Best Travel Credit Cards in India: Getting ready for your next trip but concerned about overspending on flights, accommodations, and meals? You can save money and earn rewards while traveling the world with the right travel credit card. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone who takes one vacation a year, there’s a travel credit card that fits your needs.
Let me take you through the top travel credit cards in India today, and I’ll describe them in simple terms so you can make the best decision.
What Makes the Best Travel Credit Cards in India?
Before we dive into specific cards, let’s understand what to look for:
- Reward points or cashback on travel bookings
- Airport lounge access for comfortable waits
- Low or zero foreign transaction fees when spending abroad
- Travel insurance for peace of mind
- Hotel and airline partnerships for extra benefits
Premium Category Best Travel Credit Cards (For Frequent Travelers)
1. HDFC Infinia Metal Card
This is the gold standard of travel credit cards in India. It’s invite-only, which means you need to have a strong relationship with HDFC Bank to get it. High spenders who travel frequently and want premium benefits. It is one of the Premium Category’s best travel credit cards in India.
Key Benefits:
- 3.3% reward rate on almost all purchases
- Up to 10x rewards when booking through HDFC SmartBuy
- Unlimited domestic and international lounge access
- Club Marriott membership included
- ₹3 crore air accident insurance
Cost: ₹12,500 + GST annual fee, but it’s waived if you spend over ₹10 lakh per year
2. Axis Atlas Credit Card
Perfect for travelers who want to earn air miles. This card is designed specifically for people who fly often. Frequent flyers who want to earn free flights through miles. It is one of the best travel credit cards in India in the premium segment.
Key Benefits:
- Up to 5 miles per ₹100 spent on travel
- 2.5x miles on other purchases
- Good for accumulating air miles quickly
3. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card
Another premium option that competes closely with the Infinia. It is one of the best travel credit cards in India in the premium category.
Key Benefits:
- 3% to 18% reward rate depending on spending category
- 12x rewards on hotels, 6x on flights
- Unlimited lounge access worldwide
- Taj hotel membership included
Cost: ₹12,499 + GST annual fee
Mid-Range Travel Credit Cards (Good Value for Money)
4. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
A solid choice that offers premium benefits without the invite-only restriction. HDFC Diners Club credit cards are one of the best in the mid-range segment.
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card Eligibility:
For Salaried Indian national
- Age Min 21 yrs & Max 60 yrs
- Income: Net Monthly Income > Rs 2.5 Lakhs per month
For Self Employed Indian national
- Age: Min 21 yrs & Max 65 yrs
- Income: ITR > Rs 30 Lakhs per annum for self-employed customers
Key Benefits:
- 3.3% reward rate
- 10x rewards on SmartBuy travel bookings
- Unlimited lounge access (domestic and international)
- 24 golf rounds per year
Cost: ₹10,000 + GST annual fee
5. Vistara Credit Card
Great if you frequently fly with Vistara airlines. Then this is the best travel credit cards in India in the premium category.
Key Benefits:
- 1% to 4% CV points (Vistara’s currency)
- 4% rewards when booking on Vistara website
- Free business class tickets as milestone rewards
- 16 international lounge visits per year
Budget-Friendly Travel Credit Cards
6. MakeMyTrip ICICI Credit Card
Perfect for occasional travelers who book through MakeMyTrip.
Key Benefits:
- 6% cashback on hotel bookings
- 3% cashback on flights and cabs
- ₹1,000 MakeMyTrip voucher every year
- Low forex fee of just 0.99%
Cost: ₹999 annual fee
7. Ixigo AU Credit Card
The best part? This card has zero annual fee.
Key Benefits:
- No joining or annual fee
- 4x points on train bookings via Ixigo
- 10% discount on flights, hotels, and buses
- 16 domestic + 1 international lounge visit per year
- Zero forex markup
8. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Card
Another affordable option with decent benefits.
Key Benefits:
- 10 points per ₹100 on airline and hotel bookings
- Up to ₹10,000 off on international hotels
- 2 domestic lounge visits per year
Cost: ₹350 annual fee
How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card
Consider Your Travel Frequency
- Frequent travelers (5+ trips per year): Go for premium cards like HDFC Infinia or Axis Atlas
- Occasional travelers (1-2 trips per year): Mid-range cards like MakeMyTrip ICICI work well
- Budget travelers: Start with zero-fee cards like Ixigo AU
Think About Your Spending Habits
- High spenders (₹2+ lakh per month): Premium cards offer better value
- Moderate spenders: Mid-range cards provide good balance
- Low spenders: Budget cards prevent annual fee waste
International vs Domestic Travel
- International travelers: Look for low forex fees and international lounge access
- Domestic travelers: Focus on domestic lounge access and hotel partnerships
Smart Tips for Using Travel Credit Cards
- Always pay your full balance to avoid interest charges that can wipe out rewards
- Use the card for all travel-related expenses to maximize points
- Check expiry dates on reward points regularly
- Combine with airline loyalty programs for double benefits
- Read the fine print about reward redemption rules
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t get multiple premium cards – the annual fees add up quickly
- Don’t ignore foreign transaction fees if you travel internationally
- Don’t let reward points expire – use them or lose them
- Don’t overspend just to earn rewards – the math rarely works out
Learn More:
- How to Activate Credit Card: Step-by-Step Guide
- How To Use Credit Card Interest Free Period Wisely?
- Common Myths About Credit Scores
Final Thoughts
The HDFC Infinia Metal Card remains the top choice for serious travelers who can meet its spending requirements. For everyone else, there are plenty of good options depending on your budget and travel frequency.
Remember, the ideal travel credit card is one that fits your spending pattern and travel style. Begin with a no-annual-fee or low-fee card, use it responsibly, and transition to a premium card as your needs evolve.
The trick is to view your travel credit card as a means of saving on things you are already purchasing, not as an excuse to spend more. Safe travels!
Looking for more financial tips? Check out our other guides on managing money while traveling and building good credit habits.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Charges and features mentioned may change over time, so always verify the latest information from official sources.
