If you love travelling — whether it’s flights, hotels, or weekend getaways — a travel credit card can help you save money, earn rewards, and enjoy perks like free lounge access and hotel discounts. Choosing the right card depends on your travel style, spending habits, and preferred airlines or hotel chains.
Below is a complete guide to the best travel credit cards in India in 2026, including who they’re best for, key benefits, fees, and tips to choose one that suits you best.
⭐ What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card
Before we list the best cards, here’s what you should consider:
- ✈️ Rewards on travel spends – Earn points on flight, hotel, and travel bookings
- 🛄 Airport lounge access – Free or discounted access for you and guests
- 🏨 Hotel benefits – Discounts or elite status at partner hotels
- 💳 Annual fees vs benefits – Make sure rewards outweigh the fee
- 🎁 Welcome bonus & milestones – Extra points when you spend a certain amount
- 🔄 Rewards flexibility – Convert points to airline miles or hotel points
Good travel cards help you recover costs through points and perks, especially if you travel often.
🥇 1. HDFC Regalia Card – Best All-Round Travel Card
Best for: Frequent travellers who want strong lounge access + premium rewards
Key Benefits:
- Complimentary airport lounge access (domestic + international)
- High rewards rate on travel, dining, and hotel bookings
- Milestone bonus points on yearly spends
- Comprehensive travel insurance
Why choose:
Great mix of travel perks and flexible redemption options — ideal if you fly often and want premium benefits without airline restrictions.
✈️ 2. SBI Card ELITE – Best for Lounge Access & Travel Rewards
Best for: Premium travelers who want airline & hotel perks
Key Benefits:
- 8 complimentary domestic and 6 international airport lounge visits yearly
- Bonus reward points on flight and hotel bookings
- Movie vouchers and gift vouchers annually
- Good milestone benefits
Why choose:
Perfect if lounge access and lifestyle benefits matter alongside travel rewards.
🛫 3. Axis Bank Vistara Infinite – For Vistara Flyers
Best for: Those who frequently fly with Vistara
Key Benefits:
- Complimentary Vistara Silver/Gold tier benefits
- Travel vouchers from Vistara upon joining
- Bonus points on Vistara bookings
- Lounge access and priority privileges
Why choose:
If you fly Vistara frequently, this card gives airline-centric rewards and tier benefits unlike most general travel cards.
🏨 4. American Express Platinum Travel Card – Comprehensive Travel Rewards
Best for: Travelers who want flexible travel bookings and hotel perks
Key Benefits:
- High points on travel and hotel bookings through AmEx partners
- Complimentary airport lounges (with conditions)
- Exclusive travel partner offers and discounts
- Access to curated experiences
Why choose:
Great choice if you use AmEx travel partners and want premium rewards that can be converted to multiple travel programs.
🛩️ 5. Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum – Travel + Everyday Rewards
Best for: Occasional travelers who also want grocery and dining rewards
Key Benefits:
- Bonus points on travel-related spends
- Extra points on everyday categories like groceries and dining
- Airport lounge access
- Low annual fee compared to other premium cards
Why choose:
A balanced travel card with strong everyday rewards — suits users who don’t travel very often but want travel perks.
✈️ 6. ICICI Sapphiro – Good Mid-Tier Travel Card
Best for: Mid-range travelers who want lounge access + hotel deals
Key Benefits:
- Domestic and select international lounge access
- Bonus points on travel, dining, and hotel bookings
- Hotel and travel partner offers (like Agoda, MakeMyTrip)
Why choose:
Good “mid-segment” card with decent travel rewards and benefits at a reasonable fee.
🧳 How Travel Rewards Help You Save
| Perk | Savings/Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lounge Access | Avoid costly airport lounges |
| Reward Points | Redeem for flights/hotels |
| Welcome Bonus | Extra travel credit |
| Hotel Vouchers | Free or discounted stays |
| Travel Insurance | Covers delays, medical emergencies |
💡 Tips Before Choosing a Travel Card
🪪 Match Card to Your Travel Style
- Airline-centric cards (e.g., Vistara) if you fly mostly with one airline
- General travel cards if your travel is varied
💰 Compare Annual Fees vs. Benefits
A high fee can be justified if perks outweigh it through lounge visits and reward points.
📊 Use Points Wisely
Redeem points early or transfer to partner programs for maximum value.
🛫 Read Terms Carefully
Check details like expiry of points, minimum redemption, and partner restrictions.
🔚 Conclusion
Choosing the best travel credit card in India depends on how often you travel, preferred airlines or hotels, and how much you spend on travel every month. Cards like HDFC Regalia and SBI Card ELITE offer strong lounge access and premium rewards, while airline-centric cards like Axis Bank Vistara Infinite are great for frequent Vistara flyers.
Compare perks, annual fees, and your travel style before applying to get the most value from your card.
For more easy-to-understand financial guides and comparisons, visit Sarkari Bakery.