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Co-branded Credit Cards: Meaning, List & Best Examples in India
By Jupiter Team · · 3 min read
A co-branded credit card is a special type of credit card issued jointly by a bank/financial institution and a partner brand such as an airline, e-commerce platform, fuel company, or retail chain.
This means that the card carries dual branding and gives exclusive benefits when you use it with the partner brand.
For example, the Jupiter Edge+ CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card, Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank, Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card gives you extra cashback on purchases, while still working as a regular credit card everywhere else.
‘Co-branded Credit Cards' in some of the Indian Languages
How they differ from regular credit cards
- Rewards focus: Unlike a standard credit card that spreads benefits across all categories, co-branded cards give higher rewards for transactions with the partner brand.
- Loyalty programs: They often tie directly into loyalty schemes like airline miles or fuel points.
- Niche use case: Great if you’re loyal to a brand, but less useful if your spending is scattered.
Benefits of Co-branded Credit Cards
Rewards and loyalty programs
- Airline cards like SBI Air India Signature help you earn miles faster.
- Retail cards like Axis Flipkart offer cashback on shopping.
- Fuel cards like Indian Oil Citi convert spends into fuel points.
This means you’re not just spending money but also accumulating loyalty value.
Exclusive discounts with partner brands
- Extra cashback on e-commerce purchases.
- Priority check-ins and lounge access for airline co-branded cards.
- Fuel surcharge waivers for fuel-linked cards.
In other words, these cards amplify the perks of your regular brand spending.
List of Co-branded Credit Cards in India (with examples)
Some of India’s Co-branded credit cards and their offerings:
- Jupiter Edge+ CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card: Earn 10% cashback on online shopping merchants, 5% Cashback on travel and 1% on other spends
- SBI Air India Signature Credit Card: Earn Flying Returns miles faster.
- Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card: Complimentary flight tickets & upgrades.
- HDFC Indigo Ka-ching Card: Accelerated rewards on Indigo bookings.
- Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card – 5% cashback on Amazon for Prime users.
- Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card – 5% cashback on Flipkart & Myntra.
- Paytm SBI Credit Card – Cashback & Paytm vouchers on bill payments and shopping.
- Indian Oil Citi Platinum Credit Card – Turbo points on fuel spends.
- BPCL SBI Card Octane – 6.25% value back on Bharat Petroleum transactions.
Are Co-branded Credit Cards Right for You?
Who should get them
- Frequent flyers → Airline co-branded cards maximize your miles.
- Online shoppers → Amazon/Flipkart cards are ideal.
- Daily commuters → Fuel co-branded cards save money at the pump.
If you spend heavily with one brand, these cards give higher ROI than general rewards cards.
Things to keep in mind
- Fees vs rewards: Some co-branded cards come with annual fees; check if benefits outweigh the cost.
- Brand loyalty: Best for users who stick to a few brands, not those who spread spends across many.
- Acceptance: Still works everywhere, but true value is with the partner brand.
Comparison Table: Co-branded Credit Cards vs Regular Credit Cards
FAQs on Co-branded Credit Cards
What is a co-branded credit card?
A card jointly issued by a bank and a brand, offering special rewards and discounts on that brand.
What is the meaning of co-branded credit cards in banking?
It refers to a credit card partnership between a financial institution and a retail/service brand.
Can you give examples of co-branded credit cards in India?
Yes. Amazon Pay ICICI, Axis Flipkart, SBI Air India, HDFC IRCTC, Indian Oil Citi are top examples.
Is a co-branded credit card better than a regular one?
If you often use the partner brand, yes. Otherwise, a general cashback or rewards card may be better.
What is the difference between co-branded and affinity cards?
Co-branded cards reward you for using a partner brand. Affinity cards support causes (like alumni groups) but don’t give brand-linked rewards.
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