Best Travel Credit Cards in India 2025

Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it can come with a hefty price tag. This is where travel credit cards come in handy, offering a variety of rewards, benefits, and perks that can make your travel experiences more enjoyable and affordable. Whether you’re earning air miles, getting exclusive airport lounge access, or enjoying travel insurance, the right travel credit card can make all the difference.

In this article, we will delve into the top 10 travel credit cards in India, helping you find the perfect one to suit your travel needs and maximize the benefits.

Explore Best Travel Credit Cards in India for 2025: Elevate Your Travel Experience

1. Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card

The Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card is perfect for frequent flyers on Vistara, as it allows you to earn 3 Club Vistara points for every Rs. 100 spent on Vistara flights and 1 point for every Rs. 100 spent elsewhere. The card also comes with a complimentary Club Vistara membership, offering perks such as priority boarding, free seat selection, and bonus points on flights.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 1,000 (waived with Rs. 10,000 spend within first 60 days)
• Renewal Fee: Rs. 1,000 (waived with Rs. 1 lakh spend in the previous year)
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 10,000 bonus Club Vistara points (based on spend)
• Best Suited For: Frequent Vistara flyers

2. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

If you're a regular flyer with Air India, this card offers excellent value. You can earn 4 Air India Miles for every Rs. 100 spent on Air India bookings, and 2 miles for every Rs. 100 spent elsewhere. Additionally, the card comes with complimentary membership to Air India’s frequent flyer program, which includes priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and miles redemption for flights.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 4,999
• Renewal Fee: Rs. 4,999 (waived with Rs. 1.2 lakh spend in the previous year)
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 30,000 bonus Air India Miles
• Best Suited For: Frequent flyers with Air India

3. InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card

This card is ideal for those who frequently travel across various airlines and hotels. You earn 3 InterMiles for every Rs. 150 spent on flight and hotel bookings. You also get access to premium benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and bonus miles when you achieve spending milestones.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 5,999 (waivable on meeting spending criteria)
• Renewal Fee: Rs. 5,999 (waivable on meeting spending criteria)
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 30,000 bonus InterMiles
• Best Suited For: Frequent travelers across airlines and hotels

4. Kotak IndiGo 6E Rewards XL Credit Card

Perfect for IndiGo travelers, this card offers 6E Rewards worth 6% of your spend on IndiGo bookings made via their website or app. You also earn 2% reward points on categories like dining and utility bills, along with a complimentary IndiGo membership with benefits like priority boarding and free seat selection.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 2,500
• Renewal Fee: Rs. 2,500 (waived on meeting spending criteria)
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 1,200 bonus 6E Rewards
• Best Suited For: Frequent IndiGo flyers

5. Axis Atlas Credit Card

Ideal for international travelers, this card rewards you with 2.5 Atlas points for every Rs. 150 spent on overseas transactions. You also get complimentary access to airport lounges and enjoy travel insurance benefits.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 1,500
• Renewal Fee: Rs. 1,500 (waived on meeting spending criteria)
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 15,000 bonus Atlas points
• Best Suited For: Frequent international travelers

6. SBI Elite Credit Card

The SBI Elite Credit Card caters to international travelers with benefits like complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, reward points on spending, and travel insurance for peace of mind during your trips.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 4,999
• Renewal Fee: Rs. 4,999 (waived on meeting spending criteria)
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 20,000 bonus reward points
• Best Suited For: Frequent international travelers seeking luxury perks

7. IDFC First Wealth Credit Card

With no joining or renewal fees, the IDFC First Wealth Credit Card is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. This card offers reward points on all spending and provides occasional access to airport lounges and travel insurance for domestic flights.

• Joining Fee: Nil
• Renewal Fee: Nil
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 2,000 bonus reward points
• Best Suited For: Budget-conscious travelers

8. HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

Catering to international travelers who love dining and luxury, this card offers reward points on dining and travel-related expenses. It also provides access to worldwide airport lounges and travel insurance.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 2,500
• Renewal Fee: Rs. 2,500 (waived on meeting spending criteria)
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 10,000 bonus reward points
• Best Suited For: Frequent international travelers who prioritize dining and travel rewards

9. RBL World Safari Credit Card

Designed for adventure enthusiasts, this card provides reward points on travel-related expenses, redeemable for flights, hotels, and more. You also get complimentary travel insurance and airport lounge access.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 3,000
• Renewal Fee: Rs. 3,000 (waived on meeting spending criteria)
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 15,000 bonus reward points
• Best Suited For: Adventure travelers

10. AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card

This premium card offers an extensive travel package, including global airport lounge access, reward points on spending, and travel insurance. The points earned can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel needs.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 4,999
• Renewal Fee: Rs. 4,999 (waived on meeting spending criteria)
• Welcome Benefits: Up to 25,000 bonus reward points
• Best Suited For: Frequent travelers who want a comprehensive travel package

Key Features and Benefits of Travel Credit Cards in India

• Reward Earning: Most travel credit cards offer reward points or miles on every purchase, which can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, and upgrades.
• Airport Lounge Access: Many cards offer complimentary access to airport lounges, a great perk for frequent travelers.
• Travel Insurance: Several cards include travel insurance, providing coverage for trip cancellations, flight delays, medical emergencies, and more.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: Some cards waive foreign transaction fees, which is a significant benefit for international travelers.
• Bonus Offers: Many cards offer significant welcome bonuses if you meet the required spending within a specific period.

Travel Credit Card Rewards and Cashback in India

While most travel credit cards focus on earning rewards (miles or points), few offer direct cashback. Instead, accumulated miles or points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or upgrades.

• Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card: Earn 3 CV points on Vistara bookings and 1 CV point elsewhere.
• Air India SBI Signature Credit Card: Earn 4 Air India miles on Air India bookings, 2 miles elsewhere.
• InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card: Earn 3 InterMiles for every Rs. 150 spent.
• Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card: Earn 6E Rewards worth 6% on IndiGo bookings.

How to Earn and Redeem Travel Credit Card Reward Points?

Earning Points:

1. Use your card for everyday purchases, such as dining, groceries, and bills.
2. Meet the minimum spend requirement to earn welcome bonuses.
3. Take advantage of bonus offers from specific retailers or travel partners.
4. Pay bills or refer friends to earn additional points.

Redeeming Points:

1. Use points for travel bookings like flights or hotels.
2. Some cards allow you to redeem points for statement credits towards travel expenses.
3. Points may also be redeemable for travel-related merchandise or gift cards.

Conclusion

Choosing the best travel credit card in India depends on your travel habits and preferences. Whether you are a frequent flyer, an international traveler, or someone who enjoys dining out, there’s a card designed to offer you maximum value. By considering the rewards programs, fees, and benefits, you can select the perfect card to help you make the most of your travels.