Travel credit cards are a unique kind of credit card that provides a variety of benefits
13 March 2026
The Federal Bank Scapia, HSBC Travel One, and HDFC Diners Black credit cards are some of the best travel credit cards available in India.
Travel credit cards give you reward points, discounts, and offers for travel-related expenses like flights, hotel bookings, etc. For frequent travellers, these credit cards can save a significant amount of money.
In this article, we will explore the best travel credit cards in India.
To fairly assess the travel credit cards available, we have categorized them into three sections: Free Travel Credit Cards, Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards, and Premium Travel Credit Cards.
|
Category |
Credit Card |
Joining / Annual Fee |
Domestic Lounge Access |
International Lounge Access |
Key Reward Value |
|
Free |
Federal Bank Scapia |
₹0 (Lifetime Free) |
Unlimited (Spend-based) |
N/A |
5 Scapia coins = ₹1 |
|
IndusInd Bank Tiger |
₹0 (Lifetime Free) |
2 per quarter |
2 per year (Priority Pass) |
1 Reward Point = ₹ 0.40 |
|
|
ixigo AU Credit Card |
₹0 (Lifetime Free) |
8 per year |
1 per year |
1 Reward Point = ₹ 0.25 |
|
|
Mid-Tier |
HSBC Travel One |
₹4,999 + GST |
6 per year |
4 per year |
1 Reward Point = Up to ₹1 |
|
Axis Bank Horizon |
₹3,000 + GST |
Up to 8 per quarter |
2 per quarter |
1 EDGE Mile = Up to ₹1 |
|
|
Marriott Bonvoy HDFC |
₹3,000 + GST |
12 per year |
12 per year |
1 Marriott Bonvoy Point = Up to ₹1 |
|
|
Premium |
Amex Platinum Travel |
₹5,000 + GST |
8 per year |
N/A* |
1 Membership Point = Up to ₹1 |
|
ICICI Emeralde Private |
₹12,499 + GST |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
1 Reward Point = Up to ₹1 |
|
|
HDFC Diners Black |
₹10,000 + GST |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
1 Reward Point = Up to ₹1 |
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These travel credit cards are free for life, which means you do not have to pay any joining or annual fees. They are perfect for beginners or those who want travel benefits without the burden of a recurring cost.
The Federal Bank Scapia credit card offers a simplified "app-first" experience for travellers. It is specifically designed for those who prioritize transparency and hate hidden fees.
Joining Fee: ₹0
Renewal/Annual Fee: ₹0
Lounge Access: Unlimited domestic lounge, complimentary dining, shopping or spa on spending ₹10,000 on VISA or ₹15,000 on Rupay card every month.
Rewards: 10% reward on eligible online and offline spend on VISA, 5% reward on all eligible UPI, online and offline spend of ₹500 or more on Rupay
Reward Point Conversion rate: 5 Scapia coins = ₹1
Other Features:
No foreign currency exchange fee on international payments
Up to ₹1,000 off on spends at domestic airports (on spending ₹10,000 in a month)
1% surcharge waiver of up to ₹500 per month
The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card packs a surprising amount of punch for a free card. As a cardholder, you get travel perks with lifestyle rewards like movie tickets and golf lessons, making it an excellent all-rounder.
Joining Fee: ₹0
Renewal/Annual Fee: ₹0
Lounge Access: 2 complimentary domestic lounge access in a quarter and 2 international lounge access in a year via Priority Pass
Rewards:
On annual spends of up to ₹1 Lakh - 1 reward point per ₹100 spent
Between ₹1 Lakh and ₹2.5 Lakh - 2 reward points per ₹100 spent on annual spends
Between ₹2.5 Lakh and ₹5 Lakh - 4 reward points per ₹100 spent on annual spends
On annual spends above ₹5 Lakh - 6 reward points per ₹100 spent
Reward Point Conversion rate: 1 Reward Point = ₹ 0.40
Other Features:
1.50% discounted Forex mark-up fee
One complimentary movie ticket of upto ₹500 on BookMyShow every 6 months in a calendar year
1 complimentary game or lesson per quarter
1% fuel surcharge waiver across all fuel stations in India, applicable for all fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹40,000 only.
Concierge services for pre-trip assistance, hotel bookings, flight bookings, and more.
Auto assist feature for roadside repair service, flat tyre service, battery service, etc.
Co-branded with one of India's favourite travel platforms, this card is built for those who live on booking apps.
Joining Fee: ₹0
Renewal/Annual Fee: ₹0
Lounge Access:
1 complimentary international lounge access every year
8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every year (maximum 2 per quarter on spending ₹20,000 in a quarter)
8 complimentary domestic railway lounge access in a year
Rewards:
On your first transaction within the first 30 days of your travel credit card issuance, earn 1,000 reward points and 1,000 ixigo money vouchers.
Earn 10 reward points for every ₹200 spent on online purchases
Earn 5 reward points for every ₹200 spent offline
(Reward points are capped at 10,000 per statement cycle.)
Redeem your reward points against products, services, e-vouchers, and more:
Shopping
Movie tickets
Mobile/DTH recharges
E-vouchers of top brands
Flight/Hotel bookings
Reward Point Conversion rate:
1 Reward Point = ₹ 0.25 (except for e-vouchers, where 1 reward point = ₹0.20)
1 Reward Point = 0.50 ixigo money
Other Features:
Up to 10% off on hotels, flights, and bus bookings.
Zero Forex mark-up charges on spends outside India.
₹1.5 Lakh Credit Shield coverage against card outstanding balance in case of permanent total disability, critical illness, or death.
Enjoy 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹250) for transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 at all fuel stations across the country.
Make payments up to ₹5,000 without entering your PIN by tapping your card or mobile phone with a digitally added card against a POS machine.
Mid-tier cards are the "sweet spot" of the credit world. While they carry a moderate annual fee, the value of the vouchers, lounge access, and insurance they provide often far outweighs the cost for regular travellers.
HSBC Travel One Credit Card is designed for those travellers who want their points to go further. It has an impressive list of transfer partners and gives double rewards on travel spends
Joining Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
Renewal/Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
Lounge Access: 6 domestic and 4 international airport lounge visits every year.
Rewards:
Welcome rewards: Once you download and log on to the HSBC India Mobile Banking app and spend ₹10,000 within the first 30 days of opening your credit card account, you get:
₹1,000 cashback
₹3,000 PostCard voucher
3 months' EazyDiner Prime Membership
Earn double reward points on spending on flights, travel aggregators, and foreign currency transactions.
Earn 4 reward points for every ₹100 spent on flights, travel aggregators, and in foreign currency.
Get 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on anything else, with no cap.
Earn 10,000 bonus reward points when you spend more than ₹1,200,000 a year.
Reward Point Conversion rate:
1 Reward Point = ₹1
Other Features:
Enjoy up to ₹40,000 off holiday bookings and up to 15% off hotel and flight bookings on MakeMyTrip.
Save up to ₹10,000 on flights and hotel bookings on Yatra.com
Save up to ₹5,000 on domestic and international flights on Paytm Flights.
Save up to 20% at select duty-free stores in India.
15% off on EaseMyTrip using the promo code.
Up to 10% off events and dining.
Buy 1 movie ticket and get 1 free twice a month.
4 complimentary rounds of golf and 12 complimentary lessons per calendar year (max. 1 per calendar month).
The Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card focuses on "EDGE Miles," a flexible reward point currency. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a card that rewards loyalty with significant anniversary bonuses and high-frequency lounge access.
Joining Fee: ₹3000 + GST
Renewal/Annual Fee: ₹3000 + GST
Lounge Access:
2 International airport lounge access per calendar quarter
8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per calendar quarter (VISA) and 6 complimentary visits per calendar quarter (Mastercard)
Rewards:
Welcome benefits: 5,000 EDGE Miles credited on the first transaction of ₹1,000 or above within 30 days of the card issuance date
1,500 EDGE Miles, worth ₹1,500, on completion of the anniversary year
5 EDGE Miles on every ₹100 spent on the Axis Bank Travel EDGE portal and direct airline websites
2 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on all other spends
Reward Point Conversion rate:
1 EDGE Mile = ₹1
Other Features:
1% surcharge waiver for fuel transactions between ₹400 - ₹5000 (max. capping of ₹400 per statement month)
Lost card liability cover of ₹10 Lakh
Get up to ₹1,000 off on the Axis Bank Dining Program with EazyDiner
Exciting offers every Wednesday:
Instant savings of up to 15% on flights & hotels via MakeMyTrip
10% off on orders via Swiggy
10% off upto ₹1,000 on Tira
This card is for those who believe the stay is just as important as the journey. It is the perfect companion for fans of the Marriott portfolio, offering elite status and free nights just for being a cardholder.
Joining Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
Renewal/Annual Fee: ₹3000 + GST
Lounge Access:
12 domestic and 12 international lounge visits annually
Rewards:
Welcome benefits: 1 Free Night Award valid for one year. The award can be used for one night at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
One Free Night Award on Eligible Spend of ₹6, 9, and 15 Lakh in an anniversary year
Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 spent on all other applicable purchases
1 Free Night Award and 10 Elite Night Credits on an eligible spend transaction of ₹500 or a fee levied on the card
Earn 8 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
4 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 spent on travel, dining, and entertainment
Reward Point Conversion rate:
1 EDGE Mile = ₹1
Other Features:
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
Complimentary golf access across the world, twice per quarter
Insurance benefits:
Loss of travel documents cover of up to $250
Flight delay cover of up to $250
Air accidental coverage of up to $12,500
Emergency medical expenses up to $18,750
Delay or loss of checked-in baggage cover of up to $250
Premium cards are status symbols that offer unparalleled convenience, unlimited access, and high-value concierge services for the elite traveller.
American Express is synonymous with service. The American Express Platinum Travel Card is tailored for the high-spender who values milestone rewards and exclusive access to the legendary Taj group of hotels.
Joining Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
Renewal/Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
Lounge Access:
8 complimentary visits per year (limited to two complimentary visits per quarter) to airport lounges across India.
Rewards:
Spending ₹15,000 within 90 days of Cardmembership entitles you to a Welcome Gift of 10,000 Membership Reward points.
Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point for every ₹50 spent except for spend on fuel, insurance, utilities, cash transactions, and EMI conversion at the Point of Sale.
Spend ₹1.9 Lakh in a Cardmembership year and get 15,000 Membership Rewards points
Spend ₹4 Lakh in a Cardmembership year and get an additional 25,000 Membership Rewards points
Reward Point Conversion rate:
1 Membership Rewards Point = ₹1
Other Features:
Get a Taj Experiences E-Gift Card worth ₹10,000 from the Taj, SeleQtions, and Vivanta Hotels.
Complimentary membership to Priority Pass, with the annual membership fee waived off.
Fuel Convenience Fee Waiver at HPCL.
Crafted in metal, the ICICI Emeralde Private Metal card offers a "no limits" lifestyle. With unlimited lounge access and zero-cost cancellations, it removes the stress from luxury travel.
Joining Fee: ₹12,499 + GST
Renewal/Annual Fee: ₹12,499 + GST
Lounge Access: Unlimited international and domestic airport lounge access.
Rewards:
Welcome benefits: Taj Epicure Plus Membership, EazyDiner Prime Membership, and 12,500 Reward Points
6 reward points on every ₹200 spent on grocery, education, insurance, and utilities transactions
6X rewards on flights/vouchers and 12X rewards on hotel bookings through iShop
Reward Point Conversion rate:
1 Reward Point = ₹1
Other Features:
Get unlimited golf rounds every month
Buy-one-get-one up to ₹750 off on BookMyShow twice a month
2 EaseMyTrip vouchers on annual spends of ₹8 Lakh
No cancellation charges on domestic flight and hotel bookings, up to ₹12,000.
1% waiver on fuel transactions at all fuel stations
Regarded as one of the best reward-earning cards in India, the Diners Club Black Metal card offers an industry-leading 1:1 conversion rate and massive multipliers for those who use the SmartBuy ecosystem.
Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
Renewal/Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
Lounge Access: Unlimited international and domestic airport lounge access.
Rewards:
Welcome benefits: By spending ₹1.5 Lakh within the first 90 days of card issuance, receive complimentary annual memberships to Club Marriott, Amazon Prime, and Swiggy One. Renewed every year by spending ₹8 Lakh in a year.
5 reward points per ₹150 spent across all retail categories
Up to 10X reward points on spends at HDFC Bank’s SmartBuy Platform
Reward Point Conversion rate:
1 Reward Point = ₹1
Other Features:
6 complimentary golf games per quarter across the finest courses in the world
Air accident insurance worth ₹2 Crore
Emergency overseas hospitalisation cover of ₹50 Lakh
Low forex mark-up fee of 2%
Want a Credit Card with High Limits & Rewards?
The best travel credit card for you depends on what kind of traveller you are:
Go with the Federal Bank Scapia or ixigo AU. You get the perks of a travel card with zero financial commitment.
If you always stay at the same hotel chain or fly the same airline, the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC or an airline-specific card (like the Axis Atlas) will provide much higher value than a generic card.
If you spend more than ₹8-10 Lakh annually, the HDFC Diners Club Black Metal credit card is arguably the most powerful in India, offering a 1:1 reward ratio that can effectively fund your next international vacation.
Apply for High Limit Credit Cards upto ₹5 Lakh*
Powered by HDFC Bank, SBI Card, Axis Bank
With so many credit card options available today, it can be challenging to choose the right card for your needs. Here are some tips on picking the right card for you -
Consider why you want to apply for a credit card and what you will use it for.
Compare various credit cards based on interest rates, reward points, etc. Many websites have sections where you can compare credit cards to make an informed decision.
Pay close attention to the fees and charges related to credit cards.
Consider the credit score requirements to qualify for your chosen credit card, and if you qualify.
Take the annual income required, and if you are eligible based on that.
It is difficult to determine which bank credit card is best overall because most of them in India provide the best credit card offers and comparable benefits with minor variations and additional costs.
This article attempts to identify some of the top credit cards in India that provide cashback, incentives, fuel-related perks, and travel-related benefits. You can compare each of these credit cards to choose the one that best suits your needs and take advantage of its advantages.
The Federal Bank Scapia and ixigo AU Credit Card are excellent starting points. Since they are lifetime free (no joining or annual fees), you can enjoy perks like lounge access and zero forex markup without any financial risk.
Most cards, such as the HSBC Travel One and Axis Bank Horizon, allow you to redeem points for hotel bookings, gift vouchers, or even statement credit. However, you generally get the highest value (1 Reward Point = ₹1) when redeeming for travel-specific categories.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with your financial advisor for specific guidance.
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