Planning to explore the world in 2025? Whether you’re flying international or planning domestic getaways, having the best travel credit card in India 2025 can make all the difference. From earning miles to enjoying airport lounge access, travel credit cards offer exciting perks and big savings. In this guide, we compare the top options so you can travel smarter, earn more, and unlock exclusive benefits.
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✈️ Why You Need a Best Travel Credit Cards in 2025
As travel rebounds in 2025, so do opportunities for frequent flyers and vacation seekers. A travel rewards credit card not only helps you save money on flights and hotels, but also offers:
- Complimentary lounge access at airports
- Bonus reward points on travel spending
- Zero forex markup on international transactions
- Free travel insurance
- Discounts on hotels, cab rides, and more
Whether you’re a business traveler or a wanderlust-driven explorer, these benefits can add up to thousands in yearly savings.
🏆 Best Travel Credit Cards in India – 2025 Edition
Here are the best travel credit cards in India 2025, carefully selected based on features, value for money, and travel-specific perks.
1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
Why it’s great: Premium travel perks with global acceptance.
Key Benefits:
- 10x reward points on travel bookings
- 12 complimentary airport lounge accesses annually (domestic & international)
- Free Dineout membership & insurance covers
- Golf sessions and concierge services
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (waived on ₹3L annual spend)
- Best For: Frequent flyers and luxury travelers
2. SBI Card Elite
Why it’s popular: High rewards and lounge access credit card with global reach.
- Key Benefits:
- Welcome e-gift voucher worth ₹5,000
- 6 free domestic and 2 international lounge visits per year
- Complimentary Club Vistara and Trident Privilege membership
- Low forex markup fee (1.99%)
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999
- Best For: International travelers and premium spenders
3. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Why it’s unique: Tier-based reward structure with great travel perks.
- Key Benefits:
- Up to 5% cashback on travel and hotel bookings
- Earn EDGE Miles redeemable across airlines and hotels
- Free airport lounge access
- Complimentary concierge service
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000
- Best For: Global travelers seeking flexibility in redemptions
4. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
Why it’s budget-friendly: A zero forex fee card in India with travel features.
- Key Benefits:
- No forex markup fees
- Complimentary lounge visits (domestic & international)
- Unlimited reward points with no expiry
- Low interest rates (0.75% – 3.5% p.m.)
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Best For: International students and frequent travelers
5. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Why it’s reliable: Great for air miles and hotel discounts.
- Key Benefits:
- Earn Membership Rewards redeemable for Indigo flight vouchers
- 4 free domestic lounge visits every year
- Welcome and milestone travel vouchers worth ₹17,000+
- Bonus points on travel bookings
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000
- Best For: Domestic travelers who book frequently
🛫 Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access
- HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
- ✅ 12 complimentary airport lounge accesses per year (Domestic & International)
- SBI Card Elite
- ✅ 6 free domestic lounge visits + 2 international lounge visits annually
- Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
- ✅ Free airport lounge access (domestic & international) – based on tier
- IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
- ✅ Complimentary lounge access (domestic & international)
- American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
- ✅ 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year
💼 How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Cards
When selecting a travel credit card, consider these key factors:
✔️ Annual Fees vs. Benefits
Some premium cards come with high fees—but if you travel often, the benefits easily outweigh the cost. Look for fee waivers based on spending.
✔️ Rewards & Cashback
Opt for cards that offer high rewards on travel spending, including flights, hotels, and dining.
✔️ Zero Forex Credit Cards
If you travel abroad, go for cards with low or zero forex markup fees to save on currency conversion.
✔️ Airport Lounge Access
Comfort before your flight? Choose cards with domestic and international lounge access, especially with unlimited or high free limits.
✔️ Travel Insurance & Concierge
Premium cards often include travel insurance, concierge services, and even trip cancellation cover, which can be extremely useful.
🌏 Best Travel Credit Cards for International Travel
For those planning trips to Europe, the U.S., or Southeast Asia in 2025, here are great options with zero forex fee and global benefits:
- IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card – Best no-forex charge option
- SBI Card Elite – Great international lounge access
- Axis Atlas Credit Card – Earn points redeemable globally
- HDFC Infinia/Diners Black (Invite Only) – Elite experience for luxury travel
🧳 Budget-Friendly Best Travel Credit Cards in India
You don’t need a premium income to enjoy travel perks. Here are low-fee cards with great travel rewards:
- HSBC Platinum Credit Card – Zero annual fee with welcome rewards
- Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card – Great for booking flights and hotels via Amazon
- IRCTC SBI Card – Best for domestic train travel lovers
These cards may not offer lounge access, but they do help earn points and get discounts on travel platforms.
💬 Expert Tip: Pair Travel Cards With Airline Loyalty Programs
Want to maximize your travel rewards? Pair your credit card with loyalty programs like:
- Club Vistara (for Vistara flyers)
- Air India Flying Returns
- Indigo 6E Rewards
Several cards even give complimentary memberships, letting you stack up points faster and redeem them for free tickets, upgrades, or hotel stays.
📝 Documents Required to Apply
Here’s what you’ll need to apply for a travel credit card in India:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar or Passport (for KYC)
- Income proof (salary slip or IT return)
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Good credit score (700+ recommended)
Most banks now offer online application and approval in under 48 hours.
📊 Comparison Table – At a Glance
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Forex Fee | Lounge Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Diners Privilege | ₹2,500 | 2% | 12 per year | Luxury travel |
| SBI Card Elite | ₹4,999 | 1.99% | 8 per year | International |
| Axis Atlas | ₹5,000 | 3.5% | Yes | Reward points |
| IDFC FIRST Wealth | ₹0 | 0% | Yes | Budget global travel |
| AmEx Platinum Travel | ₹5,000 | 3.5% | 4 per year | Domestic flights |
🏁 Conclusion: Travel Smarter with the Right Card in 2025
Choosing the best travel credit card in India 2025 depends on your travel habits, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you’re seeking luxury lounge access, zero forex charges, or travel rewards, there’s a perfect card out there for you.
Use this guide to compare features, apply smartly, and start earning rewards with every journey. After all, in 2025, it’s not just about where you go — but how well you travel!
