For avid travelers, the right travel credit card can unlock a world of perks—literally. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next big holiday, having the right travel credit card can make all the difference. In India, several top travel credit cards offer a range of benefits, from lounge access to reward points and low foreign transaction fees. This guide covers everything you need to know about the best travel credit cards in India for 2025, including their standout features and how to maximise your travel benefits.
Why Get a Travel Credit Card? Key Benefits
A travel credit card isn’t just a payment tool—it’s your passport to smarter spending and richer experiences. Here’s why savvy globetrotters are swiping smarter:
- Accelerated Reward Points: Most top travel credit cards offer higher reward rates on travel bookings, including flights, hotels, and holiday packages. For example, some cards give up to 5 reward points per ₹100 spent on travel, which can quickly add up.
- Welcome Bonuses: New cardholders often receive a welcome bonus in the form of reward points or air miles, just for activating and making their first transaction.
- Airport Lounge Access: One of the most sought-after perks, loungeaccess allows you to relax in comfort before your flight. Many cards offer complimentary domestic and international lounge visits.
- Milestone Benefits: Spend a certain amount annually, and you could unlock additional rewards or bonus points, giving you even more value for your travel spending.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Many travel credit cards offer lower or zero foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
- Travel Insurance: Some cards include complimentary travel insurance, covering flight delays, lost baggage, and medical emergencies.
- Discounts & Offers: Exclusive discounts on travel bookings, dining, and entertainment add extra value for cardholders.
Top Travel Cards in India (2025)
Here are the best travel credit cards in India for 2025, each with unique features tailored to different types of travellers:
1. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
- Joining/Annual Fee: ₹5,000
- Reward Rate: 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on direct airline bookings; 2.5X EDGE Miles on other travel spends.
- Welcome Bonus: 2,500 EDGE Miles on first transaction.
- Lounge Access: Up to 18 domestic and 12 international lounge visits per annum.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Competitive rates, but check for the latest updates.
- Best For: Frequent flyers who want premium lounge access and flexible reward conversions.
2. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card
- Joining/Annual Fee: ₹4,999
- Reward Rate: 10 reward points per ₹100 on Air India ticket purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 1,00,000 bonus reward points annually on achieving spending milestones.
- Lounge Access: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Standard rates apply.
- Best For: Loyal Air India flyers seeking high reward rates and lounge access.
3. Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card
- Joining/Annual Fee: ₹3,000
- Reward Rate: 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on Axis Bank Travel EDGE portal and direct airline bookings.
- Welcome Bonus: 5,000 EDGE Miles on first spend of ₹1,000 within 30 days.
- Lounge Access: Up to 32 domestic and 8 international lounge visits annually.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Competitive rates.
- Best For: Urban professionals who travel frequently and value lounge access.
4. MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card
- Joining/Annual Fee: ₹999
- Reward Rate: Up to 6% myCash on MakeMyTrip hotel bookings; 3% on flights and holiday packages.
- Welcome Bonus: ₹1,000 MMT voucher every year.
- Lounge Access: Not a primary feature.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Low forex mark-up fee of 0.99%.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travellers booking through MakeMyTrip.
5. Yatra SBI Card
- Joining/Annual Fee: ₹499
- Reward Rate: 6 reward points per ₹100 on select categories.
- Welcome Bonus: Yatra.com vouchers worth ₹8,250.
- Lounge Access: Not a primary feature.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Standard rates.
- Best For: Frequent Yatra.com users looking for discounts and vouchers.
6. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card
- Joining/Annual Fee: ₹350
- Reward Rate: 10 reward points per ₹100 at standalone airline/hotel websites.
- Welcome Bonus: 20% discount on hotel bookings, 10% on flights via EaseMyTrip.
- Lounge Access: 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Competitive rates.
- Best For: Travellers who book through EaseMyTrip and want low fees.
7. SBI Air India Platinum Card
- Joining/Annual Fee: ₹1,499
- Reward Rate: 15% on Air India bookings, 2% on other spends.
- Welcome Bonus: 5,000 reward points after paying the joining fee.
- Lounge Access: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits anually.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Standard rates.
- Best For: Budget-conscious Air India loyalists.
Lounge Access Features: Travel in Comfort
One of the biggest attractions of travel credit cards in India is the complimentary airport lounge access. Here’s what to know:
- Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card: Up to 18 domestic and 12 international lounge visits per year, plus unlimited international lounge access with Priority Pass (with guest visits).
- Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card: Up to 32 domestic and 8 international lounge visits annually.
- Air India SBI Signature Credit Card: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (max 2 per quarter).
- Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card: 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year.
Lounge access not only provides a comfortable pre-flight experience but also offers complimentary meals, Wi-Fi, and charging stations. For frequent travellers, this perk alone can justify the card’s annual fee.
Foreign Transaction Fees: Spend Smart Abroad
Foreign transaction fees can add up quickly when travelling abroad. Here’s how the best cards compare:
- MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card: Low forex mark-up fee of 0.99%.
- Axis Bank Atlas & Horizon Credit Cards: Competitive rates, but always check the latest terms as fees can vary.
- Other Cards: Most standard cards charge between 2–3.5% in forex fees. Always review the card’s terms before international use.
Choosing a card with low or zero foreign transaction fees is essential for international travellers who want to avoid unnecessary charges.
Top Travel Credit Cards Comparison Table
| Credit Card Name | Joining/Annual Fee | Reward Rate (Travel) | Lounge Access (Domestic/Intl) | Foreign Transaction Fee | Best For |
| Axis Bank Atlas | ₹5,000 | 5 EDGE Miles/₹100 | 18 domestic / 12 international | Competitive | Frequent flyers, premium perks |
| Air India SBI Signature | ₹4,999 | 10 RP/₹100 (Air India) | 8 domestic | Standard | Air India loyalists |
| Axis Bank Horizon | ₹3,000 | 5 EDGE Miles/₹100 | 32 domestic / 8 international | Competitive | Urban professionals |
| MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank | ₹999 | Up to 6% myCash (hotels) | None | 0.99% | MakeMyTrip users, budget travel |
| Yatra SBI Card | ₹499 | 6 RP/₹100 (select categories) | None | Standard | Yatra.com users |
| Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip | ₹350 | 10 RP/₹100 (airline/hotel) | 2 domestic | Competitive | EaseMyTrip users |
| SBI Air India Platinum | ₹1,499 | 15% (Air India), 2% (others) | 8 domestic | Standard | Budget Air India loyalists |
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card for You
- Selecting the best travel credit card in India depends on your travel habits, spending patterns, and the benefits you value most. Here are some tips to help you decide:
- Frequency of Travel: If you fly frequently, prioritise cards with high loungeaccess and accelerated reward points.
- Preferred Airlines: If you’re loyal to a specific airline, consider co-branded cards like the Air India SBI Signature Credit Card.
- International Travel: Look for cards with low foreign transaction fees and global lounge access.
- Budget: If you’re a budget traveller, opt for cards with low annual fees and good value on travel spends.
- Additional Perks: Consider cards that offer travel insurance, discounts, and milestone benefits for extra value.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even the best travel credit cards can become a burden if not used wisely. Avoid these:
- Carrying balances – Interest charges on unpaid balances can wipe out travel gains.
- Not checking forex fees – Especially when using the card abroad or on international websites.
- Ignoring expiry dates – Rewards lost are rewards wasted.
- Overestimating benefits – Lounge access may be limited per quarter/year or may require minimum spends.
Final Thoughts: Which Travel Credit Card is Right for You?
The best travel credit card in India is the one that aligns with your travel habits. If you’re flying frequently, look for airline tie-ups, lounge access, and foreign exchange savings. If you travel occasionally, go for a card with a modest annual feebut decent perks like ICICI Sapphiro or SBI ELITE.
Ultimately, a travel card should enhance your travel experience, not complicate it. So read the fine print, weigh the annual fees against the benefits, and swipe smart.
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