Do you have a penchant for travel? If so, you’re likely always in pursuit of the finest deals. What if we told you that your trusty credit card could help you get the most out of your bucks through travel rewards, not just within India but also abroad?
These credit cards offer the opportunity to earn additional miles and points, making you eligible for complimentary upgrades. With a variety of travel credit cards to choose from, you can utilise these points and miles to make your trips more cost-effective. What sets these cards apart is their widespread acceptance, ensuring seamless transactions without undue hassle.
Demystifying travel credit cards: What are they and how do they work?
Much like standard credit cards, travel credit cards reward you for everyday purchases. The distinguishing factor, however, lies in how you can employ these rewards for covering travel expenses. Depending on the specific card you have, the points can be redeemed for various travel-related expenditures, including airline miles/tickets, hotel bookings, upgrades for stays or flights, car rentals, and more.
The best travel credit cards, both in India and abroad, offer additional perks such as trip delay and cancellation insurance, baggage fee waivers, zero foreign transaction fees and access to airport lounges. These features ensure that your journey proceeds as seamlessly as possible. Moreover, many travel credit cards are co-branded, meaning they are created in partnership with specific airlines, hotel chains or travel booking platforms, allowing you to select the most suitable option for your needs.
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Essential factors to evaluate when selecting a travel credit card
Different credit cards come with various benefits, so it’s important to find one that aligns with your specific needs. Here are some key features to look for:
- Generous welcome bonus: Travel credit cards often offer substantial sign-up bonuses when you join the programme. It’s wise to choose a card based on the initial benefits they offer, whether related to spending thresholds or immediate travel rewards. Keep these considerations in mind before booking the card.
- No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards impose a foreign transaction fee of around three percent when making purchases in a foreign country. Opt for a card that doesn’t charge this fee, especially if you frequently travel abroad.
- Tailored travel rewards: While most cards offer lucrative rewards, it’s essential to select one that caters to your travel preferences. For example, if you frequently fly with Air India, a credit card that rewards you for flights on IndiGo or SpiceJet will not be the most beneficial option for you.
- Higher rewards for everyday spending: Travel credit cards in India typically offer travel benefits in exchange for your regular expenditures. Look for a card that provides maximum points or rewards for your everyday purchases, allowing you to accumulate travel rewards more quickly.
- Low annual fee: Most credit cards have some form of an annual renewal fee, even if it is a nominal charge. Choose a card with the lowest possible renewal fee while still fulfilling your other requirements.
Top travel credit cards for Indian jetsetters
HDFC Regalia Credit Card
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Among one of the most popular credit cards in India, the HDFC Regalia card offers great travel benefits, despite not being primarily designed for travel. Some of its key advantages include six visits to international lounges through the Priority Pass membership and 12 visits to domestic lounges through the Visa/Mastercard Lounge programme. This is particularly beneficial for international travel enthusiasts.
Joining Fee: INR 2,500 plus taxes
Renewal Fee: INR 2,500 plus taxes
Travel Insurance: Emergency overseas hospitalisation cover
International Transactions: 2 percent charge on international transactions
Reward type: Reward Points
Welcome Benefits: 2500 Reward Points, renewal benefit of 2500 Reward Points
Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card
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One of the best credit cards for travel, especially for booking flights, is the Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card. With an annual fee of INR 1,499, this card provides the advantage of eight visits to domestic VISA lounges in India (with a maximum of two visits per quarter). Additionally, it offers added ease for online railway bookings and easy access to cash on-the-go facilities.
Joining Fee: INR 1,499
Renewal Fee: INR 1,499
Reward Type: Reward Points
Welcome Benefits: 5000 points; 2000 points as anniversary gift
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
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When it comes to the best credit cards for travel available in India, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who love being on-the-go. This card offers access to attractive travel vouchers based on your spending levels, providing amazing benefits. These benefits include eight complimentary lounge visits every year (with a maximum of two per quarter), special rewards for reaching various milestones and access to premium benefits such as 24×7 Platinum Assist and Emergency Card Replacement anywhere across the globe.
Joining Fee: INR 3,500 plus taxes
Renewal Fee: INR 5,000 plus taxes
Reward Type: Points
Welcome Benefits: 10,000 Membership Rewards Point
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
If you frequently book flights, this credit card can be an excellent option for you, especially because it is in collaboration with Vistara. The card comes with many benefits, including a complimentary premium economy Vistara ticket, lounge access at select airports in India, eligibility for silver membership of Club Vistara, rewards at milestones that can be redeemed for premium economy tickets, EMI payment options, insurance coverage and various other perks.
Joining Fee: INR 3,000
Renewal Fee: INR 3,000
Travel Insurance: Purchase Protection Cover worth INR 1 lakh or cover of up to USD 300 (INR 24,976) on loss of travel documents or delay/loss of check-in baggage
International Transactions: 3.5 percent
Reward Type: Points
Welcome Benefits: Complimentary Premium Economy ticket
Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
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A great choice for those who frequently spend on travel agencies and tour operators, the Royal signature credit card offers four times the bonus points for every INR 150 spent on air tickets, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and other similar payments. Along with complimentary lounge visits in India and various other benefits, this credit card is ideal for those who travel extensively. Users can also earn bonus points for annual expenditures of INR 4,00,000 and INR 8,00,000.
Joining Fee: Nil
Renewal Fee: INR 999
International Transactions: 3.5 percent plus GST
Reward Type: Points
Yes Preferred Credit card
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This card grants you access to airport lounges abroad four times a year and twice per quarter in India. Additionally, points can be converted into Air Miles for booking tickets. Travellers also enjoy a much lower foreign currency markup compared to other cards and extensive insurance coverage to address any mishaps that may occur during their travels.
Joining Fee: INR 999 plus taxes
Renewal Fee: INR 999 plus taxes
Travel Insurance: Air accident cover, medical emergency cover
International Transactions: 1.5 percent markup
Reward Type: Points that can be converted to Air Miles
SBI IRCTC Credit Card
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If you love travelling by trains, this credit card is definitely among the best options in India for you. It offers four complimentary visits to the railway lounges, attractive reward benefits, and additional benefits that can earn you up to 10 percent of your spending value back as reward points.
Joining Fee: INR 500 plus taxes
Renewal Fee: INR 300 plus taxes
Reward Type: Points
Welcome Benefits: 350 activation bonus reward points
Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card
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Here’s another option for Vistara flyers, and it comes with attractive benefits such as bonus points when you reach spending milestones, 12 complimentary golf lessons, four complimentary rounds of golf each year, eight complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges and spas, and four complimentary lounge visits at international airports every year.
Joining Fee: INR 4,999 + GST
Renewal Fee: INR 4,999 + GST
Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation cover
International Transactions: 2.99 percent
Reward type: Reward Points
Welcome Benefits: 1 Complimentary Premium Economy ticket voucher, Complimentary Club Vistara Silver Membership and 1 One-Class Upgrade e-Voucher
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Hero and Featured Image credit: kitzcorner/Shutterstock
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing
Related: Here’s How Much It Costs To Charter A Jet In India – And How To Do It
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– How do I apply for a credit card?
To apply for a credit card, check your credit score, see if you’re pre-approved for the card, and ensure you have all the necessary documents in place.
– Are there any redemption charges for reward points?
Yes, some banks levy a charge or fee when you redeem reward points.
– How do we use a credit card for lounge access?
Simply present your credit card at the respective lounge and show it at the entry to gain admission.
– How do travel rewards points or miles work?
Reward points and miles are earned for purchases made using a credit card. These can be earned through various transactions, such as hotel bookings, flight tickets, shopping, dining out and even fuel payment. You can then use these points to avail offers or upgrades when making bookings or purchases.
– What are the key features to look for in the best travel credit cards?
Look for attractive welcome benefits, low renewal charge/fees, and ensure that the card’s benefits align with your specific travel needs.
– What is a sign-up bonus, and why is it important for travel credit cards?
A sign-up bonus is a welcome gift offered by credit card companies when you sign up for their card. For travel cards, these benefits may include bonus air miles, points, complimentary hotel stays, free upgrades, airport lounge access or other perks.
– What is the difference between airline-specific and general travel credit cards?
Generic travel credit cards typically offer a range of benefits that cater to various travel needs. Airline-specific cards, on the other hand, focus on benefits pertaining to a particular airline, such as club memberships, lounge access, upgrades, priority boarding, and may offer fewer benefits unrelated to that airline.
– How can I maximise the benefits of my travel credit card?
Maximise your benefits by making significant purchases after obtaining the card to earn extra points. Opt for co-branded travel credit cards in India to maximise benefits for both brands. Collect enough points and use them to book your tickets, which can provide better services or better tickets at a more affordable price.
Written By
Anushka Goel
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
