Credit Cards for Travellers

What is a Travel Credit Card?

Specially designed for frequent travellers, travel credit cards are quickly gaining popularity because of their many benefits and accelerated rewards. Packed with perks like lounge access, discounted hotel stays, air mile earnings and travel insurance plans, you can make your international or domestic trips far more enjoyable and affordable by picking the right credit cards for your travel needs.

Why Credit Cards for Travellers?

Travel credit cards are designed to benefit those who spend considerably on travelling. This includes hotels, flights, trains, buses and a lot more. Many credit cards also offer the benefits of a travel insurance plan and other advantages. Many cards offer unique co-partnered benefits with a specific airline or travel partner and let you collect travel points that can be redeemed later at your convenience.

Types of Travel Credit Cards

Many types of travel credit cards are available in India to make all kinds of journeys affordable. Take a look at some of the most popularly available types of credit cards in India:

• Travel Reward Credit Card: These all-rounder cards offer cash back and reward points, including shopping, travel and lifestyle. Depending on the card, they can also offer travel benefits such as lounge access, priority pass, flight upgrades, etc.
• Co-branded Travel Credit Card: These cards are offered exclusively by two brands so loyal customers can avail of extra benefits. Airlines, hotels or popular banks usually offer these cards.
• Air-miles Card: These are exclusive cards offered by any popular airline and are especially useful for travellers who use that particular airline. The miles can be redeemed as per the user's requirements. These may also offer lounge access.

Other than these, some other cards cater to domestic travellers who use railways and cars to travel across India. Those journeying by road can buy a fuel-surcharge waiver credit card, while frequent railway users can buy different IRCTC cards to save big on every journey.

Popular Travel Credit Cards in India

While there are a variety of credit cards for international travel from India this article will focus on different travel credit cards that are affordable and offer several benefits. Take a look at some of the most popular credit cards for travellers:

1. SBI Card ELITE

   An all-rounder, SBI Card Elite is among the good credit cards in India, offering many benefits while you shop, travel, or go to the movies. However, it is an excellent card for travellers who want to save on travel expenses.

   The card also has a welcome gift that can be selected from different e-voucher options and redeemed at available stores. Besides, it offers six complimentary airport lounge visits outside India across 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. The card also offers two complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter.

   Joining Fee	Rs. 4999 + Taxes
   Eligibility	Indian citizen aged between 18 and 70 years
   Key Benefits	Reward points, milestone privileges. Free movie tickets every year worth Rs. 6,000. Club Vistara Membership. 6 complimentary airport lounge visits outside India. Exclusive concierge service Emergency card replacement Savings on car rentals, and more.
   Forex Mark-up	1.99%

2. Axis Bank ATLAS Card

   The card is offered in different tiers, Silver, Gold & Platinum, each adding more benefits than the previous tier. With various schemes of earning reward points on every transaction you make, you get the opportunity to redeem them on flight booking, hotel partners, airport lounge access, etc. With so many benefits & rewards, it is a perfect credit card for people who are frequent travellers. It is especially ideal for travellers who book directly with the airlines or hotels.

   Joining Fee	Rs. 5000+ taxes
   Eligibility	Indian citizen between 18 to 70 years, with net annual income of Rs. 12 lakh (salaried employee) or Rs. 15 lakh (self-employed).
   Key Benefits	You earn 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on travel-related spends and 2 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on other eligible spends. These miles can be redeemed at a 1:1 ratio on the Axis Travel EDGE portal or converted to partner airline and hotel loyalty programs at a 1:2 ratio. Free domestic & international lounge access. Complimentary travel insurance.
   Forex Markup Fee	3.5%

3. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

   HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card has become famous for reward points, and several travel benefits, including benefits of travel insurance plans such as accidental air death cover, lost card liability cover and emergency overseas hospitalisation.

   The card also offers 12 complimentary domestic airport lounge access, six outside India, revolving credit at a nominal interest rate and complimentary dining benefits. The card also offers reward points that can be redeemed for flight bookings, hotel bookings, air miles conversions and several other products and vouchers.

   Joining Fee	Rs. 2500 + taxes
   Eligibility	Indian citizens between 21 and 60 years, with following income: Non-govt. Salaried employees: Monthly Rs 1,50,000 or above Govt. Salaried employees: Monthly Rs 1,00,000 or above Self-employed: ITR> Rs 18 lakhs annually
   Key Benefits	Zero lost card liability, milestone benefits, annual spend benefits. Complimentary lounge access within India and priority pass for 6 lounge access outside India. Accidental air death coverage worth Rs. 1 Crore, emergency overseas hospitalisation up to Rs. 15 lakhs. 24/7 concierge services.
   Foreign Currency Markup	2%

4. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

   It is an exclusive invite-only travel card for international travellers in India. This premium card is for high-spending individuals seeking luxury and travel perks. You also get zero cancellation charges on select bookings, EaseMyTrip vouchers. You mostly get 3% value back on most spends. It also provides travel protection to travellers, including emergency assistance, lost baggage, and flight delays.

   Joining Fee	Rs. 12499+ taxes
   Eligibility	Issued by invite only
   Key Benefits	Unlimited lounge visits Exclusive Taj Epicure membership Reward points and milestone benefits Golf lessons privileges Discount and reward points on dining
   Foreign Currency Markup	2%

Benefits of a Travel Credit Card

One of the most significant advantages of looking for the best credit card for international travel is that its benefits are not restricted to only long-term customers of an airline or hotel. The points you get for using these cards can be used for things other than airline tickets and hotel bookings. Some of these are briefly mentioned below:

• Airport Lounge Access: Most travel credit cards in India provide free airport lounge access where you can enjoy the comfortable seating areas, complimentary food & beverages, Wi-Fi Connectivity, etc. And this is not just for domestic lounges, but also for international lounges.
• Flight & Hotel Booking and Dining Benefits: Travel credit cards provide discounts & cashbacks on flight tickets and booking specific premium hotel accommodations. You may also get special offers & privileges at dining partner restaurants.
• Reward Points: Most international travel credit cards in India offer reward points on every transaction you make. These points can be redeemed for flight tickets, shopping, hotel bookings, etc.
• Travel Insurance: There are many credit cards with free travel insurance, providing financial assistance for uncertainties and emergencies. However, you must note that these cards are not a complete replacement for overseas travel insurance
• Additional Benefits: Travel cards come with various other benefits, such as concierge services during the trip, fuel surcharge waiver, memberships to loyalty programmes, special offers on travel packages, and much more.

Depending on your needs, you can search for the best travel credit cards in India and choose the right one that meets your requirements. Not only does it let you earn redeemable points or miles, but these cards are also helpful for people who wish to build their credit score and improve their purchasing power. Nowadays, these cards offer benefits that you may otherwise get only if you buy an international travel insurance plan separately... So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start collecting those miles!

How to Compare Travel Credit Cards?

With so many options, selecting the right travel credit cards in India for 2025 can be confusing. Here are a few tips that will help you shortlist the best credit card in India for international travel:

1. Check Annual Fee

   This should be your first step to shortlist the travel cards. Check if the annual cost of the international travel credit card is per your budget and worth the value. Opting for a card with decent benefits at a low annual fee is usually suggested. You can also look for a credit card with travel insurance for comprehensive benefits.

2. Check the Joining Fee

   Many cards offer welcome bonuses, but you must pay attention to their joining/annual renewal fee to ensure you are able to continue with the card benefits year after year.

3. Know What You Need

   You must be well aware of your travel needs and spending habits to be able to choose the best Indian credit card for international travel. If you are looking to save money while travelling, go for a co-branded card or the one that gives you good cashback for flight and hotel bookings. Similarly, there's no point in going for a lounge access credit card if you don't travel by flight frequently.

4. Compare Forex Charges

   If you go on frequent international trips, you must buy a credit card with the lowest forex fees. These charges can add up a lot and cost you much more than you can imagine. Opting for cards with zero foreign transaction charges is also a great idea.

5. Research About Additional Charges

   Compare additional charges that you may have to pay for different services, like balance transfer, or if there is any late payment or cash advance fees.

Now that you know how to choose the best international travel credit card in India, start your research and get your hands on the most suitable card that helps you ease your international travel. Happy researching and happy travelling!!