Credit Card Landing

<h2>Credit Card</h2>
Credit cards have become an important part of today’s changing economy with their unmatched convenience, flexibility, and a multitude of benefits and enhancements based on various lifestyles. Credit cards are provided by banks and other financial institutions, providing individuals and households the opportunity to make purchases utilising credit to pay back that amount within an allocated timeframe without additional interest.
 

Credit cards allow so much more than a mere transfer of payment, they present a world of benefit and additional perks. Credit card holders can earn rewards points, cashback, and various savings in areas such as travel, food and dining, shopping, and filling the gas tank. For example, some credit cards offer free airport lounge access to enhance the travel experience, or some cards offer additional rewards if purchases are made online.
 
Updated on: 06 June 2025

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<table><thead><tr><th>Credit card name</th><th>Rewards</th><th>Annual fees</th><th>Best suited for</th><th>Check Eligibility&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card</td><td>With five reward points for every Rs. 150 spent, the base rewards rate is high at 3.33%.</td><td> ₹10,000</td><td>Travel &amp; rewards.</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr><tr><td>Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card</td><td>Domestic and international lounges unlimited access with Priority Pass.</td><td> ₹50,000</td><td>Travel &amp; rewards</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr><tr><td>Axis Atlas Credit Card</td><td>Foreign lounges can be accessed up to 12 times in a year.</td><td> ₹5,000</td><td>Travel &amp; rewards.</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr><tr><td>HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card</td><td>Reliance Digital, Myntra, Nykaa, and Marks &amp; Spencer 5X reward points.</td><td> ₹2,500</td><td>Travel &amp; shopping.</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr><tr><td>Cashback SBI Card</td><td>5% reward on all purchases made online.</td><td> ₹999</td><td>Cashback &amp; online shopping.</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr><tr><td>Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card</td><td>Tata Neu can return up to 7% of its expenditures.</td><td> ₹499</td><td>Co-branded &amp; shopping.&nbsp;</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr><tr><td>HSBC Platinum Credit Card</td><td>Air India, InterMiles, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Vistara, and Etihad convert air miles.</td><td>Nil</td><td>Travel &amp; dining.</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr><tr><td>IndusInd Platinum Credit Card</td><td>With IndusInd Bank's surcharge waiver program, there is no gas charge at any petrol station across India.</td><td>Nil</td><td>Fee waiver.</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr><tr><td>Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card</td><td>Reward points are redeemable on Amazon.in and at more than 100 Amazon Pay merchant locations.</td><td>Nil</td><td>Cashback</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr><tr><td>Federal Bank Signet Credit Card</td><td>Free Swiggy coupons can be availed when you spend Rs. 20,000 in a quarter.&nbsp;</td><td>Nil</td><td>Rewards.</td><td><a href="https://www.livemintmoney.com/credit-card">Apply Now</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Best credit cards in India

<h2>Features and benefits of credit cards</h2>
<div class="dataPageContent">
 <ul class="edgeTop">
 <li>
 Secure and convenient: 
 Credit cards are a great alternative to cash when carrying out important transactions.
 For instance, contactless payment systems make a purchase safer and quicker.
 </li>
 <li>
 Rewards and cash backs: 
 You get cashback, points, or miles for every purchase you make with your credit card. 
 You can use these rewards to book airfares, purchase merchandise, obtain gift cards, 
 or receive statement credits.
 </li>
 <li>
 Building your credit score: 
 If you use your credit card wisely, your credit card will cost you less: 
 make payments on time, and keep your utilization ratio low. 
 Over a period of time, you'll manage to create a good standing profile.
 </li>
 <li>
 Interest-free period: 
 Most credit cards have an interest-free period of between 20 and 50 days. 
 During this period, you can make purchases without attracting interest. 
 As a result, by taking time to budget your spending and then pay off the entire amount due, 
 you should be able to avoid certain hefty interest charges.
 </li>
 <li>
 Discounts and deals: 
 Credit cards can allow you to access exclusive events or offers and savings examples of 
 these might include free movie tickets, a restaurant discount, 
 or an upgrade on a trip that gives added worth to what you spend money on.
 </li>
 </ol>
</div>

 
<h2>
Why credit cards are a smart financial tool
</h2>

Credit cards offer a convenient and flexible way to build your credit history, earn valuable rewards, and finance everyday or emergency purchases. By providing short-term credit, they allow you to buy now and pay later—often without any interest charges if the full balance is paid by the due date.
Using a credit card responsibly not only helps improve your credit score but also provides added benefits such as cashback, travel points, fraud protection, and purchase insurance. Whether you're shopping online, booking travel, or covering unexpected expenses, credit cards can be a powerful part of your personal finance toolkit.


 

<h2>Types of credit cards</h2>

<div class="dataPageContent">
 <ol class="edgeTop">
 <li>
 Co-branded credit cards: 
 These are issued in conjunction with specific businesses, 
 whether it is airlines, retail stores or internet portals, 
 and you get extra rewards when you shop at those businesses.

 </li>
 <li>
 Travel credit cards: 
 Travel credit cards cater to frequent travelers since they 
 come with benefits such as free airport lounge access, miles in terms 
 of free travel, as well as saving a fortune when you book flights and even hotel rooms.
 </li>
 <li>
 Fuel credit cards: 
 Reducing the cost of fuel is the objective of fuel credit cards. 
 The petrol stations that accept fuel credit cards usually provide waivers 
 of gasoline surcharge, cashback, and reward points on purchased fuel.
 </li>
 <li>
 Super premium credit cards: 
 Only high net worth individuals can be targeted as these super 
 premium credit cards come with special luxury benefits such as 
 unlimited complimentary airport lounge access, round-the-clock 
 concierge services, free golf games, and higher reward rates.
 </li>
 <li>
 Shopping credit cards: 
 These credit cards make each shopping spree much more rewarding 
 as they provide cash back, discount rewards, and points on purchase 
 transactions made in stores and online, from established merchants.
 </li>
 <li>
 Lifetime free credit cards: 
 For newbies to credit, lifetime-free credit 
 cards are perfect because there is no yearly 
 renewal or joining fee.
 </li>
 <li>
 Rewards credit cards: 
 With each purchase, rewards credit cards earn you points that you redeem 
 for a list of products or services, including cashback, gift cards, flights, and items.
 </li>
 <li>
 Cashback credit cards: 
 Cashback credit cards give you value immediately by paying you 
 back as cashback or redeemable points on a fraction of your purchase. 
 Cash is usually applied against your statement balance or credited in your account.
 </li>
 </ol>
</div>

<h2>Check Credit card eligibility Online</h2>

Before applying for a credit card you need to find out the eligibility criteria set by different lenders to avail the benefits of credit cards. 
 However, the eligibility criteria can vary from lender to lender but the basic requirements is as follows:

 
<div class="dataPageContent">
 <ul>
 <li>
 Credit score: 
 750 or more.
 </li>
 <li>
 Age: 
 The applicant age should lie between the bracket of 18 years to 60-65 years.
 </li>
 <li>
 Income: 
 Stable monthly income.
 </li>
 <li>
 Employment: 
 Self employed or salaried individuals both can apply. 
 </li>
 </ul>
</div>

<h2>How to apply for a credit card Online? </h2>
Here is the complete guide for applying free credit card online in a few simple steps in 
 your preferred way, that is online Or offline by visiting the bank's branch. 

 

<h3>Steps to apply for free credit card online</h3>
 
<div class="dataPageContent">
 <ul>
 <li>
 Step 1: 
 Visit the website of the bank of your preferred choice, 
 and select the credit card type you find most suitable and 
 check for the eligibility criteria.
 </li>
 <li>
 Step 2: 
 If eligible for the credit card, then submit the required 
 documents for the verification process to start.
 </li>
 <li>
 Step 3: 
 After submitting the documents, 
 complete the application procedure.
 </li>
 <li>
 Step 4: 
 Visit the website of the bank of your preferred choice, 
 and select the credit card type you find most suitable and 
 check for the eligibility criteria.
 </li>

 </ul>
</div>

Credilio Embed 2

In a luxury-focussed card market, BOBCARD bets on health and insurance

As most credit card issuers chase premium experiences and luxury rewards to drive higher spending, BOBCARD is betting on healthcare, wellness and insurance-led benefits to carve a niche for itself.With rising medical costs and changing customer preferences reshaping how credit cards are used, the Bank of Baroda subsidiary is moving away from one-size-fits-all offerings towards cohort-specific products.Gen Z users, women, professionals and uniformed personnel are among the key segments it is targeting through specialized cards offering healthcare, insurance and customized benefits.The latest example of this strategy is the recently launched women-centric Tiara credit card. The card offers a free annual pap smear test and mammography, along with lifestyle-related benefits worth up to ₹31,000.“The next big thing is health because healthcare has become very expensive,” said Ravindra Rai M, managing director and chief executive officer of BOBCARD, adding that the issuer plans to expand its partnerships across insurance, healthcare and wellness.“In a credit card, either you give a reward or some of the usual perks. But for this specific women-centric card, we thought it should be more towards health benefits. We wanted to bring in something very inclusive,” Rai told Mint.BOBCARD has also introduced insurance-linked covers for army and police personnel, where an insurance cover ranging from ₹20 lakh to up to ₹1 crore, is activated upon using the card. For these profession-linked or cohort-specific cards, the issuer also offers add-on cards for family members, reward points and lounge access.“Healthcare itself is a big subject, but these are areas we have touched which are behaving perfectly for us,” he said, adding that this includes tie-ups for empanelling with hospitals for diagnostics and free testing.

<h2>Target customer cohorts</h2>While premium and super-premium cards remain a focus for driving higher spends, BOBCARD’s broader approach is cohort-driven. This includes a card designed for chartered accountants and an instant cashback product called Boomerang, aimed at digitally savvy Gen Z users.“They are the future for us, they are the ones who are really going to push (credit cards) because they're looking at travel, lifestyle, etc.,” Rai said.As revolver rates declined for the industry and repayment behaviour improved, a lot of these lifestyle purchases are today being funded by EMIs (equated monthly instalments) against card spends as they offer a 50-day interest-free cycle for users, he added. Currently, 8-10% of the issuer's credit card dues are seeing conversions to EMI payments.The idea here is to personalize and customize rewards and benefits for the varied customer segments, Rai said.Young customers prefer lifestyle benefits such as concert tickets or getaways over luxury benefits such as golf club memberships for older premium customers. “Issuers need to relook at their strategies when they position themselves to these cohorts of people because ‘one-size-fits-all’ has gone out of the window.”

<h2>Partnerships to scale</h2>Formerly Bob Financial, BOBCARD was rebranded in January 2024 to identify it as a credit card issuing company and introduce the tagline ‘reimagining credit’.Part of the rebranding exercise included shedding the “sluggish” perception usually attached to a PSU-promoted entity, and the introduction of innovative and segment or need-specific products through partnerships and tie-ups, especially those with fintechs.BOBCARD has partnered with fintechs such as OneCard, Uni and <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/can-zero-forex-lifetime-free-scapia-outdo-other-travel-credit-cards-11702311568670.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" data-vars-anchor-text="Scapia.">Scapia.</a>“There is an intent to grow the right way and the new age issuers and fintechs have the flexibility and speed. When you mix both, it works out well.”In the premium segment, partnerships are more lifestyle-led. The recent co-branded card with Etihad Airways marks the issuer’s first airline tie-up and a move towards international travel benefits. “We want to bring in a little bit of lifestyle benefits. We are trying to be there with the big boys.” Rai said.<h2>Growth and scale</h2>BOBCARD is one of only two standalone credit card issuers in India, alongside<a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/market/mark-to-market/sbi-card-shares-sbi-card-stock-rally-sbi-card-q4-results-interest-rate-cut-rbi-rate-cut-impact-credit-cards-card-spend-11749635828980.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" data-vars-anchor-text="SBI Card"> SBI Card</a>, with both promoted by state-owned banks. This structure has pushed the company to pursue growth aggressively, while maintaining a close watch on margins.To manage this, the company is investing in technology to strengthen underwriting, simplify onboarding, improve grievance redressal and support EMI-led purchases.“We are one of the top 10 issuers in this country. And a long-term plan is that we want to be in the top five,” Rai said, adding that the aim is to scale the business over the next two to three years to achieve this goal by 2027-2028.To support this growth, the company raised ₹350 crore in 2024 and plans to seek more capital from the promoter in the next few years.In an October 2025 report titled ‘Indian Payments Handbook 2025-2028’, PwC said private banks lead the credit card issuance in India, with eight of the top ten issuers being private banks. Further, the top four banks account for around 71% of all credit cards outstanding, 77% of transaction volumes and about 75% of transaction value.

<h2>Scale and performance</h2>According to the latest Reserve Bank of India data, the issuer had 3 million cards-in-force as of November 2025, up 4.2% on year, placing it ninth among credit card issuers by outstanding cards. In terms of monthly spends, BOBCARD ranked 11th, with the value of card transactions—across point-of-sale and e-commerce—rising 17.6% year-on-year to ₹3,338 crore.In comparison, SBI Card held the second spot in volume terms with 2.2 crore cards-in-force as of November 2025, recording the third-highest spend of ₹33,936 crore for the month.HDFC Bank held the top spot, both in terms of the number of the cards and spends with 25.6 million cards-in-force contributing to spends of around ₹55,552 crore in November.At an industry level, the total number of outstanding cards was at 114.9 million, accounting for monthly spends of ₹1.9 trillion, per RBI data.BOBCARD reported a net profit of ₹23.22 crore for the first half of the current financial year, down 9.1% from the year-ago period. Average net receivables rose 17% year-on-year to ₹6,257 crore for the six-month period. Following Bank of Baroda’s Q2 FY26 results, YES Securities estimated BOBCARD’s market capitalisation or assigned value at ₹2,889 crore based on its book value.

With rising medical costs and changing customer preferences reshaping how credit cards are used, BOBCARD is moving away from one-size-fits-all offerings towards cohort-specific products.

Bank of Baroda's BoB Card ranks ninth among credit card issuers with 3 million cards-in-force and a 17.6% year-on-year spending increase to ₹3,338 crore. The issuer focuses on cohort-specific offerings, targeting Gen Z and women with health-centric benefits, including a women-focused Tiara card. BoB Card aims to break into the top five issuers by 2027-2028 through innovative partnerships and technology investment.

IDFC First Bank launches Zero Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card for global travellers. Details here

IDFC FIRST Bank has launched 'Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card', a premium travel and lifestyle offering primarily for affluent global travellers with accelerated travel rewards and lifestyle benefits.The card comes with 0% forex markup and does not charge interest on ‘ATM Cash Withdrawal’ globally till the payment due date. But the bank will charge ₹199 per cash withdrawal. Priced at ₹3000 + GST, the ‘Diamond Reserve <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/credit-card" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="Credit Card’">Credit Card’</a> comes with a fee waiver if the annual spend is more than ₹6 lakh.

<h2>Features, benefits and rewards of the card</h2><ol><li style="text-align:justify;">0% forex markup on all international spends.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Earn up to ‘60<a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/how-to-redeem-hdfc-credit-card-reward-points-for-travel-a-complete-guide-11762931451984.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="Reward Points"> Reward Points</a>’ for every ₹150 spent on hotel bookings via the app. With each ‘Reward Point’ valued at ₹0.25, that’s ₹15 back on every ₹150 spent—an effective 10% value back on hotel stays.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Earn up to 40 ‘Reward Points’ for every ₹150 spent on flight bookings via the app. That’s ₹10 back on every ₹150 spent—an effective 6.6% value back on flight bookings.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Earn up to 10 ‘Reward Points’ for every ₹150 spent on monthly spends. With each ‘Reward Point’ valued at ₹0.25, that’s ₹2.5 back on every ₹150 spent—an effective 1.66% value back.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Two domestic lounge visits and two international lounge visits per quarter.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Up to two complimentary golf rounds or lessons per month.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">One ‘Complimentary Meet and Greet’ airport service on annual spends of $1000.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Buy-One-Get-One movie ticket every month.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">ITC Hotels: Book two nights and get the third night free.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Free trip cancellation cover of ₹25000</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Insurance cover for lost baggage, delayed flights, air accident cover of ₹1 crore, and personal accident cover of ₹10 lakh</li></ol>“Diamond Reserve is an ideal choice for customers with significant international travel exposure, who want a premium card that works seamlessly both overseas and in India,” said Shirish Bhandari, Head – Credit Cards, FASTag and Loyalty, IDFC FIRST Bank.

<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Other unique features</h2><ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Interest rates start at 8.5% per annum.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">0% interest on ATM Cash withdrawal globally till the payment due date. Fee of ₹199 per withdrawal.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">No expiry of reward points- Lifetime validity.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Freedom to redeem ‘Reward Points’ across any e-commerce platform or online purchase.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Unlimited earnings—no caps or limits on reward point accrual.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Up to 10X rewards points on ‘<a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/first-wow-black-credit-card-offers-zero-forex-markup-lounge-access-travel-rewards-should-you-apply-11767764665257.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="Credit Card">Credit Card</a>’ spends above ₹20000 per billing cycle</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Fuel surcharge waiver at select fuel stations</li></ol>Allirajan M is a journalist with over two decades of experience. He has worked with several leading media organisations in the country and has been writing on mutual funds for nearly 16 years.

IDFC FIRST's 'Diamond Reserve Credit Card' provides 0% forex markup, interest-free global ATM cash withdrawals, and lifetime reward points. 

IDFC FIRST Bank has introduced the 'Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card', tailored for affluent travelers, featuring 0% forex markup and no interest on global ATM cash withdrawals until the due date. Key benefits include lifetime-valid reward points, up to 10X rewards on spending, and various lifestyle perks. The annual fee is waived for spends over ₹6 lakh.

IDFC FIRST's 'Diamond Reserve Credit Card' provides 0% forex markup, interest-free global ATM cash withdrawals, and lifetime reward points.&nbsp;

FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card offers zero forex markup, lounge access &amp; travel rewards – Should you apply?

We are in the midst of the busy travel season. Credit cards with good travel benefits can enhance your travel experience. Keeping a customer’s travel preferences in mind, IDFC FIRST Bank has launched the FRIST WOW! Black Credit Card. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of this card, including its fees, and discuss whether you should take it.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Rewards structure</h2>The FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card has the following rewards structure:<ol><li>4 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent online, offline and international spends</li><li>1 reward point for every Rs. 150 spent on utility bill payments and insurance premium payments</li><li>3 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/zepto-introduces-in-app-upi-option-amid-delivery-platforms-push-for-internalised-payments-report-11767697851381.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="UPI">UPI</a> transactions valued above Rs. 2,000</li><li>1 reward point for every Rs. 150 spent on UPI transactions valued up to Rs. 2,000</li></ol>The following transactions will not earn any reward points:<ol><li>Fuel transactions</li><li>Transactions converted into EMI</li><li>Cash withdrawal transactions</li><li>Transactions whose value is below Rs. 150</li></ol>

<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Benefits</h2>The card offers several benefits, some of which include the following Joining benefitsOn payment of the joining fees, the cardholder receives:<ol><li>A voucher that entitles a Rs. 500 discount on the first flight booking done through the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App on a Rs. 5,000 minimum spend.</li><li>Up to Rs. 1,600 instant discounts on flights, hotels, and bus bookings on MakeMyTrip</li><li>Complimentary 3-month EazyDiner Prime Membership worth Rs. 1,095</li><li>A flat 10% instant discount on the Mokobara website</li><li>Complimentary one-year Lenskart Gold Max Membership worth Rs. 800</li><li>5% cashback up to Rs. 1,000 on 1st EMI transaction</li></ol>

Discount on movie tickets: If you are a movie buff, you can enjoy a 25% discount, up to Rs. 100, on movie tickets booked through the District App. The offer can be availed of once every calendar month. The offer applies to booking a minimum of one or more movie ticket. Airport lounge access: If you have reached the airport far earlier than your scheduled flight departure or your flight has been delayed, you can relax at the airport lounge. The card provides one complimentary visit per calendar quarter to specified airport lounges within India. The cardholder must spend Rs. 20,000 with the card in the previous calendar month to unlock airport lounge access in the current month. Zero forex markup: The card comes with zero forex markup. So, whether you spend abroad during your international trip or make international purchases from India, you pay zero forex markup fees on all international transactions.Trip cancellation cover insurance: The trip cancellation cover insurance provides reimbursement for flight/hotel cancellations that were booked using the IDFC FIRST WOW! Black <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/credit-card" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="Credit Card">Credit Card</a>. The reimbursement is for the non-refundable amount of the flight/hotel booking. The insurance coverage is for Rs. 10,000 for flight and hotel booking, and is fungible between the two.The cover amount can be used across a maximum of two transactions during the policy period. The insurance coverage will be available on cancellations made at least 24 hours before the flight or hotel stay date. Fuel surcharge waiver: The card provides a waiver for the 1% fuel surcharge at all fuel stations across India on transactions between Rs. 200 and Rs. 5,000. The maximum waiver in a statement cycle is Rs. 200. Bonus reward points: One of the highlights of this credit card is the bonus reward points earned on travel bookings made through the ‘Travel &amp; Shop’ section on the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App, as follows.<ol><li>30 bonus <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/these-5-credit-cards-offer-rewards-galore-to-cardholders-check-details-here-11746028461078.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="reward points">reward points</a> for every Rs. 150 spent on flight bookings</li><li>50 bonus reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on hotel bookings</li></ol>When a cardholder spends Rs. 150 on a hotel booking through the ‘Travel &amp; Shop’ portal, they get a total of 54 reward points as follows:<ol><li>Base earn of 4 reward points, and</li><li>Bonus 50 reward points</li></ol>Similarly, a cardholder gets 34 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on a flight booking through the ‘Travel &amp; Shop’ portal.A cardholder can earn a maximum of 8,000 bonus reward points in a calendar month. The bonus reward points will be credited by the 5th of the next calendar month, post completion of flight travel or hotel check-in.

Redemption of reward points: A cardholder can redeem their reward points for travel bookings (flights and hotels) done through the ‘Travel &amp; Shop’ portal within the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App. The redemption value per point is Rs. 0.50.In the earlier section, we understood how a cardholder can earn 54 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on a hotel booking through the ‘Travel &amp; Shop’ portal. It translates into 36 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent. When these 36 reward points are redeemed at a rate of Rs. 0.50/reward point, the cardholder gets a value back of 18%.Similarly, the cardholder earns 34 reward points on every Rs. 150 spent on a flight booking through the ‘Travel &amp; Shop’ portal. It translates into 22.67 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent. When these 22.67 reward points are redeemed at a rate of Rs. 0.50/reward point, the cardholder gets a value back of 11.33%.A cardholder can utilise reward points to pay up to 70% of the transaction value while booking a flight/hotel through the ‘Travel &amp; Spend’ portal. The balance amount must be paid with the FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card.The redemption of reward points on the ‘Travel &amp; Shop’ portal is capped at a maximum of 1,00,000 points per calendar month and 2,00,000 points in a calendar year.The redemption value of one reward point, outside of the ‘Travel &amp; Shop’ portal, is Rs. 0.25.Eligibility criteria: To apply for the FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card, the applicant’s age must be between 18 to 80 years. They must be an Indian resident with a current and permanent residential address in India. The applicant must start a new fixed deposit or link an existing IDFC FIRST Bank fixed deposit of at least Rs. 20,000.As the card is secured (linked to a fixed deposit), you can get it even without a credit score or an income source. The credit limit on the card will depend on the amount of the fixed deposit.Fees: The joining and annual renewal fee on the FIRST WOW! Black <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/these-5-premium-credit-cards-give-tempting-offers-for-card-users-11763654979823.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="Credit Card">Credit Card </a>is Rs. 750 + Taxes. On the payment of the joining fees, the cardholder receives joining benefits worth Rs. 5,000, details of which have been explained earlier. The annual renewal fee is waived on spending Rs. 1.5 lakhs in the previous year.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Should you take this credit card?</h2>If you are someone who doesn’t have a credit score, the FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card can be your gateway to building and maintaining a good credit score and history. If you are a student, homemaker, senior citizen, etc., without an income source, you can still get the FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card against the security of a fixed deposit.Even for those who have a good credit score and a stable income source, the FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card can provide a lot of value. With benefits such as bonus reward points and higher redemption value on travel bookings, zero forex markup, airport lounge access, discount on movie tickets, etc., the card can find a place in many people’s wallets.Gopal Gidwani is a freelance personal finance content writer with 15+ years of experience. He can be reached on LinkedIn.For all personal finance updates, visit <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="here">here</a>.Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs for providing credit; you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards, and credit scores. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit, as it comes with a set of risks, such as high interest rates, hidden charges, etc. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit.

FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card benefits include bonus reward points, higher redemption value on travel bookings, zero forex markup, and airport lounge access. The card is issued against a fixed deposit.

IDFC FIRST Bank's FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card offers substantial travel rewards, allowing cardholders to redeem points for travel bookings at a rate of Rs. 0.50 per point, with a maximum redemption of 1,00,000 points monthly. The card's benefits include airport lounge access, discounts on movie tickets, and trip cancellation cover insurance, making it ideal for various users, including those without a credit score.

FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card offers zero forex markup, lounge access & travel rewards – Should you apply?

Credit card application rejected? Here are 5 major reasons banks say no

In today’s rapidly evolving credit environment, securing a credit card and using it properly can boost financial stability. Still, it has been observed that several applicants face unexpected rejections when trying to secure credit cards.This makes it essential for aspiring credit card applicants to understand the fundamental reasons for such rejections, as it can help not only improve approval chances but also strengthen their credit profile. Below are a few reasons why one’s credit card application can get rejected.<h2>5 major reasons for rejection of credit card applications</h2><h3>1. Weak credit history</h3>A credit card application is closely tied to your credit history:<ul><li>Lenders favour a track record of responsible credit use. A low or limited credit history can result in the rejection of a <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/credit-card" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="credit card">credit card</a> application.</li><li>Recent defaults or delayed repayments. Even a single missed payment can signal serious risk to issuers.</li><li>Utilising a large portion of your permitted credit can bring down your creditworthiness. A very high <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/does-a-high-credit-utilisation-ratio-hurt-your-credit-score-here-s-how-to-increase-your-limit-credit-card-11760335954010.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="credit utilisation">credit utilisation</a> is a red flag that can result in rejection of a <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/5-simple-steps-to-complete-your-credit-card-application-without-mistakes-credit-score-11761555958943.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="credit card application">credit card application</a>.</li></ul><h3>2. Insufficient income or employment instability</h3>Your ability to repay is fundamental:<ul><li>In case your income does not meet the basic eligibility requirements or is lower than the minimum threshold, applications are generally declined.</li><li>Instability in job profiles, frequent changes in employment, or short-term tenures raise red flags and can prompt the issuer to reconsider applications and even reject them.</li><li>Irregular and inconsistent income patterns, common among freelancers, part-time employment or gig workers, might not satisfy stringent internal policies.</li></ul>

<h3>3. High existing debt burden</h3>Too many liabilities, pending loans can dampen approval chances:<ul><li>If the applicant already has a high <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/debttoincome-ratio-explained-the-key-factor-behind-personal-loan-eligibility-dti-ratio-11764046969643.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="debt-to-income ratio">debt-to-income ratio</a> and multiple active credit cards or personal loans, lending institutions may hesitate to approve credit card applications.</li><li>Such a behaviour might be viewed by lending institutions as a clear sign of credit hunger. That is why availing too many loans is never encouraged. Your total loan outgo on a monthly basis should not exceed 30% of your monthly income.</li></ul><h3>4. Errors in application submission or documentation</h3>Accuracy matters in every submission:<ul><li>Even minor mistakes or errors in official records, such as incorrect name spellings, Aadhaar details, or PAN details, can cause rejection.</li><li>Missing proofs of identity, address or income often stall approval chances and complicate future credit card applications. Incomplete KYC documents can provide a clear basis for rejecting credit card or loan applications.</li></ul><h3>5. Age and eligibility constraints</h3>Eligibility criteria vary across issuers. Not meeting them can force rejections:<ul><li>Basic eligibility criteria, such as age limits, require applicants to be within a specific age bracket.</li><li>Several credit cards are specifically designed for Indians only. Non-residents or those without valid documentation may be disqualified.</li></ul>

<h2>Understanding credit card risks</h2>In conclusion, credit cards can provide comfort, convenience, and financial flexibility, but misuse can result in high interest rates, mounting debt, and a declining <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/credit-score?prev=1" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="credit score">credit score</a>. Applicants should evaluate their spending habits, understand common reasons for rejection, and prioritise repayment discipline before applying. Doing so not only improves approval chances but also fosters healthier credit habits.For all personal finance updates, visit <a class="backlink" style="text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="here">here</a>.Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs for providing credit; you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards, and credit scores. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit, as it comes with risks such as high interest rates and hidden charges. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit.

Credit card applications can be rejected due to weak credit history, high debt, insufficient income, errors in documentation, or eligibility issues, highlighting the importance of disciplined spending and repayment habits.

Credit cards offer financial flexibility but can lead to significant risks like high interest rates and debt if mismanaged. Common reasons for application rejections include weak credit history, insufficient income, high existing debt, application errors, and age constraints. Understanding these factors can enhance approval chances and promote better credit habits. For personal finance updates, visit Mint.

RBL launches NOVA Credit Card: Travel &amp; lifestyle benefits explained — Should you apply?

The number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) in India is growing significantly, and the growth rate is expected to remain high in the foreseeable future. Financial services companies are launching various products to cater to the financial needs of the HNI category. Banks are also launching various financial products, including premium credit cards for HNIs and other affluent categories.RBL Bank has recently launched two premium credit cards, LUMIÈRE and NOVA, to help curate extraordinary experiences for the cardholders. LUMIÈRE is an exclusive, invite-only credit card, and its benefits are yet to be revealed. The NOVA Credit Card is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of the NOVA Credit Card, the fees, and whether you should take it.

<h2 style="text-align:justify;">What is the NOVA Credit Card?</h2>NOVA <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/bobcard-cashback-credit-card-offering-5-on-online-spends-should-you-take-it-11765354007412.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="Credit Card">Credit Card</a> is for the unstoppable achiever—bold, dynamic, and forward-looking. The premium metal card is crafted for those who seek exclusivity and sophistication in every aspect of life. It offers privileges that go beyond conventional luxury. Redefining sophistication, the card blends cutting-edge benefits with timeless luxury for the modern connoisseur.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Rewards structure</h2>The NOVA Credit Card offers 4 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent on purchases. The cardholder gets accelerated rewards of 12 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent on flights, hotels, and gift cards through the digital concierge platform. Some banks cap the accelerated reward points earned through their portals at 10,000 to 18000 per month. The NOVA Credit Card has a higher cap of 30,000 accelerated reward points per month.The reward points can be redeemed at a rate of 1 reward point = Rs. 1 on flights, hotels, and the brand catalogue. Some banks allow only 70-90% of the transaction value to be paid with reward points. The NOVA Credit Card allows you to redeem your reward points on 100% of the transaction value. The reward points can also be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty partners in a 2:1 ratio.<h2>Spends milestone</h2>When the cardholder spends Rs. 3 lakhs or more in a calendar quarter, they receive a Rs. 10,000 gift card. The cardholder can choose from various gift card brands, including Marriott Bonvoy, Taj Experiences, Tata CliQ Luxury, MakeMyTrip, Luxe Gift Card, etc. Thus, high spenders can earn rewards worth Rs. 40,000 in a year in the form of gift vouchers.Spends on the following categories will not earn any reward points: Fuel and auto, utilities, insurance, real estate and rental, wallet and service providers, Government services, contracted services, miscellaneous, Bills2Pay, EMI, etc.

<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Features and benefits</h2>The NOVA<a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/credit-card?cta_position=story_lead_image" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="Credit Card"> Credit Card</a> offers several valuable features and benefits. Some of these include the following. Airport lounge access: A cardholder can enjoy 12 complimentary airport lounge accesses within India. The card also provides 12 complimentary airport lounge access outside India. Accompanying guests can enjoy 4 complimentary lounge accesses outside India.Low forex markup: The card has a low <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/economy/indias-forex-reserves-drop-by-1-8-billion-gold-reserves-edge-higher-rbi-data-shows-11765117263630.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="forex">forex </a>markup of 2%. Thus, the cardholder can enjoy a lower foreign transaction fee on cross-border purchases. Most banks usually charge a 3.5% forex markup fee on most credit cards. So, the NOVA Credit Card can help you save a significant amount of money on forex spends.Golf rounds and lessons: A NOVA Credit Cardholder can enjoy 4 golf rounds every year. If you are learning golf, you can enjoy 12 complimentary golf lessons every year. For the golf connoisseurs, the NOVA Credit Card provides access to some of the premium golf courses in the country.Fine dining access: If you love relishing food at India’s finest restaurants, the NOVA Credit Card provides a 10% discount. It is a bespoke benefit in this segment, and with this card, you can turn each visit to India’s finest restaurants into an opportunity to savour more, explore more, and experience more.Access to bespoke events and experiences: The NOVA Credit Card offers a bouquet of experiences where cardholders can redeem reward points to access a VIP seat at the FIFA finals or a Grand Slam tennis event. Apart from these events, a range of experiences has been curated especially for connoisseurs. These include curated art tours in Paris, private tastings in Tuscany, or luxury escapes in Bali.Dedicated lifestyle concierge: A dedicated team of lifestyle concierges will be available 24*7 to service the cardholders. It will be a direct line with no IVR and will assist the customer in accessing all their needs.Add on card: A cardholder can take up to 2 add-on cards for free. The add-on cards let your loved ones hold an exclusive <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/these-5-premium-credit-cards-offer-exclusive-features-check-annual-fee-other-details-11758037519516.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="premium credit card">premium credit card</a> in their name and enjoy seamless access to rewards, travel perks, and exclusive experiences.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Fees</h2>The joining and annual renewal fee for the NOVA Credit Card is Rs. 12,500 + GST. The cardholder gets a welcome and annual renewal benefit of a Rs. 12,500 gift voucher. The cardholder can choose from a Taj Experiences or Luxe Gift Card. The annual renewal fee is waived if the cardholder spends Rs. 10 lakhs in the previous year.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Digital concierge platform</h2>RBL Bank’s digital concierge platform can be compared to the various platforms offered by other banks. For example, HDFC Bank has the SmartBuy platform, ICICI Bank has the iShop platform, American Express has the Reward Multiplier platform, HSBC has the Travel with Points portal, and IDFC FIRST Bank has the Travel &amp; Shop portal.These portals offer accelerated reward points on various services, including booking flights, hotels, buses, purchasing gift vouchers, etc. The NOVA Credit Card offers 12 reward points for every 200 spent on the services availed through the digital concierge platform. With a redemption value of up to Rs. 1 per reward point, it translates into a benefit of up to 6% value back.In comparison, an HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Cardholder can earn up to 33% value back through the HDFC SmartBuy portal. Similarly, an ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Cardholder can earn up to 36% value back through the iShop portal.The NOVA Credit Cardholder can transfer reward points to various airline and hotel loyalty partners, including Air India Maharaja Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Club ITC. In comparison, banks like HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and HSBC have partnered with 15-20 airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering a wide range of options to their credit cardholders to transfer their reward points.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Should you take the NOVA Credit Card?</h2>The NOVA Credit Card offers a good joining and annual renewal benefits of a Rs. 12,500 gift voucher and spend-based milestone benefits worth Rs. 40,000 annually (Rs. 10,000 quarterly). With a redemption value of 1 reward point equal to Rs. 1, it provides a 6% value back on flights, hotel bookings, and gift vouchers purchased through the digital concierge platform.The card offers travel benefits, including complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access, and a low forex markup of 2%. Complimentary golf rounds and lessons are also available for golf connoisseurs.Cardmembers receive 24*7 dedicated service from a Select Circle Xpert. Additionally, bespoke events and experiences around the globe and a 10% savings at India’s top fine-dining restaurants make it a good card in the luxury segment. If you are a high spender, seeking good value back and access to bespoke events and experiences, you can consider the NOVA Credit Card.Gopal Gidwani is a freelance personal finance content writer with 15+ years of experience. He can be reached on LinkedIn.For all personal finance updates, visit <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="here">here</a>.Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs for providing credit; you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards, and credit scores. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit, as it comes with a set of risks, such as high interest rates, hidden charges, etc. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit.

The NOVA Credit Card is a luxury credit card that offers accelerated reward points on travel, airport lounge access, low forex markup, golf rounds, and more, designed for those looking to transform everyday moments into milestones.

The NOVA Credit Card, designed for high spenders, offers exclusive benefits including 12 complimentary airport lounge accesses, low 2% forex markup, four annual golf rounds, and a 10% discount at top restaurants. With a joining fee of Rs. 12,500, cardholders can earn up to Rs. 40,000 in rewards annually, making it ideal for affluent individuals seeking luxury experiences.

RBL launches NOVA Credit Card: Travel & lifestyle benefits explained — Should you apply?

Got a message for instant credit card limit extension? It could be a scam: Red flags to spot and 5 ways to stay safe

With the rapid growth of credit card use in the country, fraudsters are devising increasingly sophisticated scams to deceive cardholders. One such scam is the credit card limit extension scam. This scam exploits cardholders' interest in higher spending limits, potentially leading to data theft and financial loss.This makes it critical for all aspiring <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/credit-card" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="credit card">credit card </a>holders to understand such scams, how they work, and the ways scammers use to dupe innocent credit card holders, which is key to staying protected.<h2>What is a credit card limit extension scam?</h2>A credit card limit extension scam is a type of scam that involves fraudsters posing as banking officials or credit card issuers, offering cardholders an ‘instant’ or ‘pre-approved’ increase on their <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/how-to-increase-your-credit-limit-wisely-without-hurting-your-credit-score-11750337275460.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="credit limit.">credit limit.</a>These offers are generally made through direct phone calls, SMS messages, WhatsApp texts or emails. The objective of this scam is to obtain confidential data and misappropriate funds by using the obtained information to conduct unauthorised transactions.

<h2>Scammers generally carry out these scams by:</h2><ul><li>Claiming that your credit card is eligible for immediate limit improvement.</li><li>They request sensitive details, such as card number, OTP, <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/what-does-cvv-number-mean-on-your-credit-card-learn-how-it-keeps-you-safe-pin-11737657693813.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="CVV">CVV</a>, or internet banking credentials, to complete the ‘process’ of limit enhancement.</li><li>Finally, they request a ‘processing fee’ to ensure seamless activation of the higher limit services.</li></ul>In reality, legitimate banking institutions and NBFCs never ask for customer-specific confidential details on the phone or charge any fees or <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money/personal-finance/personal-loan-processing-fee-what-it-means-and-why-banks-charge-it-11755154455549.html" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="processing charges">processing charges</a> to help credit card holders with limit enhancements.<h2>Common red flags for all credit card users to watch out for</h2><ol><li>Random calls, text messages or WhatsApp messages promising guaranteed limit enhancement are a clear red flag and should be avoided at all costs.</li><li>Tactics to create urgency, such as asking you to act immediately to avoid losing the offer, should also be taken as a major warning sign. Legitimate lending institutions will give borrowers ample time to fill forms, make repayments or carry out any bank-related processes.</li><li>Legitimate lending institutions will never, under any circumstances, request that their customers provide confidential data and information, such as OTPs, CVVs, PINs, or any other customer-specific data. Such requests should always be declined.</li><li>Messages from unknown numbers, unofficial email IDs should also be carefully analysed before responding. Legitimate lending institutions will never offer you individual-specific offers or provide unbelievable rebates for procuring credit card services, loan enhancements, etc.</li></ol><h2>How can you avoid credit card limit extension scams?</h2>To avoid falling prey to such scams, you should:<ol><li>Never share OTPs, CVVs or card details with anyone, regardless of their claims.</li><li>Check out limit increase offers only through your bank’s official application or official website.</li><li>Never click on any suspicious links through SMS or messaging applications.</li><li>Update your working phone number and email address to ensure you receive proper alerts on all debits and credits on your various cards, allowing you to monitor your accounts in real-time.</li><li>If you discover suspicious activity or transactions, please don’t hesitate to contact your respective credit card issuing financial institution and the relevant authorities.</li></ol><h2>Risks of credit cards to keep in mind</h2>Given that credit cards offer the comfort of spending and rewards, their misuse can still be a costly affair. Higher limits can encourage overspending, resulting in high interest costs if balances are not cleared within the due dates.

Furthermore, falling for scams can also result in serious legal consequences, unauthorised transactions and long recovery periods. This makes responsible credit card use essential to ensuring a safe and positive experience. Such practices help safeguard your finances, protect your credit profile, and maintain a healthy <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/credit-score?prev=1" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="credit score">credit score</a>.For all personal finance updates, visit <a class="backlink" target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/money" data-vars-page-type="story" data-vars-link-type="Manual" rel="dofollow" data-vars-anchor-text="here">here</a>.Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs for providing credit; you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards, and credit scores. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit, as it comes with risks such as high interest rates and hidden charges. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit.

Credit card limit extension scams trick users into sharing confidential information, resulting in financial loss. Awareness, cautious verification, and monitoring accounts help prevent fraud and protect credit card security.

Credit card limit extension scams pose significant risks, including data theft and financial loss, as fraudsters impersonate banking officials to lure cardholders into sharing sensitive information for fake limit increases. To avoid falling victim, never share personal details, verify offers through official channels, and monitor account activity closely. Understanding these scams is essential for safe credit card use.

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From 200% tariff on European wine to 25% on auto imports — A timeline of Donald Trump's trade war

US President Donald Trump's tariffs on trading partners are expected to ignite a global trade war, especially targeting China, Canada, and Mexico. The latest list includes 25 per cent tariffs on automobiles imported to the US.However, levying tariffs is not a new development under the Donald Trump administration. During his first term, the US was also engaged in a trade war with China. In his second term, Donald Trump is adopting a similar strategy.

<h2>Let's take a look at what has happened so far:</h2> <h3>January 20</h3>Soon after officially entering the <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/world/did-zelensky-s-wrong-gift-derail-his-oval-office-meeting-with-donald-trump-ukraine-prez-reveals-11742909316298.html" target="_blank">Oval Office</a>, Donald Trump promised to charge “tariffs and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens."On his first day in office, Trump also said he expects to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting on February 1 while declining to immediately elaborate on plans to tax Chinese imports.<h3>January 26</h3>Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected two US military aircraft over the ill-treatment of immigrants. In response, Trump threatened 25 per cent tariffs on Colombian imports. Petro announced a 25 per cent increase in tariffs on US products as a retaliatory measure. However, this decision was later reversed.

<h3>February 1</h3>The US President signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and <a href="https://www.livemint.com/topic/china-stocks" target="_blank">China</a>. A 10 per cent tariff was levied on imports from China and 25 per cent on goods from Mexico and Canada. All three countries announced retaliatory measures against the executive order.<h3>February 3</h3>Trump halted his decision on tariffs against <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news-mass-shooting-at-las-cruces-park-in-new-mexico-several-people-injured-watch-video-11742652870959.html" target="_blank">Mexico </a>and Canada for 30 days as both countries assured to address concerns about drug trafficking and border security.<h3>February 4</h3>A 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods imported to the US has come into effect. As a retaliatory measure, China imposed a new set of duties on US goods and launched an anti-monopoly investigation into Google.

<h3>February 10</h3>Trump announced an increase in tariffs on steel and aluminium and removed exemptions introduced in 2018 from March 12 onwards. Hence, steel imports would be charged at least 25 per cent. <a href="https://www.livemint.com/economy/donald-trump-announces-he-will-levy-tariffs-on-autos-aluminium-pharma-soon-liberation-day-april-2-us-economy-11742834153256.html" target="_blank">Aluminium</a> tariffs also increased to 25 per cent from 10 per cent in 2018.<h3>February 13</h3>Donald Trump announced plans for reciprocal tariffs to hike US tariffs to match the tax rates imposed by its trading partners “for purposes of fairness.”He indicated that in addition to China, Canada, and Mexico, additional countries, such as India, could face higher tariffs. Trump also mentioned plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on European nations.<h3>February 25</h3>Trump instructed the Commerce Department to consider whether a tariff on imported copper is required to protect national security, citing its use in defence, infrastructure and emerging technologies.

<h3>March 1</h3>Trump asked the Commerce Department to assess whether tariffs on lumber and timber are needed to protect national security, citing the construction industry and military depend on the supply of wooden products.<h3>March 4</h3>Tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico come into effect, with levies on Chinese goods doubled to 20 per cent.The then Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced tariffs on over $100 billion worth of US goods in 21 days. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also said her country would respond with retaliatory tariffs on US goods. Meanwhile, China levied 15 per cent tariffs on a range of farm exports.<h3>March 5</h3>The US President granted a one-month exemption from tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, benefitting US automakers.

<h3>March 10</h3>In response to Donald Trump's 20 per cent tariffs, China imposed an additional 15 per cent tariff on US products, including chicken, pork, soybeans, and beef. However, China’s Commerce Ministry stated that goods already in transit would be exempted from the retaliatory tariffs until April 12.<h3>March 12</h3>Donald Trump increased tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports to 25 per cent. In response, the European Union announced retaliatory duties on US products, including steel, aluminium goods, textiles, home appliances, motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter and jeans.<h3>March 13</h3>Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on European wine, champagne and spirits if the European Union levied a 50% tariff on American whiskey.

<h3>March 24</h3>Trump announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on countries buying oil or gas from Venezuela, effective from April 2. The move is expected to impact China, which in 2023 imported 68 per cent of oil from Venezuela, per the US Energy Information Administration.<h3>March 26</h3>Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on auto imports, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing. However, the move has raised concerns among automakers who depend on global supply chains for manufacturing.(With inputs from AP)

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1,900% rally in 5 years! Multibagger stock Dixon Tech gains 3% on THIS business expansion plan

Multibagger stock <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market/market-stats/stocks-dixon-technologies-india-share-price-nse-bse-s0003180" target="_blank">Dixon Technologies</a> witnessed an over 3% rise in intra-day deals on Thursday, March 27, after the firm announced plans to form a joint venture (JV) to foray into the business of lighting products and accessories.In an <a href="https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/30786f6b-e08c-42e7-ac28-485089c1a1c2.pdf" target="_blank">exchange filing today</a>, Dixon Tech said it has entered into a binding term sheet with Signify Innovations India Limited to form a joint venture for carrying out the OEM business of lighting products and accessories, subject to signing of definitive agreements, receipt of applicable statutory approvals and completion of customary conditions precedent.Dixon added that both companies will hold 50% of the share capital in the proposed joint venture entity. Neither Dixon nor Signify will have any stake in each other, it clarified.

The said joint venture will undertake part of Signify’s OEM orders of lighting products in India, and will also engage in the OEM business of various lighting products of other brands.Commenting on the deal, Atul B. Lall, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Dixon, said, “It gives us immense pleasure to partner with Signify India, the leader in the lighting segment. We see them as an ideal strategic partner that shares our core values of quality, innovation, manufacturing prowess, and customer centricity. We believe this proposed association will bolster our operational efficiency backed by Signify’s process orientation and strong understanding of lighting technologies."<h2>Dixon Tech Stock Price Trend</h2>Dixon Tech share price opened marginally higher at ₹13261.05, as against the previous close of ₹13252.10. Thereafter, it extended gains to the day's high of ₹13669.25, up 3.14%.

The stock, which is part of the BSE 200 index, has seen its shares rally 82% in the past one year. On a longer time frame of two and five years, the scrip has given <a href="https://www.livemint.com/topic/multibagger-stocks" target="_blank">multibagger returns</a> to the tune of 380% and 1,900%, respectively.Read all market-related news <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market" target="_blank">here</a>Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

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Multibagger stock: Dixon Technologies shares rose over 3% after announcing a joint venture with Signify Innovations to enter the lighting products market. Both companies will hold 50% of the venture, focusing on OEM orders in India. Dixon shares have surged 82% in the past year.

‘Jitni umar likhi…’: Sikandar star Salman Khan reacts to death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi, days before movie release

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has addressed the death threats he has been receiving from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The threats became more serious after the murder of Bhaijan's close friend and former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddiqui. Since the tragic incident, Salman Khan's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/sikandar-holi-song-controversy-did-salman-khan-have-a-say-in-shared-credits-shaan-says-11742807986525.html">security </a>has been beefed up."Bhagwan, Allah sab unpar hai. Jitni umar likhi hai, utni likhi hai. Bas yahi hai (It's all up to God, Allah. What is written is written. That's all),” the actor said during a promotional event for his upcoming movie Sikandar.&nbsp;While addressing concerns about death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi, he added, "Kabhi kabhi itne logon ko saath mein leke chalna padta hai, bas wohi problem ho jaati hai (Sometimes you have to take so many people along and that is the problem)."

<h2>What's the link between Lawrence Bishnoi, blackbuck case and Salman Khan?</h2>Salman Khan's name has appeared on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's hit list, with recent death threats raising concerns. The threats trace back to the infamous ‘Blackbuck’ poaching case of 1998. During the shooting of Hum Saath Saath Hai in the forests near Jodhpur, Salman Khan, along with his co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam Kothari, allegedly shot a blackbuck, which is considered a sacred animal by the Bishnoi community.The incident deeply offended the Bishnois, and Lawrence Bishnoi has reportedly sought revenge for the killing since then. In 2018, Bishnoi openly threatened Salman Khan, saying, "We will kill <a href="https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/salman-khans-sikandar-no-mention-of-home-minister-censor-board-asks-for-these-changes-report-11742891526321.html" target="_blank">Salman Khan</a>. Everyone will know once we take action. I have not done anything as of now, they are accusing me of crimes for no reason," Hindustan Times reported.

Lawrence Bishnoi's attempts to target Salman Khan first began in April 2024, when gunshots were fired at the Bollywood icon's house. This attack was planned by Lawrence’s younger brother, Amnol Bishnoi. Later that year, in October, Baba Siddique was killed. The Bishnoi gang took responsibility for this murder, citing Siddique's close relationship with Salman Khan.

On the work front, Salman is preparing for the release of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/sikandar-trailer-salman-khan-fights-corrupt-minister-dodges-bullets-like-rajinikanth-in-high-octane-film-11742723263555.html">Sikandar</a>, which is scheduled to hit the big screens on March 30, coinciding with Eid. At the recent trailer launch event held on Sunday, March 23, Salman Khan exuded confidence that the AR Murugadoss-directed movie will cross ₹200 crore.&nbsp;“Picture achi ho ya buri ho, par Eid, Diwali aise sab time pe aati hai toh woh ₹100 crore toh paar kara hi dete hain… ₹100 crore bohot pehle ki baat hain, ab ₹200 crore,” HT quoted the actor as saying.

Salman Khan recently spoke up about the death threats he has been receiving from Lawrence Bishnoi. Salman Khan said his life is in the hands of God during a promotional event for his upcoming movie Sikandar.

Nifty 50 valuation to rise after inclusion of Zomato, Jio Financial Services shares

Nifty 50

The Nifty 50 index is set to witness an increase in its valuation in terms of price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio following the inclusion of Zomato and Jio Financial Services in the upcoming March rebalancing. These stocks will officially join the index on March 28, replacing Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Britannia Industries.The shift marks a notable change in the composition of the <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market/india-indices-today/nifty-50-i0002" target="_blank">Nifty 50</a>, as high P/E, new-age tech-driven stocks replace traditional sectors like FMCG and oil & gas.The current <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/zomato-jio-financial-services-entry-to-make-nifty-50-more-expensive-here-s-why-11740376699637.html" target="_blank">Nifty 50 P/E ratio</a> stands at 19.9x, based on an estimated earnings per share (EPS) of ₹1,186 for FY26. However, according to Abhilash Pagaria, Head of Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research, post the rebalancing, the index is projected to trade at a P/E of 20.2x, with a revised EPS estimate of ₹1,171 for the same period.For FY27, the Nifty 50’s P/E is expected to rise from 17.5x to 17.7x, with the EPS estimate adjusting from ₹1,349 to ₹1,335.

The addition of new-age, high P/E stocks such as <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market/market-stats/stocks-zomato-share-price-nse-bse-s0005111" target="_blank">Zomato</a> and Jio Financial Services is a key driver behind this increase. These companies, which operate in technology-driven sectors, generally trade at premium valuations compared to traditional businesses such as <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market/market-stats/stocks-bharat-petroleum-corporation-share-price-nse-bse-s0003060" target="_blank">BPCL</a> and Britannia Industries.Since 2018, the <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/nifty-50-rejig-zomato-jio-financial-services-to-replace-bpcl-britannia-industries-in-frontline-index-11742962969630.html" target="_blank">Nifty 50 index</a> has witnessed a structural shift, with new-age stocks from sectors such as insurance, fintech, organized retail, consumer, and healthcare gaining entry, while traditional economy stocks from industries like oil & gas, industrials, and conventional banking have been phased out.<h2>$900 Million in Passive Inflows Expected</h2>The inclusion of Zomato and <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market/market-stats/stocks-jio-financial-services-share-price-nse-bse-s0005518" target="_blank">Jio Financial Services</a> is set to trigger significant passive inflows, estimated at over $900 million., Zomato alone is expected to attract $602 million in inflows, while Jio Financial Services may see around $308 million, as per Nuvama estimates.On the other hand, the exclusion of <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market/market-stats/stocks-britannia-industries-share-price-nse-bse-s0003082" target="_blank">Britannia Industries</a> and BPCL from the index is likely to result in outflows of $238 million and $225 million, respectively.

<h2>Changing Market Dynamics</h2>The addition of new-age stocks in the Nifty 50 reflects the growing influence of technology-driven businesses in India’s equity markets. The increase in the index’s P/E ratio suggests that investors may need to account for changing <a href="https://www.livemint.com/market/mark-to-market/nifty50-index-changes-nifty-reshuffle-jio-financial-nifty-inclusion-zomato-nifty50-entry-bpcl-britannia-nifty-exit-11742898680176.html" target="_blank">valuation</a> metrics, with a greater emphasis on growth-oriented stocks.With the rebalancing set to take effect, market participants will closely monitor the impact of these changes on overall index performance and investor sentiment.Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

Nifty 50 P/E ratio stands at 19.9x, based on an estimated EPS of ₹1,186 for FY26. However, post the rebalancing, the index is projected to trade at a P/E of 20.2x, with a revised EPS estimate of ₹1,171 for the same period.

<ul><li>Nifty 50 P/E ratio stands at 19.9x, based on an estimated EPS of ₹1,186 for FY26. However, post the rebalancing, the index is projected to trade at a P/E of 20.2x, with a revised EPS estimate of ₹1,171 for the same period.</li></ul>

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