How cashback and points are earned, what fees, interest and GST cost, and which RBI rules apply to cards in 2026.
This section explains the cost side and the rule book of a cashback or reward credit card in India. Start with the pillar guide on cashback vs reward points, which shows how each reward model turns spending into value and where the value leaks away.
The other guides go one cost at a time: the joining and annual fee and spend-based waivers, interest shown as a monthly percentage, 18% GST on fees and interest, the reward caps and exclusions on rent, utilities and wallets and the billing cycle and interest-free period.
Two guides cover regulation: the RBI credit card rules for 2026, now in the RBI's Credit Cards and Debit Cards: Issuance and Conduct Directions, 2025, and card network choice between RuPay, Visa, Mastercard and others.
All fees, earn rates and caps in these guides are illustrative. Card terms change often and differ by issuer, so check the Key Fact Statement and Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) of the card you are considering. This is general information, not financial advice.
Fees, Rewards and 2026 Rules
How the statement date, due date and interest-free period work on Indian credit cards, your RBI right to change the billing cycle at least once, and worked examples matching it to salary day.
Fees, Rewards and 2026 Rules
How the RBI's March 2024 card network rule lets you pick the network on a new or renewed credit card, which issuers it covers, and how the network affects UPI, rewards and acceptance.
Fees, Rewards and 2026 Rules
How cashback and reward point credit cards work in India in 2026, how to turn points into a rupee rate, and the caps, fees, GST and interest that cut real value.
Fees, Rewards and 2026 Rules
How Indian credit card interest works in 2026 — monthly rate vs annual rate, loss of the interest-free period, daily calculation from transaction dates, GST and worked rupee examples.
Fees, Rewards and 2026 Rules
How joining and annual fees on Indian credit cards work in 2026, with 18% GST, spend-based waiver rules, renewal timing, welcome benefits and break-even examples.
Fees, Rewards and 2026 Rules
Which credit card charges attract 18% GST in India, why card interest is taxed while loan interest is exempt, how GST shows on your statement and how to calculate it.
Fees, Rewards and 2026 Rules
What the RBI's Credit Cards and Debit Cards Issuance and Conduct Directions, 2025 require of card issuers in India in 2026, in plain language with what to do if a rule is broken.
Fees, Rewards and 2026 Rules
How Indian card issuers cap or exclude rewards on rent, utility bills, wallet loads, fuel, insurance and education, the fees some added in 2024–25, and how to recalculate your real reward rate.
