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 2025 for Indian and international travelers alike—whether you’re a casual vacationer or a frequent flyer.
If you love to travel, a good travel credit card can be your ultimate companion — helping you earn free flights, hotel stays, lounge access, and even travel insurance perks. With 2025 bringing even more options and updated features, choosing the right travel credit card can maximize your adventures and save you thousands along the way. But with so many choices, how do you pick the one that fits your travel style and spending habits?
I remember the first time I applied for a travel credit card. I was planning a trip to Kerala on a tight budget and wanted to see if I could stretch my funds with rewards. I chose a card with airline miles as the main benefit and started using it for everyday expenses — groceries, fuel, even my monthly subscriptions. To my surprise, within a few months, I had earned enough points for a one-way flight!
On top of that, I got complimentary airport lounge access, which made my travel experience feel far more luxurious than I could’ve afforded. Since then, I’ve tested different travel cards based on my needs — some great for domestic travel, others loaded with international perks. It’s been a game-changer for how I plan and enjoy my trips.
In this post, I’ve curated a list of the Top 7 Travel Credit Cards for 2025, each offering strong rewards, travel-specific benefits, and great value. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a weekend explorer, or a digital nomad in the making, this guide will help you find the card that aligns with your travel goals. Let’s unlock those big rewards and turn your everyday spending into unforgettable travel moments!
7 Best Travel Credit Cards 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!