hi friends! Selecting the right travel credit card can significantly enhance your journeys by offering rewards, complimentary lounge access, and other travel-related perks. This article explores some of the best credit cards available to Indian travelers, detailing their features and associated fees.
Best Credit Cards for Travelers from India: Features & Fees
1. Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card
Annual Fee: None
Key Features:
- Rewards: Earn 10% rewards on all online and offline transactions.
- Travel Benefits: Receive up to 20% Scapia Coins on travel bookings made through the Scapia app.
- Redemption: Scapia Coins can be instantly redeemed for flights and hotel bookings via the app.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: No additional charges on international transactions.
Ideal For: Budget-conscious travelers seeking a zero-fee card with substantial travel rewards.
2. RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
Key Features:
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Rewards: Earn 2 Travel Points per ₹100 spent; 5 Travel Points per ₹100 on travel-related expenses.
- Milestone Benefits: Receive 10,000 Travel Points upon spending ₹2.5 lakh annually and 15,000 Travel Points upon spending ₹5 lakh annually.
Ideal For: Frequent international travelers looking to maximize rewards without incurring foreign transaction fees.
3. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹2,500
Key Features:
- Foreign Exchange Markup: 2.00%.
- Welcome Benefits: Includes MMT Black Elite Membership, Club Vistara Silver Membership, and a ₹2,500 gift voucher upon activation.
- Lounge Access: 12 complimentary visits to domestic and international lounges annually.
Ideal For: Travelers seeking a balance between rewards and travel privileges.
4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹3,500 (₹5,000 from the second year)
Key Features:
- Rewards: Earn 1 Membership Reward point for every ₹50 spent.
- Milestone Benefits: Up to 10,000 bonus points based on annual spending.
- Lounge Access: 8 complimentary visits to Indian airport lounges per year.
- Travel Vouchers: Receive vouchers worth ₹11,000 upon reaching spending milestones.
Ideal For: Domestic travelers aiming to earn high rewards on travel expenses.
5. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹10,000 (waived on annual spend of ₹15 lakh)
Key Features:
- Rewards: 12 EDGE Reward Points per ₹200 spent.
- Welcome Bonus: 25,000 EDGE points upon activation.
- Lounge Access: Unlimited domestic lounge visits and six international lounge visits annually.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage includes lost baggage and flight cancellations.
Ideal For: Luxury travelers seeking high reward rates and extensive lounge access.
6. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹3,500 (₹2,000 renewal fee)
Key Features:
- Rewards: Earn 2 reward points per ₹100 spent domestically.
- Lounge Access: Unlimited complimentary access to Indian airport lounges.
- Travel Insurance: Air accident cover of ₹1 crore.
- Concierge Services: 24/7 assistance for travel bookings and itinerary planning.
Ideal For: Frequent flyers who benefit from comprehensive travel insurance and lounge access.
7. IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹5,999 + GST
Key Features:
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic (up to 4 visits annually) and international lounges, with an extra guest pass each quarter.
- Rewards: Earn 5X reward points on spends up to ₹20,000 and 10X on higher spends.
- Travel Insurance: Travel cancellation cover up to ₹50,000 per year.
Ideal For: High spenders seeking luxury benefits and rewards.
8. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹5,000
Key Features:
- Welcome Bonus: 2,500 EDGE Miles upon activation.
- Rewards: Up to 5 EDGE Miles for every ₹100 spent on travel.
- Lounge Access: 18 complimentary domestic lounge accesses and up to 12 international lounge accesses annually.
- Foreign Exchange Markup: 1%.
Ideal For: Travelers seeking air miles and low foreign exchange markup fees.
9. HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹12,500
Key Features:
- Foreign Exchange Markup: 2.00%.
- Welcome Bonus: 12,500 bonus reward points upon activation.
- Lounge Access: Unlimited access to airport lounges worldwide for primary and add-on cardholders.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including air accident cover.
Ideal For: Premium travelers seeking extensive travel benefits and rewards.
10. IRCTC SBI Card Premier
Annual Fee: ₹1,499 + taxes
Key Features:
- Rewards: Earn 10% value back as reward points on AC1/AC2/AC3/Executive Chair Car and Chair Car tickets booked on the IRCTC website.
- Lounge Access: Up to eight complimentary railway lounge accesses annually.
- Travel Insurance: Complimentary air accident insurance cover worth ₹50 lakh and rail accident insurance cover worth ₹10 lakh.
Ideal For: Frequent rail travelers within India.
When selecting a travel credit card, consider factors such as annual fees, foreign transaction fees, reward structures, and additional travel benefits to choose the one that best aligns with your travel habits and financial goals.