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CreditIQ Insight
Dining rewards have been devalued by most banks. The best strategy in 2026 is using a card with high base rewards for restaurants rather than a card that promises "5X on dining" with low base value.
Maximum rewards on restaurants, Swiggy, Zomato and food delivery. Compared honestly.
Axis Magnus gives 10X rewards at partner restaurants (worth ~6% return), and the HDFC Infinia gives 5X on SmartBuy dining partners. For everyday restaurants, Amex MRCC gives 4X on the first Rs.50,000 of monthly spends.
HDFC Swiggy card gives 10% cashback directly on Swiggy. Axis Ace gives 5% on Swiggy/Zomato via Google Pay. HDFC Millenia gives 5% on all food delivery apps.