,000 from partner brands on spending milestones.
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹2.5 lakh.
Review and Rating:
- Review: The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card is ideal for online shoppers and frequent bill-payers, offering significant rewards on utility payments and e-commerce platforms.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
6. Citi Cashback Credit Card
Features and Benefits:
- Annual Fee: ₹500.
- Utility Bill Benefits: 5% cashback on utility bill payments, telephone bills, and movie tickets.
- Additional Perks: Cashback on all regular transactions and no fuel surcharge on fuel transactions.
- Automatic Bill Payments: Auto-debit feature for paying utility bills, ensuring timely payments.
Eligibility:
- Minimum annual income of ₹2.4 lakh.
Review and Rating:
- Review: The Citi Cashback Credit Card is a solid option for earning cashback on utility bill payments, with an easy-to-use cashback system and additional benefits on other purchases.
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Best Utility Bill Payment Credit Cards in India 2025
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Utility Bill Cashback/Rewards | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card | ₹1,000 | 5% cashback on utility payments via PayZapp | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| Axis Bank ACE Credit Card | ₹499 | 5% cashback on bill payments via Google Pay | ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) |
| ICICI Bank Amazon Pay Credit Card | None | 2% cashback on utility payments via Amazon Pay | ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) |
| Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium | ₹750 | 5% cashback on utility and telephone bills | ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) |
| SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card | ₹499 | 10x reward points on utility payments via partner platforms | ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) |
| Citi Cashback Credit Card | ₹500 | 5% cashback on utility and telephone bills | ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) |
How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Utility Bill Payments
Selecting the right credit card for utility bill payments involves assessing your spending habits and understanding the benefits offered by different cards. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
- Evaluate Cashback and Rewards:
- Look for credit cards that offer cashback or rewards specifically on utility bill payments.
- Check if the rewards can be easily redeemed for vouchers, cashback, or other benefits you value.
- Check Annual Fees and Waivers:
- Opt for a card with a low annual fee or one that offers a waiver if you meet specific spending criteria.
- For occasional utility bill payers, a no-annual-fee card like the ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card might be a better fit.
- Understand Payment Platforms:
- Some cards offer higher rewards or cashback only when payments are made through specific apps or platforms like PayZapp, Google Pay, or Amazon Pay.
- Ensure these platforms align with your preferred method of paying bills.
- Consider Other Perks:
- Utility-focused credit cards often provide additional benefits like fuel surcharge waivers, dining discounts, or airport lounge access.
- Choose a card that offers perks matching your lifestyle.
- Review Caps and Limits:
- Some cards cap the amount of cashback or rewards you can earn per month or year. Ensure the caps align with your spending patterns to maximize benefits.
- Ease of Use:
- Look for features like auto-debit for recurring bill payments, as they can help you avoid late payment fees and simplify your financial management.
Conclusion
Paying utility bills can become an opportunity to save money or earn rewards with the right credit card. Whether you prefer cashback, reward points, or discounts, the cards listed above cater to a variety of needs and spending patterns.
For example:
- Frequent online bill payers might benefit from the Axis Bank ACE Credit Card or HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card due to their high cashback rates.
- Budget-conscious users can opt for the no-fee ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card for consistent savings.
- Lifestyle seekers who want additional perks can explore the Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card or the SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card for rewards across multiple categories.
Choose a card that aligns with your financial habits and goals, and transform your utility payments into a rewarding experience.