Getting a travel credit card has helped make traveling all over the world easier, more cost-effective, and convenient to access. Indeed, as a frequent traveler or when being less frequent, an excellent credit travel card always offers benefits from mere convenience. From a reward that can be gathered on buying purchases to securing travel insurance with lounging accesses, travel credit cards increase your travel pleasure. We will discuss the best travel credit cards available to Indian audiences, provide information on benefits, choosing the right card, and tips on how to maximize rewards.
Why you should use credit cards for travel?
Earn Points and Miles: Most travel credit cards offer reward points or miles for every purchase, which can be used for flights, hotel stays, or even cash redemption.
Exclusive Travel Benefits: Travel cards often come with VIP perks like access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and discounts on booking flights or accommodations.
Foreign Transaction Fee Waived: Most travel credit cards do not have foreign transaction fees, and this can save you much money when traveling abroad.
Insurance Coverage: Travel credit cards usually have free insurance coverage in case of anything that may go wrong, for example, cancellation of a trip or loss of luggage during travel.
Features to Look for in a Travel Credit Card
Reward Points/Miles System: This is the core benefit of any travel credit card. The more you spend, the more reward points or miles you earn, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses.
Sign-Up Bonus: Many cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses, such as a large number of reward points or miles if you meet a spending requirement within the first few months.
Annual Fee: Travel cards often come with an annual fee, but it can be worth it if the benefits (like bonus points and lounge access) outweigh the cost.
Foreign Transaction Fees: Look for cards that offer zero or low foreign transaction fees, thus saving some money when abroad.
Travel Benefits and Protections: Some travel credit cards include additional benefits, such as airport lounge access, free travel insurance to make travel more enjoyable.
Best Travel Credit Cards in India
1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
Best For: Regular flyers and luxury travelers
Benefits:
Reward Points: For every ₹150 spent on retail purchases, one can earn 4 points, while earning 8 points for every ₹150 spent on dining and travel bookings.
Sign-Up Bonus: 2,000 reward points as a welcome gift, and additional benefits for meeting the spending threshold.
Travel Benefits: Complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through the LoungeKey program.
Travel Insurance: Free travel insurance for flight delays, baggage loss, and trip cancellation.
Annual Fee: ₹2,500, but it is waived off on annual spending of ₹3 lakh or more.
HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card is a premium card for those who travel a lot and want luxury perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and higher reward points on travel expenses.
2. SBI Card ELITE
Best suited for: Business travelers and luxury travelers
Reward Points: 2 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on regular purchases and 5 points on dining, movies, and international spending.
Sign-Up Bonus: Offer of 5,000 reward points welcome gift, plus an extra 10,000 points if you meet the spends criteria within 60 days.
Travel Benefits: Lounge access at both domestic and international airports, besides booking at discounted hotel rates.
Annual Fee: ₹4,999 waived off if one has spends of ₹5 lakh or more in a year.
Other Benefits: Complimentary membership to Zomato Gold and several discounts offered on shopping and dining outlets.
SBI Card ELITE It is suitable for those who travel frequently, but like premium benefits and the convenience of airport lounges, bonus reward points, and comprehensive travel insurance.
3. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Best For: Traveling frequently internationally
Benifits:
Reward Points: There are 2 reward points on every ₹100 and 4 on international spends.
Sign-Up Bonus: 1,500 reward points will be credited as a sign-up gift, and some bonus points will be earned depending on the spends done.
Travel Benefits: Get access to more than 600 lounges in India and internationally, along with travel booking discounts through LoungeKey.
Zero foreign transaction fee on international purchases.
Annual Fee ₹3,500. Can be waived off by spending ₹1.5 lakh in a year.
The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card is great for those who travel abroad very often because it provides excellent reward points on international purchases and has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent card for global travelers.
4. Axis Bank Miles & More Credit Card
Ideal For: Frequent international flyers
Benifits:
Reward Points: Earn miles for every ₹200 spent, with bonus miles for purchases related to travel, dining, and shopping.
Sign-Up Bonus: Receive up to 6,000 welcome miles and additional miles for completing the required spending threshold.
Travel Benefits: Free entry to all domestic and international airport lounges and free travel-related amenities such as check-in priority and baggage handling.
Foreign Transaction Fee: Its foreign transaction fees are rather competitive for travelers who frequent other countries.
Annual Fee: The annual fee is ₹1,500, which is pretty cheap considering the amenities.
Axis Bank Miles & More Credit Card for people who take a number of flights each year or are interested in collecting a lot of miles that might be redeemed by flights as well as several other travel products.
5. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Best For: Exclusive benefits value-conscious luxury travellers
Benefits:
Earn 1 Membership Reward point for each ₹50 spent, also on higher points for spends on travelling, dining & international purchase.
Sign-Up Bonus: 10,000 Membership Rewards points on first-year spend of ₹1 lakh.
Travel Benefits: Free access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, and up to ₹1 lakh of travel insurance coverage.
Annual Fee: ₹5,000, but it’s a great value for those who take advantage of the luxury perks and extensive rewards.
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is great for those looking to make the most out of their travel spending while enjoying luxuries such as lounge access and travel insurance.
Comparison between the Best Travel Credit Cards
How to Maximize Your Travel Credit Card Benefits
Use for Travel Purchases: Maximize reward points by using your card for travel-related expenses like flight tickets, hotel bookings, and car rentals.
Pay Off Balances: Avoid interest charges by paying off your balance in full every month.
Track Rewards: Keep track of your points and miles to ensure you’re redeeming them efficiently.
Use Partner Offers: Take advantage of airline or hotel partnerships to earn more rewards.
The right travel credit card can be the key to unlocking a host of travel benefits, from earning reward points to enjoying exclusive perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance. Whether you are a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, the cards listed above offer a variety of benefits that suit different travel needs. By carefully selecting a card that aligns with your travel habits, you can make your trips more rewarding and enjoyable.