Who doesn’t love extra cash in their pocket? When I first learned about cashback credit cards, I was skeptical. But three months later, I had earned ₹10,000 in cashback rewards! Intrigued? In this blog, I’ll share my journey, the strategies I used, and how you can replicate my success. By using the right cards, targeting specific categories, and leveraging cashback offers, you too can turn everyday spending into significant savings.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Cashback Credit Cards
The first step in maximizing cashback is selecting the right card based on your spending habits. Here are the top picks that helped me hit the ₹10,000 milestone:
1. SBI Cashback Card
- Perks: Flat 5% cashback on online shopping platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
- Best For: E-commerce shoppers.
2. Axis Cashback Credit Card
- Perks: 2% cashback on all purchases and bonus rewards on dining and travel.
- Best For: All-round savings.
3. HDFC Cashback Credit Card
- Perks: High cashback rates on groceries, dining, and fuel.
- Best For: Diversified spenders.
Why Card Selection Matters
Using the wrong card for your purchases could mean leaving money on the table. For example, a fuel cashback credit card won’t help much if you don’t drive often. Instead, focus on cards that match your spending patterns.
Step 2: Leveraging Cashback Categories
To maximize rewards, I broke down my monthly expenses and matched them with the appropriate cashback categories:
| Category | Card Used | Cashback Earned |
| Online Shopping | SBI Cashback Card | ₹4,000 |
| Dining | Axis Cashback Credit Card | ₹2,000 |
| Groceries | HDFC Cashback Credit Card | ₹1,500 |
| Travel | Axis Travel Cashback Card | ₹1,000 |
| Fuel | HDFC Fuel Cashback Card | ₹1,500 |
Pro Tip
Use category-specific cards like a credit card for groceries or an online shopping credit card to maximize your savings.
Step 3: Timing Your Purchases
The secret sauce to earning more cashback lies in timing your purchases.
- Festive Sales: During Amazon’s Great Indian Sale and Flipkart’s Big Billion Days, I used my SBI Cashback Card to save big on electronics and apparel.
- Dining Discounts: With the Axis Cashback Credit Card, I earned additional rewards by dining out during restaurant tie-up promotions.
- Travel Savings: Booking flights and hotels using a travel cashback card during off-season promotions helped me earn more cashback.
Maximize Cashback Hack
Stack your cashback card offers with store-specific discounts and bank promotions.
Step 4: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While cashback cards are a great tool, there are a few traps to avoid:
- Overspending: Cashback rewards can tempt you to spend more. Stick to your budget.
- Not Paying in Full: If you carry a balance, interest charges will outweigh your cashback earnings.
- Missing Bill Payments: Always pay on time to avoid late fees.
Step 5: Comparing Cashback Credit Cards
Before finalizing my cards, I conducted a detailed cashback credit card comparison:
| Card | Annual Fee | Key Features | Who It’s Best For |
| SBI Cashback Card | ₹499 | 5% cashback on e-commerce | Online Shoppers |
| Axis Cashback Credit Card | ₹500 | 2% on all spends, dining rewards | General Spend |
| HDFC Cashback Credit Card | ₹1,000 | Groceries, fuel, and dining perks | Diversified Spenders |
Cashback vs Reward Points: What Worked for Me?
I chose cashback over reward points because it’s straightforward. Cashback directly reduces your bill, while reward points often have redemption restrictions. For anyone new to credit cards, cashback is a no-brainer.
Reader’s Corner
- What’s the most cashback you’ve earned in a month?
- Do you prefer cashback or reward points? Why?
- Which cashback credit card do you think offers the best value in India?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Earning ₹10,000 in cashback isn’t just possible—it’s simple with the right strategy and credit card. By analyzing your spending habits, choosing the best cashback cards, and timing your purchases, you can save significantly while enjoying the perks of credit card benefits.
Start your journey today by exploring top picks like the SBI Cashback Card, Axis Cashback Credit Card, and HDFC Cashback Credit Card at The Credit Card Finder.