September 15, 2025 · 11 mins read
Santosh Kumar
There is something indelible about the excitement of travelling, the soft roar of a plane lifting off, the new tastes from a street stall, and the unmatched excitement of checking off a new country on your wish list. But just as travel fills the heart, travel costs can burden your purse. That is where the magic of India's best travel credit cards becomes relevant.
Whether you're an experienced traveller or an occasional adventurer, the right credit card can bring more value to every trip, everything from complimentary air travel bookings to complimentary lounge visits, hotel discounts, and even travel insurance. But from among all the plastic promises floating around, which actually pay off?
Those credit card days of random emergency swipes are over. Travel credit cards in India now are designed to enhance your overall travel experience, before you leave, while you're in transit, and even after you arrive. From complimentary airport lounge access and travel insurance to reward points that can be redeemed for free flights and hotel nights, the best card not only saves you money, it adds convenience, comfort, and a touch of luxury to your travel.
A travel credit card can be your best friend if you travel often and want to have security, convenience and financial comfort while on the move. It allows you to make easier purchases abroad and get ready for your trip. Most credit cards offer a gamut of advantages that make them a preferred way to pay. Here are some of the reasons to use a travel credit card.
Travel and rental insurance: If you take more than one trip per year, having a credit card that includes travel insurance could be beneficial, especially in the case of a trip being cancelled or interrupted, late flights, baggage or medical issues. Some credit cards also offer insurance on car rentals. A great way to save if you usually rent a car when you travel.
Better exchange rate: Some banks or credit card providers don’t charge any fees for foreign currency conversion. The norm is still between 2.5% and 3% per transaction though, so you can go through the terms and conditions and opt for one which offers a better exchange rate.
Privileged services and rewards programs: Many travel credit cards offer great rewards programs. Some give the holder up to 2% of the value of their purchases in either points or cash. Points can then be exchanged for travel discounts, gift cards and even rebates on banking products.
Flexibility in transactions: With most flight bookings, hotels and activities going online, it makes sense to have a credit card while planning a trip. It’s a must for making reservations, but a nice asset for everyday spending, too.
Also Read: Download Zet App
If you're committed to getting the most out of every rupee you spend on the road, choosing the best travel credit card India offers might be your best travel decision this year. Let’s dive into the top 5 travel credit cards in India that have earned their wings.
This card is well-balanced for travellers who enjoy high-end travel and dining. It is among the finest credit cards offering the best credit card for airport lounge access in India, featuring more than 1,000 lounges around the world.
Highlights:
1: Free lounge facility (domestic and international)
2: Travel, dining, and grocery reward points
3: Free Dineout Passport membership
4: Travel and air accident insurance
Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + taxes (reimbursed if spending ₹3 lakh within a year)
Why it's great: The strong reward structure and flexible redemption options make it perfect for both local and global travellers.
Also Read: Online Shopping with Credit Cards – Safety Tips
This is a gem for home travel enthusiasts. AmEx rewards milestones in the form of travel vouchers and Taj stay gift cards, so it's a fashionable option for frequent travellers.
Highlights:
1: A welcome present of ₹3,000 travel voucher
2: Reward travel vouchers for spending milestones
3: Taj Experiences high expenditure gift card
4: 8 complimentary domestic lounge passes per year
Annual Charge: ₹5,000 + taxes (after the second year)
Why it's awesome: For regular travellers within India, the card almost pays for itself. Add the Taj perks, and it's a life enhancer.
The SBI ELITE is a travel credit card powerhouse in India. Free memberships, lounge visits, and concierge service add a hint of opulence to every trip.
Highlights:
1: 6 complimentary domestic lounge passes per quarter
2: 2 yearly visits to global lounges with Priority Pass
3: Free Club Vistara Silver & Trident Privilege Red Tier membership
4: Welcome e-gift voucher worth ₹5,000
Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + taxes
Why it's good: It's a lifestyle card. From films to tourism to high-end hotel partnerships, it appeals to the aspirational Indian traveller.
Also Read: When to Convert Credit Card Payments into EMI?
The most recent addition, the Atlas card has proved to be popular with potential customers who seek international travel benefits and luxury rewards. Its tiered membership structure makes up for frequent use in the long run.
Highlights:
1: Up to 18 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually
2: 12 Priority Pass international lounge visits
3: Mile accumulation for flight and hotel bookings
4: Travel insurance coverage and concierge service
Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + taxes
Why it's great: The miles-based reward system is appropriate for world travellers. It compensates individuals who travel frequently and regularly.
If you're a JetPrivilege loyalist (now InterMiles), this card has been crafted specifically for you. This card rewards all InterMiles spends which can be redeemed to book a flight, hotel, or experience.
Highlights:
1: 8 InterMiles on each ₹150 spent
2: Maximum 25% off on hotel reservations with InterMiles
3: Free lounge access at all airports in India
4: Cheap air ticket reservations and promotional hotel deals
Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + taxes (free for year one)
Why it's great: It's ideal for budget-conscious travelers who like to plan ahead and make the most of every rupee.
Also Read: Should You Use a Credit Card for High-Value Purchases?
With each bank introducing a new offer every quarter, how do you know what the best travel credit card India has? Take your own travel patterns, are you a domestic traveler or a person who goes abroad often? Do you enjoy rewards in miles, cashback, or high-end benefits like concierge services?
Here's a small checklist:
Lounge access: If you are a frequent traveler, especially on using flight, choose a card that offers a number of domestic and international lounge passes. It will transforms the airport experience into next level.
Reward structure: Look for cards offering higher points/miles for travel categories like booking flights, stays at accommodations, or fuel.
Ease of redemption: Are the points easily redeemable? Do they expire? Can they be used to exchange for air miles?
Travel protection: Cards that provide travel insurance, lost baggage protection, and flight delay protection give protection.
Hidden fees: Don't miss foreign transaction fees, interest fees, and renewal fees.
Most travel credit cards are paired with Airport lounge access, both domestic and international, providing cardholders with free access to airport lounges. These lounges are filled with amenities one would like to enjoy while waiting for their flights. Some cards also offer complimentary drinks and snacks, long-term stays, spa, and a ton of other benefits.
Travel credit cards help save a lot of money whenever you spend on travel amenities like hotels, restaurants, flights, amusements, and such places. Types of rewards differ according to different card issuers. Some might offer rewards points, others might offer cashback or coupons. Certain card companies partner up with specific brands providing brand-specific benefits.
Also Read: Best Spending Categories to Earn Maximum Rewards
Card companies might offer privilege benefits to their customers. When booking flights or checking in your hotels, these card holders are given priority including complimentary services like drinks, snacks, etc. These individuals are also given free memberships of holiday passes and discounts on various holiday packages and agencies. These offers might change with time.
Some premium cards are paired with travel and health insurance facilities. These come in handy if you lose your suffer from any losses or need emergency medical support during your trip or holiday tour. Some cards also offer baggage insurance in case airlines misplace or damage your luggage.
Premium Travel Credit Cards have this feature for frequent foreign travellers to enable forex services at a low foreign currency markup. These services come in very handy if you travel a lot to foreign countries. People often prefer these cards as they do not have to issue separate cards whenever they plan an international tour or holiday.
Travel cards, though having dedicated travel benefits, might be your companion while shopping when on a holiday trip. Some Travel cards offer shopping benefits along with regular travel benefits which might be of good use to people who love to shop while traveling.
Also Read: Difference Between Annual Fee and Joining Fee
Follow these dos and don'ts to make the best use of your travel point credit card:
1: Compare various travel credit cards available and choose the one most suitable to your travel needs.
2: To use it best, have a detailed understanding of what your travel card offers.
3: Redeem your points where you can get the maximum benefit.
1: Do not miss to keep a tab on your rewards and points so they don't expire.
2: Do not miss paying your credit card bill on time to avoid late payment penalties.
3: Do not forget to set a reasonable limit on your credit card when travelling. Additionally, ensure that it covers your expenses without exposing you to unnecessary liability if the card gets lost or stolen.
Choosing the best travel credit card is not about the biggest welcome offer or the highest-end brand name. It's about how the credit card suits your lifestyle and enables the way you travel. Whether it's sipping cappuccino in an airport lounge before a flight or racking up miles on the daily drive to the office, the best card makes travel a smarter, more rewarding endeavour.
And just as travel insurance is a buffer to your travels, health cover is a type of quiet preparation. Especially when you are juggling flights, bookings, and work calls. Because let's be honest, the greatest vacations are less about where you're going and more about how easily you arrive.
Travelling is becoming easier and more comfortable with the advent of some of the best offers on travel credit cards. You can travel economically and with maximum comfort with the help of top 5 credit cards in India listed in this article. Some of the cards come with benefits of airport lounge access, cheaper ticket, hotel bookings, and also air miles that can be redeemed for future travels. For getting the best offers, it is recommended and beneficial to check your credit scores.
Also Read: Foreign Transaction Fees on Indian Credit Cards
The best travel credit card in India actually varies according to your requirements. If you travel extensively within India, the American Express Platinum Travel Card is the best for domestic rewards. If you travel overseas, the Axis Bank Atlas or HDFC Diners Club Privilege is the best with international lounge privileges and great travel insurance benefits.
HDFC Diners Club Privilege and Axis Bank Atlas cards are two of India's top airport lounge credit cards offering a combination of domestic and international visits in a year. These cards are ideal for business travelers or frequent flyers seeking a superior airport experience.
Yes, some travel credit cards in India do come with travel insurance coverage such as air accident coverage, compensation for lost bags, and medical emergency cover. Cards like Axis Atlas and HDFC Diners usually come with these covers as a standard feature.
No question. You'll be earning points or miles sooner, actually, by paying for regular things like meals, household items, or gasoline using your travel card. Just be careful about interest charges and pay your balances in full to avoid paying fees.
Download the app from PlayStore
