Best Credit Card for Travel Bookings in India

A. Benefits of using credit cards for travel bookings

• Rewards points: Many credit cards in India offer rewards points or cashback for travel-related purchases. These rewards points can be redeemed for a range of benefits, such as free flights, hotel stays, and upgrades, which can significantly reduce the cost of your travel.

• Exclusive discounts: Many credit card issuers in India have partnerships with airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, which allows them to offer exclusive discounts and deals on travel bookings. These discounts can be significant and can help you save a lot of money on your travel expenses.

• Travel insurance: Some credit cards in India offer travel insurance as a benefit. This can include coverage for things like trip cancellations, lost or delayed luggage, medical emergencies, and more. Having this coverage can give you peace of mind when traveling and help you avoid unexpected expenses.

• EMI options: Many credit card issuers in India offer the option to convert large travel expenses into EMIs (equated monthly installments) at a lower interest rate. This can make it easier to manage your travel expenses and avoid taking on high-interest debt.

• Contactless payments: With the ongoing pandemic, contactless payment options have become more important than ever. Many credit cards in India offer contactless payment options, which allow you to pay for your travel expenses without having to touch cash or a payment terminal

B. Factors to consider when choosing a credit card for travel bookings

• Rewards or cashback: Look for a credit card that offers high rewards or cashback on travel bookings, such as flights or hotel stays

• Travel benefits: Consider additional travel benefits offered by the credit card, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and baggage allowance

• Annual fee: Consider the annual fee of the credit card and whether it is worth paying for the travel benefits

• Foreign transaction fees: Look for a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees when using it for travel bookings

• Other benefits: Consider other benefits of the credit card, such as additional rewards or cashback on other purchases, dining discounts, or fraud protection

C. Best credit cards for travel bookings

HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black credit card is a top-tier credit card that offers various benefits for travel bookings. These include lounge access, travel insurance, airport concierge services, and a reward program that offers up to 10x reward points for travel bookings.

• Joining Criteria & Requirements: Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and should have a minimum annual income of Rs. 3 lakhs.
• Credit Score Needed: Applicants must have a good credit score of 750 or above.
• Joining Fee: Rs. 10,000 + GST
• Tenure: Lifetime
• Interest Rates: 3.25% per month
• Eligibility: Applicants must have a good credit score of 750 or above.
• Perks & Benefits: Up to 5 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on dining, travel & entertainment; Up to 2 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on other purchases; Up to 25% savings on dining, shopping, travel & entertainment; Up to Rs. 10,000 worth of vouchers annually; Up to Rs. 15,000 of air tickets annually; Up to Rs. 20,000 of annual domestic hotel bookings; Global Concierge Service; Free access to over 1000 domestic & international lounges.

• Pros: Attractive rewards, exclusive benefits & discounts, good customer service, global acceptance.
• Cons: High joining fee, high interest rate, limited redemption options.

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

The American Express Platinum Travel credit card provides exclusive travel benefits such as complimentary domestic lounge access, travel vouchers, and a reward program that offers up to 5x reward points on travel bookings. Additionally, customers can avail of discounts on hotel bookings and car rentals through partner websites.

• Joining Fee: Rs. 3,500 for first year, Rs 5,000 with additional tax from second year
• Joining Criteria: Annual income of Rs 6 lakhs or more
• Credit Score Needed: 750 or above
• Tenure: Lifetime
• Interest Rate: 2.99% to 3.5% per month
• Eligibility: Indian resident
• Perks and Benefits: Up to 10% discount on select dining outlets, 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per quarter, 4 complimentary movie tickets per month, 10% cashback on travel bookings through Yatra.com, 5% cashback on fuel purchases, 5% cashback on utility bill payments, 5% cashback on Grocery purchases, 5% cashback on online shopping.

• Pros: Good range of rewards and benefits, low interest rates
• Cons: High joining fee, annual fee

SBI Card Elite

The SBI Card Elite credit card provides exclusive travel benefits such as complimentary domestic lounge access, travel insurance, and a reward program that offers up to 5x reward points on travel bookings. Additionally, customers can avail of discounts on hotel bookings and car rentals through partner websites.

• Joining Fee: Rs 4,999
• Joining Criteria: Annual income of Rs 8 lakhs or more
• Credit Score Needed: Good
• Tenure: Lifetime
• Interest Rate: upto 3.50% per month
• Eligibility: Indian resident
• Perks and Benefits: Club Vistara and Trident Privilege Membership,  fuel surcharge waiver, Low Foreign Currency Mark-up Charge of 1.99% on International usage, 2 complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge visits every quarter in India, Complimentary membership to the Priority Pass Program worth $99 , 6 complimentary Airport Lounge visits per calendar year, outside India

• Pros: Good range of rewards and benefits, low interest rates
• Cons: High joining fee, annual fee

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

The Axis Bank Vistara Signature credit card is designed for frequent travelers and provides exclusive benefits for Vistara airlines bookings. These benefits include complimentary lounge access, priority check-in, and additional baggage allowance. The card also provides reward points for all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel bookings.

• Joining Criteria and Requirements: Minimum income of Rs. 6 lakhs per annum.
• Credit Score Needed: 750 or above
• Joining Fee: Rs. 3,000
• Tenure: Lifetime
• Interest Rates: 3.6% per month
• Eligibility: Indian residents aged between 18-70 years
• Perks and Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, free flight tickets, reward points on spending, and discounts on dining and travel, Complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership.

• Pros: Free flight tickets and lounge access.
• Cons: High joining fee and interest rate.

ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card

The ICICI Bank Emeralde credit card offers several travel benefits, including complimentary domestic lounge access, travel insurance, and a reward program that offers up to 6x reward points for travel bookings. Additionally, customers can avail of discounts on hotel bookings and car rentals through partner websites.

• Joining Criteria and Requirements: Minimum income of Rs. 1.2 lakhs per month.
• Credit Score Needed: 750 or above
• Joining Fee: Rs. 12,000
• Tenure: Lifetime
• Interest Rates: 3.4% per month
• Eligibility: Indian residents aged between 21-60 years
• Perks and Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, air accident insurance, reward points on spending, and discounts on dining and travel, Club Vistara Silver membership, EMI options for travel bookings.

• Pros: Great rewards program and lounge access.
• Cons: High joining fee and minimum income requirement.