Introduction
Planning a trip, whether domestic or international, brings excitement—and expenses. From flight tickets to hotel stays, dining, shopping, and insurance, the costs can add up quickly. This is where the right credit cards for travel come into play. With travel-friendly credit cards, you can unlock a world of rewards, free flight tickets, exclusive lounge access, and even complimentary travel insurance.
In 2025, Indian banks and global financial institutions have stepped up their game with powerful travel credit card offerings tailored for Indian travelers. As someone who has traveled using multiple credit cards for travel, I can confidently say that choosing the right one has helped me save over ₹50,000 in just two international trips.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the best credit cards for travel in India, compare their features, help you choose the right one for your travel style, and share some personal insights to make your journeys smoother and more rewarding.
Also, make sure to check out these helpful resources to supercharge your travel plans:
- Top 10 USA Cities Indians Must Visit at Least Once
- New Visa Rules for Indian Passport Holders
- Visa-Free Countries for Indian Passport Holders
- Best Travel Insurance Plans for Indians in 2025
Why Credit Cards for Travel Are Essential in 2025
The world of travel has changed drastically. Visa policies are becoming more flexible, and digital travel planning is the norm. In such a landscape, credit cards for travel are not a luxury but a necessity.
Benefits of Using Credit Cards for Travel
- Earn frequent flyer miles or reward points on every transaction
- Enjoy complimentary domestic and international lounge access
- Get travel insurance coverage, including baggage loss and trip delays
- Avoid paying extra with low or zero forex markup
- Get access to exclusive hotel and airline partnerships
- Redeem points for flight upgrades, hotel stays, or gift vouchers
Whether you’re booking a trip to one of the visa-free countries for Indian passport holders or exploring the top cities in the USA, using the right credit card can make your journey easier and cheaper.
How to Choose the Best Credit Cards for Travel
Before we dive into the list, let’s understand how to select the best credit cards for travel based on your preferences:
1. Travel Frequency
- Frequent travelers: Look for cards with high reward rates, international lounge access, and air miles conversion.
- Occasional travelers: Pick cards with annual fee waivers and basic travel perks.
2. Domestic vs International Travel
- For international travel, focus on cards with zero forex charges and global lounge access.
- For domestic travel, prioritize cards with Indian airport lounge access and hotel discounts.
3. Reward Redemption
- Ensure the card allows you to redeem points easily for flights, hotels, and vouchers.
4. Annual Fees vs Benefits
- High annual fees can be justified if the travel benefits significantly outweigh the cost.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards in India (2025)
Here’s our curated list of the top credit cards for travel in India that offer the best returns, flexibility, and travel perks.
1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
Best For: Frequent domestic and international travelers
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + GST (waived on ₹3L annual spend)
- Key Features:
- 12 complimentary airport lounge visits
- Free Priority Pass membership
- 4 reward points per ₹150 spent
- Travel concierge services
- Insurance cover: air accident up to ₹1 crore
Personal Note: I used this card on a Europe trip in 2024. Saved ₹12,000 on lounge access alone. Smooth process at Schiphol Airport.
2. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Best For: Travelers seeking air miles and zero forex charges
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000
- Key Features:
- Earn Edge Miles on every transaction
- 1% forex markup
- Unlimited lounge access (with higher tiers)
- Redeemable miles across 25+ airline/hotel partners
Pro Tip: If you’re exploring new visa rule countries or planning international trips, this card gives flexibility and returns.
3. American Express Platinum Travel Card
Best For: Air vouchers and hotel discounts
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000 (1st year), ₹10,000 from 2nd year
- Key Features:
- ₹7,700 worth travel vouchers on ₹1.9L spend
- Taj Experiences gift cards
- Domestic lounge access
- 24×7 concierge support
Real Experience: I used this during a trip to Kochi and was surprised to get a Taj upgrade through Amex support. Worth every rupee.
4. SBI Card ELITE
Best For: Comprehensive lifestyle and travel benefits
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
- Key Features:
- 8 complimentary lounge visits/year
- Club Vistara and Trident membership
- Concierge services
- Movie ticket offers
Ideal Use: Great if you travel frequently within India and love premium lifestyle perks.
5. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Best For: Balanced travel and entertainment
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500 (waived on ₹6L spend)
- Key Features:
- DreamFolks membership
- Access to global lounges
- BOGO BookMyShow movie tickets
- Hotel and dining discounts
This card is handy for those who enjoy a mix of travel and leisure. I paired it with a travel insurance plan and traveled stress-free.
6. Air India SBI Signature Card
Best For: Air India loyalists
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999
- Key Features:
- Welcome bonus: 20,000 points
- 4 points per ₹100 spent
- Complimentary membership to Flying Returns
- Lounge access
If you often travel to destinations covered by Air India, this is a must-have.
7. YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card
Best For: Zero annual fee and essential travel benefits
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime free for eligible applicants)
- Key Features:
- Lounge access across India
- Fuel surcharge waiver
- 4 reward points per ₹100
- Travel booking discounts
Perfect for students, freelancers, or those who travel on a budget.
Credit Card Comparison Table
| Card Name | Best For | Lounge Access | Forex Fee | Reward Type | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Regalia | Frequent travelers | Domestic + Intl | 2% | Points | ₹2,500 |
| Axis Atlas | Intl air miles | Global | 1% | Edge Miles | ₹5,000 |
| Amex Platinum Travel | Rewards + Hotels | Domestic | 3.5% | Vouchers | ₹5,000 |
| SBI ELITE | Lifestyle + travel | Domestic | 3.5% | Points/Vistara | ₹4,999 |
| ICICI Sapphiro | Balanced use | Global | 1.99% | Points | ₹3,500 |
| Air India SBI | Air India Flyers | Domestic | 3.5% | Flying Returns | ₹4,999 |
| YES FIRST Preferred | No annual fee | Domestic | 3.5% | Points | ₹0 |
How to Maximize Your Credit Cards for Travel
Once you’ve chosen your card, here’s how to get the most value out of your credit cards for travel:
- Always book tickets via the bank portal to earn max points
- Set reminders for lounge visit limits
- Pay your bills on time to maintain rewards
- Use foreign cards in local currency to avoid extra charges
- Convert reward points into travel bookings rather than gift cards
Ideal Travel Credit Card Combos
You can combine two or more credit cards for travel to optimize rewards:
- Combo 1: HDFC Regalia + Amex Platinum = Great for Indian + luxury travel
- Combo 2: Axis Atlas + YES FIRST = International trips on a budget
- Combo 3: ICICI Sapphiro + SBI ELITE = Balanced rewards and domestic perks
Benefits You Didn’t Know Your Card Has
Many travelers miss these hidden travel perks:
- Flight delay and baggage loss compensation
- Complimentary travel insurance
- Concierge services for visa, passport, dining, and event bookings
- Emergency card replacement globally
Use these features to your advantage, especially while visiting countries with changing entry policies or new visa rules.
Planning Your Trip? Use These Guides
- Explore visa-free adventures: Visa-Free Countries for Indian Passport Holders
- Secure yourself abroad: Best Travel Insurance Plans for Indians in 2025
- Discover USA’s finest: Top 10 USA Cities Indians Must Visit at Least Once
Conclusion: Make Every Swipe Count
In 2025, there’s no reason not to make the most of your spending—especially while traveling. These top-rated credit cards for travel in India offer unmatched benefits across airfare, hotels, insurance, and more.
As someone who started with just one travel card and now uses three strategically, I can vouch for the massive savings and comfort they offer. Don’t just spend—earn, save, and travel smarter with the best credit cards for travel.
Ready to upgrade your travel experience?
Pick one of these credit cards for travel today and turn your every journey into a rewarding adventure.
Have a favorite card? Or need help choosing the best fit for you? Drop your comments below or contact us via VistaVocals.com for personalized guidance.
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