Best Travel Credit Cards in India: Features & Benefits

Traveling can be expensive, but the right travel credit card can help you save money while offering extra perks. These cards provide benefits such as air miles, free lounge access, hotel discounts, travel insurance, and more. Whether you are a frequent flyer or just an occasional traveler, choosing the right travel credit card can enhance your experience and reduce costs. In this guide, we’ll break down the best travel credit cards in India, their features, benefits, and fees, so you can pick the one that suits your needs.

1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

Best for: Frequent travelers & luxury benefits

If you frequently travel for business or leisure, this card offers excellent benefits, including lounge access, reward points, and travel insurance.

Key Features & Benefits:
✅ 5X Reward Points: Earn points faster on travel bookings, dining, and online spending. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other rewards.
✅ Unlimited Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy complimentary access to domestic and international lounges, making your journey more comfortable.
✅ Complimentary Annual Memberships: Get free memberships to select premium brands that add value to your lifestyle.
✅ Travel Insurance Coverage: Protection against lost baggage, flight delays, and medical emergencies while traveling.
✅ Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save on fuel transactions across India.

Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (Waived if you spend ₹3 lakh per year)

2. SBI Elite Credit Card

Best for: Air miles & travel vouchers

This card is a great choice for travelers looking to earn reward points that can be converted into air miles, along with premium travel perks.

Key Features & Benefits:
✅ Welcome Benefit: Get a travel voucher worth ₹5,000 upon joining.
✅ Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy 8 complimentary domestic and 6 international lounge visits every year.
✅ Reward Points: Earn up to 50,000 reward points annually, redeemable for flights, hotels, and more.
✅ Hotel & Concierge Discounts: Get exclusive savings on premium hotel stays and personalized concierge services.
✅ Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Covers lost baggage, flight cancellations, and other travel-related mishaps.

Annual Fee: ₹4,999

3. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

Best for: Air India Vistara travelers

If you frequently travel with Vistara Airlines, this co-branded credit card helps you earn Club Vistara points that can be redeemed for free flights and upgrades.

Key Features & Benefits:
✅ Complimentary Vistara Club Membership: Get automatic enrollment into the Club Vistara program.
✅ Free Premium Economy Ticket: Receive one complimentary Premium Economy flight ticket every year.
✅ Earn Air Miles: Get 3 Club Vistara Points per ₹200 spent, which can be used to book flights.
✅ Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy 4 complimentary lounge visits per year across India.
✅ Travel Insurance Benefits: Coverage for baggage loss, flight delays, and medical emergencies.

Annual Fee: ₹3,000

4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

Best for: Premium travel perks

This is one of the best credit cards for those who want luxury travel benefits, including flight vouchers, premium hotel discounts, and airport lounge access.

Key Features & Benefits:
✅ Bonus Membership Reward Points: Earn reward points on every spend, which can be converted into travel vouchers.
✅ Airport Lounge Access: Get complimentary domestic lounge access at leading airports in India.
✅ Spend-Based Travel Vouchers: Receive vouchers worth ₹7,700 annually if you meet the spending criteria.
✅ Exclusive Hotel & Dining Discounts: Get savings on luxury hotel stays and premium dining experiences.
✅ Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Covers flight cancellations, baggage loss, and medical emergencies.

Annual Fee: ₹3,500 (First year), ₹5,000 (Second year onward)

5. InterMiles ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

Best for: Earning InterMiles on travel bookings

This credit card is perfect for those who frequently book flights and hotels through InterMiles, offering great rewards and lounge access.

Key Features & Benefits:
✅ InterMiles Membership: Get a complimentary InterMiles Silver Tier Membership with this card.
✅ Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy 8 domestic & 4 international lounge visits per year.
✅ Earn InterMiles on Every Spend: Get up to 7 InterMiles per ₹100 spent on flights and hotel bookings.
✅ Bonus InterMiles: Earn additional miles as a joining bonus and on annual renewal.
✅ Exclusive Travel Perks: Get discounts on hotel stays, car rentals, and premium travel services.

Annual Fee: ₹5,000

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card?

1. Understand Your Travel Needs

• If you frequently fly with a particular airline, choose a co-branded card like Axis Vistara Signature or InterMiles ICICI Sapphiro to maximize air mile benefits.

• For general travel perks, premium cards like Amex Platinum Travel or HDFC Diners Club Privilege are ideal.

2. Look for Lounge Access & Travel Benefits

• Frequent travelers should prioritize airport lounge access, as it provides a comfortable waiting experience with free food, Wi-Fi, and relaxation areas.

• Some cards also offer benefits like priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and concierge services.

3. Check Reward Redemption Options

• Ensure the reward points or miles earned can be easily redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or cashback.

• Some cards offer direct redemption through their travel portals, while others require conversion to air miles.

4. Consider Annual Fees & Spend-Based Waivers

• Some high-end travel credit cards have high annual fees, but these can be justified if you use the perks effectively.

• Look for cards that offer annual fee waivers if you meet a certain spending threshold.

Final Thoughts

A travel credit card can significantly reduce your travel expenses and enhance your experience with premium perks like free flights, lounge access, and travel insurance. By choosing a card based on your travel frequency, preferred airline, and spending habits, you can maximize its benefits and make your journeys more rewarding.