Best Travel Credit Cards In India 2024
- By Anand Nathani
- Read Time: 4 Minutes
- May 31, 2024
- 8:30 pm
Introduction
Selecting the Best Travel Credit Cards in India 2024 is a difficult process as several Banks in collaboration with airlines or travel partners are offering customised Co-branded Travel Credit Cards in India today. After careful research and a detailed comparative study, I have selected a list of the Best Travel Credit Cards available in India in 2024 that is just right for you.
These selected co-branded travel credit cards are tailor-made for frequent travelers as they offer a wide range of travel-related features and benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access, air miles, free flight tickets, and exclusive Travel Club memberships.
Table of Contents
Best Travel Credit Cards In India -2024
Standard Chartered Ease My Trip Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee -1st Year | ₹350 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | ₹350 + GST (2nd Year onwards) |
| Renewal Fee Waiver | Renewal Fee waived on spends = > ₹50,000 in the preceding year |
| Rewards | Earn 10x Reward points on every ₹100 spent at standalone hotel and airline websites/apps. |
| Discounts | Get flat 20% & 10% instant discount* on hotel* and flight bookings at EaseMyTrip website/app. |
| Airport Lounge Access | Enjoy 1 Domestic Lounge Access per quarter and 2 International Lounge Access per year |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | The Applicant must be between 18 and 65 years old |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | Applicant should have a Stable Annual Income |
| Credit Score | Applicant should preferably have a good credit score > 700 |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old) |
| Proof Of Income | Bank statements(Last 3 Months /Latest salary slips ( 1-2 months), or latest audited ITR |
This Credit Card is a Co-branded Credit card between Standard Chartered Bank and Ease My Trip with exclusive travel benefits. It combines the power of discounts with reward points making it one of the most rewarding travel credit card.
Air India SBI Signature Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee -One Time | Up to ₹1499 + GST |
| Renewal Fee Per Annum | ₹1499 + GST from 2nd Year onwards |
| Add On Fee Per Annum | Nil |
| Rewards | Earn 2 Reward points on every ₹100 spent |
| Travel Rewards | Earn upto 15 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on Air India tickets booked through airindia.com, airindia mobile app. Convert your Reward points into Air India miles. |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Earn 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver across all petrol pumps |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | The Applicant must be between 21 and 70 years old |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | Applicant should have a Stable Annual Income |
| Credit Score | Applicant should preferably have a good credit score > 700 |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old) |
| Proof Of Income | Latest salary slips (1-2 months)/Bank Statements (Last 3 months) |
This Co-branded Credit Card is best suited for earning Flying Returns Points when you book tickets on the Air India website or App and complimentary membership to Air India’s highly rewarding Frequent Flyer programme.
Yatra SBI Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee -One Time | ₹499 + GST |
| Renewal Fee Per Annum | ₹499 + GST |
| Annual Fee Waiver | Annual Fee waived if total annual spends for last year >₹1,00,000 |
| Welcome Gift Rewards | Welcome Gift of Yatra.com Vouchers worth ₹8250 |
| Travel Rewards | Earn 6 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on departmental stores ,Grocery, Dining , Movies |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Earn 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver across all petrol pumps |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | The Applicant must be between 21 and 70 years old |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | Applicant should have a Stable Annual Income |
| Credit Score | Applicant should preferably have a good credit score > 700 |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old) |
| Proof Of Income | Latest salary slips (1-2 months)/Bank Statements - Last 3 months/Form-16 |
This Co-branded Credit Card is best suited for earning attractiveYatra.com vouchers worth ₹ 8250 and Travel Benefits on domestic and international flight bookings with complimentary Air Accidental Cover over ₹ 50 lakhs.
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹3000 + GST |
| Annual Fee -2nd Year onwards | ₹3000 + GST |
| Welcome Gift Rewards | Earn a complimentary Premium Economy class ticket as welcome gift on fee payment |
| Club Vistara Membership | Earn exclusive privileges of Club Vistara membership such as priority check-in and additional baggage allowance |
| Travel Rewards | Earn 4 CV Points for every Rs. 200 of eligible spends and redeem on upgrades and award flights subject to Terms and Conditions |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | The Applicant must be between 18 and 70 years old |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | Applicant should have a minimum Annual Income Of 6 Lakhs per annum |
| Credit Score | Applicant should preferably have a good credit score > 700 |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Driving License/Passport/Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old) |
| Proof Of Income | Latest salary slips (1-2 months)/Bank Statements - Last 3 months/Form-16 |
This Co-branded Credit Card is best suited for earning Club Vistara Points redeemable against upgrades and flight tickets and complimentary Club Vistara Silver Membership for priority check-in and additional baggage allowance.
IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee -One Time | ₹500 + GST |
| Renewal Fee Per Annum | ₹300 + GST |
| Rewards | Earn 1 Reward Point for every ₹125 spent on non-fuel retail purchases |
| Welcome Gift | Earn 350 Bonus Reward Points on a single transaction of ₹500 or more within 45 days of card activation |
| Value back Benefits | Earn up to 10% value back as Reward points through booking on irctc.co.in and IRCTC App |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Earn 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | The Applicant must be between 21 and 65 years old |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | Applicant should have net Income of 2.4 Lakhs to 3 Lakhs per annum |
| Credit Score | Applicant should preferably have a good credit score > 750 |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Driving License/Passport/Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old) |
| Proof Of Income | Latest salary slips (1-2 months)/Bank Statements - Last 3 months/Form-16 |
This Credit Card is Best Suited for earning Reward points through Railway ticket bookings at the IRCTC portal or IRCTC App with special offers for AC train rides and access the luxury of Railway Lounges during your trips.
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee- 1st Year | ₹2500 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | ₹2500 + GST |
| Welcome Gift | Earn Complimentary Club Vistara Silver Tier and MMT Black Elite membership |
| Rewards | Earn 5X Reward Points on spends at Marks & Spencer, Myntra, Nykaa & Reliance Digital and 4 Reward Points on every Rs.150 spent on retail. |
| Travel Rewards | Earn ₹ 5,000 worth flight vouchers on annual spends of Rs. 5 lakh and an additional voucher of Rs. 5000 on spends of Rs. 7.5 lakhs. Also earn Complimentary Lounge access across airports |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | For Salaried Indian Age Requirement : 21 years up to 60 Years. For Self Employed Indian Age Requirement: 21 years up to 65 Years |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | For Salaried Indian : Net Monthly Income> ₹1,00000. For Self Employed Indian : Income as per ITR > ₹ 12 Lakhs per annum |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Driving License/Passport/Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old) |
| Proof Of Income | Latest salary slips (1-2 months)/Bank Statements - Last 3 months/Form-16 |
This Co-branded Credit Card is best suited for earning Club Vistara Points and vouchers redeemable against upgrades and flight tickets and complimentary Club Vistara Silver Tier and elite MMT Black Elite Membership.
Make My Trip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹2500 + GST |
| Annual Fee | Nil |
| Welcome Gift Rewards | Earn MMT Holiday Vouchers worth ₹2500 and ₹1500 My Cash exclusive MMTBLACK Membership |
| Loyalty Benefits | Enjoy the MMTBLACK Loyalty programme |
| Complimentary Movie Tickets | Save up to ₹3600 yearly on movie tickets through bookings on the Book My Show App |
| Rewards | Earn Up to 4 My Cash points on hotel and flight bookings on MakeMyTrip App per spend of ₹200 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | The Applicant must be between 21 and 58 years old |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | Applicant should have stable monthly Income |
| Credit Score | Applicant should preferably have a good credit score > 700 |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old) |
| Proof Of Income | Latest salary slips (1-2 months)/Bank Statements - Last 3 months/Form-16 |
This Co-branded Credit Card is best suited for those who travel frequently as it offers great travel benefits, such as exclusive memberships, complimentary lounge access, holiday vouchers, bonus reward points on travel bookings and MMT Black Membership on payment of a Joining Fee.
Kotak Indigo 6E Rewards Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹700 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | ₹700 + GST |
| Welcome Benefits | Earn Free IndiGo air ticket worth ₹1500 , a 6E Addon worth ₹1099 and Budweiser Gift voucher subject to T & C |
| Rewards | Earn 6E Reward points ranging from 1% to 3% on retail spends . The earned 6E reward points can be redeemed against Indigo Airlines Flight tickets. |
| Savings on Hotel Bookings | Earn exclusive discount offers at Accor hotels |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | The Applicant must be between 21 and 65 years old |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | Applicant should have a net Income of 4 lakhs per annum |
| Credit Score | Applicant should preferably have a good credit score > 750 |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Driving License/Passport/Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old) |
| Proof Of Income | Latest salary slips (1-2 months)/Bank Statements - Last 3 months/Form-16 |
This Credit Card is a Co-branded Credit card between Kotak Mahindra Bank and Indigo Airlines with exclusive travel benefits for frequent flyers. The Credit Card’s 6E Rewards ranging from 1% -3% on retail spends is highly rewarding as it can be redeemed against bookings of Flight tickets on Indigo Airlines.
HDFC Intermiles Signature Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹2500 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹2500 + GST |
| Welcome Gift | Earn InterMiles Silver membership by default for the first year as Welcome gift |
| Rewards | Earn 6 InterMiles on every Rs. 150 spent on retail spends. Earn 12 InterMiles on every Rs. 150 spent on every flight ticket booked on http://flights.intermiles.com |
| Travel Rewards | Rs. 750 Flight Discount vouchers* for the first year Rs. 2000 Hotel Discount vouchers* for the first year |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Age Requirement : Min 18 years & Max 65 Years. |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | For Salaried Individuals : Yearly Income= > 4,00,000/- |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Driving License/Passport/Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old) |
| Proof Of Income | Latest salary slips (1-2 months)/Bank Statements - Last 3 months/Form-16 |
This Co-branded Credit Card is best suited for frequent flyers as they can earn attractive Inter -Miles points redeemable against Hotel and Flight bookings. It also offers complimentary Inter-Miles silver membership for the 1st year by default.
Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card
| Salient Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee- 1st Year | ₹4999 + GST |
| Annual Fee - 2nd Year onwards | ₹4999 + GST |
| Welcome Gift | Earn 1 complimentary premium economy Air ticket voucher and 3 months complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership |
| Rewards | Earn 6 CV Points on Spends every ₹ 200 on Fuel, Utility, Insurance and wallet loads up to ₹1 lakh |
| Travel Rewards | Earn exclusive Club Vistara Silver Membership and 1 free one-class upgrade voucher. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | The Applicant must be at least 21 years of Age |
| Nationality | The Applicant must be Citizen of India |
| Income | The Applicant must have a minimum income of ₹3 lakhs per annum |
| Credit Score | The Applicant must have good credit score preferably >700 |
| Documents Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Passport/Voter's ID Card/Driving license/Ration card |
| Proof of Address | Aadhaar Card/Pan Card/Driving License/Passport/Utility Bills- 3 months |
| Proof Of Income | Latest salary slips (1-2 months)/Bank Statements - Last 3 months/Form-16 |
This Co-branded Credit Card is best suited for travel as it offers welcome benefits that include a complimentary premium economy flight ticket voucher and a one-class upgrade voucher, Bonus CV points on reaching spend-based milestone and exclusive Club Vistara Silver tier membership.
Comparision Table-Best Travel Credit Cards in India 2024
| Credit Cards | Joining /Annual Fee | Renewal Fee | Welcome Benefits | Airport Lounge Access | Rewards | Travel Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Chartered Ease My Trip Credit Card | ₹350 + GST | ₹350 + GST | Nil | 1 Domestic Lounge Access per quarter and 2 International Lounge Access per year | Earn 10x Reward points on every ₹100 spent at standalone hotel and airline websites/apps. | Flat 20% & 10% instant discount* on hotel* and flight bookings at EaseMyTrip website/app. |
| Air India SBI Signature Credit Card | ₹1499 + GST | ₹1499 + GST | Earn 5,000 Reward points* as a welcome gift on the payment of your joining fee | 8 complimentary Visa lounge visits per year, maximum 2 per quarter. | Earn 2 Reward points on every ₹100 spent | Earn upto 15 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on Air India tickets booked through airindia.com, airindia mobile app. |
| Yatra SBI Credit Card | ₹499 + GST | ₹499 + GST | Earn Yatra.com vouchers worth ₹ 8250 as welcome gift | No Complimentary Lounge access | Earn 6 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on departmental stores ,Grocery, Dining , Movies | ₹1,000 off on domestic flight bookings. Min. trxn of Rs. 5,000 and ₹4,000 off on international flight bookings. Min. trxn of Rs. 40,000 |
| Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card | ₹3000 + GST | ₹3000 + GST | Earn a complimentary Premium Economy class ticket as welcome gift on fee payment | 2 complimentary domestic Lounge access per quarter. No International Lounge access | Earn exclusive privileges of Club Vistara membership such as priority check-in and additional baggage allowance | Earn 4 CV Points for every Rs. 200 of eligible spends and redeem on upgrades and award flights subject to Terms and Conditions |
| IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card | ₹500 + GST | ₹300 + GST | Earn 350 Bonus Reward Points on a single transaction of ₹500 or more within 45 days of card activation | 8 complimentary railway lounge access in a year to participating lounges in India. | Earn 1 Reward Point for every ₹125 spent on non-fuel retail purchases | Earn up to 10% value back as Reward points through booking on irctc.co.in and IRCTC App |
| HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card | ₹2500 + GST | ₹2500 + GST | Earn Complimentary Club Vistara Silver Tier and MMT Black Elite membership | 12 complimentary airport lounge access at both domestic and international terminals. | Earn 5X Reward Points on spends at Marks & Spencer, Myntra, Nykaa & Reliance Digital and 4 Reward Points on every Rs.150 spent on retail. | Earn ₹ 5,000 worth flight vouchers on annual spends of Rs. 5 lakh and an additional voucher of Rs. 5000 on spends of Rs. 7.5 lakhs. |
| Make My Trip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card | ₹2500 + GST | Nil | Earn ₹1500 My Cash as welcome benefit | 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge access by spending Rs. 5,000 in the quarter 1 international lounge access per year at selected airports in India | Earn Up to 4 My Cash points on hotel and flight bookings on MakeMyTrip App per spend of ₹200 | Earn MakeMyTrip holiday voucher worth Rs. 2,500 and complimentary MMT BLACK enrolment. |
| Kotak Indigo 6E Rewards Credit Card | ₹700 + GST | ₹700 + GST | Earn Free IndiGo air ticket worth ₹1500 , a 6E Addon worth ₹1099 and Budweiser Gift voucher subject to T & C | Nil | Earn 6E Reward points ranging from 1% to 3% on retail spends . The earned 6E reward points can be redeemed against Indigo Airlines Flight tickets. | Earn discounted convenience fee of Rs.150 per passenger when you book IndiGo tickets. Avail 6E Prime add-on benefits worth Rs.899/priority check-in benefits. |
| HDFC Intermiles Signature Credit Card | ₹2500 + GST | ₹2500 + GST | Earn InterMiles Silver membership by default for the first year | Avail 16 complimentary Visa Lounge visits Per Year (4 per quarter) when you travel. | Earn 6 InterMiles on every Rs. 150 spent on retail spends/ 12 InterMiles on every Rs. 150 spent on every flight ticket booked on http://flights.intermiles.com | Rs. 750 Flight Discount vouchers* for the first year Rs. 2000 Hotel Discount vouchers* for the first year |
| Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card | ₹4999 + GST | ₹4999 + GST | Earn 1 complimentary premium economy Air ticket voucher and 3 months complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership | Domestic Airport Spa & Lounge - 2 per quarter/ International Airport Lounge - 1 per quarter | Earn 6 CV Points on Spends every ₹ 200 on Fuel, Utility, Insurance and wallet loads up to ₹1 lakh | Earn exclusive Club Vistara Silver Membership and 1 free one-class upgrade voucher. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Travel Credit Cards are extremely valuable if you are a frequent traveller and looking for travel reward such as Airmiles, travel insurance coverage, hotel and dining discounts , exclusive Travel club membership etc. Travel credit cards also offer free Air Ticket vouchers as welcome gifts and complimentary domestic and international lounge access at railways and airports.
Travel credit cards can be either generic or co-branded . Co-branded Travel Credit Cards are launched in partnership with an airline like Air India, or in some cases, IRCTC or even travel portals like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, etc.). Co-branded travel cards offer special benefits on spends on the partner airline and/or earn rewards as the partner airline’s Air Miles which are credited to the airline’s frequent flyer program.
If you’re a frequent domestic flyer, a co-branded credit card by Vistara or Indigo Airlines would make more sense for you than an Emirates of Etihad credit card. Similarly, if you prefer trains over flights, IRCTC cards will best suit your needs. Therefore, it becomes important that you choose the right travel credit card considering your travel needs.
FAQ
Why is a Travel Credit Card beneficial ?
Travel credit cards are extremely beneficial as they offer higher reward rate (be it reward points or cashback) on travel-related spends (flight/hotel bookings). Most travel credit cards also offer additional benefits like concierge service, complimentary airport lounge access, etc. Some typically come with a welcome offer that awards you a lump sum of points after spending a certain amount on the card within a specific time frame. After that, you continue to earn points by using your credit card for purchases, just like any other type of credit card. Some premium travel credit cards also offer vouchers and coupons from famous hotel and resort chains. Co-branded travel credit cards offer special benefits to partner airlines/portals.
What should I look for first in a travel credit card ?
When choosing the right travel credit card, you need to consider the following factors:
- Rewards Structure: Look for cards that align with your spending habits. Some cards offer higher rewards for specific categories like dining, travel, or groceries.
- Welcome Bonus: A generous welcome gift such as Bonus reward points, exclusive memberships such as Club MMTBlack, Club Vistara, or even complimentary Flight tickets or vouchers redeemable against Flight tickets.
How can I maximize my rewards with a travel credit card ?
Maximizing your rewards with a travel credit card involves strategic planning and making the most of the card’s features. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your travel credit card:
- Choose the Right Card
- Meet the Minimum Spend Requirement
- Use the Card for All Eligible Purchases
- Leverage Bonus Categories
- Combine Points and Miles
- Redeem Wisely
- Keep an Eye on Promotions
- Use Travel Portals
Which Travel Credit Card is most suitable for domestic air travellers in India today?
If you are a domestic frequent flyer, you may consider the following credit cards :
Co-branded Travel Credit Cards such as Kotak Indigo 6E Rewards Credit Card and IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card and Yatra SBI Credit Card offered by the State Bank of India in partnership with IRCTC. These are excellent entry level travel credit cards with Low joining fees and decent travel -related awards.
What are some common mistakes to avoid with travel credit cards??
Whether you are a seasoned travel card veteran or a total newbie, avoiding common mistakes is crucial to maximize the benefits of your travel credit card. Let’s explore some of them:
- Spending Too Much
- Not Spending Enough
- Losing Your Points
- Redeeming Points at Low Value
- Not Transferring Points
- Spending Points vs. Paying Cash
- Not Using Your Benefits
Misunderstanding Bonus Categories
How much Credit score is required for a Travel Credit Card ?
You should have a score above 750 for basic travel Travel credit cards and an excellent score (above 800) for premium cards.