Best Credit Cards for Insurance Payments in India 2026

A small plastic card in your pocket can do more than just buy food and coffee. It can also help you save a lot of money on your insurance. Doesn't that seem interesting? With 2026 bringing new deals and better ways to pay, credit cards in India are now providing perks, cashback, and even free insurance coverage just for paying your premiums. But how can you choose the one that really works for you? What qualities ought to be sought after? What are the best cards to buy this year? This article includes all the answers you need if you're wondering how to get the most value for your money.
 

Why Use a Credit Card for Insurance Payments?

Paying your insurance premium using a credit card isn't just about convenience - it can actually be smart money management. You get extra time to pay without interest, usually up to 45-50 days. That gives you breathing space.

On top of that, many credit cards offer cashback, reward points, or milestone benefits on insurance spends. If you're already paying large premiums, why not get something back? Some cards even let you convert the amount into EMIs, helpful during tight months.

Plus, if you're tracking expenses, card statements make it easier to keep everything in one place. It's neat, fast, and often rewarding, literally.
 

Best Credit Cards for Insurance Payment 2026

Here’s a quick look at some of the top credit cards in India that actually reward you for paying insurance premiums, something many cards don't. This table covers key benefits and charges to help you compare easily:

Note:

• Most credit cards don’t automatically reward insurance premium payments unless the insurer/merchant coding counts as eligible online/retail spend.
• Cards that do offer rewards typically cap them or require payment through a specific partner or platform.
• Always check the card’s ‘Most Important Terms and Conditions
   

Top 10 Credit Cards for Insurance Payment in India

Here are ten of the best credit card for insurance premium payments that actually give value - cashback, reward points, and perks that don’t just sound good, but work well in real life.

1. SBI Card PRIME
   A premium rewards card for retail and lifestyle spends. Reward eligibility on insurance premium payments depends on SBI Card’s applicable category rules and may be excluded or capped as per the latest MITC.
   
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 2,999 + taxes
   • Annual Fee: Rs. 2,999 + taxes (waived on Rs. 3L annual spend)
   
   

   Key Features and Benefits:

   • 2 points per Rs. 100 on utility and insurance
   • Domestic and international lounge access
   • Birthday rewards and milestone e-vouchers


2. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
   Well-balanced card for high spenders. Rewards are offered on eligible retail transactions. Insurance premium transactions may not always earn reward points and are subject to HDFC Bank’s category-wise reward eligibility and caps. Travel benefits are a bonus.
   
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 2,500 + taxes
   • Annual Fee: Rs. 2,500 + taxes
   
   

   Key Features and Benefits:

   • Global lounge access with Priority Pass
   • EMI on large spends


3. Axis Bank Select Credit Card
   This one’s built for those who spend regularly and want decent rewards with lifestyle perks. Rewards apply on eligible retail transactions. Insurance premium spends may be excluded or restricted depending on merchant category classification as per Axis Bank card terms.
   
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 3,000 + taxes
   • Annual Fee: Rs. 3,000 + taxes
   
   

   Key Features and Benefits:

   • Complimentary lounge access
   • 10% off dining at partner restaurants
   • Insurance coverage on travel, purchase protection


4. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
   Dual network (Mastercard + Amex) card that gives decent reward points, golf access, and even buy-one-get-one movie tickets.
   
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 6,500 + taxes
   • Annual Fee: Rs. 3,500 + taxes (waived on Rs. 6L spend)
   
   

   Key Features and Benefits:

   • Earns reward points on eligible retail spends. Insurance premium transactions may or may not qualify for reward points depending on merchant category coding and applicable ICICI Bank program rules
   • BOGO movie tickets via BookMyShow
   • Golf privileges and lounge access


5. SBI Card ELITE
   High-end card with lifestyle perks. You get welcome vouchers and airport lounges. Great for big spenders.
   
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 4,999 + taxes
   • Annual Fee: Rs. 4,999 + taxes (waived on Rs. 10L spend)
   
   

   Key Features and Benefits:

   • Reward points apply on eligible retail transactions. Insurance premium spends may be excluded from reward earning or subject to issuer-defined limits, as specified in the latest SBI Card ELITE MITC
   • Welcome gift worth Rs. 5,000
   • Club Vistara and Trident Privilege memberships


6. HDFC Millennia Credit Card
   This one’s simple. Offers cashback on eligible online and retail transactions. Works well if you're not into complex reward systems.
   
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 1,000 + taxes
   • Annual Fee: Rs. 1,000 + taxes
   
   

   Key Features and Benefits:

   • Insurance premium payments may not always qualify for cashback and are subject to HDFC Bank’s latest cashback applicability rules.
   • 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart (via PayZapp)
   • Smart EMI and fuel surcharge waiver


7. Kotak White Reserve Card
   Premium card that’s big on lifestyle. It’s pricey, but if you travel often and spend a lot, the returns add up through tiered rewards.
   
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 12,500 + taxes
   • Annual Fee: Rs. 12,500 + taxes
   
   

   Key Features and Benefits:

   • Lounge and concierge services
   • Golf access and luxury offers
   • White Pass: earns tier-based cashback


8. American Express Platinum Travel Card
   Doesn’t directly reward insurance spends, but makes up with milestone benefits. Ideal if you travel within India frequently. This card does not typically offer reward acceleration on insurance premium spends. Benefits are primarily linked to milestone-based travel vouchers.
   
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 3,500 + taxes
   • Annual Fee: Rs. 5,000 + taxes
   
   

   Key Features and Benefits:

   • Up to Rs. 19,000 worth travel vouchers yearly
   • 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits/year
   • Bonus points on milestone spends


9. Standard Chartered Ultimate Card
   Solid for those who want premium benefits. Rewards on insurance are high, plus it has unlimited lounge access - rare at this fee.
   
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 5,000 + taxes
   • Annual Fee: Rs. 5,000 + taxes
   
   

   Key Features and Benefits:

   • Reward points are offered on eligible transactions.
   • Unlimited domestic and international lounges
   • Points never expire


10. HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Card
    Best used with Tata Neu app. Earns NeuCoins on eligible Tata Neu app transactions. Handy for frequent online shoppers too.
    
    • Joining Fee: Rs. 1,499 + taxes
    • Annual Fee: Rs. 1,499 + taxes
    
    

    Key Features and Benefits:

    • Lounge access: 8 domestic + 4 international/year
    • 1.5% NeuCoins on other spends

 

Comparison of Top Credit Cards for Insurance Payments

Here’s a simple comparison of the top credit cards that can be used for insurance payments:

Best Credit Cards with Travel Insurance in 2026

A credit card that covers travel insurance can be a lifesaver, literally. You don’t need to pay extra for separate policies, and claims are usually straightforward. If you travel often, it just makes sense to get a card that has your back.

Here are 5 credit cards in India that offer travel insurance as a built-in feature:

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Credit Card for Insurance Payment in India

Not every card suits every person. Before applying, pause and look at a few important things:

• Your Spending Habits: Do you spend more on travel, dining, or online shopping? Pick a card that gives rewards where you actually spend.
• Annual Fees vs Benefits: High-fee cards give better perks, but only if you use them. Otherwise, a low-fee or zero-fee card is better.
• Reward Structure: Some give cashback, others offer points. Choose what’s easier to redeem or what fits your lifestyle.
• Customer Support: Sounds small, but it matters. A good support team helps with fraud, lost cards, and disputes quickly.
• Card Acceptance: Most cards work everywhere now, but some international portals or merchants still prefer Visa/Mastercard over others.
   

How to Choose the Best Credit Card?

Start with what you need, not what looks fancy. If you travel a lot, look for cards with lounge access and insurance. If you're more of a spender on groceries and bills, cashback cards make more sense.

Don’t just go by ads or influencers. Read actual terms. Some cards have hidden conditions for rewards or insurance like needing to spend a minimum amount first. And check if the benefits actually fit your life. And finally, don’t apply for too many cards at once. That can hurt your credit score.
 

Potential Risks of Choosing a Credit Card in India

A few risks to keep in mind:

• Overspending: It’s easy to swipe without thinking. But that bill comes quickly.
• High Interest Rates: If you don’t pay your full bill, interest rates can go over 40% annually.
• Hidden Charges: Late fees, foreign transaction fees, GST - all can pile up if you’re not careful.
• Fraud: India’s pretty secure, but scams still happen. Never share your OTP or CVV.
• Credit Score Impact: Missing payments, maxing out your limit, or applying for too many cards can lower your credit score.

Using a credit card smartly means knowing both the perks and the pitfalls.
 

Summing Up,

It doesn't have to be expensive or tiresome to pay insurance bills. With incentives, cashback, and other benefits, the best credit card for insurance payment may transform a regular payment into a wise financial decision. Your card can do more, so why settle for less? Spend some time evaluating each option, weighing the advantages, and selecting the one that best suits your requirements. Are you prepared to get more out of your money? The choice is yours.