| Overview: Applying for a travel credit card can be exciting, but many applicants overlook key details that affect long-term benefits. From hidden charges to complex redemption rules, avoiding common mistakes ensures maximum value, better financial control, and a seamless travel experience. |
Make Every Mile Count: Choose Wisely Before You Apply
India’s travel sector is growing rapidly, with over 30 million outbound travellers recorded in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism. As more people explore global destinations, travel credit cards are becoming popular for earning rewards and miles. However, many applicants commit simple yet costly mistakes while choosing and using these cards.
Ignoring Annual Fees and Hidden Charges
Many people select cards solely for joining bonuses, without calculating long-term expenses. Annual fees and hidden costs can cancel out reward benefits. For instance, a travel credit card might provide 10,000 bonus miles but charge a ₹3,000 annual fee with a 3.5% foreign exchange markup.
Always check:
- Annual and renewal fees
- Foreign currency markups
- Late payment penalties
- Cash withdrawal charges
If you prefer a card with transparent pricing, the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is a strong choice. It charges a modest ₹500 annual fee, which is waived after ₹2 lakh annual spending. This helps travellers save more while enjoying cashback and lounge access without worrying about hidden costs.
| Fee Type | Typical Range (₹) | Impact |
| Annual Fee | 500–5,000 | Reduces overall reward value |
| FX Mark-up | 2.5%–3.5% | Decreases overseas spending returns |
| Late Payment Fee | 100–1,200 | Adds to financial burden |
Not Checking Eligibility Criteria
Banks assess income, credit history, and CIBIL score before approving a travel credit card. Ignoring these parameters often leads to rejections that negatively affect your credit score.
Common eligibility requirements:
- Minimum income: ₹25,000 per month
- CIBIL score: 700 or above
- Indian resident aged 18 or older
Overlooking Interest Rates and Foreign Transaction Fees
Interest rates for most cards in India range from 36% to 42% annually. Unpaid balances can quickly accumulate interest, turning rewards into debt. Similarly, foreign transaction fees increase the effective cost of overseas spending.
| What You Must Know: Always repay your full statement amount before the due date, and review currency conversion fees before international travel. |
Applying for Multiple Cards at Once
Submitting several credit card applications within a short period can harm your credit score. Each new application creates a hard inquiry on your report, reducing your overall creditworthiness.
Tips to avoid this:
- Apply for one travel credit card at a time
- Maintain a gap of at least 90 days between applications
- Review and compare benefits carefully before applying
If your credit score drops, you can learn to fix credit report errors or increase your credit card limit.
| Mistakes to Avoid: Applying for multiple cards during festive promotions can reduce approval chances and lower your credit score. |
Misunderstanding Rewards, Miles, and Redemption Policies
Reward programmes differ widely across banks. Many assume that all points are equal in value, which is rarely true. Always examine how your rewards convert into air miles and the validity period of accumulated points.
| Aspect | What to Check |
| Conversion Rate | Points to miles ratio |
| Expiry Policy | Validity of earned points |
| Redemption Options | Airline, hotel, or merchant partners |
| Facts to Know: Some travel credit cards require a minimum reward threshold before redemption is allowed. |
Tips for a Successful Travel Credit Card Application
To improve your chances of approval and maximise card benefits:
- Keep your credit utilisation below 30%
- Maintain a steady repayment history
- Compare benefits instead of focusing only on joining bonuses
- Choose a card that fits your travel frequency and lifestyle
Call-to-Action
Making informed choices when applying for a travel credit card can transform your travel experience and financial confidence.
Key Takeaways
Avoiding common mistakes while applying for a travel credit card ensures greater savings, better credit management, and stress-free travel. Reviewing fees, eligibility, and reward policies can help you make the most of your card.
Apply for the Right Travel Credit Card Today
A well-chosen card provides exceptional value for travellers. The Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is a balanced option, offering up to 25% cashback on Airtel payments, low annual fees, and complimentary lounge access. It is convenient to apply via the Airtel Thanks app and helps maximise savings on travel and daily expenses.
FAQs
1. What should I check before applying for a travel credit card?
Review annual fees, eligibility, interest rates, and foreign transaction charges to ensure the card suits your travel needs.
2. How can I avoid rejection for a travel credit card?
Maintain a CIBIL score above 700, meet income criteria, and limit multiple applications within short intervals.
3. Why are annual fees important when choosing a travel credit card?
Annual fees affect your overall savings and can outweigh travel rewards if spending thresholds are not met.
4. What are common hidden charges in a travel credit card?
Watch for credit card hidden charges like cash withdrawal fees, forex markups, and late payment penalties.
5. How do reward points work on a travel credit card?
Points convert into miles or vouchers, but conversion rates and redemption terms differ across banks and programmes.
