To recommend a credit card in an IIM interview, first clarify the panelist's spending category (travel, fuel, groceries, dining), then suggest 2-3 cards with specific reasoning on reward rates, fees, and acceptance. For a panelist who said "travel," the OP of this IIM Calcutta thread correctly pointed out: HSBC T1 and Axis Horizon used to be best but have been devalued, Axis Atlas is now the best option. For budget users without any annual fee burden, HDFC Infinia has 18L spend criteria and highest value, followed by Diners Club Black Metal (DCBM) which faces acceptance issues in South and East Asia.
Amex cards have India acceptance issues too, narrowing the choice to Visa and Mastercard. Interest rates on Indian credit cards are 45-55% per annum, converting to 16-20% if you use EMI. MDR is 1.
5-3% for merchants. IIM Calcutta at Rs 27L fees and Rs 34.23 LPA average values domain depth: knowing interest rates down to the percentage and the HDFC Infinia 18L criterion shows you're genuinely engaged with the topic.
In interviews, when asked to "recommend me something," never rattle off products; always ask clarifying questions first (budget, use case, location). This consultative approach is what recruiters look for. Read books like "The Power of Now" for calm under interview pressure, or industry newsletters like RBI Bulletin for Indian banking context.
Pick 2-3 deep areas in your TMAY hooks rather than 10 surface areas. Check your eligibility at collvera.