GST 2.0 Will Make Shopping Cheaper! These 5 Credit Cards Can Give Big Savings with Cashback and Discounts

New Delhi: With GST 2.0, taxes on consumer products have been reduced. This will make shopping during the festive season more affordable. Using the right credit cards can multiply your savings through cashback, reward points, and exclusive discounts. Here’s a look at five credit cards that offer the best benefits.

Why Credit Cards Matter

Credit cards offer reward points, cashback, and exclusive deals on every purchase. Whether buying gifts for family or treating yourself, every spend can add value. Combining credit card rewards with the GST 2.0 reduction can maximize festive season savings.

Top 5 Credit Cards for GST 2.0 Savings

1. SBI Cashback Card

   • Online spend: 5% cashback (no merchant restrictions)

   • Offline spend: 1% cashback

   • Renewal fee waiver: On annual spending of ₹2 lakh

   • Cashback is directly adjusted in the statement

2. Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card

   • NeuCoins on Tata Neu & partner brands: Up to 5%

   • Non-Tata brands & EMI spends: 1.5% NeuCoins

   • UPI transactions: 1.5% NeuCoins

   • Monthly NeuCoin limit: 500 (1 NeuCoin = ₹1)

3. HSBC Cashback Credit Card

   • Dining, food delivery, groceries: 10% cashback (₹1,000 per billing cycle)

   • Other spends: 1.5% unlimited cashback

   • Additional discounts:

     • Samsung products up to 35% off

     • Domestic & international flights/hotels up to 25% off

     • Myntra Luxe: Spend ₹4,000, get ₹1,500 instant discount

     • Holiday bookings: Up to ₹40,000 off

4. ICICI Amazon Credit Card

   • Amazon Prime users: 5% cashback on Amazon.in

   • Non-Prime users: 3% cashback

   • Amazon Pay partners: 2% cashback

   • Other spends: 1% cashback

   • Additional discounts:

     • Domestic flights: up to 10% off

     • Hotel bookings: up to 45% off

     • International flights: up to 8% off

   • Cashback is credited as Amazon Pay balance (1 point = ₹1)

5. YES Bank BankBazaar FinBooster Credit Card

   • Online dining: 10 points per ₹200 spend (5X reward points)

   • Online groceries & apparel: 6 points per ₹200

   • Other spends (except fuel): 2 points per ₹200

   • Discounts:

     • Goibibo: Flights, hotels, buses up to 20% off

     • EaseMyTrip: Up to 25% off

   • Reward points redeemable from 250 points (1 point = ₹0.25)

How Credit Card Offers Multiply Savings

Credit card reward points can be redeemed for discounts, gift vouchers, or travel bookings. Cashback schemes reduce the net cost of purchases. For example, the SBI Cashback Card gives up to 5% cashback on online shopping with no merchant restrictions. Combining platform discounts, bank offers, and cashback can significantly increase total savings.

Tips for Festive Shopping

• Set a budget: Avoid overspending during festival sales. Stick to your planned budget.

• Compare deals: Track discounts and offers across cards and platforms. Small savings add up over time.

• Start early: Begin savings in advance to maximize benefits when shopping.

Expert Tip: Saurabh Bansal, Founder of Finetwork Investment Advisors, says:

"Accelerated reward points on shopping and dining make every expense more valuable. Grocery cashback, milestone vouchers, and fuel rewards accumulate into significant savings over time."

Disclaimer: The advice and opinions on Moneycontrol.com are personal views of experts or brokerage firms. The website/management is not responsible. Users are advised to consult certified experts before making any investment decisions.