Best Travel Credit Cards in India

Unlock the World with the Right Travel Credit Card

Travelling can be more rewarding when your credit card works as your travel companion. From free lounge access and complimentary stays to air miles and exclusive offers, travel credit cards enhance every journey. Choosing the right one ensures smoother trips, premium comfort, and greater value each time you explore new destinations.

Top Travel Credit Cards Available in India

India offers a wide range of travel credit cards designed to make every journey more luxurious, rewarding, and effortless for frequent flyers and leisure travellers alike.

1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card

• Lounge Access: Unlimited complimentary international and domestic airport lounge access.
• Travel Credit Card Rewards: Earn 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent, up to 10X reward points via SmartBuy.
• Special Benefits: Complimentary annual memberships of Club Marriott, Amazon Prime, and Swiggy One; 6 complimentary golf games every quarter; lowest foreign currency markup fee of 2%.
• Annual Fee: ₹10,000 (waived on spends of ₹8 lakh in 12 months).
• Highlight: A super-premium card offering world-class travel benefits, exclusive lounge access, and exceptional global privileges.

If you’re an HDFC user, learn how to upgrade your HDFC credit card or reset your HDFC credit card PIN easily online.

2. Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card

• Lounge Access: 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses each year.
• Travel Credit Card Rewards: Cashback on travel-related online spends including flight bookings, food delivery, and utility bill payments.
• Special Benefits: Simple digital application via the Airtel Thanks app; transparent rewards; low annual fee; waiver on spends above ₹2 lakh.
• Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived on annual spends of ₹2 lakh).
• Highlight: Designed for frequent domestic travellers who value cashback, lounge access, and everyday travel convenience.

Benefits of Travel Credit Cards in India

Travel credit cards bring comfort and savings together, enhancing every trip with premium benefits.

• Complimentary airport lounge access across India and abroad.
• Travel insurance covering flight delays and baggage loss.
• Reward points and air miles are redeemable for flights and hotel stays.
• Exclusive travel deals and partner discounts.

How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card

Selecting the right travel credit card depends on matching your travel habits with the rewards and benefits that suit your lifestyle best.

• Identify your travel frequency and destinations.
• Compare reward structures and lounge access.
• Choose cards with extensive travel credit card rewards on flights, hotels, and forex spends.
• Check for annual fee waivers based on realistic spending habits.

How to Compare Travel Credit Cards?

Comparing travel credit cards helps you find the ideal balance of rewards, perks, and value.

Travel Credit Card Rewards and Perks Compared

Most cards now offer 5x–10x travel credit card rewards, air miles conversion, and elite hotel privileges. The best travel rewards credit card seamlessly integrates comfort, cashback, and international usability so that each trip brings tangible value.

Annual Fees, Charges, and Interest Rates Explained

Travel card annual fees in India range from ₹500 to ₹10,000. Many waive renewal fees upon meeting spending milestones. Interest rates typically start at 3.5% per month. Using the best travel rewards credit card options regularly helps offset these costs through lounge and cashback benefits. It’s also wise to stay aware of credit card hidden charges and foreign transaction fees.

Eligibility Criteria for Travel Credit Cards in India

Getting a travel credit card is simple if you meet the basic income and credit score requirements set by banks.

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Indian resident with a stable income
• CIBIL score of 750 or higher
• Valid ID, address, and income proof

Tips to Maximise Travel Card Benefits

A few smart strategies can help you unlock greater value and enjoy more rewards every time you travel.

• Use partner airline portals for 10X travel credit card rewards.
• Plan redemptions before peak travel seasons.
• Track expiry dates of miles and vouchers.
• Spend strategically to qualify for annual fee waivers.

Travel credit cards transform every trip into an experience of comfort and reward. With exclusive lounges, miles, and cashback, these cards redefine modern travel. Among them, the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card stands out for blending affordability with practical travel benefits, perfect for everyday and frequent travellers alike.

FAQs

1. How do travel credit card rewards work?

You earn points or miles on travel spends, redeemable for flights, hotels, and upgrades.

2. Which bank offers the best travel rewards credit card in India?

HDFC Bank and SBI offer leading options with premium travel perks and flexible reward redemptions.

3. Can travel credit cards save money on international trips?

Yes, they reduce forex mark-up fees, provide insurance, and offer international airport lounge access.

4. Are travel credit cards suitable for occasional travellers?

Yes, many cards provide flexible reward structures, lounge access, and cashback for infrequent users.

5. What should I check before applying for a travel credit card?

Review eligibility, annual fees, lounge access, travel credit card rewards, and redemption flexibility.