5 most elite credit cards in India: Joining fees go up to ₹5 lakh; what do you get?

Think credit cards are just a tool to make payments and earn rewards? You are wrong! Credit cards are slowly becoming the ultimate pass to anything and everything luxury.
Whether it is the much-sought-after airport lounge access, big discounts, or even luxurious hotel stays, the right credit card can get you all, often without any extra cost. These elite, premium credit cards are especially aimed at high earners, high-net-worth individuals or those who maintain a high TRV with banks.

With a joining fee of Rs 1 lakh and above, these super premium credit cards exude a feeling of luxury, offering users privileges spread across lounge access, travel, hospitality, lifestyle and much more.
From complimentary airfares to stays at luxury hotels, here’s a look at some of the most elite credit cards in India and what they offer.

This super-premium credit card is reserved only for a few and is an invitation-only card.

Forex: No foreign exchange fees when you use your card for any international purchase (including ATM cash withdrawal).

Airport lounge access: Both primary and add-on cardholders are eligible for the unlimited complimentary access to select domestic and international lounges.

Airport meet and greet: Complimentary meet and greet service at major Indian airports once a year. This offer is available by spending approximately Rs 91,000 on international point-of-sale transactions in the past 12 months before the booking date.

Airport transfer: Discounts on airport transfer limousine services across more than 3,000 cities in 83 countries.

Hotel stay (ITC Hotels): Stay for 3, Pay for 2 at ITC Hotels offer - Enjoy a complimentary 3rd night for every 2 consecutive paid nights at ITC Hotels.

The Postcard Hotels offer: Rs 7,500 off on a minimum purchase of Rs 25,000. The offer includes anytime check-in and check-out, anytime breakfast.

Golf: Unlimited access to Golf rounds or lessons across select Golf courses in India; 1 complimentary golf round across select International Golf courses per quarter.

Joining fee: Rs 50,000 + GST (includes 50,000 Reward Points redeemable up to Rs 50,000 for cards issued on or after July 17, 2026)

With the Amex Platinum Credit Card, users get unrivalled travel and lifestyle benefits.
Airport lounge access: Access over 1550+ lounges globally, gourmet cuisines and other exclusive services.

Fine Hotels & Resorts: Benefits worth around Rs 44,300 per stay at one of the 1000+ properties under the Fine Hotels & Resorts collection.

Welcome gift: Worth up to Rs 60,000 with an option to choose from Taj Hotels, Luxe Gift Card, The Postcard Hotels & Resorts.

Platinum experiences: Exclusive invitations to VIP-only events and unforgettable experiences, along with access to pre-sale tickets and some of the best seats in the house for concerts, Fashion Weeks, Grammy Awards, Wimbledon and more.

Annual Fee: Rs 66,000 plus taxes
Note: The acceptance of new card applications in India has been paused by American Express.

Combining the benefits of a credit card, debit card and forex card into one, Axis Bank's The One Card from Burgundy Private offers elite global travel privileges to its users.

Airport lounge access: Unlimited access to premier lounges across international and domestic airports for primary and add-on holders.

Forex: Zero forex markup on international transactions with dynamic credit flexibility limit.
Golf sessions: 50 domestic and 4 international complimentary golf rounds/lessons per year.
Hotel memberships: Complimentary memberships to leading luxury hotels & dining programs - Club Marriott, Accor+ Explorer, Taj Epicure & Eazydiner.
Concierge service: A 24*7 concierge ready to assist with your flight bookings, table reservations, shopping assistance etc.
Complimentary movie ticket: Buy 1 and get up to Rs 500 off on a movie ticket or Rs 1000 off on a non-movie ticket on BookMyShow.
Annual Fee: Rs 1,00,000 (Nil for Burgundy Private Clients maintaining a TRV of 5 crore or above)

This credit card is especially designed for those seeking tailored stays at Taj Hotels to unrivalled privileges.

Exquisite stays and dining: Two nights' breakfast-inclusive stays at hotels across India and a one-night stay at Taj Palaces on card activation.

Limited-time offer: A voucher for an extra one-night stay at Taj Palaces, valid for 6 months, with every new or renewed card (valid until December 31, 2026).
The Chambers Lounge: Exclusive access up to 12 times a year for you and a guest.

Room upgrades: Unlimited room upgrades to the next level.

Exclusive savings: 25% savings on the Best Available Rate at Taj Hotels and other participating IHCL hotels.

Rare rewards: 1.5 reward points for every Rs 100 spent on standard purchase; 5 reward points for every Rs 100 spent with Taj, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta hotels and amã Stays & Trails bungalows.

Savings at Reliance Brand outlets: Up to Rs 10,000 off when you spend Rs 35,000 or more.
Free movie tickets: Buy 1 Get 1 Free movie and event tickets through Book My Show (max discount per ticket Rs 1,000 each, valid twice a month).

Joining fee: Rs 1,10,000 plus taxes and an annual fee of Rs 1,10,000

Launched in 2024, this ultra luxury credit card is the first credit card proposition tailored for ultra-high net worth individuals, and offered by invitation only.

Culinary experiences: Preferential access to over 10,000 global restaurants, including tables and last-minute reservations at Michelin-star establishments and the world’s top 50 restaurants.

Curated global events: Invitations to private art gallery tours, global sporting events to restaurant takeovers, exclusive menus and access to limited-edition fashion experiences.

Travel: Curated itineraries like flying safaris, ski vacations, with exclusive access to private jets.

Luxury hotels: Complimentary Taj Epicure and Bloomberg memberships. One free night per 2 consecutive night bookings at over 900 partner luxury properties.

Airport lounge access: Unlimited domestic and international Priority Pass lounge access, along with 12 complimentary guest lounge visits per year.

Golf: Unlimited golf rounds in India (plus 1 guest) and 4 international rounds.

Others: Access to private jet services, custom travel itineraries, and exclusive art/fashion/music events.

Joining and annual fee: Rs 5,00,000 (for cards issued after Jul 31, 2024)