Friends, if you invest in crypto and deposit or withdraw money from an exchange every month, the credit card rewards game takes on a whole new level!
Normal people look for cashback or lounge access, but we crypto enthusiasts choose cards that reward even spending on exchanges or have low forex fees. Today, I’m going to tell you in simple terms which cards are the best for India’s crypto in 2025.
1. HDFC Infinia / DCB Metal (Baby)
Forex markup only 1.99% + GST (lowest in India)
Normal rewards are available on Binance, WazirX, and CoinDCX (do not exclude wallet loads in most cases).
Unlimited lounge access (domestic and international)
5X reward points on normal spend (1 point = ₹1 in airline or Tanishq vouchers).
Why best for crypto? Load on a foreign exchange and buy USDT at a low fee – you’ll keep getting rewards.
Annual fee waiver is waived with spending ₹10 lakh.
2. Axis Magnus / Reserve (Aggressive Rewards)
Magnus: 12 EDGE points per ₹200 (1 point ≈ ₹2 can be redeemed in crypto vouchers as well.)
Reserve: 30 points per ₹200 (this is a rocket).
We used to reward wallet loads on Binance (they’ve become a little strict now, but it still works if used smartly).
The trick to top up crypto exchanges with Insta vouchers on Giftr is great.
Lounge access is unlimited, plus golf games are also free.
3. Amex Platinum Charge (For Rich People) Status Symbol)
MR points are valued at 1:1 or 1:2 with travel partners at a 3.5% forex markup.
Spend on Binance International and earn points.
Welcome bonus of 1 lakh (Marriott or Taj vouchers).
Best for crypto when booking flight tickets or hotels using crypto profits.
4. SC Ultimate / Standard Chartered DigiSmart (Low Budget)
Ultimate: 3.3% unlimited reward (direct statement credit available).
Forex at 3.5%, the reward is so low that the effective cost is reduced.
DigiSmart: 20% off on Myntra and Grofers – great for shopping outside of crypto.
5. IDFC First Select / Private (Zero Forex)
Select: Lifetime free + 0% forex markup (Still running!)
Load onto an international crypto exchange – zero extra charge
Reward rate is slightly lower, but zero forex makes buying crypto the cheapest.
Private cards offer up to 0% forex + 10X points on >₹20,000 spend.
| Card Name | Forex Markup | Reward Rate | Lounge Access | Annual Fee Waive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Infinia | 1.99% | 5X points | Unlimited | ₹10L spend |
| Axis Magnus | 2% | 12 points/₹200 | Unlimited | ₹10L spend |
| Amex Plat Charge | 3.5% | 1:1 or 1:2 MR | Unlimited | ₹70k + GST (benefits cover) |
| IDFC First Select | 0% | 3X-10X | 4/quarter | Lifetime free |
| SC Ultimate | 3.5% | 3.3% Unlimited | Unlimited | ₹5L Spend |
Pros and Cons
Pros (for crypto investors):
- Low forex markups make loading onto international exchanges cheaper.
- Reward points can further enhance crypto profits.
- Lounge access + hotel benefits when traveling with crypto.
- Direct savings with cards with zero forex.
Cons:
- Banks have started discontinuing rewards for wallet loads (need to be done smartly).
- Cards with high annual fees are only for heavy spenders.
- Crypto transactions can be blocked by detecting them using the MCC code (needs a trick).
- There is a risk of reward devaluation.
Conclusion
If you invest ₹50,000-1 lakh on crypto exchanges every month, HDFC Infinia or IDFC First Select would be the best choice. IDFC First Select lifetime free + zero forex on a low budget = king! If you’re a heavy spender, buy Magnus or Infinia – your crypto will grow even more with rewards.
Use it smartly, don’t load your wallet directly, or use gift cards or other regular spending. Tell us in the comments which card you have and how much crypto you’re earning!
