Select Travel Credit Cards from the Below List: Benefits, Features, Lounge Access

Introduction: Why Travel Credit Cards are Worth It

For frequent flyers, smart spenders, and travel enthusiasts, a good travel credit card isn’t just a payment tool—it’s a gateway to savings, comfort, and unmatched perks. From free lounge access to air miles, these cards help you travel smarter, cut hidden costs, and enjoy VIP privileges that ordinary cards simply don’t offer. In India, travel cards have grown immensely popular in the last few years as airlines, banks, and credit card companies roll out competitive deals to woo globe-trotters.

Prepare yourself if you're ready to select the right card. In this power guide, you’ll discover the top travel credit cards, their must-know features, real benefits, and how to squeeze every rupee’s worth out of your travel spending.

What Makes a Travel Credit Card Different?

How Travel Credit Cards Work

Unlike regular credit cards that reward all kinds of spending equally, travel cards are crafted specifically to reward you generously on flight bookings, hotel stays, and overseas purchases. You can redeem air miles or travel points from most travel cards for flight tickets, upgrades, hotel bookings, or even duty-free shopping.

Who Should Get a Travel Credit Card?

Are you traveling at least twice a year? Do you book flights or hotels online? Do you value airport lounge access? If your answer is ‘yes’ to any of these, a travel card can be worth its annual fee. Even if you’re not a frequent flyer yet but want perks like free travel insurance, dining discounts, or forex mark-up waivers, you should consider one.

Benefits of Using a Travel Credit Card

Air Miles and Reward Points

The star benefit of travel credit cards is air miles. The more you spend, the more you fly—for free! Some cards even partner with airline loyalty programs, making it easier to accumulate and redeem miles with your favorite carriers.

Complimentary Lounge Access

Nothing says VIP like breezing through an airport lounge before your flight. Many premium travel cards provide domestic and international lounge access. This means free Wi-Fi, snacks, and a peaceful place to work or relax while you wait.

Foreign Transaction Benefits

Some cards waive the foreign currency markup fee, which is typically around 3.5% on regular cards. Others offer cashback or rewards for international spending, which can translate to big savings if you shop or travel abroad often.

Key Features to Look For in a Travel Credit Card

Annual Fees vs. Benefits

Always compare the annual fee with the benefits. For example, if a card charges ₹5,000 annually but gives you free flight vouchers worth ₹7,000, you’re already ahead. Look for welcome bonuses too.

Partner Airlines and Alliances

Cards with airline partnerships or alliances like Star Alliance or SkyTeam can help you get better redemption value. Some cards even offer complimentary membership to airline loyalty programs.

Redemption Options

Check how easy it is to redeem your points. Do you have the flexibility to transfer points across multiple airlines? Are there blackout dates? The best travel cards offer simple, transparent redemption processes.

Top 5 Travel Credit Cards in India: Detailed Comparison

Here’s an in-depth look at five travel credit cards that are favorites among Indian jet-setters.

1. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card

Benefits

• The card offers unlimited complimentary access to both domestic and international lounges.

• Benefits include 10X reward points for booking travel through partner portals.

• You will also receive a complimentary annual membership to Club Marriott.

Fees and Charges

• Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + GST

• Annual Fee: ₹10,000 (waived on ₹5 lakh annual spend)

• Forex Markup Fee: 2%

Pros and Cons

✅ One of the best lounge access cards in India ✅ Huge reward-earning potential for high spenders ❌ High eligibility criteria; limited acceptance of Diners Club network in some places

2. SBI Card Elite

Benefits

• 6 complimentary international lounge visits via Priority Pass.

• The package also includes complimentary visits to domestic lounges.

• Welcome e-gift voucher worth ₹5,000.

Fees and Charges

• Joining Fee: ₹4,999 + GST

• Annual Fee: ₹4,999 (waived on annual spend > ₹10 lakh)

• Forex Markup Fee: 1.99%

Pros and Cons

✅ Decent travel perks for moderate annual fee ✅ Access to international lounges via Priority Pass ❌ High spending requirement to waive annual fee

3. Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card

Benefits

• Complimentary Club Vistara Gold membership.

• A complimentary business class ticket is provided as a welcome gift.

• You can receive up to 4 business class tickets annually, depending on your spending milestones.

Fees and Charges

• Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + GST

• Annual Fee: ₹10,000

• Forex Markup Fee: 3.5%

Pros and Cons

✅ Excellent for frequent domestic flyers on Vistara ✅ Complimentary Gold tier status boosts air miles ❌ Benefits are best used with Vistara only

4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

Benefits

• Up to ₹7,700 worth of travel vouchers as a welcome gift.

• You will also receive a complimentary Taj Hotels gift card.

• 4 complimentary lounge visits per year.

Fees and Charges

• Joining Fee: ₹3,500 + GST

• Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + GST (from 2nd year onwards)

• Forex Markup Fee: 3.5%

Pros and Cons

✅ Great milestone-based travel rewards ✅ Good for domestic travel & luxury stays ❌ High forex markup fee

5. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card

Benefits

• 10 miles per ₹100 spent on airline transactions.

• Redeem miles on 100+ airlines and hotel partners.

• You will receive complimentary access to domestic lounges.

Fees and Charges

• Joining Fee: ₹3,000 + GST

• Annual Fee: ₹3,000

• Forex Markup Fee: 3.5%

Pros and Cons

✅ Flexible miles redemption ✅ Good for frequent flyers on multiple airlines ❌ Limited free lounge access compared to premium cards

Comparison Table: Best Travel Credit Cards at a Glance

Card	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Lounge Access	Forex Markup
HDFC Diners Club Black	₹10,000	₹10,000	The plan offers unlimited domestic and international coverage.	2%
SBI Card Elite	₹4,999	₹4,999	6 intl. + domestic	1.99%
Axis Vistara Infinite	₹10,000	₹10,000	Vistara lounge benefits	3.5%
Amex Platinum Travel	₹3,500	₹5,000	4 domestic/year	3.5%
Citi PremierMiles	₹3,000	₹3,000	Limited domestic	3.5%

How to Maximise Rewards with Your Travel Credit Card

Booking Flights and Hotels

Use your card’s travel portal or partner airlines to get maximum bonus miles. Some cards offer 10X points on bookings made through specific partners.

Using Airline Partners

Always link your card with the airline loyalty program to double-dip on rewards. For example, earn miles on your card plus miles on your frequent flyer account.

Tracking Reward Points Expiry

Don’t lose out on hard-earned points. Set reminders to redeem before expiry. Some banks also have auto-convert options to air miles.

Hidden Fees and Terms to Watch Out For

• Always read the fine print for foreign transaction charges.

• Check for lounge visit limits—some cards have a maximum number per quarter.

• Redemption fees: Some cards charge a small fee when converting points to miles.
  

How to Apply for a Travel Credit Card in India

Eligibility Criteria

Most travel cards need a minimum annual income between ₹6–12 lakh. Premium cards like HDFC Diners Black may have stricter requirements.

Required Documents

• PAN Card

• Aadhaar or Passport

• Latest salary slip or ITR

Online and Offline Process

You can apply online through the bank’s website or visit the nearest branch. Keep your documents handy for faster processing.

Managing Foreign Exchange Charges Smartly

Opt for cards with low forex markup fees if you travel internationally often. Always choose to pay in the local currency abroad to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.

Safety Tips While Using Travel Credit Cards Abroad

• Use cards with fraud protection.

• Keep your bank’s helpline handy.

• Always inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid sudden blocks.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Travel Credit Cards

• Not paying the full balance—interest can wipe out your travel rewards.

• Hoarding points without using them—they may expire.

• Make unnecessary EMI purchases with your travel card.
  

Real Traveller Stories: How They Save Big

Frequent flyers report saving up to ₹40,000 annually just by redeeming air miles, getting complimentary lounge meals, and avoiding forex fees.

FAQs About Selecting the Best Travel Credit Cards in India

Which travel credit card is best for international trips?

Cards with low forex markup and Priority Pass memberships, like HDFC Diners Black, are ideal.

Do travel credit cards come with free travel insurance?

Most premium travel cards do offer free travel and accidental insurance. Always check the policy details.

What’s the minimum income for these cards?

It ranges from ₹6 lakh to ₹21 lakh annually, depending on the card.

Can I get unlimited lounge access?

Yes, cards like HDFC Diners Club Black offer unlimited lounge visits.

How do I redeem my air miles?

You can redeem via the bank’s portal or airline partners. Some cards also let you transfer points to frequent flyer programs.

What if I lose my card abroad?

Please contact the bank promptly to arrange for card blocking and emergency replacement. Many cards offer emergency cash services too.

External Resource: IATA Travel Safety Guidelines

For the latest safety rules for international travel, visit the IATA Official Travel Centre.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card for You

The best travel credit card depends on your lifestyle, travel frequency, and spending habits. Always balance fees with real, usable benefits. If you love airport lounges, air miles, and foreign trip perks, a well-chosen travel card can pay for itself many times over.