Best Travel Credit Cards in India
Maximize your travel experiences with cards designed to earn air miles, hotel loyalty points, and complimentary international lounge access. If you travel overseas, look for cards offering a low foreign exchange markup to minimize transactional fees on international transactions.
Top Credit Cards Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Joining Fee | Annual Fee | Key Reward Rate | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Bank Magnus | Rs. 12,500 | Rs. 12,500 | EDGE miles/rewards; verify the current conversion rules on Axis Bank. | Compare Apply |
| Axis Bank Atlas | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 5,000 | Miles on eligible spends with accelerated travel categories. | Compare Apply |
| IDFC FIRST Bank Select | Lifetime Free | Nil | Up to 10X never-expiring rewards on eligible spends. | Compare Apply |
| IDFC FIRST Bank Wealth | Lifetime Free | Nil | Up to 10X never-expiring rewards on eligible spends. | Compare Apply |
| IDFC FIRST Bank WOW | Lifetime Free | Nil | Reward points on eligible spends; secured-card terms apply. | Compare Apply |
| AU Small Finance Bank Zenith | Rs. 7,999 or variant-led | Rs. 7,999 or variant-led | Reward points on dining, travel, and eligible retail spends. | Compare Apply |
| RBL Bank IRCTC | Rs. 500 | Rs. 500 | Rewards on eligible IRCTC bookings and retail spends. | Compare Apply |
| Federal Bank Scapia | Nil or campaign-led | Nil or campaign-led | Scapia coins on eligible spends; redemption through Scapia app. | Compare Apply |
Detailed Card Reviews
Axis Bank Magnus
Premium travel card focused on airport privileges, concierge access, and milestone-led value.
- Premium travel privileges
- Airport lounge access
- Concierge support
Axis Bank Atlas
Travel-led rewards card built around miles, hotel transfers, and airport benefits.
- EDGE Miles
- Travel redemption
- Airport privileges
IDFC FIRST Bank Select
Lifetime-free travel and lifestyle card for users with higher income eligibility.
- Lifetime free
- Domestic lounge
- Never-expiring rewards
IDFC FIRST Bank Wealth
Lifetime-free premium card with domestic and international travel privileges.
- Lifetime free
- Domestic lounge
- International lounge
IDFC FIRST Bank WOW
FD-backed card designed for approval flexibility, zero forex markup, and credit building.
- FD-backed
- Zero forex markup
- No income document
AU Small Finance Bank Zenith
Premium card for users seeking travel privileges, concierge, lower forex, and milestone value.
- Lounge access
- Lower forex markup
- Concierge
RBL Bank IRCTC
Rail-focused co-branded card for users who book frequent IRCTC journeys.
- Train booking rewards
- Rail travel benefits
- Lounge access
Federal Bank Scapia
Travel card issued by Federal Bank with Scapia app-led redemptions and travel perks.
- Zero forex markup
- Travel coins
- Domestic lounge
Earning Air Miles and Hotel Points
Travel credit cards like the Axis Atlas or HDFC Regalia Gold allow you to convert earned points directly into partner airline miles (like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Club Vistara, or Air India Flying Returns) and hotel loyalty programs (like Marriott Bonvoy), offering massive value on premium cabin bookings.
Key Features to Look For
- Forex Markup Fee: Try to choose cards with 0% to 2% forex fees for international spending (standard is 3.5%).
- Airport Lounge Access: Unlimited or complimentary domestic and international lounge visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a forex markup fee?
It is a fee charged by banks when you transact in a currency other than INR. Travel cards reduce this fee from 3.5% down to 1.5% or even 0%.
How do air miles work?
You earn reward points on spending, which can be transferred to airline partner programs. You can then redeem these miles for flight bookings.