Best Travel Credit Cards in India
Travelling is exciting, but it can also become expensive if you are not careful with your spending. Flights, hotel bookings, shopping, and international payments can quickly increase your travel costs. This is where travel credit cards can help you manage expenses and even earn rewards while travelling.
A travel credit card is specially designed for people who travel frequently. These cards offer benefits like reward points, airport lounge access, travel discounts, and lower foreign transaction charges. With the right card, you can turn your regular travel spending into useful rewards such as free flights or hotel stays.
In India, many banks offer travel credit cards with different benefits. Some cards are great for international travellers, while others are perfect for booking flights and hotels within India.
Comparison of Best Travel Credit Cards
Here is a simple comparison of some popular travel credit cards in India.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Forex Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Atlas Credit Card | ₹5,000 | Domestic & International | Around 3.5% |
| Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card | ₹3,000 | 32 domestic + 8 international | Around 3.5% |
| HSBC TravelOne Credit Card | ₹4,999 | 6 domestic + 4 international | Around 3.5% |
| HDFC Diners Club Black | ₹10,000 | Unlimited | Around 2% |
| IndusInd Avios Visa Infinite | ₹5,000 | International lounges | Around 1.5% |
| ICICI MakeMyTrip Credit Card | ₹999 | 8 domestic + 1 international | Around 0.99% |
| AU Ixigo Credit Card | No annual fee | Domestic + 1 international | 0% |
Each of these cards offers different travel benefits. Some focus on earning reward points, while others help you save money on international payments.
Why Travel Credit Cards Are Useful
Travel credit cards are popular because they give extra benefits on travel-related spending. Instead of only paying for your trip, you can also earn rewards and get extra travel benefits.
Some common benefits include:
- Earn reward points or air miles when booking flights or hotels
- Free airport lounge access before your flight
- Lower charges when making payments in foreign currency
- Travel insurance for unexpected situations
- Discounts on travel websites and airline bookings
These benefits can help travellers save money and enjoy a more comfortable journey.
Real Example: How a Travel Credit Card Saves Money
Let’s understand this with a simple example.
Suppose Ankit is travelling to Singapore with his family. During the trip, he spends around ₹1,20,000 on flights, hotels, food, and shopping.
If Ankit uses a normal credit card, he may have to pay 3.5% foreign transaction charges, which means about ₹4,200 extra.
But if he uses a travel credit card:
- Forex charges may be lower or sometimes zero
- He may earn reward points worth ₹3,000–₹6,000
- He may get free airport lounge access
- Some cards also provide travel insurance
So instead of losing money on charges, Ankit actually gets extra value from his spending.
Important Features to Look for in a Travel Credit Card
Not all travel credit cards offer the same benefits. Before applying for a card, it is important to understand which features are most useful for travellers.
Reward Points on Travel
A good travel credit card should give higher reward points on travel spending such as flights, hotels, and holiday packages.
Airport Lounge Access
Many travel credit cards provide free entry to airport lounges. These lounges offer comfortable seating, food, drinks, and Wi-Fi before your flight.
Low Forex Charges
Whenever you use your card abroad, banks charge a foreign transaction fee. Some travel credit cards offer lower forex charges, which helps you save money on international payments.
Travel Insurance Benefits
Some premium travel cards include travel insurance that covers situations like lost baggage, delayed flights, or trip cancellation.
Who Should Consider Travel Credit Cards?
Travel credit cards are useful for many types of travellers. You do not need to travel every month to benefit from these cards.
You should consider getting a travel credit card if you:
- Travel internationally for work or vacations
- Book flights or hotels several times a year
- Want to enjoy airport lounge access
- Like earning reward points on travel spending
Even if you travel once or twice a year, these cards can still help you earn rewards and get travel benefits.
Simple Tips to Use Travel Credit Cards Wisely
To get the maximum benefit from a travel credit card, it is important to use it properly. A few simple habits can help you earn more rewards and avoid unnecessary charges.
Here are some useful tips:
- Use the card mainly for flight and hotel bookings
- Inform your bank before travelling abroad so your card does not get blocked
- Carry two credit cards from different networks for better acceptance
- Redeem reward points for travel bookings instead of cashback
These small steps can help you make the most of your travel credit card.
Why Many Travellers Choose Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards are not just about rewards. They also make travelling more comfortable and convenient.
For example, airport lounge access can make long waiting hours at airports more relaxing. Reward points can reduce the cost of your next trip. Lower forex charges help you save money while shopping abroad.
Many premium travel cards also offer special benefits such as hotel discounts, concierge services, and airline partnerships. Over time, these benefits can add up and provide significant value to travellers.
Bottom Line
Travel credit cards are a great option for people who enjoy travelling. They provide useful benefits like reward points, airport lounge access, travel discounts, and lower international transaction charges.
Before choosing a travel credit card, it is important to compare factors like:
- Annual fee
- Reward points and benefits
- Lounge access
- Forex charges
By comparing these features, you can choose a card that matches your travel needs and spending habits.
With the right travel credit card, your everyday travel spending can turn into free flights, hotel stays, and better travel experiences. This makes travelling not only more enjoyable but also more affordable in the long run.
Credit Card Articles
Explore Credit Card Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a travel credit card?
A travel credit card is a card designed for people who travel often. It gives travel-related benefits such as air miles, reward points, airport lounge access, and discounts on flights or hotels.
- How do I choose the best travel credit card in India?
You should choose a travel credit card based on your travel habits and spending pattern. Check important features like reward points, air miles, lounge access, foreign transaction fees, and annual charges before applying.
- What benefits do travel credit cards usually offer?
Travel credit cards usually provide rewards such as air miles, reward points, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and discounts on flights, hotels, or travel bookings.
- How can I earn more rewards from a travel credit card?
You can earn more rewards by using your card for regular purchases like shopping, dining, and travel bookings. The more you use the card, the more reward points or air miles you can collect.
- Can travel credit card rewards be used for flights and hotel bookings?
Yes, the rewards or air miles earned from travel credit cards can often be redeemed for flight tickets, hotel bookings, travel vouchers, or other travel services.
- Do travel credit cards provide airport lounge access?
Many travel credit cards offer free airport lounge access. The number of free visits depends on the card, and some premium cards also provide international lounge access.
- Can I use a travel credit card for daily expenses?
Yes, travel credit cards can be used for everyday spending such as groceries, shopping, and bill payments. This also helps you earn more reward points.
- Are travel credit cards useful for domestic travel?
Yes, travel credit cards are useful even if you travel only within India. You can still earn rewards, enjoy lounge access, and get travel-related discounts.
- What is a foreign currency markup fee on credit cards?
A foreign currency markup fee is a charge added when you make payments in another currency. It covers the cost of currency conversion and international transaction processing.
- How much forex markup fee do credit cards usually charge in India?
Most credit cards in India charge around 3.5% plus GST as a foreign currency markup fee on international transactions.
- Are there credit cards with zero forex markup in India?
Yes, some credit cards offer zero foreign currency markup on international transactions. However, the benefits and rewards may vary depending on the card.
- Is there a separate credit limit for international transactions?
No, credit cards usually have a single credit limit. Both domestic and international transactions are counted within the same limit.