Travel credit cards are essential tools for frequent travelers, offering a range of benefits from free flights to lounge access. With the right card, you can save significantly on travel expenses and enjoy a host of exclusive perks. This guide will explore the best travel credit cards in India for 2024, detailing their features, fees, and eligibility criteria to help you make an informed choice.
Criteria for Choosing Best Travel Credit Cards
When selecting a travel credit card, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Annual Fees and Interest Rates: Ensure the benefits justify the costs.
- Travel Rewards and Benefits: Look for cards that offer substantial travel rewards, such as air miles, hotel stays, and lounge access.
- Eligibility Criteria: Verify that you meet the income and credit score requirements for the card.
Top Travel Credit Cards in India 2024
Table of Contents
HDFC Regalia Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: Complimentary travel and dining vouchers
- Reward Points: 4 reward points per ₹150 spent
- Travel Perks: Complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide
- Lifestyle Benefits: Discounts on dining and entertainment
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (waived on spending ₹3 lakh in a year)
- Eligibility: Annual income above ₹12 lakh
SBI Card PRIME
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: e-Gift voucher worth ₹3,000
- Reward Points: 10 reward points on dining, groceries, and departmental stores
- Travel Perks: Complimentary membership to Priority Pass and Trident Privilege Red Tier Membership
- Lifestyle Benefits: Birthday benefits, milestone rewards
- Annual Fee: ₹2,999
- Eligibility: Annual income above ₹6 lakh
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: Complimentary economy class ticket
- Reward Points: Club Vistara points for every spend
- Travel Perks: Complimentary airport lounge access and priority check-in
- Lifestyle Benefits: Discounts on dining and golf privileges
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000
- Eligibility: Annual income above ₹6 lakh
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: 10,000 Membership Rewards Points on spending ₹5,000 within 90 days
- Reward Points: 1 Membership Rewards Point for every ₹50 spent
- Travel Perks: Complimentary travel vouchers worth ₹7,700 on reaching spending thresholds
- Lifestyle Benefits: Hotel and dining discounts
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500 (second year onwards ₹5,000)
- Eligibility: High income and good credit score
Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: 10,000 Miles on spending ₹1,000 within 60 days
- Reward Points: 10 Miles for every ₹100 spent on airlines and hotels
- Travel Perks: Complimentary airport lounge access
- Lifestyle Benefits: Discounts on dining and travel bookings
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000
- Eligibility: Annual income above ₹5 lakh
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: Travel and lifestyle vouchers
- Reward Points: 4 PAYBACK points per ₹100 spent on international transactions
- Travel Perks: Complimentary airport lounge access and discounts on car rentals
- Lifestyle Benefits: Golf privileges and dining discounts
- Annual Fee: ₹6,500 (waived on spending ₹6 lakh annually)
- Eligibility: Annual income above ₹10 lakh
Yatra SBI Card
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: Yatra voucher worth ₹8,250
- Reward Points: 6 reward points per ₹100 spent on Yatra bookings
- Travel Perks: Discounts on flight and hotel bookings
- Lifestyle Benefits: Dining and entertainment discounts
- Annual Fee: ₹499
- Eligibility: Good credit score
IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: Luxury brand vouchers
- Reward Points: 1.5 reward points per ₹100 spent
- Travel Perks: Complimentary lounge access and travel insurance
- Lifestyle Benefits: Golf privileges and concierge services
- Annual Fee: ₹9,999
- Eligibility: High income and excellent credit score
Kotak Bank PVR Gold Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: Complimentary movie tickets
- Reward Points: 2 PVR Points for every ₹100 spent
- Travel Perks: Discounts on travel bookings
- Lifestyle Benefits: Movie ticket discounts
- Annual Fee: ₹999
- Eligibility: Good credit score
YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Welcome Gift: Travel vouchers
- Reward Points: 4 reward points per ₹100 spent on travel bookings
- Travel Perks: Complimentary lounge access
- Lifestyle Benefits: Dining and shopping discounts
- Annual Fee: ₹1,500
- Eligibility: Annual income above ₹4 lakh
How to Maximize the Benefits of Travel Credit Cards
To make the most of your travel credit card, use the rewards efficiently by redeeming them for flights, hotel stays, or travel-related expenses. Be mindful of the fees and charges, and always read the fine print to understand the terms and conditions. Regularly check for new offers and updates to maximize your benefits.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel credit card depends on your travel habits and spending patterns. The HDFC Regalia, SBI Card PRIME, Axis Bank Vistara Signature, American Express Platinum Travel, Citi PremierMiles, ICICI Bank Sapphiro, Yatra SBI, IndusInd Bank Legend, Kotak Bank PVR Gold, and Yes Bank Travel Credit Card are among the best options in India for 2024, each offering unique benefits tailored to frequent travelers. Evaluate your needs and choose the card that aligns best with your travel preferences.
