How to Earn Money Through Credit Cards: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Credit cards are not just for spending—they can be powerful tools to earn rewards, cashback, and even passive income if used wisely. Many people fear credit cards due to high-interest rates, but with the right strategy, you can make money instead of losing it.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Different types of credit cards & their benefits
✔ How to get a credit card without a salary slip or job
✔ Earning money by linking credit cards to UPI
✔ Best cashback offers on online & offline spends
✔ Why everyone should have at least one credit card

Types of Credit Cards & Their Benefits

1. Cashback Credit Cards

• Best for: Everyday spending (groceries, fuel, bills).

• Benefits:

  • Flat 1%–5% cashback on all transactions.

  • Example: SBI Cashback Card (5% on Amazon/Flipkart), Axis Ace (2% on all spends).

2. Travel Rewards Credit Cards

• Best for: Frequent flyers.

• Benefits:

  • Earn air miles, free flights, lounge access.

  • Example: HDFC Infinia (5x rewards on flights), Axis Atlas (4 miles/₹100 spent).

3. Fuel Credit Cards

• Best for: Regular fuel purchases.

• Benefits:

  • 1%–4% cashback on fuel + waived surcharge.

  • Example: BPCL SBI Card (4.25% value back on fuel).

4. Premium/Lifetime Free Credit Cards

• Best for: No annual fee benefits.

• Benefits:

  • Zero joining/annual fees + rewards.

  • Example: Flipkart Axis Bank (Lifetime free, 5% cashback on Flipkart).

5.Secured Credit Cards

Backed by a fixed deposit, these cards are perfect for people with no credit history or low credit scores. They function like regular credit cards but require no income proof.

How to Get a Credit Card Without a Salary Slip or Job?

Banks usually require income proof, but you can still get a card via:

1. Apply for a Secured Credit Card Banks like SBI, Axis, ICICI, and HDFC offer secured credit cards against fixed deposits. No salary slip is required, and your credit limit is usually around 80-90% of your deposit amount.

2. Student Credit Cards If you're a student, many banks offer entry-level credit cards that don’t require an income proof. These cards have lower credit limits but offer valuable perks.

3. Against Savings Account Relationship If you’ve been a long-time customer of a bank, you can often request a credit card based on your account’s transaction history, even without formal employment.

4. Co-signer or Add-on Card You can also get an add-on card under a family member’s account, which doesn’t require your income proof but still gives you access to credit card benefits.

1. Add-on Credit Card

• Ask a family member (with good credit history) to issue you an add-on card.

2. Secured Credit Card

• Deposit money as security (FD-backed cards).

• Example: Kotak FD-based Card, ICICI Coral Secured Card.

3. Student/No Income Credit Cards

• Some banks offer cards for students/freelancers.

• Example: Flipkart Axis Bank (for students), OneCard (for young earners).

Earn Money by Linking Credit Card to UPI (Rupay Credit Card on UPI)

Since Rupay credit cards can now be linked to UPI, you can earn rewards on every UPI transaction.

How It Works?

1. Link your Rupay credit card to BHIM/PhonePe/Google Pay.

2. Pay via UPI and earn reward points/cashback.

3. Example: Pay via Paytm UPI using Rupay card → Get 1% cashback.

Best Rupay Credit Cards for UPI Cashback:

• HDFC RuPay Platinum Card (1% cashback on UPI spends).

• Axis Bank RuPay Select Credit Card (4 lounge accesses/year).

Earning Cashback Through Online and Offline Spending

Online Shopping Cashback

Online Purchases Many credit cards offer special promotions on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, Swiggy, and Zomato. These deals include cashback, instant discounts, or extra reward points during sales or festive seasons.

• Amazon Pay ICICI Card – 5% cashback on Amazon.

• Flipkart Axis Bank Card – 5% cashback on Flipkart.

Offline Spends (Dining, Groceries, Fuel)

Offline Spending Certain cards offer weekend dining offers, fuel surcharge waivers, and supermarket discounts, which allow you to save money while shopping offline too.

• Swiggy HDFC Card – 10% cashback on Swiggy.

• SBI SimplyCLICK – 10x rewards on dining & movies.

Special Discounts

Seasonal and Bank-Specific Offers Banks collaborate with brands to create limited-time offers — like 10% off during festival sales, no-cost EMIs, and accelerated reward point accumulation.

• BookMyShow – Buy-1-Get-1 free on movie tickets (ICICI cards).

• Zomato – 40% off (with HDFC cards).

Why Should You Have a Credit Card? (Top 5 Reasons)

1. Earn Cashback & Rewards

• Get 1%–10% back on every purchase.

2. Build Credit Score

• Improves loan eligibility for future needs (home/car loans).

3. Interest-Free Credit (Up to 50 Days)

• Pay bills later without extra cost.

4. Travel Perks (Lounge Access, Free Flights)

• Premium cards offer free airport lounges & discounts.

5. Emergency Fund

• Instant money during urgent needs (medical/repairs).

Final Verdict: Start Using Credit Cards Smartly

A credit card, when used responsibly, can do more than just cover your monthly expenses. From earning cashback and reward points to leveraging seasonal deals and UPI integration, there are numerous ways to make the most out of your credit card. Even if you're not a salaried employee, secured credit cards and other flexible options ensure that you don’t miss out on these benefits.

So, whether you're an online shopper, traveler, or someone just managing household expenses, a credit card can unlock extra value and even passive earnings. Swipe smartly, pay timely, and watch your financial flexibility — and savings — grow!

Credit cards are not debt traps if used wisely. By choosing the right card, linking it to UPI, and maximizing cashback, you can earn thousands yearly just by spending normally.

Pro Tip: Always pay full dues on time to avoid interest charges.