Which are the Best Travel Credit Cards in India?

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.

Which Travel Credit Cards Can I Apply for Through Moneyview?

You can now apply for your favourite credit cards on the Moneyview app or website as well. Let’s look at the top travel cards available to apply through Moneyview -

Details About Travel Credit Cards on Moneyview

These credit cards are available on the Moneyview platform, and here are the features and benefits offered by them - 

1. Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card

Also known as the PRIVILEGE AMEX card, this is a zero joining fee credit card. To be eligible for this card, you have to be between the ages of 18 and 70 years and an Indian resident. Let’s learn more about this card -

• Joining Fee

  • ₹0

• Renewal/Annual Fee

  • ₹1500, waived off on spending ₹5 Lakh in anniversary year

• Lounge Access

  • 2 per quarter to domestic lounges, total 8 in a year

  • Valid on spending 50K in the previous 3 months

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 EDGE Reward Point = ₹0.20

• Other Features

  • 12,500 EDGE REWARD points worth ₹2,500 redeemable against vouchers on completing 1st transaction within 30 days of card issuance

  • 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)

  • Buy one get one free on movie tickets booked via the District app 

  • Get up to ₹250 off, once a month on the District app

  • Get 10,000 EDGE REWARDS points worth ₹2,000 on spending ₹2.5 Lakh in a card anniversary year

  • Get 10 Axis EDGE REWARD points on every ₹200 spent 

  • Up to 15% off on flights and hotels via Goibibo and MakeMyTrip

  • 10% off on orders via Swiggy

  • 10% off up to ₹1,000 on Tira

  • Purchase protection plan and credit shield of up to ₹1 Lakh each

  • Loss of travel document cover up to $300

  • Delay of check-in baggage cover up to $300

  • Loss of check-in baggage cover up to $500

  • 1% surcharge waiver of up to ₹400 per month on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000

2. Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card

The Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card is an affordable travel credit card. To be eligible, you have to be between 18 and 70 years of age and you should have a minimum income of ₹6 Lakh per annum. Here are the other details of this card -

• Joining Fee

  • ₹3,000 (Nil for Burgundy)

• Annual Fee

  • ₹3,000 (Nil for Burgundy)

  • Annual fee waived off on spending ₹8 Lakh in the card anniversary year

• Lounge Access

  • Up to 12 complimentary international airport lounge access through Priority Pass membership.

  • 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter on spending ₹50,000 in the last 3 months.

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 EDGE Reward Point = ₹0.20

• Other Features

  • 10,000 EDGE reward Points worth ₹2,000 on your first card transaction. Not applicable to lifetime free credit card and Burgundy account holders. To get these points, the first transaction should be done within 30 days of card issuance.

  • 100% discount on your second movie ticket booked via the District app.

  • Get up to ₹250 off, twice per month, on buying movie tickets.

  • Flat ₹500 off once per month on minimum spends of ₹2,500 on BigBasket.

  • Flat ₹200 off on Swiggy, twice a month on spending a minimum of ₹1,000 per order.

  • 6 complimentary Golf rounds per year.

  • Priority Pass membership renewal on annual spend of ₹3 Lakh.

  • 5000 EDGE reward points on spending ₹3 Lakh in the card anniversary year.

  • Purchase protection up to ₹1 Lakh

  • Cumulative cover of up to $500 for loss of travel documents, delay of check-in baggage, loss of check-in baggage

  • Exciting offers every Wednesday

  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel purchase across India, valid on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000. Maximum benefits of ₹400 per statement cycle.

3. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card

This is another travel credit card that you can apply through Moneyview. To be eligible for this card, your annual income should be ₹36 Lakh or more. Here are other details related to this card -

• Joining & Annual Fee

  • NIL

• Lounge Access

  • 1 complimentary domestic lounge access every quarter, on spending ₹20,000 in the previous month

  • 1 complimentary international lounge access every quarter, on spending ₹20,000 in the previous month

  • 4 complimentary lounge visits at select Indian railway terminals, on spending ₹20,000 in the current month. 

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 Reward Point = ₹0.25

• Other Features

  • Get a ₹500 gift voucher on top brands upon spending ₹5,000 within 30 days of card generation. 

  • Enjoy 5% cashback of up to ₹1,000 on your first EMI transaction within the first 30 days of card generation 

  • Low forex markup of just 1.5% + GST

  • Free trip cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000

  • 3X reward points on all eligible spends

  • 1X reward points on insurance, utilities, railway spends, and FASTag recharge

  • 10X rewards on dining, travel, and international purchases 

  • 20% bonus reward points on hotel bookings and 10% bonus reward points on flight bookings

Top Travel Credit Cards

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. 

Free Travel Credit Cards

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.

1. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card

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. Let’s look at some of its features and benefits -

• Joining & Annual Fee

  • NIL

• Lounge Access

  • Unlimited domestic lounge access, complimentary dining, shopping, or spa on spending ₹20,000 every preceding month.

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 5 Scapia coins = ₹1

• Other Features

  • Zero forex markup on all international payments

  • Up to ₹1,000 off on spends at domestic airports (on spending ₹10,000 in a month)

  • 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

  • 1% surcharge waiver of up to ₹500 per month on transactions up to ₹5,000

2. IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card

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 & Annual Fee

  • NIL

• Lounge Access

  • 2 complimentary domestic lounge access in a quarter

  • 2 international lounge access in a year via Priority Pass

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 Reward Point = ₹0.40

• Other Features

  • 1 reward point per ₹100 spent on annual spends of up to ₹1 Lakh

  • 2 reward points per ₹100 spent on annual spends between ₹1 Lakh and ₹2.5 Lakh

  • 4 reward points per ₹100 spent on annual spends between ₹2.5 Lakh and ₹5 Lakh

  • 6 reward points per ₹100 spent on annual spends above ₹5 Lakh

  • 1.50% discounted Forex mark-up fee

  • One complimentary movie ticket of up to ₹500 on BookMyShow every 6 months in a calendar year

  • 1 complimentary golf 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.

Mid-Tier Travel Credit Cards

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.

1. HSBC Travel One Credit Card

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 

• Annual Fee

  • ₹4,999 + GST

  • Waived off on spending more than ₹8 Lakh in a year

• Lounge Access

  • 6 domestic airport lounge visits every year

  • 4 international airport lounge visits every year

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 Reward Point = ₹1

• Other Features

  • Once you download and log on to the HSBC India Mobile Banking app and spend ₹25,000 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.

  • Enjoy up to ₹40,000 off holiday bookings and up to 15% off hotel and flight bookings on MakeMyTrip.

  • Save up to 20% at select duty-free stores in India.

  • 15% off flights and hotel bookings with Yatra

  • 15% off on international and domestic flights with EaseMyTrip, Paytm, and Cleartrip

  • 11% off hotel bookings with StayVista

  • Up to 30% off on dining with EazyDiner

  • 10% off events on the District app & buy 1 movie ticket and get 1 free twice a month.

  • Up to 20% off duty-free with AdaniOne

  • 4 complimentary rounds of golf and 12 complimentary lessons per calendar year (max. 1 per calendar month). Get 50% off your green fees for additional rounds.

2. Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card

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 & Annual Fee

  • ₹3000 + GST (NIL for customers with a Burgundy Savings Account opened on or after 1st July 2026)

• 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)

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 EDGE Mile = ₹1

• Other Features

  • 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

  • 1% surcharge waiver for fuel transactions between ₹400 - ₹5000​ (max. capping of ₹400 per statement month)

  • Lost card liability cover of ₹10 Lakh

  • Exciting offers every Wednesday:

    • Instant savings of up to 15% on flights & hotels via MakeMyTrip

    • 10% off on orders via Swiggy

    • 10% off up to ₹1,000 on Tira

3. Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card

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 & Annual Fee

  • ₹3000 + GST

• Lounge Access

  • 12 domestic lounge visits annually 

  • 12 international lounge visits annually

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 EDGE Mile = ₹1

• Other Features

  • On a single transaction of Rs. 500 within 90 days of card opening, get the following benefits:

    • 1 Free Night Award (valued at 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points)

    • 10 Elite Night Credits

    • Silver Elite Status

  • 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

• 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

• 2 complimentary golf lessons per quarter

• Insurance benefits:

  • Loss of travel documents cover of up to $250

  • Flight delay cover of up to $250

  • Air accident 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 Travel Credit Cards

Premium cards are status symbols that offer unparalleled convenience, unlimited access, and high-value concierge services for the elite traveller.

1. American Express Platinum Travel Card

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 & Annual Fee

  • ₹5,000 + GST

• Lounge Access

  • 8 complimentary visits per year (limited to two complimentary visits per quarter) to airport lounges across India.

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 Membership Rewards Point = ₹1

• Other Features

  • Spending ₹15,000 within 90 days of Card membership entitles you to a Welcome Gift of 10,000 Membership Rewards 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 Card membership year and get 15,000 Membership Rewards points

  • Spend ₹4 Lakh in a Card membership year and get an additional 25,000 Membership Rewards points

  • Spend ₹7 Lakh in a Card membership year and get an additional 22,500 Membership Rewards points

  • Get a Taj Experiences E-Gift Card worth ₹10,000 from the Taj, SeleQtions, and Vivanta Hotels on spending ₹7 Lakh

  • Complimentary membership to Priority Pass, with the annual membership fee waived.

  • Fuel Convenience Fee Waiver at HPCL.

2. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card

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 Annual Fee

  • ₹5,000 + GST

• Annual Fee

  • ₹5,000 + GST

  • Waived off on spending ₹10 Lakh in the previous year

• Lounge Access

  • Unlimited international airport lounge access for both Primary and Plus card members

  • Unlimited domestic airport lounge access for both Primary and Plus card members

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 Reward Point = ₹1

• Other Features

  • 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

  • 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

  • Round-the-clock concierge services

  • Air accident insurance cover up to ₹3 Crore

3. HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card

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 Annual Fee

  • ₹10,000 + GST

• Annual Fee

  • ₹10,000 + GST

  • Waived off on spending ₹8 Lakh in the previous year

• Lounge Access

  • Unlimited international airport lounge access for both primary and add-on card members

  • Unlimited domestic airport lounge access for both primary and add-on card members

• Reward Point Conversion Rate

  • 1 Reward Point = ₹1

• Other Features

  • 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

  • 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%

Which Travel Credit Card is Best for You?

The best travel credit card for you depends on what kind of traveller you are:

• If you are a Budget-Conscious Traveler

Go with the Federal Bank Scapia or ixigo AU. You get the perks of a travel card with zero financial commitment.

• For the Brand Loyalist

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.

• For the High-Flyer

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.

How to Choose the Right Credit Card?

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.

Conclusion

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.