Travel has become an essential part of life—whether it’s vacations, business trips, or weekend getaways. The best part? If you choose the right travel credit card, you can enjoy free airport lounge access, flight discounts, hotel rewards, complimentary insurance, and exclusive travel perks every time you fly.
This guide helps you find the best travel credit cards in India for 2025, along with benefits, features, eligibility and tips to save more on every trip.
1. Why Travel Credit Cards Are Becoming Popular in India
More Indians are traveling domestically and internationally than ever before. Travel credit cards provide massive benefits such as:
✔ Free airport lounge access
A must for frequent travelers—relaxed seating, food, WiFi, charging points.
✔ Air miles & reward points
Earn points every time you spend. Convert them into flight tickets or hotel nights.
✔ Travel insurance coverage
Lost luggage, flight delays, accidents—covered by most travel cards.
✔ Exclusive travel offers
Discounts on MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, and airline partners.
✔ Zero/Low forex markup
Useful for international trips and NRI users.
Travel cards turn normal spending into travel savings and comfort.
2. Top Travel Credit Cards in India (2025 List)
Below are the most reliable, high-value travel credit cards preferred by Indian customers.
1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
Best for: Frequent domestic travelers
Airport Lounge Access: 12 domestic + 6 international per year
Annual Fee: ₹2,500
Why it’s great
- Complimentary international lounge access via Priority Pass
- Travel insurance coverage
- High reward points on flights & dining
- Premium lifestyle benefits
Perfect for working professionals who travel often.
2. SBI Card ELITE
Best for: Premium travel + luxury spenders
Airport Lounge Access: 6 international lounges + unlimited domestic (select lounges)
Annual Fee: ₹4,999
Highlights
- Free Club Vistara Silver membership
- Complimentary domestic & international lounge visits
- Huge welcome gift worth ₹5,000
- Hotel & travel deals on major platforms
A favorite among high-income travelers.
3. Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card (Signature)
Best for: People who prefer Vistara Airlines
Airport Lounge Access: Domestic lounges
Annual Fee: ₹3,000
Why travelers love it
- Free one-flight ticket every year
- Earn CV Points (convertible to free flights)
- Priority check-in and extra baggage benefits
If you fly Vistara even twice a year—this card pays for itself.
4. IDFC First Wealth Credit Card
Best for: Zero forex markup + global travelers
Airport Lounge Access: 4 domestic + 4 spa sessions
Annual Fee: Lifetime free
Amazing benefits
- 0% forex markup (rare benefit)
- Low interest rate on EMIs
- Complimentary airport spa access
- Free domestic lounge visits
Perfect for international travelers and online spenders.
5. American Express Platinum Travel Card
Best for: Reward seekers and holiday packages
Airport Lounge Access: Extensive domestic access
Annual Fee: ₹3,500 (1st year)
Why it’s unique
- Massive reward points for travel spends
- Free Taj or Marriott stay vouchers
- Best for planned holiday redemptions
If you want luxury + high reward value, this one stands out.
6. InterMiles ICICI Bank Credit Card
Best for: Flight reward points
Airport Lounge Access: Select domestic lounges
Annual Fee: ₹2,500
Highlights
- Earn InterMiles on every purchase
- Redeem miles for airline tickets
- Discounts on partner hotels
- Travel vouchers for frequent users
Great for people who fly multiple airlines.
7. MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Card
Best for: Budget travelers
Airport Lounge Access: Domestic lounges
Annual Fee: ₹2,500
Benefits
- Exclusive MakeMyTrip flight discounts
- Hotel booking vouchers
- Zero cancellation fee offers
- Bonus rewards on travel spends
This card works best for young travelers & family vacations.
3. How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card
Before selecting a travel card, consider these points:
✔ How much do you travel?
Frequent → Premium cards
Occasional → Mid-range cards like MMT ICICI or HDFC Regalia
✔ Domestic or International travel?
- Domestic → Vistara, Regalia
- International → IDFC Wealth, Amex, SBI Elite
✔ Do you want lounge access?
Check the number of free visits offered yearly.
✔ What type of rewards do you prefer?
- Air miles
- Cashback
- Travel vouchers
Choosing the right type maximizes value.
4. Benefits You Get with Travel Credit Cards
1. Free Airport Lounge Access
Most premium cards offer annual domestic & international visits.
2. Complimentary Insurance
- Flight delay
- Lost baggage
- International medical coverage
- Travel accident compensation
3. Flight & Hotel Discounts
Partner benefits with:
- Vistara
- Air India
- Indigo (limited)
- MakeMyTrip
- Yatra
- Cleartrip
4. Reward Points for Every Spend
Points can be redeemed for:
- Flight tickets
- Hotel stays
- Upgrades
- Gift vouchers
5. Tips to Maximize Travel Rewards
- Book flights directly through partner portals
- Use your travel card for dining & hotel spends
- Redeem points before expiry
- Activate offers inside the mobile app
- Avoid cash withdrawal (high charges)
- Pay full bill to avoid interest
Smart usage can save ₹10,000–₹40,000 per year.
Final Thoughts
A travel credit card is a must-have for anyone who flies often. From lounge access to complimentary travel insurance and reward points, these cards significantly reduce your travel costs and enhance your overall experience.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, business traveler or someone planning yearly vacations, the cards like HDFC Regalia, SBI Elite, Vistara Signature, and IDFC Wealth offer excellent value.
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