How a writer saved Rs 55,000 a year using 21 credit cards without paying interest

For most people, 21 credit cards sound like a recipe for debt. A 39-year-old freelance translator, editor and writer has managed to save around Rs 50,000-55,000 annually by strategically using 21 credit cards, according to a personal finance account shared in The Times of India.

Instead of using credit cards for borrowing, Pranav Sakhadeo treats them as financial tools to maximize cashback, rewards and discounts. On annual card-linked spending of nearly Rs 5 lakh, his carefully planned system helps reduce everyday expenses significantly.

Annual Planning Is the Key

Sakhadeo and his wife, Rama, begin every financial year by preparing a detailed expense sheet covering groceries, utility bills, insurance premiums, travel and investments.


Based on their expected spending, each category is assigned to a specific credit card that offers the best rewards, cashback or benefits. This allows most daily transactions to happen automatically throughout the year.

For bigger purchases, however, he spends time comparing prices, bank offers and reward structures before making a final decision.

Why He Uses 21 Credit Cards

According to Sakhadeo, every card has a specific purpose. His cards are divided into different categories, including:

• Daily-use cards for regular expenses
• Milestone cards for spending targets
• RuPay and UPI cards for small merchants
• Backup cards for emergencies
• Cards used during sale periods

He follows one simple rule: every card must either save money, support a payment category, improve his credit profile or act as a backup.

No Annual Fees in Three Years

Although his paid credit cards carry annual charges of around Rs 5,500, Sakhadeo says he has not paid any annual fee in the last three years.

By planning spending carefully and meeting waiver conditions, he ensures that all fees are waived. He considers fee waivers a form of cost control rather than savings.

Regularly Reviews His Cards

Sakhadeo believes credit card users must regularly review their portfolio because reward programs and cashback benefits often change.

He closed the Axis Airtel card after its benefits were reduced. He also downgraded from HDFC Privilege to HDFC Millennia because it better suited his spending habits. He declined upgrade offers for the American Express Platinum Reserve card for similar reasons.

His guiding principle is: "Choose cards according to your spending, not spending according to your cards."

Patience Helps Save More

Sakhadeo says he never buys something simply because an offer is available.

Before making a purchase, he checks whether the item is actually needed, reviews its price history, compares available offers and then selects the card that provides the highest benefit.

In one instance, a smartphone priced at around Rs 42,000 was purchased for an effective cost of nearly Rs 32,250 after combining discounts, bank offers and card benefits.

How His Credit Card Journey Started

His first credit card was a basic SBI card obtained in 2011. Initially, he viewed credit cards mainly as short-term borrowing tools.

Later, after learning about the Amazon Pay ICICI card, he opened an ICICI Bank account and obtained an FD-backed credit card to build his CIBIL score. Once approved for the Amazon Pay ICICI card, he started earning cashback on online and utility spending, which sparked his interest in personal finance.

Health Crisis Changed His View of Money

A major turning point came when he was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, the same condition his father had faced.

With treatment costs of around Rs 3.2 lakh and limited savings at the time, he had to take on additional work to repay financial assistance. The experience highlighted the importance of financial planning and emergency preparedness.

Discipline Makes the System Work

Sakhadeo says managing 21 credit cards is only possible because of strict financial discipline.

He has never missed a credit card payment, paid interest on a bill or withdrawn cash using a credit card. He uses apps such as Cred and SaveSage to track due dates and billing cycles, while also monitoring his credit score regularly.

Not Suitable for Everyone

Sakhadeo warns that credit cards are not ideal for people who make impulse purchases, miss payments, rely heavily on EMIs or spend beyond their means.

For beginners, he recommends understanding personal finances first, building a strong CIBIL score and starting with one or two cashback cards. If necessary, users can begin with an FD-backed credit card.

Credit Cards Are Tools, Not Income

According to Sakhadeo, credit cards should be treated as financial tools rather than free money.

Used responsibly, they can help reduce everyday expenses. Used carelessly, they can lead to debt.

His approach shows that with planning, discipline and the right spending habits, credit cards can become a useful part of a long-term financial strategy.