10 Best Travel Credit Cards in India

This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on November 17, 2024 by Mani Karthik

With changing lifestyle travel has become an integral part of our lives. Be it business or leisure traveling has become easier and a part of our lives. In terms of credit cards for travel in India, you have many choices to make and each have been specially designed to suit customer’s requirements. Just like shopping credit cards, travel credit cards have benefits like airline miles, reward points, cash back and many more options. Now some of the credit card companies have also collaborated with travel agents or airlines to offer special discounts and vouchers.

So to make your travel plans easier and to get the best deal, I have shortlisted the best travel credit cards in India. You should also check best credit cards for salaried people in India here.

1. Standard Chartered Platinum Credit Card

Here is a card that allows you to earn cash back on your travel and even reward points on your regular expenses. Standard Chartered has co-branded with Yatra to give you many exciting deals and vouchers. This card also does not put any restrictions on the number of cash backs you can avail.

Eligibility

• Age criteria for applying is 25-65years.
• Good credit history.

Benefits

• Avail 10% cash back on travel bookings made through Yatra.com.
• You can also make 4x rewards whenever you spend at Yatra.com, and 2x on all other purchases (except fuel).
• Get up to 10% off on hotel/holiday bookings.
• There is no cap on the number of cash back transactions or total cash back availed.
• The cardholder has access to complimentary lounge access.

Rewards	Bonus	APR	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Cash Withdrawal	Interest Free Credit Period
10% cash back from Yatra.com	4x rewards on spending with Yatra.com	37.2% per annum	Rs 499	Rs 499	3% of cash withdrawal amount subject to a minimum of Rs 300.	18-48 days.

Drawbacks

• The APR is high at 37.2% per annum while the Jet Privilege HDFC Bank World Card charges only 23.88%.

Summary

Standard Chartered Platinum Credit Card is an ideal travel companion for those who have to go places. The cash back and the rewards that accompany it are its highlights. They have partnered with Yatra to give you the best deals. You can also get discounts on hotel bookings and even access to travel lounges. The joining and the annual fee is pretty reasonable considering the benefits offered by the card.

2. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

SBI has collaborated with Air India to bring you a travel card perfect for business professionals. It has numerous benefits and perks for the Air India fliers. So as you spend using this card you can be enjoying rewarding experiences and flier miles.

Eligibility

• You should be between 21-65 years of age.
• Need to furnish Income, address and identity proof.

Benefits

• As a welcome gift you get 20000 reward points.
• Earn 4 points for every Rs 100 you spend
• On buying Air India tickets get 20 points for every Rs 100 spend.
• Get access to over 600 airport lounges across the world under the Priority Pass Program.
• On spending up to 5 lakh annually you earn 20000 points and on exceeding 5 lakhs you earn 40000 points.
• Every year on renewal you get 5000 points.

Rewards	Bonus offers	APR	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Cash withdrawal	Interest free credit period
4 points for every Rs 100 you spend	Get 20 points for every Rs 100 spend on Air India tickets	40.2 per annum	Rs 4999	Rs 4999	3% of cash withdrawal amount subject to a minimum of Rs 300.	18-48 days.

Drawback

• The APR is high at 40.2% while card like Standard Chartered charges only 37.2%
• The joining and annual charge is very high at Rs 4999. Standard Chartered Platinum Card charges only Rs 499 which is far more reasonable.

Summary

SBI has collaborated with one of the most popular airlines in India which is Air India. You can avail up to 4 points for every Rs 100 spent and an extra 20 points on every Rs 100 spent on your flight tickets with Air India. You get access to lounges across the globe and have an opportunity to make 20000 points on spending up to 5 lakhs annually.

3. Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card

Now here’s a credit card that comes with numerous benefits and it’s quite reasonable too. It comes with numerous travel perks and loyalty privileges. Apart from this you get access to movie tickets, fuel purchases and several discounts too.

Eligibility

• You should be between the ages of 18-70 years
• You should have an annual income of 6 lakh.

Benefits

• Get travel vouchers worth Rs 5000 when you purchase the privilege credit card.These tickets can be used at Yatra.com or for you holiday stay at hotels.
• For every 2.5 lakh spent on this card you get travel voucher worth Rs 5000.
• You have access to airport lounges across the world twice every 3 months.
• This card comes with Axis Bank’s eDGE loyalty rewards programme. So on spending every Rs 200 you get 10 points and this applies to both domestic as well as international travel.
• Avail up to 15% discount on dining privileges
• Buy tickets using Fast ticket App and get one ticket free worth Rs 200
• You can also avail a maximum fuel surcharge waiver of up to Rs 400 per month.

Rewards	Bonus offers	APR	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Cash withdrawal	Interest free credit period
Travel voucher worth Rs 5000.	Get 10 points for every Rs 200 spent on domestic and international	41.75% per annum	Rs 1500	Rs 1500	2.5% (Minimum Rs.250) of the withdrawn amount.	20-40 days.

Drawbacks

• The joining and annual charge is high at Rs 1500.The HDFC Diners Club Rewards charges only Rs 1000 as its joining and annual fees.

Summary

Axis Bank has collaborated with Yatra and is offering good discounts on your travel. Avail travel vouchers worth Rs 5000 with this card and be entitled to the eDGE loyalty rewards program. You also get access to the access to airport lounges across the world twice every 3 months. Even though charges seem high at Rs 1500 but the benefits accompanying this card is good. It will be very useful for business professionals whose work take them to different places.

4. Jet Airways ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cards

ICICI has a collaborated with Jet Airways to get you the best credit card for those who travel a lot. As you swipe this card you gain on your air miles and even access the airport lounges. Apart from the travel benefits you can also get access to many lifestyle privileges that come along with this card.

Eligibility

• The minimum age is 18 years and must be either self-employed or salaried professional
• For a salaried professional he must be earning at least 1 lakh in a month.
• For a self-employed person he should earn 12 lakh per annum as per the IT return.

Benefits

• As a welcome gift you get 10,000 welcome bonus JP Miles and a Jet airway ticket.
• On renewal you get 5000 bonus points.
• You also get a waiver on a domestic Economy Class Jet Airways ticket, not only on joining but on every renewal.
• Avail 5% discount on all your tickets which are booked at Jet Airways.
• You can also avail 10 kg baggage on your domestic flights.
• Get access to complimentary VIP lounges across the globe.
• Enjoy exclusive discounts on a host of lifestyle activities like entertainment, golfing, dining, travel and hospitality.

Rewards	Bonus offers	APR	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Cash withdrawal	Interest free credit period
Welcome gift of 10000 JP Miles.	5% discount on your Jet Airways ticket.	42% per annum	Rs 5000	Rs 5000	Rs 100. .	Up to 48 days interest free period.

Drawbacks

The annual and the joining fee is very high at R s 5000. Standard Chartered Platinum Credit Card charges only Rs 499 as its joining and annual fees which is much less.

Summary

The Jet Airways ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cards comes with numerous travel benefits. They have tie up with Jet airways making it possible to gain rewards or miles on your airline ticket purchases. You also get 5% discount on your Jet Airway ticket. On every renewal you get 5000 points. One of the prime highlight is that you get 10 kg for baggage as your additional privilege that comes with this card.

5. Citi Premier Miles Credit Card

Citi Premier Miles Credit Card is suited for the all the professionals whose work take them to different places across the world. You can earn points on your travel and even get access to some of the lounges without having to pay. Apart from this you get access to hotel stays, dining and shopping with Citibank Premier Miles Card.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be 18 years old and must be an Indian or A non –resident Indian.
• They must also furnish income, identity and address proof.

Benefits

• Get 10000 air miles as welcome gift.
• For every Rs 100 spent on air tickets you get 100 miles.
• On all other spends you earn 4 miles for every Rs 100 spend.
• You have options to redeem your miles at over 100 airlines on www.premiermiles.co.in
• You also have options to transfer your Miles to any of our hotel & airline partners
• Along with this card you get an air accident insurance cover of up to 1 crore and lost card liability cover of Rs.2 lakhs.
• The cardholders avail the benefit of getting instant loan on the card.

Rewards	Bonus offers	APR	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Cash withdrawal	Interest free credit period
Welcome gift of 10000 air miles.	Get 100 miles for every Rs 100 spent	42% per annum	Rs 3000	Rs 3000	Depending on credit limit	17-23 days.

Drawbacks

• The APR is very high at 42%. The Jet Privilege HDFC Bank World Card charges only 23.88% which is far more less.

Summary

Citi bank has a special card for its frequent travelers and its offers are quite irresistible. You get a bonus of 10000 points on joining and get 100 miles on every Rs 100 spent on the card. This is very good deal as Air India SBI Signature Credit Card gives only 20 points for every Rs 100 spend on the card. The joining fee is also a little high but considering the privileges that come with this card you cannot complain.

6. Jet Airways Indus Ind Bank American Express Card

Now here we have a co-branded card which brings together a chance to earn JP miles as you travel. This has a combination of Jet airways with the power American Express and Indus Ind Bank. Cardholders get attractive benefits like access to Jet Privilege Program and discounts on base fare from Jet Airways.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be an Indian of a minimum age of 18 years.
• He should have a good credit history.
• You should furnish Identity, address and Income proof of the applicants.

Benefits

• Avail a joining bonus of 7,500 JP Mile and a discount on your air fare with Jet Airways.
• Get 5% off on booking your tickets with Jet Airways.
• On weekends get 6 JP Miles per Rs. 100 spent.
• Save up to 20% at restaurants across 7 Indian cities.
• Avail fuel surcharge of 2.5% on transactions between Rs 400 and Rs 4000.
• You are also entitled to concierge assistance, business support services and discounted golf coaching classes at leading golf courses.

7. HDFC Diners Club Rewards Card

This card gives you the privilege of spending and even getting access to travel benefits. You can also book your tickets, hotel rooms as well movies very easily.

Eligibility

• KYC-PAN, Address proof and ID Proof
• One photograph, Salary slip/Form 16

Benefits

• Earn rewards on the purchases made using this card. You can later redeem the points for meeting the expenses for flight tickets or bill payments.
• Earn 2 reward points for every 150 spent.
• Double your reward points when you spend on groceries, dining and at supermarket
• Spend on HDFC Bank Diners Club website and get 6 reward points for every Rs.150 charged
• Get 1000 reward points on joining and every renewal of card.
• If bill more than 10000 in a statement cycle then you will get double the rewards.
• Spend 15000 within 3 months of receiving card and fee would be waived off in the first year.
• Get access to leading lounges all across the globe.
• Option to redeem points to airline miles.
• Get 3 add on cards for your family members.

Rewards	Bonus offers	APR	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Cash withdrawal	Interest free credit period
2 reward points for every 150 spent	Double your rewards on groceries, dining and at supermarket.	40.8%	Rs 1000	Rs 1000	2.5% on the amount withdrawn, subject to a minimum of Rs.300. .	20-50 days.

Drawbacks

The joining fee is also pretty high for 1000 and the interest rate is high at 40.8%.The Standard Chartered Platinum Credit Card charges at 37.2%.

Summary

HDFC Diners Club Rewards is good card with utility bill payment and travel deals. The annual fee can be redeemed if Rs15000 is spent within 3 months of receiving card. You can redeem your airline miles and even access to lounges across the globe. HDFC bank is a popular bank and you can access all leading outlets with your card.

8. Jet Privilege HDFC Bank World Card

Now HDFC has brought a card which allows you spend and earn air miles. It is co-branded card with Jet air ways and comes with numerous travel benefits.

Eligibility

• In case of salaried you should be between 21-60 years and for self-employed you should be between 21-65 years.
• You should furnish all income, address and identity proof.

Benefits

• As a welcome gift you get 10000 air miles and one way jet airways ticket.
• Get up to 18 miles on every Jet airways ticket booked.
• Get 6 JP miles on every Rs 150 spent.
• The cardholder has exclusive access to Lounge through Priority Pass and MasterCard Lounge Program.
• The cardholder’s renewal fee will be waived off if Rs 3 lakh is spent within 12 months of renewal.
• Get extended validity of JP Miles for 5 years.

Rewards	Bonus offers	APR	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Cash withdrawal	Interest free credit period
Welcome gift of 10000 air miles	18 miles on every Jet airways ticket booked..	23.88% per annum	Rs 2500	Rs 2500	2.5% on the amount withdrawn, subject to a minimum of Rs.300.	20-50 days.

Drawbacks

The annual and joining fee is very high at Rs 2500. Standard Chartered Platinum Credit Card charges only Rs 499 as its joining and annual fees which is much less.

Summary

Jet Privilege HDFC Bank World is another co-branded card which offers numerous travel benefits. You are entitled to a welcome gift of 10000 air miles. Whenever you book tickets with jet airways you again receive points for this too. Even though the joining and annual fee is high the interest rate is comparatively quire low at 23.88% per annum. HDFC Diners Club Rewards card charges 40.8% per annum which is higher. So considering the benefits the charges are quite negligible.

9. American Express Jet Airways Platinum Credit Card

Now here’s a card designed for business executives and they have co-branded it with Jet Airways. This card gives you some of best JP Miles and also give access to the lounges of airports across the globe. Apart for this you are entitled to concierge service and other exclusive privileges.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be 18 years of old and with good credit history.
• You should have a savings account with either an Indian or a foreign bank.
• A minimum annual income of 6 lakh

Benefits

• As a welcome gift you get 10000 JP Miles and a one way domestic airline ticket.
• Get free access to 15 Domestic Airport Lounges at 12 cities in India.
• The cardholder has access to dedicated 24×7 Platinum Concierge Service.
• You have complimentary access to Trident Privilege Gold Tier membership2 along with 2 room upgrade certificates at 9 Trident Hotels.
• Avail 3% cashback using your AMEX card at all fuel stations in India.

Rewards	Bonus offers	APR	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Cash withdrawal	Interest free credit period
10000 JP miles as welcome gift	24×7 Platinum Concierge Service	40.2% per annum	Rs 5000	Rs 10000	2.5% on the amount withdrawn, subject to a minimum of Rs.300. .	20-50 days.

Drawbacks

• The card is available to applicants with a minimum annual income of 6 lakhs.
• The APR is very high at 40.2%. The Jet Privilege HDFC Bank World Card charges only 23.88% which is far more less.

Summary

The highlight of this card is the free one way domestic ticket from Jet airways that the cardholders entitled to get as welcome gift. Apart for this they are also entitled to concierge benefits that comes along with this card. The APR may be a little high and the annual charge also makes it expensive card to own. But it is intended for customers with high annual income and the benefits are also costumed accordingly.

10. Emirates Standard Chartered World Credit Card

Emirates Standard Chartered World Credit Card is a perfect combination of travel and luxury card. It gives you the privilege to earn miles on every purchase with the card. This card also gives access to priority pass membership and it also comes with a travel insurance cover

Eligibility

• The applicant must be between the ages of 21-65 years.
• He must have a stable income and good credit history.
• The applicant must furnish identity, address and income proof.

Benefits

• Avail 27,500 bonus skyward miles as welcome gift.
• For every Rs 150 spent you earn 4 skyward miles.
• For every Rs 150 spent internationally you get 6 skyward miles.
• Redeem your miles for free tickets or upgrade and many more.
• You have options to redeem your miles from over 15 airline like Jet Airways, Qantas, Jetstar, easyJet, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and much more!
• You get Complimentary air accident insurance up to INR 10 million.
• You have access to over 600 airport lounges across the world.

Rewards	Bonus offers	APR	Joining Fee	Annual Fee	Cash withdrawal	Interest free credit period
27,500 bonus skyward miles as welcome gift	For every Rs 150 spent earn 4 skyward miles.	37.2% per annum	Nil	Rs 13999	2.5% on the amount withdrawn, subject to a minimum of Rs.300. .	20-50 days.

Drawbacks

Very high charges of Rs 13999.But the Jet Airways ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cards offer similar benefits but charges only Rs 5000.

Summary

Emirates Standard Chartered World Credit Card comes with a welcome gift 27500 bonus points .You also have a chance to get 4 skyward miles for every Rs 150 spent on this card. You can redeem your collected miles for free tickets or an upgrade in your flight. The card allows you to redeem them not only for Emirates but from over 15 airline like Jet Airways, Qantas, Jetstar, easyJet, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and many more. This is a very good option and can be easily utilized by the customers in their regular travel.