How to Pick the Best Debit Card for Credit Card Bill Payments & Get Cashback

Using your debit card to pay your credit card bill is often just seen as moving money. But several banks offer real rewards (cashback, vouchers, etc.) for doing exactly that. If you plan it right, this can become one of the easiest “passive” ways to save every month. Let’s explore how to choose the best option, and which cards are doing it well. 🔎 What to Look for in a Good Debit Card for CC Bill Payments Factor Why It Matters Reward % / Cashback Rate Higher percentage = more savings per rupee billed. But often capped, so check that. Monthly Caps / Maximum Rewards Banks limit how much cashback you can earn in a month. If your bill is huge, only the first portion may get rewarded. Eligible Portals Some banks require you to pay via their own bill-pay portal; others accept third-party apps or UPI/Wallets. Choosing cards with broader eligible channels gives you flexibility. Account Type / Tier Premium savings accounts often get better cards or waived fees. Sometimes regular savings accounts don’t have the same perks. Fees / Minimum Balance A great reward might be nullified by high maintenance fees or restrictions. Be sure to weigh net benefit. 🌟 Cards That Currently Perform Well Here are some debit cards people are already using effectively to get cashback on their credit card payments: HDFC Platinum Debit Card: ~1% cashback on paying credit card bills through HDFC’s bill payment service; capped monthly. HDFC Millennia Debit Card: Offers higher % in certain bill-payment platforms, though with lower max caps. IndusInd Exclusive / Signature Debit Cards: Reward points or cashback on bill payment; effective when used regularly. RBL Signature Debit Card: Gift-voucher type rewards above certain payment thresholds. ⚠️ Common Caveats & Tips “Except same-bank CCs” rules: Some banks don’t give rewards if you pay a credit card bill of the same bank using the debit card — it may be excluded. Payment gateways matter: If the bill payment is done through a channel not recognized by the bank for rewards, you may not get anything. Cap exhaustion: Once you hit the cap, further bill payments give no rewards; spreading payments across multiple months or cards might help. Reward delays: Sometimes cashback or vouchers are credited after a few weeks — plan with that in mind. ✅ Bottom Line If your credit card bills are relatively large or frequent, choosing a debit card that rewards bill payments can add up to meaningful savings. Start by checking your current bank’s debit cards; even upgrading to a slightly premium savings account often unlocks better reward cards. Factor in all fees and caps, and use those cards in eligible portals — that’s how you maximize benefit.