Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a wanderlust-driven soul, or a corporate traveler, having the right travel credit card can be a game-changer. From airport lounge access, free flight tickets, and hotel discounts, to reward points on travel spends — the best credit card for travel in India will make your journey more rewarding and cost-efficient.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top travel credit cards in India in 2025, along with their key features, benefits, eligibility criteria, and who they’re best suited for.
⭐ Why Use a Travel Credit Card in India?
Before diving into the list, let’s understand why using a travel credit card makes so much sense.
🔍 Benefits of Travel Credit Cards
- Complimentary airport lounge access (domestic & international)
- Air miles or reward points for every travel-related transaction
- Discounts on flight and hotel bookings
- Foreign currency markup savings
- Travel insurance & lost luggage cover
- Priority pass memberships
Whether you’re traveling within India or abroad, these perks can save thousands every year.
🏆 Top 7 Best Travel Credit Cards in India – 2025
Here’s a curated list of the best travel credit cards in India this year, based on features, annual fees, and travel rewards.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Airline Tie-Up | Foreign Markup | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Diners Club Black | ₹10,000 | 6 int’l & domestic lounges/month | NA | 1.99% | Premium travelers |
| Axis Bank Atlas | ₹5,000 | Domestic & international (Priority Pass) | NA | 2% | All-rounder |
| SBI Card ELITE | ₹4,999 | 8 free domestic/year | NA | 1.99% | Domestic travel |
| Air India SBI Signature | ₹4,999 | Yes | Air India | 3.5% | Air India frequent flyers |
| Citi PremierMiles | ₹3,000 | Limited | Multiple airlines | 3.5% | Air miles seekers |
| ICICI Bank Sapphiro | ₹3,500 | 4/quarter domestic + Dreamfolks | NA | 3.5% | Balanced users |
| American Express Platinum Travel | ₹5,000 | 4/quarter domestic | NA | 3.5% | AmEx loyalists |
🔍 Detailed Review of the Best Travel Credit Cards in India
Let’s take a deeper look into each credit card to help you choose the best fit for your travel style and spending pattern.
1️⃣ HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹10,000 (waived on ₹5L spend)
Best For: Luxury travelers who want the best of lounge access, travel perks, and global acceptance.
Key Features:
- Unlimited domestic & international lounge access
- 5X reward points on travel portals
- Complimentary golf, concierge, and insurance cover
- Access to Diners Club global lounges
Downside: Limited acceptance on certain merchants outside Visa/MasterCard networks.
2️⃣ Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹5,000 (welcome benefit of 5,000 EDGE Miles)
Best For: Flexible travel across airlines, hotels, and travel portals
Key Features:
- EDGE Miles redeemable across 15+ airline/hotel partners
- Complimentary airport lounge visits (domestic + international)
- Milestone benefits worth up to ₹20,000
- Concierge & travel assistance
Pro Tip: Great for those who want travel flexibility without airline restrictions.
3️⃣ SBI Card ELITE
Annual Fee: ₹4,999 (welcome e-voucher worth ₹5,000)
Best For: Travelers who fly domestically often
Key Features:
- 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits/year
- Club Vistara Silver membership
- Up to 10 reward points per ₹100 on dining & groceries
- Free movie tickets monthly
Good To Know: While it lacks international lounge access, it’s fantastic for domestic jet-setters.
4️⃣ Air India SBI Signature Card
Annual Fee: ₹4,999
Best For: Frequent flyers with Air India
Key Features:
- Welcome bonus: 20,000 reward points (equal to Air India miles)
- Earn 30 points for every ₹100 on Air India bookings
- Complimentary lounge access & travel insurance
- Convert points to Air India tickets
Note: Best if you’re loyal to Air India routes.
5️⃣ Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹3,000
Best For: Travelers who prefer flexibility across travel partners
Key Features:
- 10 miles per ₹100 on travel bookings
- Miles never expire
- Redeemable on 100+ airlines
- Complimentary airport lounge access in India
Insider Tip: Often available with fee waivers on spends above ₹30,000 in 3 months.
6️⃣ ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹3,500
Best For: Balanced users looking for both travel and lifestyle perks
Key Features:
- Dreamfolks membership with free lounge visits
- Movie tickets and dining discounts
- Complimentary golf rounds
- Insurance benefits for travel
Good To Know: Available on both Visa & Mastercard platforms.
7️⃣ American Express Platinum Travel Card
Annual Fee: ₹5,000
Best For: Loyal AmEx users seeking travel benefits
Key Features:
- ₹17,000 worth of travel vouchers annually (on meeting spends)
- Complimentary lounge access (domestic)
- 24×7 global travel assistance
- Bonus MR points redeemable for flights & hotels
Watch Out: Limited acceptance at smaller merchants in India.
🧭 How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card in India
Here are some crucial factors you should consider before choosing:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Travel Frequency | Frequent flyers can benefit from unlimited lounge access and air miles. |
| Airline Preference | If you fly one airline (e.g., Air India or Vistara), co-branded cards help. |
| Domestic vs International | International travelers should check for global lounge access & low forex markup. |
| Annual Fee | Choose a card where the benefits outweigh the fee or fee is waived on spends. |
| Reward Redemption Options | Flexibility in redeeming for flights, hotels, or cashback matters. |
📈 Comparison: Travel Credit Card Rewards vs Regular Credit Card
| Feature | Travel Credit Card | Regular Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge Access | Yes (often unlimited or capped) | Rare or none |
| Air Miles | Yes (Air India, Vistara, etc.) | No |
| Travel Insurance | Included | Usually not |
| Forex Markup | 1.99%–3.5% | 3.5%+ |
| Hotel/Airline Deals | Frequent | Limited |
✅ Eligibility Criteria for Travel Credit Cards in India
While eligibility varies per bank, here’s a general idea:
- Age: 21–60 years
- Income: ₹5–12 lakh annual income (for premium cards)
- Credit Score: 700+ (higher the better)
- Stable Employment or income proof if self-employed
💡 Tip: A higher credit score and clean credit history improve your chances of approval.
📋 Documents Required
You’ll need these basic documents when applying:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card / Address Proof
- Income proof (ITR/salary slips)
- Passport-size photograph
- Existing credit card statements (optional for upgrades)
🏁 Final Thoughts: Which is the Best Travel Credit Card for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best travel credit card depends on your travel frequency, preferences, and lifestyle.
Quick Recommendations:
- For Premium Global Travel: HDFC Diners Club Black
- For Flexible Air Miles: Axis Bank Atlas or Citi PremierMiles
- For Air India Loyalists: Air India SBI Signature
- For Domestic Flyers: SBI Elite or AmEx Platinum Travel
- For Balanced Use: ICICI Sapphiro
✈️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do travel credit cards give free flight tickets?
Yes, many offer welcome air miles, travel vouchers, or milestone-based flight tickets.
Q2. Is lounge access free on all travel credit cards?
Most cards offer a set number of free visits/month or year; premium cards often offer unlimited access.
Q3. Can I use travel cards for international trips?
Absolutely! Cards like HDFC Diners Club Black, Axis Atlas, and AmEx are globally accepted.
Q4. What is the best card with lowest forex markup?
HDFC Diners Club Black and SBI Elite have lower-than-average forex charges (~1.99%).