For that ultimate traveling experience or possibly save you a bit of money when you want to travel within India, the right travel credit card will give you particular travel benefits and allow you to earn rewards. Perhaps saving them for future redemption on flights, hotels, or restaurants. This is a complete reference concerning the features and benefits of the best travel credit cards in India in 2025.
Why Choose a Travel Credit Card?
Travel credit cards provide multiple advantages, such as:
Lounge Access: Entry to domestic and international lounges at airports.
Reward Points: Earn POINTS through every spending which can be redeemed with flights, hotels, and much more.
Travel Insurance: Coverage for delays in flights, loss of baggage, and more.
Discounts & Offers: Discounts for dining, some hotel costs, and travel bookings.
Top Travel Credit Cards in India 2025
1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
| Feature | Details |
| Joining Fee | ₹2,500 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹2,500 + GST (waived on ₹3 lakh spend) |
| Reward Rate | 4 Reward Points per ₹150 spent |
| Travel Benefits | Complimentary airport lounge access (12 domestic, 6 international per year) |
| Other Perks | Travel insurance, dining discounts, fuel surcharge waiver |
2. SBI Elite Credit Card
| Feature | Details |
| Joining Fee | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹4,999 + GST (waived on ₹10 lakh spend) |
| Reward Rate | 2 Reward Points per ₹100 spent |
| Travel Benefits | 6 complimentary domestic lounge access per year |
| Other Perks | Club Vistara membership, movie ticket offers, dining discounts |
3. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
| Feature | Details |
| Joining Fee | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Reward Rate | 4 Club Vistara Points per ₹200 spent |
| Travel Benefits | Complimentary premium economy flight ticket, lounge access |
| Other Perks | Travel insurance, milestone benefits |
4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
| Feature | Details |
| Joining Fee | ₹3,500 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹5,000 + GST (waived on ₹4 lakh spend) |
| Reward Rate | 1 Membership Reward Point per ₹50 spent |
| Travel Benefits | Travel vouchers worth ₹29,500 annually |
| Other Perks | Taj Hotels discounts, fuel surcharge waiver |
5. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
| Feature | Details |
| Joining Fee | ₹6,500 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹3,500 + GST (waived on ₹6 lakh spend) |
| Reward Rate | 4 PAYBACK Points per ₹100 spent on travel |
| Travel Benefits | Complimentary airport lounge access, discounts on flights/hotels |
| Other Perks | Travel insurance, concierge services |
How Can I Pick the Best Credit Card for Travel?
Pay attention to the following elements while choosing a travel credit card:
Annual Fee & Waiver: Some cards have high fees, but these can be waived on spending a certain amount annually.
Lounge Access: Frequent flyers must opt for cards that give free lounge access.
Reward Structure: Make sure the card gives more rewards on travel expenses.
Airline Tie-Ups: Certain cards give better rewards and free tickets with certain airlines.
Redemption Flexibility: Opt for cards that give redemption for various travel modes, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Eligibility Criteria for Travel Credit Cards
Though individual eligibility can differ, general criteria are:
- Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years
- Credit Score: 750+
- Income Requirement: ₹5-6 lakh annual income for premium travel credit cards
- Employment Type: Salaried or Self-Employed with Regular Income
How to Apply for a Travel Credit Card?
Either through the bank’s official website or by visiting any bank branch, one can apply for a travel credit card.
An applicant is usually expected to undergo these steps in the application procedure:
- Check Eligibility: Check that you satisfy the age, income, and credit score requirements.
- Choose a Card: Compare travel credit cards and choose one that best suits your requirements.
- Document Submission: Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN), address proof, and income proof (salary slips, ITR or bank statements).
- Approval and Verification: An application with banks is verified and approved before dispatching the credit card.
Tips to Maximize Benefits of Travel Credit Cards
- Utilization on Travel-Related Expenses: Spend on travel packages, flights, and hotels to derive maximum benefits.
- Redeem Points Wisely: Redeem reward points as travel vouchers or for flight upgrades.
- Reach Spending Markers: Unlock more benefits such as complimentary flight tickets and offers.
- Track Expiry: Make sure your reward points expire after redemption.
- Track Offers & Discounts: Watch out for promotional offers for additional discounts and cashback.
Conclusion
The way you spend and travel habits will determine which travel credit card is best for you. The Amex Platinum Travel card or the Axis Bank Vistara Signature card can be excellent options if you travel often. HDFC Regalia provides good benefits at a cheaper cost for a well-rounded choice. Make informed decisions to get the most out of your 2025 trip!
You may save money on reservations, take advantage of special travel benefits, and improve your trip experience by choosing the finest travel credit card. Have a safe trip!