Love traveling but hate spending more than you have to? With the right travel credit card, you can earn free flights, hotel stays, lounge access, and tons of rewards just by swiping smart. In this post, we’ve rounded up the best travel credit cards in 2025 for Indian and international travelers alike—whether you’re a casual vacationer or a frequent flyer.
7 Best Travel Credit Cards in 2025 to Maximize Your Rewards
1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
Best For: Balanced travel & lifestyle perks
Complimentary airport lounge access (domestic & international)
Low forex markup (2%)
Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (waived off on spending ₹3L annually)
Why it’s great: Comes with concierge services and travel insurance, perfect for business travelers.
2. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Best For: Frequent flyers
8 complimentary international airport lounge visits
Earn Edge Miles on every transaction (convert to airline miles)
Annual Fee: ₹5,000
Pro Tip: One of the best cards in India for global travelers.
3. American Express Platinum Travel Card
Best For: Rewards & vouchers
Milestone rewards worth over ₹20,000 in travel vouchers
Complimentary access to Amex lounges in India
Annual Fee: ₹5,000 (First Year)
Bonus: Ideal for domestic travelers who book flights & hotels often.
4. SBI Card ELITE
Best For: Premium perks
Complimentary Club Vistara membership
Free movie tickets, lounge access, hotel discounts
Annual Fee: ₹4,999
Good to know: Also includes international lounge visits via Priority Pass.
5. IDFC First Wealth Credit Card
Best For: Zero-fee international travelers
Lifetime Free Card
4 complimentary airport lounge & spa access per quarter
0% forex markup
Why choose it: Ideal for students or digital nomads who want maximum value with zero annual cost.
6. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card (Limited availability)
Best For: Airline mile collectors
10X miles on airline bookings
Complimentary airport lounge access
Annual Fee: ₹3,000
Note: Citi cards are being transitioned to Axis Bank – check availability.
7. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (U.S.)
Best For: U.S.-based travelers
2X points on travel & dining
Points transferable to 10+ airline/hotel partners
Annual Fee: $95
Why it’s popular: Huge sign-up bonus and flexible point redemption.
How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card?
Consider these factors before applying:
- Your travel frequency (domestic or international)
- Lounge access & travel insurance
- Forex markup fees
- Reward conversion options (air miles, hotel stays, etc.)
- Annual fee vs. benefits
With the right travel credit card, every trip becomes more rewarding. From flight upgrades to lounge access, these cards help you save more while exploring the world. Pick one that suits your travel style, and start earning rewards today!
