In an age where experiences matter more than materialistic possessions, travel has become a priority for Indians all across. Whether it’s a leisure trip abroad, a business journey, or a quick domestic getaway, travel credit cards can significantly elevate the experience.
These cards offer benefits like complimentary lounge access, frequent flyer miles, hotel discounts, travel insurance, and reward points on travel bookings. Since they have been designed to help frequent travellers save a significant amount on flights and hotel bookings, this plastic money form has emerged as one of the most popular forms of enhancing the credit score, saving money and providing a host of other benefits, that are conspicuous.
Here are 5 of the best travel-based credit cards in India for 2025, that have been custom-made for different types of travelers – from globe-trotters to budget-conscious explorers.
- Axis Bank Select
Best For: Frequent flyers looking to earn air miles and access airport lounges globally.
Key Benefits:
- Edge Miles Program: Earn 5 Edge Miles per INR 100 spent on travel, 2.5x EDGE Miles on Travel spends
- Lounge Access: Up to 12 international and 18 domestic lounge access every year
- Tier-Based Benefits: Progress through tiers based on annual spends to unlock travel perks.
- Travel Concierge: 24/7 assistance for planning international/domestic trips.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Lower forex markup at just 2%.
Annual Fee:
INR 5000 + GST
Highlight:
Axis Atlas is an excellent choice for frequent flyers who want a mileage-based card with benefits that grow with spending. It’s accepted widely and offers significant rewards when used smartly. One of the top-rated travel credit cards in India currently.
- HDFC Regalia Gold
Best For: Premium travelers looking for comprehensive lounge access, reward points, and concierge services.
Key Benefits:
- Lounge Access: 12 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits/year across 50+ airports.
- 6 complimentary international lounge visits per year via the Priority Pass (for primary and add-on cardholders).
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for international travel, baggage loss, and air accident (up to ₹1 crore).
- Earn INR 1,500 flight voucher on annual spends of INR 1.5 lakh.
- 4 Reward Points per ₹150 spent on retail purchases.
- Travel Concierge: For flights, hotels, itinerary planning, and emergency assistance.
Annual Fee:
INR 2500 + GST
Highlight:
Regalia Gold is one of HDFC’s top lifestyle travel cards. It suits frequent flyers (both domestic and international), thanks to Priority Pass, milestone vouchers, and low forex charges.
- American Express Platinum
Best For: Domestic travelers who prefer luxury stays and Indigo flight vouchers.
Key Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: INR 2,000 Indigo voucher on first transaction.
- Milestone Benefits: Get INR 7,700 worth of travel vouchers after spending INR 1.9 lakh annually, and up to INR 12000 vouchers on reaching INR 4 lakhs spend.
- Reward Points: 1 Membership Reward Point per INR 50 spent.
- The card comes with robust security, including real-time transaction alerts, zero liability for lost or stolen cards once reported, and the ability to block or unblock your card instantly via the app or helpline.
- Lounge Access: Up to 8 complimentary visits per year to select domestic lounges.
- 24×7 Travel Concierge: Global assistance for flights, hotels, car rentals.
Annual Fee:
INR 3500 + GST
Highlight:
With travel vouchers exceeding the fee value, this card is ideal for those who travel frequently within India, particularly with Indigo airlines.
- SBI Elite Credit Card
Best For: Those kinds of international travelers who are seeking lounge access, hotel privileges, dining discounts and sufficient reward points.
Key Benefits:
- Lounge Access: A complimentary Priority Pass membership with access to 1,000+ lounges worldwide, offering 6 complimentary visits per year and 8 visits at select Indian airport lounges.
- The SBI Card ELITE offers one of the lowest Forex markup fees of 1.99%, making international transactions more affordable.
- Welcome Gift: INR 5000 worth voucher from top brands like Yatra, Bata, or Shoppers Stop and complimentary movie tickets worth INR 6000 annually.
- Trident Privilege Membership: Enjoy special rates and upgrades at Trident Hotels.
- Reward Points: 2 points for every INR 100 spent (up to 5X on dining, grocery, department store).
- Comprehensive Insurance: Includes overseas air accident cover up to INR 1 crore.
Annual Fee:
INR 4999 + GST
Highlight:
A balanced card with hotel, lounge, and flight benefits, SBI Elite is especially suitable for international travelers wanting high-value rewards and brand partnerships.
- Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip
Best For: Frequent domestic travelers who book regularly via EaseMyTrip and want accelerated savings on travel bookings.
Key Benefits:
Instant Discounts:
- 20% discount on domestic & international hotel bookings via EaseMyTrip
- 10% discount on domestic & international flight bookings via EaseMyTrip
- Flat Rs. 125 off on bus ticket bookings via EaseMyTrip
- 10 reward points per Rs. 100 spent at standalone airline/hotel websites, mobile apps or outlets
Lounge Access: 2 complimentary domestic lounge visit per year
Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver at petrol pumps for spends between ₹400 to INR 5,000.
Annual Fee:
INR 350+ GST
Highlight:
This is a low-cost, high-reward credit card for people who travel domestically via EaseMyTrip exclusively. It offers direct discounts on travel rather than traditional reward points, making it ideal for savings-focused travelers.
How to Choose the Perfect Travel Credit Card
When selecting a travel credit card, consider these key factors:
- Travel Frequency: Frequent flyers should go for cards with unlimited or high lounge access and air miles.
- Destination Type: International travelers should prefer cards with global lounge access coverage and low transaction service fees.
- Spending Pattern: Some cards reward higher spends with milestone benefits or tier upgrades, so you must monetize the spends accordingly.
- Preferred Airlines/Hotels: Choose cards that offer co-branded rewards in partnership with airlines or hotels that you frequently use.
- Additional Benefits: Concierge, dining discounts, movie ticket offers, and insurance coverage can offer additional value – some cards offer these additional perks that make it worth picking.
Travel credit cards have evolved into essential tools for modern Indian travelers. Whether you’re a backpacker or a business-class regular, there’s a travel card tailored to your needs.
From lounge luxuries to free flight vouchers and global concierge support, these cards not only save you money but also offer a hassle-free, rewarding experience. However, before you apply, be sure to compare the annual fees, eligibility, and your personal travel habits. With smart usage, these cards can become your ultimate travel companion – unlocking a vast range of benefits from take-off to touchdown.