1️⃣ GST 2.0: The Tax Cut Everyone Win
From September 22, the GST Council has slashed tax rates on a wide array of goods including electronics, small cars, appliances, and even everyday essentials like biscuits, cheese, and cement. This sweeping reform means festive essentials—from appliances to home upgrades—are now genuinely more affordable.
2️⃣ Swipe Smart: How Credit Cards Multiply Savings
A lower GST is just the starting point. When paired with strategic credit card features—like cashback, reward points, or instant discounts—you literally save twice. Savvy shoppers can stack bank offers with seller deals to watch their savings soar.
3️⃣ Top 5 Credit Cards to Maximize Your GST 2.0 Advantage
1. sbi Cashback Card
Online purchases: 5% cashback
Offline spends: 1% cashback
Annual fee waived with Rs 2 lakh spend. All cashback credited directly to your statement—no fuss.
2. Tata Neu Infinity (HDFC)
Earn up to 5% NeuCoins on Tata Neu and partner spends
1.5% NeuCoins on non-Tata merchant and UPI transactions (capped at 500 NeuCoins/month)
1 NeuCoin equals Rs 1 value.
3. HSBC Cashback Card
10% cashback on dining, groceries, and food delivery (max Rs 1,000 per billing cycle)
1.5% unlimited cashback on all other spends
Additional perks: up to Rs 40,000 off on holiday bookings, 35% discount on samsung products, and more.
4. ICICI amazon Credit Card
5% cashback for Prime users, 3% for non-Prime—on Amazon.in
2% at amazon Pay partners, 1% on general spends
Extra travel perks: up to 10% off domestic flights, 45% off hotels, and 8% off international flights.
5. YES bank FinBooster
Earn 5x rewards on online dining (every Rs 200 = 10 points); groceries/apparel net 6 points/Rs 200, others 2 points (excl. fuel)
Discounts: 20% off travel bookings on Goibibo, 25% off on EaseMyTrip
Redemption: 1 point = Rs 0.25 (redeem from 250 points).
4️⃣ How to Stretch Your Festive Budget
Scenario | Best Card Choice |
Online tech & appliance buys | SBI Cashback or ICICI Amazon |
Daily essentials & groceries | Tata Neu Infinity or HSBC |
Dining & festive meals | HSBC Cashback |
Travel plans (flights/hotels) | ICICI amazon or FinBooster |
5️⃣ Pro Tips to Shop Wisely
Match card perks to item type—electronics? Use sbi or Tata Neu. Groceries or fuel? Go with HSBC or FinBooster.
Ensure spending qualifies before relying on no-cost EMI or milestone vouchers—some offer restrictions.
Stick to your budget—don’t overspend just to earn rewards. Start your shopping list early and track deals.
Final Word
With GST 2.0 slashing prices and these five credit cards boosting your returns with cashback, points, and exclusive offers, this festive season just got more rewarding. Combine lower taxes with the right card, and you’re not just shopping—you’re smart-investing every rupee.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
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