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25+ Best Travel Credit Cards in India 2024

Travel credit cards are tailored to the needs of frequent travellers. These credit cards offer benefits such as complimentary access to airport lounges, 24×7 concierge service, and insurance benefits. They not only make the cardholder’s travel experience smoother and more comfortable but also, in most cases, offer a higher reward rate on travel-related expenses like flight bookings and hotel reservations. Many travel credit cards earn rewards in the form of AirMiles, which can be redeemed for air ticket bookings, award flights (free flights), or class upgrades with partner airlines.

Best-Travel-Credit-Cards-In-India

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

Travel credit cards are typically offered in collaboration with an airline, an online travel portal, or a hotel/resorts chain. These co-branded credit cards often provide higher rewards for spending with partner airlines or travel portals. Additionally, you can often enjoy exclusive benefits such as complimentary membership in the partner airline’s frequent flyer program or bonus AirMiles upon reaching specific spend-based milestones with these co-branded travel credit cards. Examples of co-branded travel cards include the 4 Ka-Ching Credit Cards by HDFC and Kotak (offered in collaboration with Go IndiGo), Air Vistara co-branded credit cards by Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, and SBI Card, as well as Emirates and Etihad co-branded credit cards by SBI Card.

While most travel rewards credit cards are offered in collaboration with an airline or travel portal, some travel cards are more generic and are suitable for travellers in general without providing additional benefits for spending with a particular airline or travel portal. Two examples of such generic travel credit cards are the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and the Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card.

List of Best Travel Credit Cards in India 2024

Now that you understand how travel cards work, once you are certain that you need a travel credit card, you can select one from our list of the finest travel credit cards available in India, depending on your requirements and expectations for a travel credit card. Here are some of the best credit cards for travel, according to us, currently available in the Indian credit card market.

  • Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card

Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card

Club vistara indusind bank explorer credit card.

  • 6E Rewards XL – IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card
  • 6E Rewards XL – Indigo Kotak Bank Credit Card
  • 6E Rewards – IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card

Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME

Air india sbi signature credit card, air india sbi platinum credit card, etihad guest sbi premier credit card, etihad guest sbi credit card.

  • Axis Bank Miles & More Credit Card

HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card

Irctc sbi card premier, irctc rupay sbi credit card, makemytrip icici bank platinum credit card.

  • MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card

Yatra SBI Credit Card

Intermiles icici bank sapphiro credit card, emirates skywards icici bank emeralde credit card, emirates skywards icici bank sapphiro credit card, axis bank atlas credit card, american express platinum travel credit card, citibank premiermiles credit card, rbl world safari credit card, hdfc bank diners club miles credit card, air vistara co-branded credit cards:.

Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card

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It is the most premium travel credit card by Axis Bank in collaboration with Air Vistara. You earn Club Vistara Points on all spends via the Vistara Infinite credit card which you can redeem on the Air Vistara portal for booking Vistara air tickets, class upgrades, award flights, etc. Apart from the CV Points, you also get the following travel benefits with the Vistara Infinite card-

  • Club Vistara Gold Membership and one complimentary business class ticket voucher as a welcome benefit (business class ticket voucher every year the card membership is renewed).
  • Bonus CV Points or complimentary business class tickets on achieving the stipulated spends based milestones.
  • Travel-related insurance benefits including personal air accident cover (worth Rs. 2.5 crore) applicable in case of loss of life, purchase cover worth Rs. 1 lakh, USD 300 cover against loss of travel documents or delay in check-in luggage and USD 500 cover in case of loss of check-in luggage.
  • 2 complimentary access to lounges (per quarter) at select domestic airports across India.

Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card

This is a co-branded card launched by IDFC First bank in partnership with Air Vistara. The card comes at a joining fee of Rs. 4999 plus taxes and is a great choice for regular Air Vistara travellers. The card offers complimentary premium economy flight ticket, class upgrade voucher, and Club Vistara Silver tier membership as welcome benefits.

  • Complimentary Premium Economy flight ticket, Class Upgrade voucher, and Club Vistara Silver Tier membership as welcome benefit
  • Up to 6 CV Points per Rs. 200 spent with the card
  • Up to 5 complimentary Premium Economy flight tickets as milestone benefits
  • 2 complimentary domestic and 1 international lounge access
  • 4 complimentary green fees golf rounds per year
  • CFAR Trip Cancellation cover for hotel and flight bookings, up to Rs. 10,000

Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card

Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Card is a premium credit card by IndusInd Bank. It has a hefty joining fee of Rs. 40,000 (plus taxes) and an annual membership fee of Rs. 10,000 per annum is applicable second year onwards. The IndusInd Club Vistara Explorer Credit Card is a direct competitor of the Axis Bank Club Vistara Infinite Credit Card. Some of the salient features of the IndusInd Club Vistara Explorer Credit Card are as under-

  • You earn 8 CV (Club Vistara Points) per Rs. 200 spent on Vistara website, 6 CV Points per Rs. 200 on other travel spends, 2 CV Points per Rs. 200 on other spends and 1 CV Point per Rs. 200 on fuel, utility and insurance categories.
  • The Card entitles you to Club Vistara Gold tier membership.
  • You also get 1 complimentary domestic airport lounge access and 4 complimentary international lounge pass (with Priority Pass membership) evry year.
  • The card also entitles you to 1 complimentary Air Vistara business class ticket for every Rs. 3 lacs spent (up to a maximum of 5 tickets in a year).

IndiGo Co-branded Credit Cards:

6e rewards xl – indigo hdfc bank credit card.

6E Rewards XL Indigo HDFC Bank Credit Card

It is a co-branded travel credit card by HDFC Bank in collaboration with Indigo airlines. The card is best suited for frequent domestic flyers. The 6E Rewards XL Credit Card is offered in two variants- the free variant (zero membership fee) and the paid variant (membership fee of Rs. 2,500). The card comes with a plethora of travel benefits, particularly for domestic frequent flyers-

  • The card earns you reward points as IndiGo 6E Rewards that are redeemable on the IndiGo 6E Rewards portal for 6E Rewards benefits including booking Go IndiGo flights.
  • You get a complimentary IndiGo air ticket and IndiGo Prime Add-on as welcome benefits on making a minimum of 3 transactions within 3 months of card setup. These welcome benefits are applicable for the paid variant of the card only.
  • IndiGo 6E Rewards XL cardholders are also entitled to 8 complimentary lounge access every year (max 2 per quarter) at domestic airports across India

As Go IndiGo is the country’s largest domestic carrier, this credit card can be a really good choice for those who travel frequently within the country.

6E Rewards XL – Indigo Kotak Bank Credit Card

6E Rewards XL Indigo Kotak Credit Card

The 6E Rewards XL Credit Card offered by Kotak Mahindra is very much similar to the 6E Rewards XL Card by HDFC with regard to the rewards & benefits that it delivers. The annual fee of 6E Rewards XL – IngiGo Kotak Mahindra Credit Card is Rs. 2,500, however, as an introductory offer the card is currently available for an annual fee of Rs. 1,500. Some of the key features of 6E Rewards XL – IndiGo Kotak Mahindra Credit Card are-

  • Free air ticket worth Rs. 3,000, free 6E Prime add-on worth Rs. 899, 30% discount on Accor Stay voucher (worth Rs. 5,000), Accor hotels dining voucher worth Rs. 1,000 and a Budwiser 0.0 voucher worth Rs. 250 as welcome gifts on joining the card membership.
  • 20% value back as IndiGo 6E Rewards at IndiGo featured partners.
  • 6% value back as 6E Rewards on spends on IndiGo.
  • 3% value back as 6E Rewards on spends on dining, grocery and entertainment categories.
  • 2% value back as IndiGo 6E Rewards on every other spends (including fuel) made with the card.
  • 8 complimentary lounge access at select domestic lounges across India.
  • 12 golf lessons and 4 rounds of green fees (every year) at premium golf courses across India.

6E Rewards – IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card

6E Rewards IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card

It is another co-branded travel credit card issued by HDFC bank launched in collaboration with Go Indigo. It is the less premium variant of the 6E Rewards XL card. It also comes in two variants- free variant and a paid variant (annual fee of Rs. 700). The 6E Rewards IndiGo card comes with the following travel benefits-

  • You earn Reward Points as 6E Rewards on all categories of spends (the reward rate is lower than the XL variant though) and accelerated 6E Rewards on IndiGo ticket bookings.
  • 1 complimentary IndiGo Add-on and on making a minimum of 3 transactions in the first three months of card issuance get a complimentary air ticket (worth Rs. 1,500) (at least 1 transaction per month). The welcome benefits are applicable only for the paid variant.

The aforementioned travel benefits make this credit card a decent credit card in the travel category. You must compare the benefits of this card with those of the more premium XL variant before making the final decision.

Club Vistara SBI Card Prime

It is a mid-level travel credit card by SBI Cards in partnership with Air Vistara. The card comes with a membership fee of Rs. 1,999 per annum and offers plethora of travel benefits including-

  • An e-gift voucher or 1 premium economy class ticket at the time of joining and every year on paying the card annual fee (on card renewal).
  • Reward Points as Club Vistara Points on all categories of spends.
  • Bonus CV Points, complimentary air tickets and hotel vouchers on achieving the stipulated spends based milestones.
  • Air travel insurance cover against air ticket cancellation, air accident, delay of check-in luggage, baggage damage, loss of check-in baggage and loss of travel documents.
  • 8 complimentary access to domestic airport lounges every year (max 2 per quarter) and 4 complimentary international airport lounge access every year (max 2 in a quarter).

Air India Co-branded Credit Cards:

Air India SBI Signature credit card

SBI Card offers two co-branded cards in partnership with Air India- Air India SBI Signature Credit Card and Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card. The Signature card is more premium than the latter. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card comes with a annual fee of Rs. 4,999 and comes packed with multiple travel benefits, particularly for Air India flyers. Some of the salient features of the Air India SBI Signature Credit Card are as under-

  • Complimentary membership to Air India’s frequent flyer program, Flying Returns.
  • Accelerated RPts on Air India flight bookings.
  • The Reward Points earned are convertible into Air India AirMiles.
  • 8 complimentary access to lounges across India every year (max 2 per quarter).

If you want a card that offers high reward rate on Air India bookings, then this card is best choice that one can make. Another option worth considering for Air India frequent flyers is the lesser premium Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card.

Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card

The Air India SBI Platinum credit card is a co-branded travel credit card by SBI cards launched in collaboration with Air India. It can be considered a toned-down version of the Air India SBI Signature Credit Card.  The travel benefits that you get with this credit card are summarised below-

  • Complimentary membership of the Air India Frequent Flyer program.
  • Accelerated Reward Points on spends on Air India tickets.
  • The Reward Points earned can be converted into Air India AirMiles.
  • 8 complimentary access to domestic airport lounges (max 2 per quarter) with the Visa Domestic Lounge program.

As there are very few Air India credit cards in the market, this one by SBI Card can be a really good pick for those who consider the state-owned airline the carrier of choice for their traveling needs.

Etihad Airways Co-branded Credit Cards:

Etihad Guest SBI Premier Card

Etihad Guest SBI Premier Card is a premium travel credit card by SBI Card in collaboration with the UAE-based Etihad Airways airline. With a membership fee of Rs. 4,999, the card offers a plethora of travel benefits. Some of the salient features of the card are as under-

  • Etihad Gold Tier status and 5,000 Etihad Guest Miles as welcome benefits.
  • You earn Etihad Guest Miles on all categories of transactions with the card (accelerated Etihad Guest Miles on Etihad.com and international spends).
  • You get a discount of 10% on direct Etihad airways bookings and a 10% discount on rewards/miles redemption.
  • You get 8 complimentary domestic lounge pass every year (max 2 per quarter) and 4 complimentary access to international lounges every year (max 2 per quarter).
  • You are also entitled to a complimentary overseas air accidental insurance cover which is worth Rs. 50 lakh and a cover worth USD 1,000 against the loss on check-in baggage as a cardmember.
  • You also get 1 Etihad companion voucher per annum on an annual expenditure of a minimum of Rs. 8 lacs with the card.

Considering all the aforementioned travel benefits, it’d be safe to conclude that if you are looking for a premium credit card and are a frequent flyer to middle-east destinations including Dubai, you can not go wrong with the Etihad Guest SBI Premier Card as it offers a fairly high reward rate, particularly on the Etihad Airways portal. On top of that, you also get a discount of 10% on bookings made directly on Etihad.com.

Etihad Guest SBI Card

It is another a co-branded travel card by SBI cards in collaboration with Etihad airways. Unlike the Etihad Guest SBI Premier Card, which is a premium card in the travel category, this one is a mid-level offering by SBI cards. The annual fee for this co-branded credit card is of Rs. 1,499 per annum. The travel benefits that come bundled with this credit are as under-

  • Complimentary Etihad Silver Tier Status, 2,500 Etihad Guest Miles as a welcome gift.
  • The card rewards you as Etihad Guest Miles including all categories, accelerated Etihad Guest Miles on Etihad.com and international spends.
  • Discount on Etihad economy and business class ticket bookings and on Etihad Guest Miles redemption.
  • 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per year (max 2 per quarter) and complimentary Priority Pass membership worth USD 99.
  • Travel-related insurance benefits including a personal air accident cover that is worth Rs. 25 lakhs and a baggage cover worth USD 1,000.

Lufthansa Co-branded Credit Cards:

Axis bank miles & more credit card.

Axis Bank Miles & More Credit Card

The Miles & More Credit Card by Axis Bank is a co-branded card launched by the bank in partnership with the Germany-based Lufthansa airlines. Miles & More Credit Card comes in two variants- Miles & More Select Credit Card and Miles & More World Credit Card. The Select variant is the more premium one of the two and offers a higher reward rate and more additional benefits. You earn award miles for all spending using the card that are credited to Miles & More account which is registered with the bank. Following are some of the key features of Axis Bank Miles & More Credit Card-

  • Redeem the miles acquired for flight bookings and upgrades (on all Star Alliance member carriers including United Airlines, Air China, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines), hotel reservations, car rentals, shopping at partner merchants, or donations for a good cause.
  • You are entitled to an annual bonus of 4,000 and 3,000 Miles respectively on the Miles & More World Credit Card and Miles & More Select respectively.
  • You get 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge per quarter access with Miles & More Select Credit Card and 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter with Miles & More World Credit Card.
  • You also get 4 complimentary international airport lounge access per annum with Miles & More Select Credit Card 2 complimentary international airport lounge access per quarter with Miles & More World Credit Card.
  • Miles & More Select Credit Card earns you 6 award Miles per Rs. 200, while Miles & More World Credit Card earns you  4 award Miles per Rs. 200.

IRCTC Co-branded Credit Cards:

HDFC-IRCTC-Credit-Card

The IRCTC HDFC Bank RuPay Credit Card is a recently launched travel credit card that comes with a nominal annual fee of Rs. 499 plus applicable taxes. The card rewards you in the form of Cash Points and you can earn up to 5 Cash Points on every Rs. 100 you spend using it. The following are some of the key features of this card:

  • Amazon voucher worth Rs. 500 as an introductory benefit.
  • 1 Cash Point on every retail spend of Rs. 100.
  • 5x Cash Points on IRCTC spends.
  • Free railway lounge access four times every year.
  • Spend-based renewal fee waiver.

IRCTC SBI Card Premier

Unlike most travel credit cards that offer air travel benefits, this IRCTC co-branded credit card offered by SBI Card comes with railway benefits and is suitable for those frequent travelers who prefer trains over flights for domestic travel. Following are the features of the card:

  • 10% value back on rail ticket bookings via IRCTC app/website transferred to the cardholder’s IRCTC loyalty account.
  • Transaction charges waived off on rail/air tickets booked via IRCTC app/website.
  • Accommodation at 5,000 plus hotels covering 350 cities across India.
  • 8 complimentary railway lounge visits every year (max 2 per quarter).
  • Complimentary rail and air accident cover worth Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 50 lakh respectively.
  • Rewards Points earned are redeemable on IRCTC app/website if the card is linked with the cardholder’s IRCTC account.

IRCTC Rupay SBI Credit Card

IRCTC Rupay SBI Credit Card is very much similar to the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card in terms of the benefits that it offers. The travel benefits that this credit card offers are as under-

  • 10% value back on rail ticket bookings on IRCTC app/website transferred to your IRCTC loyalty account.
  • 1% transaction charges are waived off on rail ticket bookings via IRCTC app/website.
  • Reward Points gained on the card can be redeemed on IRCTC app/website if the card is linked with the cardholder’s IRCTC account.

MakeMyTrip and Yatra Co-branded Travel Credit Cards:

MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card

It is a co-branded travel card issued by ICICI bank launched in collaboration with the travel portal MakeMyTrip. As an entry level card, it comes with a membership fee of Rs. 500 per annum. Following are the travel benefits that you get with this credit card-

  • You earn Reward Points as MakeMyTrip My Cash (accelerated rate applicable on MakeMyTrip transactions) which can be used to make bookings on MakeMyTrip (1 My Cash = Re. 1).
  • Rs. 500 My Cash and a MakeMyTrip holiday voucher worth Rs. 3,000 as a joining benefit.
  • 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter if Rs. 5,000 or more were spent in the previous quarter.
  • 1 complimentary international airport lounge visit per annum with Dreamfolks lounge access program membership.
  • 1 complimentary IRCTC lounge access every quarter.

MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card

This is another co-branded credit card launched by the ICICI bank in collaboration with the travel portal MakeMyTrip. This credit card comes bundled with the following travel benefits-

  • You earn Reward Points as My Cash which is transferred to your MakeMyTrip MyWallet and can be used to make bookings on the MakeMyTrip portal (1 My Cash = Re. 1).
  • Rs. 1,500 My Cash, complimentary MMT BLACK exclusive membership and a MakeMyTrip holiday voucher worth Rs. 2,500 as a joining benefit.
  • Complimentary railway and domestic & international airport lounge visits.
  • Complimentary Airtel international roaming pack worth Rs. 3,999.

Yatra-SBI-Credit-Card

As is obvious from the name, it is a co-branded credit card by SBI cards launched in collaboration with the travel portal Yatra. It is an entry-level travel credit card and comes with the following travel benefits-

  • Gift vouchers worth Rs. 8,250 from Yatra as a joining benefit.
  • Discounts on domestic and international flight bookings via Yatra- Rs. 1,000 off on domestic flight bookings (min transaction of Rs. 5,000 required) and Rs. 4,000 off on international flight bookings (min transaction of Rs. 40,000 required).
  • 20% off on domestic hotel bookings via Yatra- min transaction of Rs. 3,000 required and max discount capped at Rs. 2,000.
  • Complimentary air accident cover worth Rs. 50 lacs (applicable in case of loss of life).

InterMiles Co-branded Travel Credit Cards:

InterMiles ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

It is one of the premium cards offered by ICICI Bank in the travel category. The card comes in two variants – the American Express and the Visa variant (the AmEx variant offers a bit higher reward rate.) The following travel benefits come bundled with the ICICI Bank InterMiles Sapphiro credit card-

  • You earn Reward Points as InterMiles on all categories of spends (accelerated InterMiles on Etihad airways ticket bookings on the InterMiles portal).
  • 1 year silver tier membership and 10,000 bonus InterMiles and discounts on flight and hotel bookings as a welcome benefit on achieving the stipulated spends-based milestones.
  • Bonus InterMiles and flight discount vouchers each time the card is renewed.
  • 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter (on spending minimum of Rs. 5,000 in the last quarter) and 2 complimentary international airport lounge visits per annum with the Dreamfolks lounge access program.

If you fly frequently via Etihad airways, this can be a really good choice for you. It is comparable to InterMiles HDFC Diners Club Credit Card. It is advisable to compare the benefits of the two before making a decision.

Emirates Co-branded Travel Credit Cards

emirates skywards icici emeralde credit card

The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde card is a newly launched card offered by the ICICI Bank in collaboration with Emirates Airlines. The card rewards its customers in the form of Skyward Miles which can be redeemed against travel bookings & various other options available on the Emirates website. Other travel benefits of the card include:

  • Unlimited complimentary domestic as well as international lounge access.
  • Emirates Skywards gold tier membership on spending Rs 15 lacs in a year.
  • Complimentary Dreamfolks membership.

Emirates Skywards ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card

The Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Sapphiro Card is another card that was launched along with the Emirates ICICI Bank Emeralde Card. It comes with an annual fee of Rs. 5,000 and welcomes its customers with 5,000 bonus miles. Following are some of the most premium benefits of this card:

  • 2 complimentary domestic lounge access and spa sessions every quarter.
  • 2 complimentary international lounge access every year.
  • Complimentary Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership.

Generic Travel Credit Cards:

Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card

Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card is a newly launched card, best suited for people who travel often. With an annual fee of Rs. 5,000 it is offered in three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. It offers various exclusive privileges across different categories along with travel. Following are some of the premium benefits offered with this card:

  • Up to 5 Edge Miles on every spend fo Rs. 100.
  • Up to 18 complimentary domestic lounge visits every year.
  • Up to 12 complimentary international lounge visits every year.

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

It is a premium travel credit card by American Express and comes loaded with a plethora of travel benefits. It is definitely one of the best travel credit cards in India in the premium segment. Some of the travel benefits that come bundled with the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card are as under-

  • 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every year (one per quarter) and complimentary membership of the Priority Pass lounge program.
  • You get vouchers from leading hotel chains like the Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta hotels on achieving the stipulated spends milestones.

Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card

The PremierMiles credit card by Citibank is a premium offering by the bank in the travel category. It comes with a annual membership fee of Rs. 3,000 per annum and offers you the following travel benefits-

  • You earn AirMiles (or just Miles) on all categories of spends which can be redeemed for air ticket bookings or can be transferred to 15 airlines and hotels loyalty programs. 1 Citi bank Miles earned on the Premier Miles Credit Card is equivalent to Rs. 0.5 when transferred to InterMiles, Air India, Etihad, Thai Airways, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Eva Air, British Airways, Singapore Airways, Qatar Airways, Flying Blue (Air France and KLM), Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, and Re. 1 when transferred to Taj InnerCircle and InterContinental Hotel Group membership.
  • 8 complimentary domestic lounge access with the Visa variant and 6 domestic lounge access with the Mastercard variant of the card.
  • Personal air accident cover (worth Rs, 1 crore) (applicable only in case of loss of life).

RBL World Safari Credit Card

World Safari credit card by the RBL bank is a premium travel card by the RBL bank. It is the only credit card in India with a zero foreign currency mark-up fee. The travel benefits of the card are as under-

  • MakeMyTrip voucher (worth Rs. 3,000) as a welcome benefit.
  • 0% mark-up fee on all foreign currency transactions.
  • You earn Travel Points on all categories of spends which can be redeemed for flight/hotel bookings.
  • 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits (per quarter) and 2 complimentary international lounge pass annually under the Priority Pass membership.

HDFC Bank Diners Club Miles Credit Card

It is an entry-level travel credit card issued by HDFC bank and you have to pay a nominal membership fee of Rs. 1,000 per annum for the Diners Club Miles credit card. The travel benefits you get with the Diners club Miles credit card include-

  • Reward Points redeemable against AirMiles, flight tickets, hotel reservations at the rate of 1 Reward Point = 1 AirMile, 1 Reward Point = Rs. 0.50 (for hotel/flight bookings via SmartBuy).
  • Complimentary 6 airport lounge visits around the world each year.
  • Travel concierge service.
  • Insurance benefits including air accident cover (worth Rs. 1 crore), emergency medical expenses cover worth Rs. 25 lakh, credit liability cover (up to Rs. 9 lakh), insurance cover worth Rs. 50,000 on baggage delay/loss.

With all these travel benefits, we can safely conclude that HDFC Diners Club Miles and IRCTC HDFC RuPay Card are among the best travel cards in the budget segment.

Features and Benefits of Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards can be either generic or co-branded (launched in partnership with an airline, or in some cases, IRCTC or even travel portals like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, etc.). Co-branded travel cards, as you can guess, offer special benefits on spends on the partner airline and/or earn rewards as the partner airline’s AirMiles which are credited to the airline’s frequent flyer program.

Generic travel credit cards, on the other hand, either earn Reward Points at an accelerated on travel-related spends or offer travel-related value-added privileges like complimentary hotel loyalty program membership or a complimentary night stay at partner hotels, etc.

Both co-branded, as well as generic travel credit cards, usually offer complimentary airport/IRCTC lounge access and comprehensive insurance plan along with multiple travel insurance covers. Some of the features and benefits that one expects from a travel credit card are-

Complimentary Lounge Access: Almost all travel credit cards offer complimentary airport or IRCTC lounge access. Entry-level and mid-level travel credit cards offer only domestic airport lounge access and/or IRTC lounge access, while premium travel cards usually also offer complimentary international airport lounge access or at least a complimentary membership to the Priority Pass lounge program.

AirMiles: This is applicable only for co-branded travel credit cards. Co-branded travel credit cards, launched in collaboration with an airline many times earn Reward Points as partner airline’s AirMiles. For example, Air Vistara co-branded credit cards by Axis Bank (Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card, Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card and Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card), SBI Card (Club Vistara SBI Card and Club Vistara SBI Card Prime) and IndusInd Bank (Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card) earn Reward Points as Club Vistara (CV) Points and GoIndiGo co-branded credit cards by HDFC and Kotak Mahindra (the four Ka-Ching Credit Cards) earn Reward Points as IndiGo 6E Rewards.

Hotel Loyalty Program Membership/Stay Vouchers: Some of the premium travel credit cards also offer complimentary membership of certain hotel loyalty programs or complimentary stay vouchers at partner hotels. For example, you get complimentary Taj stay vouchers/gift cards with American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and RBL World Safari Credit Card.

Welcome/Milestone Benefits: Many travel credit cards offer travel vouchers (like hotel stay vouchers/gift cards) as a welcome benefit on card membership or as a milestone benefit on achieving the stipulated spend milestone. Some travel cards also offer complimentary flight ticket(s) as a welcome benefit or as a milestone benefit.

Accelerated Reward Rate on Travel Spends: Some travel credit cards earn Reward Points/Miles at an accelerated rate on travel-related spends. For example, Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card earns Citibank Miles at an accelerated rate (10 Miles/Rs. 100) on airline spends with the card, while the usual reward rate of the card is just 4 Miles per Rs. 100 spent.

How to Compare Travel Credit Cards?

Travel Credit Cards, as you know offer special travel benefits to the card bearer. These benefits may come in a number of different forms including complimentary airport/IRCTC lounge access, complimentary hotel stay vouchers/hotel loyalty program memberships, Reward Points as AirMiles, bonus Reward Points/Miles on travel spends, etc. Now since different travel cards come with different types of travel benefits, it is many times difficult to objectively compare two credit cards. For example, how would you compare a travel credit card like American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card that earns offers complimentary domestic airport lounge access and Taj Stay vouchers (on meeting the spend targets) with a card like Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card that earns RPs as Club Vistara (CV) Points?

If you have to choose a travel credit card for yourself, our suggestion would be that you must be very clear about your requirements- for example, you must decide whether the majority of your trips are going to be only within India or will you be frequently traveling to foreign destinations as well. Listed below are some of the pointers, rather some of the parameters, that one must keep in mind to compare travel credit cards and before making a call on which travel credit card will suit you the best-

Co-branded vs Generic Travel Credit Cards

Many credit card issuers often tie-up with airlines, IRCTC or holiday booking portals (like MMT or Yatra) to launch co-branded credit cards. These co-branded cards offer extra benefits on spends at partner merchants. A co-branded credit card may be a good pick for you if you prefer a particular airline over others or if you prefer railways over airways as a mode of transportation.

For example, an IndiGo or a Vistara co-branded credit card may be a good pick for a frequent domestic flyer, while an Etihad or Emirates co-branded card might be the best fit for someone who travels frequently to Gulf destinations like Dubai.

On the other hand, a generic travel credit card may be the best-suited one for you if you have no specific preference for a particular airline or travel portal. A generic travel credit card like the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card or RBL World Safari Card will almost always offer complimentary access to domestic/international airport lounges and a higher reward rate on travel spends or international transactions made with the card.

Airport/Railway Lounge Access

Almost all travel credit cards offer complimentary airport/IRCTC lounge access. While entry-level and mid-level travel cards usually offer lounge access only at domestic airports or at railway stations, premium travel credit cards also offer complimentary lounge pass at international airports or at least complimentary membership of a lounge access program like Priority Pass or DreamFolks.

If travel experience matters to you a lot, complimentary lounge access is definitely one of the important matrices that you must consider while choosing a travel credit card. If you travel to nearby places within India, an IRCTC co-branded travel credit card that offers complimentary railway lounge access can be a great pick for you. Also, if you frequently travel by air within the country, you may consider a travel credit card that offers complimentary domestic airport lounge access, while you might ignore the international lounge benefit. However, if you are a frequent international flyer, you must make sure that the travel credit card you choose does offer a certain number of complimentary airport lounge access at international airports as well.

Another point worth keeping in mind is, if you are looking for a credit card just for the lounge access benefit, sometimes generic credit cards (which are not particularly travel-centric cards) offer more number of (sometimes even unlimited) lounge access at airports/railway stations. For example, if you require a credit card just for railway lounge benefit, IDFC FIRST Credit Cards offer 4 complimentary IRCTC lounge access every quarter at select railway stations across the country which is more than what any of the IRCTC co-branded credit cards offer. Similarly, HDFC Infinia and Diners Club Black Credit Cards offer unlimited international airport lounge access to both primary as well as add-on cardmembers- a benefit that you do not get with most premium travel credit cards. The following table summarises the railway/airport lounge access feature that you get with the aforementioned travel credit cards-

Hotel Loyalty Program Membership/Hotel Stay Vouchers

Some of the premium travel credit cards offer complimentary vouchers from premium hotel chains. For example, American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card, which is one of the great travel cards in India in the premium segment, offers complimentary Taj Stay vouchers on meeting the spending targets. This benefit may be important for you if you want to enjoy a premium travel experience without any comprises.

Foreign Currency Mark-up

The usual foreign currency mark-up fee as applicable for most credit cards is about 3.5% of the conversion amount. Some travel credit cards charge a lower or sometimes even zero mark-up fee on international currency purchases. For example, zero forex mark-up fee is charged on international transactions done with Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card and RBL World Safari Credit Card, while a lower foreign currency mark-up fee of just 2.5% is applicable on 6E Rewards XL – IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card . If you are a frequent flyer to global destinations, you should definitely consider this benefit while choosing a travel credit card for yourself, unless you plan to use a prepaid forex card for all foreign currency transactions.

How to Find The Right Travel Credit Cards?

In order to find the right travel credit cards for yourself, you will have to understand your travel requirements first. If you travel very often, you should go with premium travel credit cards irrespective of their higher fees as you would be able to save even more using these cards if used wisely. On the other hand, if you travel only once or twice every year, you can go with the basic travel cards that come with lower fees and offer 2-4 complimentary lounge access yearly. Other factors that you need to understand are whether you should choose co-branded or non-co-branded cards. If you travel via a particular airline frequently, you can go with a co-branded credit card issued by that airline.

How do Credit Card Points Work?

Credit Card Points are the rewards that you earn on making purchases using your credit card. Some cards offer accelerated rewards on certain categories and travel credit cards generally come with a higher reward rate on travel categories, such as flight bookings, hotel bookings, etc. These points work as your savings as these can later be redeemed against lots of options and even against the card’s outstanding balance. Let us understand this using a simple example. Suppose you have a credit card that offers air miles on all your spends and you have earned 10,000 Airmiles so far with every air mile equivalent to Re. 1. Now, if you want to book a flight worth Rs. 30,000, you can use these Airmiles and pay rest of the amount in cash. This is how you will be able to book a flight worth Rs. 30k with Rs. 20k only. Similarly, you can use Reward Points against other categories as well, such as shopping, dining, etc.

How Do Miles Work On Credit Cards?

Miles are offered as rewards with travel credit cards, which can be of two types: generic travel credit cards and co-branded travel credit cards. The generic travel credit card earn you airmiles which you can redeem to travel by any airline and through co-branded credit cards or airline brand-specific credit cards, you earn air miles that are redeemable against a particular airline. This card offers miles that can only be used to travel by that specific airline. Nevertheless, miles credit cards are extremely beneficial for those who travel often. The more one spends on that credit card, the more miles one earns.

When Should You Use a Travel Credit Card?

Travel Credit Cards are very advantageous for frequent travelers, but at the same time, you should also keep the fact in mind that these cards generally come with a higher annual fee. So, you should not just go with a travel credit card randomly, but get it only if you are someone who has all the following requirements:

  • You travel domestically as well as internationally very often. However, basic cards are always good even if you travel only once or twice every year, but don’t get a super-premium card with a high annual fee in that case.
  • You don’t want to compromise with your luxuries even when you are traveling. One of the biggest reasons why travel cards have a high annual fee is because these cards offer complimentary lounge access and many more exclusive privileges, such as deals & discounts on flights and premium hotel bookings.
  • You are a responsible credit card user. If you are not responsible enough to use a credit card, you won’t be able to maximize the benefits of a travel credit card and you will just end up paying a high annual fee without any benefits.

Do’s and Don’ts While Using a Travel Credit Card

It is never a good idea to go with a card without knowing how you can use it for maximum benefits and whether it will be worth it or not. Here are some important do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind while using a travel card:

  • Make sure to understand your travel requirements before you choose a travel credit card for yourself.
  • If you have got complimentary lounge access with your credit card, you should register it as soon as you receive your card or at least understand the process so that you don’t face any difficulties at the last minute.
  • Redeem your reward points/Airmiles against a category that gives you the maximum conversion value.

Don’ts

  • Never let your rewards/air miles expire without redeeming them for your benefit. You should be aware of the validity of your card’s reward points and redeem them before the expiry date.
  • Don’t delay/miss your credit card bill payments as the additional charges like interest & late payment fees might be even more than the benefits that your card is offering.
  • Before making any large purchases, check if you can use your rewards to get some vouchers that will reduce your overall spend.

How to Apply for Travel Credit Cards in India

The application process for a travel credit card, just like any other credit card, is usually very simple. You can apply for travel credit cards through Card Insider-

  • Visit the review page of the credit card you want to apply for on Card Insider.
  • Click/tap on the “ Apply Now ” option.
  • You will be redirected to the official credit card page on the card issuer’s website.
  • Now proceed with the application on the card issuer’s website by entering the requested details in the designated fields.
  • Upload the required documents on being prompted. You will be required to upload identity proof, address proof, and proof of income unless you already have an existing relationship with the card issuer (like a savings/fixed deposit account or an existing credit card account).
  • Once you have successfully submitted your credit card application it will be evaluated by the card issuer to determine your eligibility for the credit card applied for.
  • If you are eligible for the card, the card issuer will mail the card at our address, usually within 15 days of application submission.

Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners

While most travel credit cards are either premium or mid-level cards, some card issuers also offer travel cards in the entry-level category. Most entry-level travel credit cards are co-branded cards offered in partnership with an airline or IRCTC. Entry-level travel credit cards do not offer premium benefits like complimentary international airport lounge access or complimentary membership of hotel loyalty programs, while most of them do offer complimentary domestic airport lounge access (or IRCTC lounge access in case of IRCTC co-branded cards) and an accelerated reward rate or a higher Reward Points redemption rate on travel spends. Listed below are some of the best travel credit cards for beginners-

IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card

The IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card, an entry-level travel credit card by SBI Card is launched in partnership with IRCTC. The card comes with a membership fee of Rs. 300 per annum (joining fee of Rs. 500 applicable in the first year), and being an IRCTC co-branded credit card, you also get special benefits on rail ticket bookings. Some of the salient features of IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card are-

  • 10% value back as Reward Points on booking railway tickets via the official IRCTC app/website.
  • 1.8% transaction surcharge waiver on booking rail tickets via IRCTC mobile app/website.
  • The card earns you 1 Reward Point per Rs. 125 spent except for spends on IRCTC or fuel (on IRTC spends, you get a 10% value back as mentioned earlier).
  • Redeem reward points to book railway tickets- the Reward Points are transferred to the IRCTC wallet of the IRCTC account linked with the card, 1 Reward Point = Re. 1.
  • Although it is an IRCTC co-branded credit card, the card does not entitle you to any complimentary railway lounge access (as it is an entry-level offering).

IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card

IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card is another IRCTC co-branded credit card by SBI Card and IRCTC. The card is very much similar to the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card in terms of the rewards and benefits that it offers except that you also get complimentary IRCTC lounge access with the IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card (1 complimentary visit every quarter) that IRCTC SBI Platinum Cart does not offer. IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card, just like IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card, also has an annual fee of Rs. 300 (joining fee of Rs. 500 applicable in the first year).

MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card is a co-branded offering by ICICI Bank in collaboration with MakeMyTrip. It is an entry-level lifetime free credit card, although a fee of Rs. 500 is applicable on joining the card membership. Since it is an MMT co-branded credit card, you earn rewards as MakeMyTrip My Cash and earn MMT MyCash at an accelerated rate on all spends with the card. Some the key features of the MakeMyTrip ICICI Platinum Credit Card are-

  • You get a complimentary MakeMyTrip Holiday Voucher worth Rs. 3,000 on successfuly joining the card membership.
  • Earn My Cash on all categories of spends with the card. My Cash is earned on the card as per the following table-
  • You can earn 1,000 MMT My Cash on spending a minimum of Rs. 50,000 with the card on flights/hotels/holiday bookings on MakeMyTrip website/mobile app or on spending a minimum of Rs. 2.5 lacs (all spends categories included) with the card in an anniversary year.
  • Get 1 complimentary access to domestic airport lounges (every quarter) on a quarterly expenditure of Rs. 5,000 or more.
  • You are also entitled to 1 complimentary access to IRCTC Executive Lounge at select railway stations across the country.
  • Get up to 25% discount on the purchase of a minimum of 2 tickets from BookMyShow in a single transaction (maximum discount capped at Rs. 100 per transaction and can be availed for a maximum of 2 times in a given month).
  • You are also entitled to complimentary discounts on dining bills at partner restaurants on paying with your MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card.

Yatra SBI Card is a co-branded offering by SBI Card in collaboration with the travel portal Yatra. The card comes with annual fee of Rs. 499 and offers special benefits on the Yatra portal including discounted rates on bookings made via the Yatra website/mobile app and complementary Yatra vouchers on joining the card membership. Following are the key features of the Yatra SBI Credit Card are-

  • Yatra vouchers worth Rs. 8,250 as a welcome gift on joining the card membership.
  • Exclusive travel benefits from Yatra including a discount of Rs. 1,000 on domestic flight bookings (min transaction of Rs. 5,000 required to avail of the benefit), a discount of Rs. 4,000 on international flight bookings (min transaction amount of Rs. 40,000 required to avail of the benefit) and 20% off on hotel bookings on a minimum booking amount of Rs. 3,000 (max discount on hotel bookings is capped at Rs. 2,000 in a month). All these discounts can be availed of by using the promo code TRAVEL at the time of check-out. The promo code can be used for a maximum of 6 times in a calendar year.
  • Yatra SBI Credit Card earns you 6 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on departmental stores, grocery, dining, movies, entertainment (up to 5,000 Reward Points per month) and international spends (Up to 5000 Reward Points per month).
  • All other categories of spends earn 1 Reward Point for every Rs. 100 spent with the card.
  • Yatra SBI Credit Card also offers air accident cover (worth Rs. 50 lacs) to the primary cardmember.

Best Credit Cards with No or Less Foreign Currency Mark-up Fee

Almost all credit cards charge a mark-up fee on foreign currency transactions. The usual foreign currency mark-up fee applicable on most credit cards is 3.5% of the conversion amount. However, there are some premium and mid-range travel credit cards for which the foreign currency mark-up fee is either zero or very less. Some of such travel credit cards are RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card, Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card and IndiGo 6E Reward XL HDFC Bank Credit Card .

It is worth noting that apart from these travel-specific credit cards, some other premium credit cards also offer a lower foreign currency mark-up. For example, the foreign currency mark-up fee charged on HDFC Infinia and Diner Club Black Credit Cards is also less than 2%.

Bottom Line

As you can see there are various credit card sub-categories within the travel category, which are targeted towards the specific niches of customers. For example, if you’re a frequent domestic flyer, a co-branded credit card by IndiGo or Vistara would make more sense for you than an Emirates of Etihad credit card. Similarly, if you prefer trains over flights, IRCTC cards will fit your needs the best. Therefore, it becomes important to choose the right travel credit card considering your travel needs.

  • 6E Rewards XL - IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card
  • 6E Rewards - IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card
  • IRCTC Credit Cards by SBI
  • Citibank Premier Miles Credit Card
  • Etihad Guest SBI Premier Card
  • Standard Chartered Emirates World Credit Card
  • American Express Platinum Travel Credit card

travel insurance credit card india

You must use Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card if your rent is above Rs. 23,000 per month. You can get 3 Premium Economy Tickets easily + 8,000 CV Points (equivalent to 2 Economy Tickets or 1 Premium Economy Ticket). That’s a total of 4 Premium Economy Tickets worth Rs. 30,000! (Assume 7500 per ticket) That’s an effective return of approx. 10%

travel insurance credit card india

Hello I am using Axis Ace card and Samsung Infinite Credit card want Visara Infinite Credit Card I called customer care to upgrade to Vistara infinite card they said not eligible for Vistara Infinite Credit card, but I want this card so please let me know how can I own this card.

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The Must-Have Travel Credit Cards In India For Avid Wanderers

Travel a lot these are some of the best credit cards for travel that offer superb rewards on lounges, hotel bookings and more..

By: Anushka Goel Published: Oct 10, 2023 01:00 PM IST

The Must-Have Travel Credit Cards In India For Avid Wanderers

Do you have a penchant for travel? If so, you’re likely always in pursuit of the finest deals. What if we told you that your trusty credit card could help you get the most out of your bucks through travel rewards, not just within India but also abroad?

These credit cards offer the opportunity to earn additional miles and points, making you eligible for complimentary upgrades. With a variety of travel credit cards to choose from, you can utilise these points and miles to make your trips more cost-effective. What sets these cards apart is their widespread acceptance, ensuring seamless transactions without undue hassle.

Demystifying travel credit cards: What are they and how do they work?

Much like standard credit cards, travel credit cards reward you for everyday purchases. The distinguishing factor, however, lies in how you can employ these rewards for covering travel expenses. Depending on the specific card you have, the points can be redeemed for various travel-related expenditures, including airline miles/tickets, hotel bookings, upgrades for stays or flights, car rentals, and more.

The best travel credit cards, both in India and abroad, offer additional perks such as trip delay and cancellation insurance, baggage fee waivers, zero foreign transaction fees and access to airport lounges. These features ensure that your journey proceeds as seamlessly as possible. Moreover, many travel credit cards are co-branded, meaning they are created in partnership with specific airlines, hotel chains or travel booking platforms, allowing you to select the most suitable option for your needs.

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Essential factors to evaluate when selecting a travel credit card.

Different credit cards come with various benefits, so it’s important to find one that aligns with your specific needs. Here are some key features to look for:

  • Generous welcome bonus: Travel credit cards often offer substantial sign-up bonuses when you join the programme. It’s wise to choose a card based on the initial benefits they offer, whether related to spending thresholds or immediate travel rewards. Keep these considerations in mind before booking the card.
  • No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards impose a foreign transaction fee of around three percent when making purchases in a foreign country. Opt for a card that doesn’t charge this fee, especially if you frequently travel abroad.
  • Tailored travel rewards: While most cards offer lucrative rewards, it’s essential to select one that caters to your travel preferences. For example, if you frequently fly with Air India, a credit card that rewards you for flights on IndiGo or SpiceJet will not be the most beneficial option for you.
  • Higher rewards for everyday spending: Travel credit cards in India typically offer travel benefits in exchange for your regular expenditures. Look for a card that provides maximum points or rewards for your everyday purchases, allowing you to accumulate travel rewards more quickly.
  • Low annual fee: Most credit cards have some form of an annual renewal fee, even if it is a nominal charge. Choose a card with the lowest possible renewal fee while still fulfilling your other requirements.

Top travel credit cards for Indian jetsetters

Hdfc regalia credit card.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by HDFC Bank (@hdfcbank)

Among one of the most popular credit cards in India, the HDFC Regalia card offers great travel benefits, despite not being primarily designed for travel. Some of its key advantages include six visits to international lounges through the Priority Pass membership and 12 visits to domestic lounges through the Visa/Mastercard Lounge programme. This is particularly beneficial for international travel enthusiasts. 

Joining Fee: INR 2,500 plus taxes Renewal Fee: INR 2,500 plus taxes Travel Insurance: Emergency overseas hospitalisation cover International Transactions: 2 percent charge on international transactions Reward type: Reward Points Welcome Benefits: 2500 Reward Points, renewal benefit of 2500 Reward Points

Know more here

Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by SBI Card (@sbicard_connect)

One of the best credit cards for travel, especially for booking flights, is the Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card. With an annual fee of INR 1,499, this card provides the advantage of eight visits to domestic VISA lounges in India (with a maximum of two visits per quarter). Additionally, it offers added ease for online railway bookings and easy access to cash on-the-go facilities. 

Joining Fee: INR 1,499 Renewal Fee: INR 1,499 Reward Type: Reward Points Welcome Benefits: 5000 points; 2000 points as anniversary gift

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by American Express (@americanexpress)

When it comes to the best credit cards for travel available in India, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who love being on-the-go. This card offers access to attractive travel vouchers based on your spending levels, providing amazing benefits. These benefits include eight complimentary lounge visits every year (with a maximum of two per quarter), special rewards for reaching various milestones and access to premium benefits such as 24×7 Platinum Assist and Emergency Card Replacement anywhere across the globe.

Joining Fee: INR 3,500 plus taxes Renewal Fee: INR 5,000 plus taxes Reward Type: Points Welcome Benefits: 10,000 Membership Rewards Point

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

travel insurance credit card india

If you frequently book flights, this credit card can be an excellent option for you, especially because it is in collaboration with Vistara. The card comes with many benefits, including a complimentary premium economy Vistara ticket, lounge access at select airports in India, eligibility for silver membership of Club Vistara, rewards at milestones that can be redeemed for premium economy tickets, EMI payment options, insurance coverage and various other perks. 

Joining Fee: INR 3,000 Renewal Fee: INR 3,000 Travel Insurance : Purchase Protection Cover worth INR 1 lakh or cover of up to USD 300 (INR 24,976) on loss of travel documents or delay/loss of check-in baggage International Transactions: 3.5 percent Reward Type: Points Welcome Benefits: Complimentary Premium Economy ticket

Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd (@kotakbankltd)

A great choice for those who frequently spend on travel agencies and tour operators, the Royal signature credit card offers four times the bonus points for every INR 150 spent on air tickets, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and other similar payments. Along with complimentary lounge visits in India and various other benefits , this credit card is ideal for those who travel extensively. Users can also earn bonus points for annual expenditures of INR 4,00,000 and INR 8,00,000. 

Joining Fee: Nil Renewal Fee: INR 999 International Transactions: 3.5 percent plus GST Reward Type: Points

Yes Preferred Credit card

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by YES BANK (@yes_bank)

This card grants you access to airport lounges abroad four times a year and twice per quarter in India. Additionally, points can be converted into Air Miles for booking tickets. Travellers also enjoy a much lower foreign currency markup compared to other cards and extensive insurance coverage to address any mishaps that may occur during their travels.

Joining Fee: INR 999 plus taxes Renewal Fee: INR 999 plus taxes Travel Insurance: Air accident cover, medical emergency cover International Transactions: 1.5 percent markup Reward Type: Points that can be converted to Air Miles

SBI IRCTC Credit Card

If you love travelling by trains, this credit card is definitely among the best options in India for you. It offers four complimentary visits to the railway lounges, attractive reward benefits, and additional benefits that can earn you up to 10 percent of your spending value back as reward points.

Joining Fee: INR 500 plus taxes Renewal Fee: INR 300 plus taxes Reward Type: Points Welcome Benefits: 350 activation bonus reward points

Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Club Vistara (@club.vistara)

Here’s another option for Vistara flyers, and it comes with attractive benefits such as bonus points when you reach spending milestones, 12 complimentary golf lessons, four complimentary rounds of golf each year, eight complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges and spas, and four complimentary lounge visits at international airports every year. 

Joining Fee: INR 4,999 + GST Renewal Fee: INR 4,999 + GST Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation cover International Transactions: 2.99 percent Reward type: Reward Points Welcome Benefits: 1 Complimentary Premium Economy ticket voucher, Complimentary Club Vistara Silver Membership and 1 One-Class Upgrade e-Voucher

Shop the best travel experiences here

Hero and Featured Image credit: kitzcorner/Shutterstock

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

Related:  Here’s How Much It Costs To Charter A Jet In India – And How To Do It

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How do I apply for a credit card? To apply for a credit card, check your credit score, see if you’re pre-approved for the card, and ensure you have all the necessary documents in place. 

– Are there any redemption charges for reward points? Yes, some banks levy a charge or fee when you redeem reward points.

– How do we use a credit card for lounge access? Simply present your credit card at the respective lounge and show it at the entry to gain admission. 

– How do travel rewards points or miles work? Reward points and miles are earned for purchases made using a credit card. These can be earned through various transactions, such as hotel bookings, flight tickets, shopping, dining out and even fuel payment. You can then use these points to avail offers or upgrades when making bookings or purchases. 

– What are the key features to look for in the best travel credit cards? Look for attractive welcome benefits, low renewal charge/fees, and ensure that the card’s benefits align with your specific travel needs. 

– What is a sign-up bonus, and why is it important for travel credit cards? A sign-up bonus is a welcome gift offered by credit card companies when you sign up for their card. For travel cards, these benefits may include bonus air miles, points, complimentary hotel stays, free upgrades, airport lounge access or other perks.

– What is the difference between airline-specific and general travel credit cards? Generic travel credit cards typically offer a range of benefits that cater to various travel needs. Airline-specific cards, on the other hand, focus on benefits pertaining to a particular airline, such as club memberships, lounge access, upgrades, priority boarding, and may offer fewer benefits unrelated to that airline. 

– How can I maximise the benefits of my travel credit card? Maximise your benefits by making significant purchases after obtaining the card to earn extra points. Opt for co-branded travel credit cards in India to maximise benefits for both brands. Collect enough points and use them to book your tickets, which can provide better services or better tickets at a more affordable price.

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Anushka Goel

Anushka Goel

Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument. Read Less

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Travel credit cards 

There are several travel credit cards available in India that can help make your travel dreams a reality while providing various benefits and rewards!

credit-card

Best Travel credit cards

HDFC-Regalia-Credit-Card

HDFC Regalia Credit Card

  • Travel friendly

Joining Fee - Rs. 500 Annual Fee – Rs. 500

HDFC Regalia Credit Card is one of the most popular travel credit cards in India. It offers numerous benefits, including airport lounge access, travel insurance, and rewards points for travel-related expenses. This card is ideal for frequent travelers who want to enjoy the luxury of airport lounges and earn rewards on their travel expenses.

  • Complimentary airport lounge access : HDFC Regalia Credit Card provides free access to airport lounges in India and abroad, making your travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Travel insurance : This card offers travel insurance coverage of up to Rs. 1 crore in case of flight delays, baggage loss, or any other travel-related mishap.
  • Rewards points : HDFC Regalia Credit Card provides 4 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on travel-related expenses, which can be redeemed for hotel bookings, flight tickets, or shopping.
  • Fuel surcharge waiver : This card offers a fuel surcharge waiver of 1% on fuel transactions up to Rs. 5000

HDFC Regalia Credit Card is a perfect choice for frequent travelers as it provides exclusive travel benefits, including airport lounge access, travel insurance, and rewards points for travel-related expenses.

ICICI-Bank-Sapphiro-Credit-Card

ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

Joining Fee - Rs.100 + GST (monthly) Annual Fee - Nil

ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that provides exclusive benefits to travelers. This card offers airport lounge access, complimentary golf rounds, and rewards points for travel-related expenses. This card is ideal for those who travel frequently and enjoy luxury experiences.

  • Lounge access : Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card provides free access to airport lounges in India and abroad, making your travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Flight discounts : This card offers up to 15% discount on Vistara flights booked through the Vistara website.
  • Rewards points : Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card provides 4 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent on travel-related expenses, which can be redeemed for hotel bookings, flight tickets, or shopping.
  • Fuel surcharge waiver : This card offers a fuel surcharge waiver of 1% on fuel transactions up to Rs. 4000.
  • Airport lounge access : ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card offers complimentary access to airport lounges in India and abroad, making your travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Golf rounds : This card provides two complimentary golf rounds per month at select golf courses across India.
  • Rewards points : ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card provides 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on travel-related expenses, which can be redeemed for hotel bookings, flight tickets, or shopping.

ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card provides exclusive travel benefits, including airport lounge access, golf rounds, and rewards points for travel-related expenses, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers who enjoy luxury experiences.

Axis-Bank-Vistara-Signature-credit-card

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

Joining Fee - Rs. 3000 + GST Annual Fee - Rs. 3000 + GST

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card is designed for frequent travelers on Vistara airlines. This card offers benefits such as lounge access, discounts on flights, and rewards points. This card is ideal for those who travel frequently on Vistara airlines and want to earn rewards on their travel expenses.

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card is a great choice for frequent travelers on Vistara airlines, as it offers exclusive benefits such as lounge access, flight discounts, and rewards points.

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is a premium travel credit card that offers a range of travel benefits and rewards. This card provides travel vouchers, complimentary airport lounge access, and rewards points for travel-related expenses. This card is ideal for those who travel frequently and want to enjoy luxury experiences.

  • Travel vouchers : American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card provides travel vouchers worth Rs. 10,000 on spending Rs. 4 lakhs in a year, which can be redeemed for flights or hotel bookings.
  • Airport lounge access : This card offers complimentary access to airport lounges in India and abroad, making your travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Rewards points : American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card provides 1 reward point for every Rs. 50 spent on all transactions, which can be redeemed for hotel bookings, flight tickets, or shopping.
  • Fuel surcharge waiver : This card offers a fuel surcharge waiver of 1% on fuel transactions up to Rs. 10,000.

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is a great choice for frequent travelers who want to enjoy luxury experiences and earn rewards on their travel expenses.

SBI-Elite-Credit-card

SBI Elite Credit Card

Joining Fee - Rs. 4,999 + GST Annual Fee - Rs. 4,999 + GST

SBI Card Elite is a premium travel credit card that provides exclusive benefits and rewards to travelers. This card offers travel vouchers, airport lounge access, and rewards points for travel-related expenses. This card is ideal for those who travel frequently and want to earn rewards on their travel expenses.

  • Travel vouchers : SBI Card Elite provides travel vouchers worth Rs. 5,000 on spending Rs. 5 lakhs in a year, which can be redeemed for flights or hotel bookings.
  • Rewards points : SBI Card Elite provides 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on all transactions, which can be redeemed for hotel bookings, flight tickets, or shopping.
  • Fuel surcharge waiver : This card offers a fuel surcharge waiver of 1% on fuel transactions up to Rs. 4,000.

SBI Card Elite is a great choice for frequent travelers who want to enjoy exclusive benefits and rewards on their travel expenses.

Benefits of Travel Credit Cards

Complimentary Airport Lounge Access : One of the most significant benefits of travel credit cards is that they offer complimentary airport lounge access. This means that you can relax in the lounge before your flight and enjoy free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.

Travel Insurance : Most travel credit cards offer travel insurance, which covers you in case of any mishap during your trip. This includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

Rewards Points : Travel credit cards also offer rewards points for travel-related expenses. These rewards points can be redeemed for various benefits such as cashback, gifts, or air miles.

Discounts and Offers : Travel credit cards also come with a host of discounts and offers on dining, shopping, and entertainment. These discounts and offers can help you save money during your trip.

Fuel Surcharge Waiver : Most travel credit cards offer fuel surcharge waiver, which means that you don’t have to pay any extra fees when you use your card to pay for fuel.

Documents Required to Apply for a Travel Credit Card

  • Recent Passport sized photo
  • ID Proof (Voter ID/PAN Card/Aadhar)
  • Address Proof
  • Income Proof (Payslip, Salary Certificate)
  • Bank Statements with salary credit4

how-to-buy

How to apply for Travel credit cards at Fincover?

  • Log onto “Fincover.com”
  • Click on the Credit Cards tab
  • Click on the apply now link given at the top
  • You need to enter some details as requested
  • You would need to submit the documents required 
  • Once done, an application ID will be sent to you to track your application status.

Travel credit cards

Cashback credit cards

Rewards credit cards

Shopping credit cards

Fuel credit cards

Lifestyle credit cards

Students credit cards

Lifetime free cards

Business credit cards

Instant approval cards

Rupay cards upi

Balance transfer cards

The 9 best credit cards with travel insurance of April 2024

travel insurance credit card india

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Many things can go wrong on a trip, so having one of the best credit cards with travel insurance in your wallet can provide invaluable peace of mind. Having protection against unforeseen trip cancellations and delays is an essential part of modern-day travel. It can be incredibly valuable to know that you are protected from the financial loss of travel disruption on your next adventure. 

Many credit cards include extensive coverage when you use them for your trip purchases, and our expert team has chosen the best credit cards with travel insurance to help ensure that your trips are as secure as they are captivating. 

Why Trust Us?

At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. Our travel and credit cards experts share their own experiences and give honest analyses to help you make decisions that benefit you the most. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads, and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content , points valuations and card analysis are entirely our own.

Why you can trust The Points Guy

Since 2010, TPG has been dedicated to helping you make informed credit card and travel decisions. We know that credit card rewards can unlock travel that changes lives, and we strive every day to help our readers achieve their financial and travel goals.

In addition to credit cards expertise, we have a variety of industry experts on our editorial team to help every reader make the best travel decisions available. We believe every redemption matters, whether someone is using points and miles to take a dream trip or looking to save money on holiday travel.

As our team and library of resources has grown, so has our influence in the industry. Our TPG Awards are a badge of honor that winning banks, hotel groups and airlines all wear proudly. Our dedication to producing honest reviews and helpful content for our readers is what allows readers and companies alike to place their trust in us.

  • No Annual Fee

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

  • 5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
  • 3x 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
  • 2x 2x on all other travel purchases.
  • 1x 1x on all other purchases.

Why We Chose It

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 14 valuable airline and hotel partners.

  • You’ll earn 2x Ultimate Rewards points on travel and 3x Ultimate Rewards points dining including eligible delivery services and takeout.
  • Premium travel protection benefits including trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance.
  • The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Pros & Cons

More details, united club℠ infinite card.

  • 4X Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • 2X Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
  • 1X Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

Only the United Club Infinite Card grants you complimentary United Club lounge membership, worth up to $650 per year. Although this card comes with a steep $525 annual fee, the lounge benefit alone can more than cover this annual cost. Not to mention the other ongoing perks of this card, from two free checked bags and up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck. For frequent United flyers, this card can provide tons of value each year.

  • Earn 4x on United purchases; 2x on travel and dining; 1x on everything else
  • United Club℠ membership for you and your eligible travel companions at all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide
  • Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck application every four years
  • Free first and second checked bags for you and one travel companion on the same reservation
  • 25% inflight purchase statement credit
  • High $525 annual fee
  • Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
  • Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
  • Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
  • 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

  • 3X Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
  • 1X Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees.

  • One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening
  • Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
  • Reasonable $95 annual fee
  • Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners: primary car insurance, and perks including cellphone and purchase protection, extended warranty, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement;
  • High spending needed to get 100,000-point sign-up bonus
  • No travel perks
  • Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications
  • Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
  • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

  • 5X 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
  • 1.5X Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
  • 1X 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more.

  • Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee every four to five years
  • Up to $400 annual credit for eligible U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
  • Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels (enrollment required)
  • Access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection
  • International Airline Program and Cruise Privileges Program
  • Steep $695 annual fee
  • Difficulty meeting $15,000 welcome offer for smaller businesses
  • Limited high bonus categories outside of travel
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that's an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

  • 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • 5X Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

The Amex Platinum is unmatched when it comes to travel perks and benefits. If lounge access, hotel elite status and annual statement credits are important to you, this card is well worth the high annual fee.

  • The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at 1,600.
  • This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, and at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more (enrollment required)
  • The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway
  • The $695 annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost
  • Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning bonus rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories
  • The annual airline fee credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

  • 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
  • 1X Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

  • Statement credit for Global Entry ($100 every 4 years)/TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years)
  • Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25 access will be changing.
  • High annual fee of $650
  • Lower fee Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
  • Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and bring up to two guests or immediate family members at a rate of $50 per person per visit when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
  • Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • $240 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • See Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

  • 10x Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠.
  • 5x Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Travel℠.
  • 3x Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
  • 1x Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our top premium travel cards. With a $300 travel credit, generous 3x on dining and travel purchases and other benefits, you can get excellent value that far exceeds the annual fee on the card.

  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
  • Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners: 10 airline and three hotel programs
  • Unlimited 3x on the broad category of travel and dining
  • 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel directly through Chase Travel
  • Steep initial $550 annual fee
  • May not make sense for people that don't travel frequently
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more

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Comparing the best credit cards with travel insurance

Frequently asked questions, what card should i use for travel insurance.

The  Amex Platinum’ s 5x for airfare booked directly through airlines or  Amex Travel  is impressive. But the  lack of baggage delay protection  and the  requirement of round-trip travel  for some benefits usually discourages me from using Amex-issued cards for flights.

Instead, I use the  Chase Sapphire Reserve®  when booking flights and other common carrier travel due to its  solid mix of earnings and protections . But, if you can’t quite justify the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s  $550 annual fee , the  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  and  Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card  both provide reasonable travel protections for  a sub-$100 annual fee .

Related:  Why the Sapphire Preferred should still be the first rewards card in your wallet

Are credit cards with travel protection worth it?

Credit card travel protections are easy to under-value. However, I’ve gotten thousands of value from credit card travel insurance over the years. As such, I’ll often forgo better earning rates to put airfare and award flight taxes and fees on a card I know provides solid protection. For me, this card is usually the  Chase Sapphire Reserve®  or the  Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card . However, I purchase  independent travel insurance  for select trips when I want additional benefits, such as  cancel or any reason coverage  or non-medical evacuation coverage.

More details on our best credit cards for travel insurance

Many of the  best travel rewards cards  offer travel insurance when you use your card to purchase travel. Although some cards will provide coverage even if you only pay taxes and fees on an award ticket, some cards require you to pay for your entire trip with the card. See the links below for more information on the types of travel insurance offered by select cards and the best cards for each kind of insurance:

  • Baggage delay protection
  • Lost/damaged baggage protection
  • Trip delay reimbursement
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection
  • Medical evacuation benefit and travel accident insurance
  • Emergency medical and dental benefit (offered by the  Chase Sapphire Reserve )
  • Rental car coverage

As you’ll notice in this guide, the types and levels of protection vary significantly across credit cards. And most protections have  exclusions or limitations . So be sure to read the guide to benefits on your card before  assuming something  or  someone will be covered .

Related:  TPG’s comprehensive guide to independent travel insurance — including coronavirus coverage

Now let’s take a closer look at each card to determine how you can use these perks when things go wrong on a trip.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Sign-up bonus : Earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points  after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on  TPG’s valuations , this bonus is worth $1,230.

Rewards : 10x on Lyft rides through March 2025 ; 3x on dining  and  travel ; 1x on everything else

Travel insurance :

  • Baggage delay : Up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a passenger carrier delays your baggage more than six hours
  • Lost/damaged baggage : Up to $3,000 per passenger per trip, but only up to $500 per passenger for jewelry and watches and up to $500 per passenger for cameras and other electronic equipment
  • Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per ticket if you’re delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses
  • Medical evacuation benefit : Up to $100,000 for necessary emergency evacuation and transportation when on a trip of five to 60 days and traveling more than 100 miles from home (100-mile requirement waived for New York residents)
  • Travel accident insurance : Accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel)
  • Emergency medical and dental benefit : Up to $2,500 for medical expenses (subject to a $50 deductible) when on a trip arranged by a travel agency and traveling more than 100 miles from home (100-mile requirement waived for New York residents)
  • Rental car coverage :  Primary coverage  for damages caused by theft or collision up to $75,000 on rentals of 31 days or less

Annual fee : $550 ($75 for each  authorized user )

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on all travel purchases. Due to its 6% return and excellent travel protections, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is my go-to card for travel expenses. Plus, the Chase Sapphire Reserve provides protections on award tickets even when I only charge the award’s taxes and fees to the card .

To learn more, check out the full  Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review  and  guide to benefits . If you decide to apply, here’s the official application link:  Chase Sapphire Reserve .

Related:  The power of the Chase Trifecta: Sapphire Reserve, Ink Preferred and Freedom Unlimited

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

Sign-up bonus : Earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG’s valuations , this bonus is worth $1,230.

Rewards : 5x total points on all travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out, 3x points on select streaming services, 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), 2x points on all other travel, 1x point on all other purchases

  • Baggage delay : Up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days if a common carrier delays your baggage more than six hours
  • Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per ticket if you’re delayed more than 12 hours or require an overnight stay
  • Travel accident insurance : Accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $100,000 (up to $500,000 for common carrier travel)
  • Rental car coverage :  Primary coverage  for damages caused by theft or collision up to the actual cash value of most rented cars on rentals of 31 days or less

Annual fee : $95

The  Chase Sapphire Preferred  is one of the  best travel rewards credit cards for the average traveler . Although a 4% return on travel purchases (not booked through the Chase portal) isn’t fantastic, it’s still respectable considering the card’s modest $95 annual fee and travel protections. As with the Chase Sapphire Reserve , you’ll get coverage on award tickets even when you only use your Chase Sapphire Preferred to pay the taxes and fees.

To learn more, check out our  Chase Sapphire Preferred review  and the complete  guide to benefits . And here’s the official application link:  Chase Sapphire Preferred Card .

Related: Five reasons why the Chase Sapphire Preferred should be your first card

Sign-up bonus : Earn 100,000  Chase Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on  TPG’s valuations , this bonus is worth $2,050.

Rewards : 3x on the first $150,000 spent each account year in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines; 1x on everything else

  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses
  • Rental car coverage : Primary coverage (except when renting for personal reasons in your country of residence, in which case coverage is secondary) for damages caused by theft or collision up to the actual cash value of most rented cars on rentals of 31 days or less

The Ink Business Preferred is one of the  best business travel rewards cards  on the market. It earns a  6% return on the first $150,000 spent in select categories , which is excellent considering the card’s $95 annual fee and travel protections. As with other  Chase cards , you’ll be protected on award tickets as long as you use your Ink Business Preferred to pay the taxes and fees.

To learn more, check out the full  Ink Business Preferred Credit Card review . And here’s the official application link:  Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

Related: Five reasons to get the Chase Ink Business Preferred credit card

United Club Infinite Card (Photo by Eric Helgas/The Points Guy)

Sign-up bonus : Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG’s valuations , this bonus is worth $1,120.

Rewards : 4x on purchases with United ; 2x at restaurants (including eligible delivery services), and on other travel; 1x on everything else

  • Baggage delay : Up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to three days if a common carrier delays your baggage more than six hours
  • Rental car coverage : Primary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision up to the actual cash value of most rented cars on rentals of 31 days or less

Annual fee : $525

The  United Club Infinite Card provides decent travel protections, a 5.8% return on purchases with United and a United Club membership . But, its 2.9% return on other travel purchases and 1.45% return on all other purchases means you’ll earn rewards slowly. As with other Chase-issued cards, you’ll be protected on award tickets even when you only use your United Club Infinite Card to pay the taxes and fees.

To learn more, check out the full  United Club Infinite Card review . And here’s the official application link:  United Club Infinite Card .

Related:  Best ways to use the United Club Infinite Card

The Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome offer : Earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. Based on TPG’s valuations , the 80,000-point bonus is worth $1,600. However, you may be able to snag an targeted offer up to 125,000-point offer  through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).

Rewards : 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5x on prepaid hotels  booked with Amex Travel ; 1x on other purchases

  • Lost/damaged baggage : Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip.  For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Note that you must pay the entire fare with your card (including Pay with Points ).
  • Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed and up to two claims per 12-month period per card if a common carrier delays you by more than six hours. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered).
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12-month period for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered).
  • Rental car coverage : Get secondary coverage of up to $75,000 for damages caused by theft or collision on rentals of 30 days or less when you pay for the entire rental with an eligible card (including Pay with Points). You can pay per rental to upgrade to primary coverage through the  American Express Premium Car Rental Protection program . This does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicles types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Annual fee : $695 ($195 for additional Platinum cards , see rates and fees )

The Amex Platinum provides an impressive 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year). It also offers 5x for prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. So, using TPG’s latest valuations , you’ll get a 10% return on these purchases. But even with a 10% return on select airfare purchases, I still don’t use the Amex Platinum to book flights . Instead, I use the Amex Platinum primarily as a membership card since the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s travel protections provide better coverage for my travel style.

To learn more, check out our  Platinum Card from American Express card review  and take a look at the  terms and conditions  of each benefit. Here’s the official application link:  The Platinum Card from American Express . But, you may also want to check the  CardMatch Tool  to see if Amex has targeted you for a different offer. However, CardMatch offers are subject to change at any time.

Related:  Comparing built-in travel insurance with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum

The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome offer : Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership. Based on TPG’s valuations , the 120,000-point bonus is worth $2,400.

Rewards : 5x on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel ; 1.5x on each eligible purchase  in select business categories ,as well as on each purchase of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per calendar year); 1x on other eligible purchases

  • Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed and up to two claims per 12-month period per card if a common carrier delays you by more than six hours. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered). Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12-month period for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered). Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Annual fee : $695 (see rates and fees )

The  Amex Business Platinum provides an impressive 5x on flights and prepaid hotels booked through  Amex Travel . Based on  TPG’s latest valuations , this means you’ll get a 10% return on these purchases. But, if you don’t want to book through Amex Travel and would prefer to earn bonus points on a wide variety of business expenses, you may be better off with the  Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

To learn more, check out our  Business Platinum Card from American Express card review  and take a look at the  terms and conditions  of each benefit. And here’s the official application link:  The Business Platinum Card from American Express .

Related:  Why you should consider having both the personal and business Amex Platinum cards

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Welcome offer : Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months.

Rewards : 3x on purchases made directly with Delta; 1x on all other eligible purchases.

  • Lost/damaged baggage: Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for eligible persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered trip.
  • Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per covered trip and up to two claims per 12-month period per card if a common carrier delays you more than six hours. Coverage only provided on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card (paying taxes and fees on award tickets or Pay with Points tickets is covered). Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Annual fee : $650 (see rates and fees )

The  Delta Reserve Amex  provides a 3.3% return on purchases made directly with Delta as well as travel protections that can protect you on eligible round-trips. I’d personally use the  Chase Sapphire Reserve ,  Chase Sapphire Preferred  or  Ink Business Preferred Credit Card  instead of the Delta Reserve when buying flights. But the Delta Reserve offers decent travel protections if you don’t have any of these Chase-issued cards or want to  earn Delta miles .

To learn more, check out the full  Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card review  and take a look at the  terms and conditions  of each benefit. And here’s the official application link:  Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card .

Related:  Choosing the best credit cards for Delta flyers

Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Sign-up bonus : Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. This bonus is worth $600.

Rewards : 2 points per $1 on travel and dining and 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases.

  • Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per ticket for unexpected trip delays of more than 12 hours
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $2,500 per person, per trip for unused pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses
  • Baggage delay : Up to $100 reimbursed per day for up to five days for baggage delays of more than six hours
  • Lost luggage reimbursement : Provides coverage for luggage and its contents if they are lost or stolen due to theft or misdirection by your common carrier
  • Emergency evacuation and transportation coverage : Covers eligible medical services and transportation if you or a member of your immediate family are injured or become sick during a trip far from home that results in an emergency evacuation.
  • Rental car coverage : Get secondary coverage for damages caused by theft or collision.

The  Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card  offers solid value in exchange for its $95 annual fee. For example, you’ll get an up to  $100 Global Entry/TSA Precheck application fee credit  every four years and an  annual up to $100 airline incidental fee statement credit .

But, this card is ideal for  Bank of America Preferred Rewards®  members. After all, these members can earn between 25%-75% more points on their purchases. That means the card’s 2x earnings on travel and dining could increase up to 3.5 points per dollar. Meanwhile, the 1.5x earnings on all other purchases could rise as high as 2.625 points per dollar.

To learn more, check out our  Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa Credit Card review .

Related: Five reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card

travel insurance credit card india

Sign-up bonus : Earn 50,000 points after you spend $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening. These points are worth $750 when redeemed to offset eligible travel purchases. However, this card is only available to U.S. Bank customers who have an eligible U.S. Bank account relationship open and active at least five business days before applying.

Rewards : 5x on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 3x on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending; 1x on other purchases

  • Trip delay reimbursement : Up to $500 per ticket purchased with your card if you’re delayed more than six hours or require an overnight stay
  • Trip cancellation and interruption protection : Up to $2,000 per person, but only to cover non-refundable common carrier tickets
  • Lost baggage reimbursement : Up to $3,000 per trip (up to $2,000 per bag for New York residents) if your checked or carry-on bag (or its contents) is lost due to theft or misdirection by a common carrier
  • Travel accident insurance : Up to $500,000 of accidental death and dismemberment coverage when you use your card to purchase a ticket for eligible forms of transportation
  • Rental car coverage : Primary coverage for physical damage and theft, reasonable and customary towing and valid loss-of-use charges

Annual fee : $400

The  U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card  can be an excellent choice for daily spending and  travel purchases , especially if the merchants you shop with accept  mobile wallet payments . But the card doesn’t include baggage delay protection and the trip cancellation and interruption protection only covers common carrier tickets. However, the Altitude Reserve provides a solid alternative to those who  can’t get accepted for a Chase card .

For more information, check out our  U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card review .

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Visa Infinite card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related:  What credit score is needed for a U.S. Bank Card?

Main benefits of having a credit card with travel insurance

(Photo by Nick Ellis/The Points Guy)

There are multiple benefits to having a credit card that provides travel insurance when you pay for eligible travel expenses with your card. The main advantage is simplicity: I don’t need to research  independent travel insurance  unless I’m going on a trip for which my credit card’s travel insurance  doesn’t provide the level of coverage I want .

Having a credit card with travel insurance can also save you money. My sister-in-law paid more than $100 to buy theft and collision insurance from a  car rental company . After that experience, she finally got the  Chase Sapphire Preferred  to obtain similar coverage as a card perk. Now, she can recoup her annual fee even if she just rents a car a couple of times each year.

Finally, having a credit card with travel insurance provides reassurance. I don’t need to worry if bad weather causes a flight cancellation and strands me overnight since I know my card will provide  trip delay protection . And, I’m almost happy when the airline temporarily misplaces my checked bag for a few days, as my card’s  baggage delay insurance  means I can purchase some essential clothing items while I wait.

Related:  Why you might want to get a premium credit card instead of purchasing travel insurance

How to submit a claim

If you’re in a situation where you believe you may be eligible for your credit card’s travel insurance, your first step should be to read your card’s guide to benefits or call the number on the back of your card. Even if you believe you’ll be covered after reading your card’s guide to benefits, it is usually a good idea to call the number on the back of your card. By calling, you can ensure you’re covered, learn about deadlines for making your claim and determine what documents you’ll need to collect.

The benefits administrator will usually walk you through the necessary steps for making your claim. Luckily, many card issuers now allow you to file claims online, so you may not need to send in physical documents. Be sure to pay attention to any deadline for starting your claim and uploading documents, as well as any specific requirements for requested documentation.

Related:  Your guide to Chase’s trip insurance coverage

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, please click  here . For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, please click  here . For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, please click  here .

Featured photo of the Beachfront Villa, Residence Terrace at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort. (Photo courtesy of Four Seasons)

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Insurance Benefit Credit Cards 2023

Photo of Team Finology

Team Finology

Created on 19 Aug 2023

Wraps up in 6 Min

Read by 4.5k people

Updated on 29 Nov 2023

travel insurance credit card india

Have you ever been worried about what may happen if you lose your credit card or break the phone you purchased with it? Or what happens if, after a few days, the price of the item you bought with your credit card decreases? Or perhaps when using your credit card while abroad, you may become sick or have an accident.

These are a few conditions in which having a credit card with insurance benefits might be useful. You can be protected against a variety of risks and losses related to the use of your credit cards with credit card insurance. You may do it to save money, stay out of trouble, and have peace of mind.

But not all credit cards offer the same level of insurance benefits. Some may have more comprehensive and generous coverage than others. Some may have more exclusions and limitations than others. And some may charge more fees and premiums than others.

So, how do you choose the best credit card with insurance benefits for yourself? Well, that's what this blog post is all about. We will help you understand the different types of credit card insurance, compare the best credit cards with insurance benefits in India, and give you some tips on how to use them wisely.

Types of Credit Card Insurance

Credit card insurance can be broadly classified into four categories:

1. Credit Card Cover

This type of insurance covers your credit card debt in case of death, disability, or unemployment. You can safeguard your family from monetary difficulties and prevent yourself from going into debt. This credit card cover is often an additional charge and is optional.

2. Insurance Credit Cards

These credit cards have free insurance advantages as one of their features. These perks might include protections against price drops, theft, purchase protection, travel and health insurance, among others. Insurance credit cards are usually premium or co-branded cards with high annual fees and eligibility criteria.

3. Credit Shield Insurance 

You are protected by this sort of insurance from unauthorised or fraudulent credit card transactions. With this insurance, you can avoid paying charges for transactions that you neither authorised nor made. Credit shield insurance is usually free or nominal and comes as a default feature on most credit cards.

4. Credit Card Price Protection

This sort of insurance reimburses you for the price difference if the item you paid for with your credit card becomes less expensive within a predetermined time frame. It can assist you in making financial savings and preventing purchasing regret. Price protection on credit cards is often a unique and exclusive feature of particular credit cards.

Best Credit Cards with Insurance Benefits in India

Now that you know the types of credit card insurance, let's look at some of the best credit cards with insurance benefits in India. We have selected these cards based on their coverage, features, fees, rewards, and customer reviews.

1. HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card

travel insurance credit card india

HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card is a super-premium card that offers comprehensive travel insurance, purchase protection, price drop protection, and credit shield insurance. It also offers unlimited free access to over 1000+ domestic and international airport lounges, and you also get to enjoy unlimited complimentary golf games at leading courses across India and at selected courses across the world, dining discounts, annual memberships of various online platforms, and reward points that can be redeemed for air miles, hotel bookings, gift vouchers, or cash back. 

The card charges a low foreign currency markup fee of 2% on all foreign currency transactions. The card has an annual fee of ₹2,500 (waived off on spending ₹3 lakhs in a year) and an interest rate of 23.88% per annum.

And you must note that HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card is an invite-only card, i.e., you can apply for this card only if you have been invited.

2. Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card 

travel insurance credit card india

Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card is a premium co-branded card that promises exciting travel and lifestyle-related offers to cardholders. The card offers a complimentary Vistara Silver membership, which offers perks such as priority check-in and increased baggage allowance. 

The card also offers up to five premium economy ticket vouchers on achieving spending milestones in a year, access to domestic airport spa and lounge and international airport lounge, flight and hotel cancellation insurance up to ₹10,000 for two cancellations per year, travel insurance cover up to ₹1 crore for air accidents and other contingencies, and up to twelve golf lessons and four golf rounds per calendar year powered by MasterCard. 

The card has an annual fee of ₹4,999 and an interest rate of 42.00% per annum. And, to get this card, you must be at least 21 years old and should have a minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs.

3. Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card

travel insurance credit card india

Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card is a co-branded card that offers 5% rewards on purchases made at Tata Neu and partner brands and 1.5% rewards on all other eligible spends. The card also offers travel insurance cover up to ₹1 crore for air accidents, emergency overseas hospitalisation of up to ₹15 lakhs, lost card liability cover of up to ₹9 lakh, a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000, and you also get 8 complimentary domestic lounge access per calendar year (2 in a quarter). 

This card has an annual fee of ₹1,499 and an interest rate of 41.88% per annum. And if you are applying for this card, then your age must be between 21 and 65 years.

Also, if you are a salaried employee, then your monthly income should be at least ₹1 lakh. And, if you are self-employed, then your ITR should be at least ₹12 lakhs per annum.

4. Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card

travel insurance credit card india

Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card is a premium card that offers high cashback and benefits on various categories such as travel and rewards. The card offers 5% cashback on duty-free spending and access to over 1000 airport lounges across the world. The card also offers travel insurance covering up to ₹1 crore for air accidents and medical insurance worth USD 12,500. Moreover, for every ₹150 spent, you get five reward points, where one reward point is equal to ₹1 to maximise benefits. Additionally, you can enjoy a reduced foreign currency markup fee of 2% on all foreign currency transactions.

The card has an annual fee of ₹5,000 and an interest rate of 45.00% per annum.

And if you are applying for this card, then your age must be between 21 and 65 years. Also, you should have a stable monthly income.

Tips to Use Credit Cards with Insurance Benefits Wisely

Credit cards with insurance benefits can be very useful and valuable if you use them wisely. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your credit card insurance:

  • Before applying for a credit card with insurance benefits, thoroughly read the terms and conditions. Understand the insurance company's coverage, exclusions, restrictions, costs, premiums, claims procedure, and customer service.
  • Select a credit card with insurance benefits based on your spending preferences and needs. For instance, choose a credit card with travel insurance if you regularly travel; choose a credit card with price drop protection if you frequently buy online; choose a credit card with credit card cover if you wish to safeguard your family from debt; and so on.
  • In order to prevent interest charges and late penalties that might reduce the value of your insurance benefits, pay your credit card bills on time and in full each month.
  • Always keep your credit card safe and secure. Inform your card issuer and the insurance provider right away if your card is lost or stolen. Follow the instructions given by them to file a claim and submit the required 
  • Before applying for a credit card with insurance benefits, compare the available options. You can use the online platform offered by Select by Finology to find, compare, and apply for the best credit card for you.

In conclusion, credit cards with insurance features can provide a valuable layer of protection for your financial transactions while offering additional benefits and savings. However, it's important to choose a credit card that offers coverage that aligns with your specific needs and budget, as the degree of coverage, fees, and charges can vary widely between cards. To help you get started, we have provided a list of the best credit cards with insurance benefits. Additionally, if you're interested in other credit card privileges , you can find and compare cards at Select by Finology. 

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Go places with complete peace of mind

Travel insurance, travelling abroad can be an exciting adventure, but no matter how much you prepare, things don’t always go according to plan. travel at ease with two different travel insurance solutions underwritten by icici lombard general insurance to choose from., single trip insurance.

Be it a last minute meeting or a long-awaited holiday, now enjoy your trip with a plan that covers you against perils through a one time travel across destinations  

Multi Trip Insurance

A comprehensive 12 month cover offering protection to leisure and business travellers

The American Express Advantage 

  • Avail Doctor Consultation Services via chat - anytime, anywhere
  • Dedicated claims and servicing helpline
  • Priority Claim processing

Key Features

  • Single Trip Plan – Pay only for the number of days you travel
  • High covers of up to USD 500,000
  • Instant policy issuance
  • Cashless claim settlement worldwide with global medical network of preferred hospitals 
  • Choose from a variety of add-on coverages like pet care, legal expenses etc.
  • No health checkups required 

The American Express Advantage

  • Dedicated claims and servicing helpline No. 1800 103 5243

Other Benefits

  • Concierge services for your dependent's back home
  • Domestic coverages - Loss/damage to Home and Contents during your trip abroad 
  • Coverage for legal expenses arising due to death/disablement whilst your trip abroad

Product Summary

  • All the medical expenses also include returning to India and evacuation in case of medical emergencies.Death, permanent total disability and permanent partial disability due to accident.Additional benefit in the event of an accidental death or permanent total disability, if traveling in a common carrier.
  • Reimbursement of the actual expenses paid by you for loss of passport, traveler cheques, tickets or documents.
  • Benefits for loss or delay of checked-in baggage.
  • Refund of the expenses in case of trip delay or cancellation.
  • Loss due to burglary or fire at your home in India while you are traveling abroad.
  • Pre-existing diseases are not covered unless under it becomes a life threating situation.
  • Cosmetic surgery, unless the surgery is medically necessary as part of treatment for accidents or burns while traveling.
  • Injuries due to hazardous activity or sports.
  • Loss due to terrorist activities.
  • Partial loss of items in checked-in baggage.
  • Loss of passport if it is left unattended in public and not reported to police within 24 hours.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The applicant should be a basic Cardmember/family member of basic Cardmember of American Express
  • Trip Duration: 2 days – 182 days (extendable up to 356 days)
  • Non – Schengen Plan: 3 months – 85 years
  • Schengen Plan: 3 months – 85 years

Add On Coverage

Medical Expenses (inclusive of repatriation and emergency medical evacuation)

This cover will reimburse for the expenses incurred for availing immediate medical assistance required on account of any illness or injury sustained or contracted whilst on a trip abroad but not exceeding the Sum Insured for the coverage as agreed under the Plan.

Dental Care Expenses

This cover will reimburse for the expenses incurred in respect acute anesthetic treatment of a natural tooth or teeth during a trip, but not exceeding the Sum Insured as specified in the policy wordings.

Compassionate Visit

In case the insured person is hospitalized for more than seven consecutive days then he can claim for the below mentioned expenses:

  • A return trip economy class air ticket, or first class railway ticket, to allow one immediate family member, to be at his/ her bedside for the duration of stay in the Hospital; and Expenses towards stay of the immediate family member during such compassionate visit

This section also provides for the reimbursement of the cost of return fare for the insured to visit his/her native place in India, in the unfortunate event of the immediate family member (spouse, dependent children, parents) being hospitalized for more than seven consecutive days in India or in the event of death of the immediate family member (spouse, dependent children or parents).

Personal Accident

This cover shall compensate the Insured or his/her nominee or legal representatives, as the case may be, for accidental bodily injury (whilst on a trip covered by this Policy) solely and directly caused by accidental, violent, external and visible means resulting in death or Permanent Total Disablement or Permanent Partial Disablement within 12 calendar months of occurrence of such injury.

Accidental Death and Permanent Total Disablement

This cover will pay compensation up to the limit of the Sum Insured for this benefit as specified in the policy wordings if accidental injury to the Insured results in loss of life or permanent total disablement while riding as a passenger (but not as a pilot operator or member of the crew) in a common carrier.

Daily Allowances in case of Hospitalization

Re-imbursement of additional expenses incurred if your trip is delayed for more than specified number of hours, as mentioned in the Policy Wordings, due to airline problems, medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters.

Missed Connection

Provides payment of a fixed allowance towards additional expenses incurred in case of the Insured missing the connecting flight due to cancellation of incoming scheduled flight, beyond 3 hours in the event of inclement weather causing such cancellation.

  

Loss of Passport/Document

Provides reimbursement of actual expenses incurred for obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport, traveler’s cheque or other such documents in the event of its loss.

Total Loss of checked - in Baggage

Covers total loss of checked baggage caused by a common carrier (i.e. airline, coach operator, Ferry Company etc.) Valuables, if any, can also be covered if declared specifically and agreed to by the Insurer.

Delay of checked - in Baggage

This add-on covers the medical expenses arising due to accident while driving up to Rs 10,000 for you and the passengers traveling in the car.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

This cover shall compensate the Insured, subject to limit of sum Insured, if a trip is cancelled or interrupted due to any of the following reasons:

  • Unforeseen disease, illness, injury, or death of the Insured’s family member. Disease, injury or illness must be so disabling as to reasonably cause a trip to be cancelled or interrupted as supported by medical records and opinion acceptable to the Company
  • Termination of employment or layoff affecting the Insured or the travelling companion of the Insured, provided that the Insured or the travelling companion, as the case may be, have been employed with the employer for at least three continuous years
  • Inclement weather conditions causing cancellation or interruption of the trip with due authentication by a letter from the common carrier
  • The place intended to be occupied by the Insured/ Insured Person for purposes of his or her stay during the trip or the destination being made uninhabitable by fire, flood, vandalism, burglary, or such natural disaster
  • The insured being abducted or quarantined
  • The Insured or a travelling companion being the victim of a felonious assault within 10 days prior to the departure date, provided that the Insured/ Insured Person (including any member of their family) or the travelling companion (including any member of travelling companion's family) is/are not principal or accessory in such felonious assault

Home Fire Insurance – Content

This cover provides for indemnity, against any loss, destruction or damage to the contents of the Insured's home in India caused by any of the fire and related perils specified hereunder whilst the Insured is on a trip abroad covered up to a specified limit as mentioned in the policy wordings.

Home Burglary Insurance – Content

This cover provides for indemnity, against any loss, destruction or damage to the contents of the Insured's home in India caused by burglary and/or housebreaking specified hereunder whilst the Insured is on a trip abroad covered up to a specified limit as mentioned in the policy wordings.

Hijack Distress Allowance

This cover provides for payment of an allowance in the event of hijack of a common carrier in which the Insured/ Insured Person is traveling on a trip covered under this Policy as specified in the policy wordings.

Personal Liability

Provides compensation for third party liability payable to a third party in case of injury or damage to property of third party that is caused by insured.

Loss of Deposit or cancellation – Hotel and Airline

This cover will compensate the insured against the loss of irrevocable deposits or charges paid in advance or contracted to be paid in the event of necessary and unavoidable cancellation of Hotel and Airline booking arrangement which is beyond the control of the Insured up to a specified limit

as mentioned in the policy wordings. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

Overbooked Flight

This cover will reimburse for the expenses made by the insured for the purchase of new ticket or hotel booking up to a specified limit as mentioned in the policy wordings if the insured is denied boarding of an aircraft on a commercial scheduled flight due to over-booking, and no alternative transportation is made available within 12 hours of the scheduled departure time of such flight. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

Legal Expenses

This cover shall pay the legal costs and expenses incurred by the insured or the legal representative of the insured, as the case may be, towards claims for from third parties for compensation for accidental death or disablement arising due to an injury, whilst on a trip abroad, up to the limits specified in the Policy wordings. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

This cover provides for payment of medical expenses including fees for the Veterinary Medical Practitioner's fees towards the medical care and treatment of the pet animal (limited to cat or dog) of the insured arising due to an injury sustained whilst under the care of a friend, relative, house servant, other family members of the house or a professional carrier in India during the insured's trip abroad, covered under this Policy. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

Emergency Accommodation

This cover provides for payment of compensation for the additional cost of emergency accommodation if the Insured/Insured Person could not stay in the accommodation originally booked due to fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, explosion, outbreak of major infectious diseases. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

This cover will provide the payment of bail amount to the appropriate authority/court on behalf of the Insured/ Insured Person if the Insured/ Insured Person is arrested or detained by Police or Judicial authorities, for any bailable offence whilst on a trip abroad covered by this policy up to the limits specified in the policy wordings. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

  • Valid globally over multiple trips
  • No health checkups required up to 70 years of age
  • Concierge services for your dependents back home
  • Domestic coverages : Loss/damage to Home and Contents during your trip abroad 
  • All the medical expenses also include returning to India and evacuation in case of medical emergencies.Death, permanent total disability and permanent partial disability due to accident.Additional benefit in the event of an accidental death or permanent total disability, if traveling in a common carrier
  • The minimum age of entry is 3 months and maximum is 60 years.
  • The cover is renewable till the insured person reaches 60 years of age.
  • Applicant is allowed a maximum of 60 days per trip.

This cover will reimburse for the expenses incurred for availing immediate medical assistance required on account of any illness or injury sustained or contracted whilst on a trip abroad but not exceeding the Sum Insured for the coverage as agreed under the Plan.

This section also provides for the reimbursement of the cost of return fare for the insured to visit his/her native place in India, in the unfortunate event of the immediate family member (spouse, dependent children, parents) being hospitalized for more than seven consecutive days in India or in the event of death of the immediate family member (spouse, dependent children or parents).

This cover shall compensate the Insured or his/her nominee or legal representatives, as the case may be, for accidental bodily injury (whilst on a trip covered by this Policy) solely and directly caused by accidental, violent, external and visible means resulting in death or Permanent Total Disablement or Permanent Partial Disablement within 12 calendar months of occurrence of such injury.

This cover will pay compensation up to the limit of the Sum Insured for this benefit as specified in the policy wordings if accidental injury to the Insured results in loss of life or permanent total disablement while riding as a passenger (but not as a pilot operator or member of the crew) in a common carrier.

Re-imbursement of additional expenses incurred if your trip is delayed for more than specified number of hours, as mentioned in the Policy Wordings, due to airline problems, medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters.

Provides payment of a fixed allowance towards additional expenses incurred in case of the Insured missing the connecting flight due to cancellation of incoming scheduled flight, beyond 3 hours in the event of inclement weather causing such cancellation.

Provides reimbursement of actual expenses incurred for obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport, traveler’s cheque or other such documents in the event of its loss.

Covers total loss of checked baggage caused by a common carrier (i.e. airline, coach operator, Ferry Company etc.) Valuables, if any, can also be covered if declared specifically and agreed to by the Insurer.

Provides compensation for reasonable expenses incurred for the purchases of toiletries, clothing and medication due to a delay of checked-in baggage for specified number of hours, as mentioned in the Policy Wordings.

Home Fire Insurance

This cover provides for indemnity, against any loss, destruction or damage to the contents of the Insured's home in India caused by any of the fire and related perils specified hereunder whilst the Insured is on a trip abroad covered up to a specified limit as mentioned in the policy wordings.

Home Burglary Insurance

This cover provides for payment of an allowance in the event of hijack of a common carrier in which the Insured/ Insured Person is traveling on a trip covered under this Policy as specified in the policy wordings.

Provides compensation for third party liability payable to a third party in case of injury or damage to property of third party that is caused by insured.

This cover will compensate the insured against the loss of irrevocable deposits or charges paid in advance or contracted to be paid in the event of necessary and unavoidable cancellation of Hotel and Airline booking arrangement which is beyond the control of the Insured up to a specified limit as mentioned in the policy wordings. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

This cover will reimburse for the expenses made by the insured for the purchase of new ticket or hotel booking up to a specified limit as mentioned in the policy wordings if the insured is denied boarding of an aircraft on a commercial scheduled flight due to over-booking, and no alternative transportation is made available within 12 hours of the scheduled departure time of such flight. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

This cover shall pay the legal costs and expenses incurred by the insured or the legal representative of the insured, as the case may be, towards claims for from third parties for compensation for accidental death or disablement arising due to an injury, whilst on a trip abroad, up to the limits specified in the Policy wordings. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

This cover provides for payment of medical expenses including fees for the Veterinary Medical Practitioner's fees towards the medical care and treatment of the pet animal (limited to cat or dog) of the insured arising due to an injury sustained whilst under the care of a friend, relative, house servant, other family members of the house or a professional carrier in India during the insured's trip abroad, covered under this Policy. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

This cover provides for payment of compensation for the additional cost of emergency accommodation if the Insured/Insured Person could not stay in the accommodation originally booked due to fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, explosion, outbreak of major infectious diseases. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

This cover will provide the payment of bail amount to the appropriate authority/court on behalf of the Insured/ Insured Person if the Insured/ Insured Person is arrested or detained by Police or Judicial authorities, for any bailable offence whilst on a trip abroad covered by this policy up to the limits specified in the policy wordings. This cover is only applicable for USD 300,000 and USD 500,000.

Why do I need a Travel Insurance policy?

Traveling abroad can be for a holiday or for business purpose. During the journey, you are susceptible to many risks away from home. There can be unfavorable incidents like thefts, accidents, loss of tickets, baggage, documents, and trip cancellation. A travel insurance, in this case, becomes vital. It covers the expenses incurred in the event of loss or medical treatment.

What is a deductible?

It is the deductible amount that has to be borne by the insured at the time of a claim. The deductible is applicable for medical expenses, dental treatment, loss of passport or documents, delayed checked baggage, hijack distress allowance, etc.

What type of medical coverage’s are provided?

The following medical expenses are covered:  

  • In-patient treatment in a local hospital
  • Out-patient treatment, provided if it is critical
  • Medical aid for broken limbs or injuries if prescribed by physician
  • Dental care related to acute anesthetic treatment as a result of an accident
  • Life-saving emergency measures till the insured person becomes medically stable
  • Transportation and emergency medical evacuation

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(0124) 4405500

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Dedicated Servicing & Claims Helpline

  @ ICICI Lombard -  040 66274201

The advertisement contains only an indication of the cover offered. For more details on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions, please read the policy wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

General Insurance is underwritten by ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd. 

ICICI Lombard has its registered office at ICICI Lombard House, 414, Veer Savarkar Marg, Near Siddhivanayak Temple, Prabhadevi, Mumbai – 400 025. IRDAI Reg No. 115. Toll Free No. 1800 2666. Fax No 02261961323. CIN U67200MH2000PLC129408.

Website: www.icicilombard.com

Email:   [email protected]   

Life Insurance is underwritten by Future Generali India Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Future Generali) and PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Ltd. (PNB MetLife).

Future Generali has its registered office at Indiabulls Finance Centre, 6th Floor, Tower 3, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone West Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013. IRDAI Registration No: 133. CIN:U66010MH2006PLC165288. IRDAI Registration no. 133.

Email: [email protected]

Call at: 1800 102 2355.

Website: life.futuregenerali.in

PNB MetLife has its principle office at No.5 Brigade Seshmahal, Vani Vilas Road, Basavanagudi, Bangalore – 560004. Toll free No. 1800-425-6969.

Website: www.pnbmetlife.com

Email: [email protected]

This information is provided by American Express Banking Corp. (AEBC), India, having its Principal office at MGF Metropolitan, Office Tower, Level 7, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi-110017. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has authorized AEBC India to act as a Corporate Agent from 1st April, 2022 to 31st March, 2025 for soliciting and procuring General Insurance and Life Insurance business under Registration No. CA0066. The contents of this message (including any attachments) and the contents there of are attributable solely to the ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, Future Generali India Life Insurance and PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Ltd. ('Insurance Company'). No part of the same is either directly or indirectly, attributable to AEBC. The participation of the Card member is purely on a voluntary basis. Any such person who purchases or otherwise subscribes to the Insurance Product would do at his/her discretion and shall not receive any advantages in additions to those which he/she would ordinarily be entitled to as an American Express Card member. AEBC India does not accept any responsibility for the Insurance Company's actions or decisions. AEBC holds no warranty & makes no representation about claims processing. The contract of Insurance is between the insurer and the insured and not between the bank and the insured. Insurance company is liable to claims processing as per the terms and conditions of this Policy. AEBC India identifies insurance providers and products that may be of some interest to some of their customers. In this role, American Express does not act as an agent or fiduciary for the Card member, and may act on behalf of the insurance provider (as its agent or otherwise), as permitted by law. Please be aware that we receive up to 15% of the premium as commissions for Non-Life insurance products and up to 30% in the first year and up to 10% of the premium in the subsequent years for Life insurance products from providers as per Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India guidelines.

 Beware of spurious phone calls and fictitious/fraudulent offers. IRDAI clarifies to public that –

  • IRDAI or its officials do not involve in activities like sale of any kind of insurance or financial products nor invest premiums
  • IRDAI does not announce any bonus

Public receiving such phone calls are requested to lodge a police complaint along with details of phone call, number.

Product code:

  • ICICI Lombard Complete Health Insurance - ICIHLIP22096V062122, Group Personal Accident - ICIPAGP22077V062122, Private Car Package Policy - IRDAN115RP0017V01200102, International Travel Insurance - ICITIOP22093V032122, Two Wheeler Package Policy - IRDAN115RP0015V04201415, Smart Plan House Holders Package Policy - IRDAN139P0002V01200910, Group Health Insurance Policy - IRDA/NL-HLT/BAXAGI/P-H/V.I/94/13-14
  • Future Generali Express Term Life Plan – T21. UIN: 133N082V01
  • PNB MetLife India Insurance Co. Ltd. Mera Jeevan Suraksha Plan – MJS, PNB MetLife IRDAI registration number – 117

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Best Travel Credit Cards in India 2024: Enjoy Exclusive Benefits and Rewards

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Why is it important to travel with a credit card?

Travel Credit Cards

Top Best Credit Card in India 2024

1. club vistara idfc first credit card.

Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card

  • Cardholders receive complimentary Vistara tickets as per the travel expenses.
  • Cardholders get access to priority pass lounges worldwide. It gives a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
  • Additional benefits will be priority check-in, extra baggage allowance and an exclusive discount on travel expenses.
  • Cardholders can earn Club Vistara Points (CVP) on every transaction, which can be redeemed for tickets, hotels, etc.

2. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

  • Cardholders get a welcome bonus in the form of Air India vouchers on the activation of the card.
  • Cardholders can get a complimentary domestic air ticket from Air India to travel in India.
  • Cardholder can earn Air India Miles on every transaction, which can be used to redeem tickets, lounge, etc
  • It offers complimentary membership to domestic and international airport lounges with the Visa Lounge Access program.
  • Additional benefits will be a discount on hotel booking, dining or lifestyle expenses.
  • There is complimentary air accident insurance and travel insurance for a safer travel experience.

3. InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card

InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card

  • InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card provides a welcome bonus on the activation of the card from InterMiles
  • It provides Intermiles points on every transaction, later which can be used for flight tickets, hotel, food, car rental, etc.
  • It provides complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges through the Mastercard Lounge Access program.
  • It also contains travel insurance coverage like any medical expenses, air accidents, etc.
  • Additional benefits can be a discount on flight booking, hotel booking, etc.

4. Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card:

Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card is a co-brand credit card provided by Kotak Mahindra Bank and IndiGo Airlines. They provide several benefits to the cardholder for a better travel experience-

  • They provide an attractive welcome bonus to the cardholder when they activate their card.
  • There are complimentary domestic air tickets, priority check-in, and additional baggage allowance when booking flights with IndiGo Airlines.
  • You can earn 6E Rewards on every transaction which can be used for free flight booking, hotel stay, shopping and more.
  • There is complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges with the Visa Lounge Access program.
  • Cardholders can get air accidents and travel insurance for a peaceful travel experience.
  • There is an extra discount if the cardholder pays their bill with this credit card.

5. Axis Atlas Credit Card:

Axis Atlas Credit Card is a premium credit card by Axis Bank. It is a special card which offers a better travel and lifestyle experience to the cardholder.

  • It provides welcome bonuses like bonus reward points and cashback on the activation of the card.
  • Cardholders can get complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide. You can use this service during layovers and waiting for flights.
  • Earn points on every transaction while paying for dining, shopping or travel expenses.
  • They provide special discounts on most of the restaurants, cafes and dining outlets to save money.
  • There is complimentary insurance coverage in the travel and medical category.
  • It provides exclusive privileges such as concierge services, golf access, movie ticket discounts, and lifestyle vouchers.
  • Cardholders can enjoy contactless payment technology with this credit card.

6. Yatra SBI Card:

Yatra SBI Card is a co-brand credit card provided by the SBI Bank and Yatra.com.

  • Cardholders can get 6x reward points on using the Yatra SBI card on any type of payment.
  • There is an attractive welcome bonus like a discount or cashback on activating the card.
  • There is an additional discount on flight booking, hotel booking, package and activity booking from the yatra.com website.
  • They exclusively provide the fuel surcharge at petrol pumps across India when paying with the Yatra SBI Card. It helps to save money on fuel expenses.
  • For quick and secure transactions, they provide a contactless payment option.

7. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card:

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card is a premium co-brand credit card by Axis Bank and Vistar. It is one of India’s leading full-service airlines.

  • Exclusive welcome bonus on activation of credit card like cashback, etc.
  • There are milestone benefits such as complimentary flight tickets, bonus points on using credit card
  • Exclusive discount on the partner restaurants, hotels, spas, and lifestyle outlets, etc.
  • There is insurance available for air accidents, baggage loss, medical emergencies, etc.

1. Why is it important to travel with a credit card? – Credit cards offer secure payments, eliminate the need for constant cash conversion, and provide travel benefits.

2. What benefits does the Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card offer? – Benefits include complimentary Vistara tickets, priority pass lounge access, priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and Club Vistara Points.

3. What are the advantages of the Air India SBI Signature Credit Card? – Benefits include welcome bonuses, complimentary domestic air tickets, Air India Miles, lounge access, discounts on hotel and dining, and insurance coverage.

4. What perks does the InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card provide? – Perks include welcome bonuses, InterMiles points, lounge access, and travel insurance coverage for medical expenses and air accidents.

5. What benefits come with the Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card? – Benefits include welcome bonuses, complimentary domestic air tickets, priority check-in, additional baggage allowance, 6E Rewards, lounge access, and insurance coverage.

6. What features does the Axis Atlas Credit Card offer for travelers? – Features include welcome bonuses, lounge access, rewards on transactions, discounts on dining, and travel and medical insurance coverage.

7. What advantages does the Yatra SBI Card offer? – Advantages include 6x reward points, welcome bonuses, discounts on flight and hotel bookings, fuel surcharge waiver, and contactless payment.

8. What benefits does the Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card provide? – Benefits include welcome bonuses, milestone benefits, discounts on partner establishments, and insurance coverage for air accidents, baggage loss, and medical emergencies.

9. How can I choose the best travel credit card for my needs? – Consider factors like rewards, lounge access, insurance coverage, welcome bonuses, and discounts to choose the card that aligns with your travel preferences.

10. Are there any additional fees associated with travel credit cards? – Some cards may have annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or other charges. It’s essential to review the terms and conditions before applying. Also Read:-

  • NSE Option Chain: Understanding Basics, How to Invest, Benefits, and Risks Explained
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Travel Insurance Benefits offered by Credit Cards

  • TATA AIG Team
  • Published on :

Travelling the world is a thrilling adventure, but along with the excitement, it's essential to consider the unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your journeys. From flight cancellations to lost luggage, unexpected mishaps can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare.

That's where the often-overlooked gem of travel insurance comes into play, and you might be surprised to find it tucked away in your wallet.

Credit cards, those trusty companions of our financial lives, offer more than convenient payment options. Many credit card providers now include travel insurance as an added benefit, providing a safety net that ensures peace of mind while exploring the unknown.

This blog will uncover the valuable traveling insurance benefits credit cards offer. We'll dive into the various coverage options, explore the advantages and limitations, and equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding protecting your travel investment.

What is Travel Insurance Benefit on a Credit Card?

Travel insurance on a credit card refers to the complimentary insurance coverage provided by certain credit card issuers to cardholders when they use their card to book travel-related expenses. It is an added benefit that can protect travellers against unexpected events and mitigate financial risks associated with their trips.

Typically, travel insurance offered by credit cards covers a range of situations, such as trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, medical emergencies, accidental death or disability, and even rental car insurance. The extent of coverage and specific benefits can vary depending on the credit card provider and the type of card held.

One of the significant advantages of having travel insurance through a credit card is the convenience and cost savings it offers. Instead of purchasing separate travel insurance policies, cardholders can enjoy the benefits automatically when they use their card to pay for eligible travel expenses. This streamlines the process and eliminates the need for additional expenditures.

However, it's important to understand the terms and conditions of credit cards with insurance benefits provided by the companies. Coverage limits, exclusions, and requirements may vary, and certain trips or activities might not be covered.

For instance, the coverage may not include extreme sports or pre-existing medical conditions. It's crucial to carefully review the policy details and consult with the credit card issuer to clearly understand what is covered and any limitations that may exist.

Typical Credit Card Insurance Coverage Options

Travel insurance on a credit card offers cardholders a layer of protection and peace of mind when travelling. Here are some of the common coverages offered by credit card travel policies:

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage

Credit card travel insurance often provides reimbursement for non-refundable trip expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to covered reasons such as illness, injury, or severe weather conditions.

Lost or Delayed Baggage Coverage

If your checked or carry-on luggage is lost, stolen, or delayed for a specified period, credit card travel insurance can reimburse necessary purchases, such as clothing or toiletries, until your bags are returned.

Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage

Visa card travel insurance may cover emergency medical and dental expenses incurred while travelling, including hospital stays, surgeries, and medications. This coverage is particularly beneficial when travelling internationally, where medical costs can be exorbitant.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage

In case of a medical emergency or if you require transportation to a suitable medical facility, credit card travel insurance can cover the expenses associated with emergency evacuation and repatriation

A List of Travel Protection Credit Card Companies Offering the Benefit of Travel Insurance in India

Several credit card companies in India offer travel insurance as an added benefit to their cardholders. This insurance coverage can provide protection and peace of mind while travelling.

Here is a list of some major credit card companies in India that offer travel insurance, along with a brief explanation of their offerings:

HDFC Bank offers travel insurance through credit cards like HDFC Regalia, HDFC Diners Club, and HDFC Infinia. Their coverage includes trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical emergencies, personal accident, and more. The extent of coverage depends on the specific card variant.

ICICI Bank provides insurance plans on select credit cards like ICICI Bank Sapphiro, ICICI Bank Emeralde, and ICICI Bank Rubyx. The insurance covers trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical emergencies, personal accident, and other benefits.

Axis Bank offers travel insurance on its credit cards, such as Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card and Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card. The coverage includes trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical expenses, personal accidents, and travel inconvenience benefits.

State Bank of India (SBI)

SBI offers credit card travel insurance coverage on select credit cards like SBI Elite, SBI Prime, and SBI Signature. Their coverage includes trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical emergencies, personal accident, and other travel-related benefits.

Standard Chartered Bank

Standard Chartered Bank offers travel insurance on its credit cards, such as Visa Infinite, Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum and Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium. The coverage includes trip cancellation, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and personal accident benefits.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Credit Card Travel Insurance Benefit in India

The eligibility criteria can vary slightly between credit card issuers. However, certain general eligibility requirements are typically applicable.

Here are the key factors to consider:

Most credit card issuers require applicants to be at least 18 years old. Some premium cards, such as 21 or 25 years, may have a higher age requirement.

Credit card issuers typically set minimum income criteria for applicants. The income requirement varies depending on the card type and the level of benefits offered. Premium cards often have higher income thresholds.

Employment Status

Credit card issuers usually require applicants to have a steady source of income. Employed individuals, self-employed individuals, and business owners are generally eligible to apply. Some credit cards may also be available for students or individuals with limited income.

Credit History

A good credit history plays a crucial role in credit card approval. Credit card issuers assess an applicant's creditworthiness by considering their credit score, credit report, and repayment history. A higher credit score increases the chances of approval.

Nationality and Residency

Typically, credit cards with travel insurance benefits are available to Indian citizens and resident individuals. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) may have separate credit card options tailored to their needs.

Documentation

Applicants are required to provide supporting documents, such as identity proof (such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, or passport), address proof (such as utility bills or rent agreement), income proof (such as salary slips, bank statements, or income tax returns), and passport-sized photographs.

[Note: It's important to understand that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee credit card approval. The final decision lies with the credit card issuer, which evaluates each application based on their internal policies and risk assessment.]

Also, before applying for a credit card, it's advisable to research various credit card options, compare their features, benefits, and fees, and consider your financial situation and travel needs. This can help you choose a credit card that aligns with your requirements and increases the likelihood of enjoying travel insurance benefits and other perks.

Do I Need to Get Separate Travel Insurance Plan if My Credit Card Already Offers Insurance Coverage?

Many credit cards offer travelling insurance as a complimentary benefit to cardholders. While this may seem convenient, it is important to carefully evaluate the coverage provided and consider whether relying solely on credit card insurance is sufficient for your travel needs. Here are some key points to consider:

Here are some key points to consider:

Understanding Credit Card Insurance Coverage

Credit card insurance coverage typically includes trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay, and sometimes medical expenses.

The coverage may be tied to specific conditions, such as using a credit card to pay for the trip or meeting minimum spending requirements.

It is crucial to read the terms and conditions of your specific credit card to understand the extent and limitations of the coverage.

Why Should You Consider a Separate Travel Insurance Plan?

Standalone travel insurance plans generally offer more extensive coverage, including medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip delays, personal liability, etc.

Credit card insurance coverage may have lower limits and exclusions for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions or adventure sports.

If you have specific needs or require higher coverage limits, a separate travel insurance plan can provide the necessary protection.

Separate travel insurance plans allow you to customize the coverage according to your specific travel requirements.

You have the flexibility to choose policy terms that align with the duration and nature of your trip, including extensions for longer trips.

Relying solely on credit card insurance ties your entire travel protection to your credit card.

Issues with your credit card, such as a lost or stolen card or cancellation of the card, can potentially leave you without insurance coverage.

In this regard, Tata AIG's travel insurance plans are the best bet due to several key factors. We offer comprehensive coverage options, including medical expenses, flight cancellation insurance , baggage loss, and more. Our plans can be customized to fit specific travel needs, providing flexibility.

Also, with a 24/7 assistance team and a global network of service providers, Tata AIG ensures prompt and reliable support during emergencies. Positive customer feedback and a seamless claims settlement process further establish us as a reliable choice for travellers seeking top-quality travel insurance.

To Sum it Up

Travel insurance benefits offered by credit cards can be a valuable asset for globetrotters. These policies provide a safety net for unforeseen events while travelling abroad, from medical emergencies and trip cancellations to lost luggage and personal liability.

However, when choosing the best travel insurance provider, Tata AIG stands out. With our comprehensive coverage, efficient claims processing, and 24/7 assistance, we offer exceptional travel policies.

Whether you're an occasional traveller or a frequent jet-setter, our plans cater to every need. So, before you embark on your next adventure, don't forget to consider Tata AIG for the best travel insurance experience.

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Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.

Tata AIG Also Offers Insurance for the below products

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Insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure / policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. Trade logo displayed above belongs to TATA Sons Private Limited and AIG and used by TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited under License. 2008, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, all rights reserved. Registered Office : Peninsula Business Park, Tower A, 15th Floor, G.K.Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013, Maharashtra, India. CIN: U85110MH2000PLC128425. IRDA of India Regn. No. 108. Toll Free Number : 1800 266 7780 / 1800 22 9966 (only for senior citizen policy holders). Email Id – [email protected] . Category of Certificate of Registration: General Insurance.

2008, Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, all rights reserved. Registered Office : Peninsula Business Park, Tower A, 15th Floor, G.K.Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013, Maharashtra, India. CINNumber : U85110MH2000PLC128425. Registered with IRDA of India Regn. No. 108. Insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure / policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. Trade logo displayed above belongs to Tata Sons Private Limited and AIG and used by TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited under License. Toll Free Number : 1800 266 7780 / 1800 22 9966 (only for senior citizen policy holders). Email Id – [email protected] .

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Best Travel Credit Card India in 2023

March 30, 2023

travel insurance credit card india

Unless you’re secretly Tony Stark, the cost of your next trip might make your eyes bulge. Travelling has the glory to its name but is hard work. Banks and other financial institutions provide travel credit cards to people looking forward to a business or a leisure trip. These cards offer various benefits, like discounts on hotel and flight bookings and rewards in the form of points or miles that can be used for travel-related purchases. The best travel rewards credit cards are lucrative but frequently incur annual fees and relatively high-interest rates.

Get vacation ready with this blog on the best travel credit card in India. Pack your bags; it’s gone time!

Top 10 Best Travel Credit Cards in India 2023

Sbi card elite.

SBI Card Elite is a premium all-purpose card that offers travel, shopping, and movie benefits. The card also comes with a free Silver membership to Club Vistara, which entitles you to flight upgrades and other perks from Vistara Airlines. You can get free international (via Priority Pass), and domestic (via Visa/Mastercard) lounge visits on the card. The card also provides hotel benefits, but only at Trident Hotels.

On dining, grocery, and department store purchases, the cardholder earns 5X reward points. Except for fuel, the card offers two reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on all other purchases. However, the reward value offered is quite low at 1 point = Rs. 0.25. The following makes it one of the best travel credit card India has witnessed.

SBI Card ELITE

Travel Benefits and Reward Programs

  • One can redeem Yatra welcome voucher worth INR 5,000.
  • A 1.99% forex markup fee is charged.
  • Club Vistara Silver Membership includes one free upgrade voucher and 9 CV points for every INR 100 spent on Vistara flights.
  • Complimentary Membership in Trident Privilege Red Tier with 1,000 welcome points upon registration
  • Complimentary Priority Pass membership with six international lounge visits per year
  • Every quarter, two complimentary domestic airport lounge visits are provided.

HDFC Bank Regalia

The HDFC Regalia credit card is one of the best in India. It is best suited for high-spending individuals and frequent travellers. If you travel frequently, Regalia will provide you with six international lounges per year and twelve domestic lounges per year. This card has a low foreign exchange markup fee of only 2% for frequent international travellers. The forex markup fee is typically 3.5% or higher, with only a few cards in the market charging a lower rate. One of them is HDFC Regalia. You also get generous bonus rewards when you reach certain spending thresholds.

This card has a default reward earning rate of 2.67%, which is excellent and difficult to find with other banks. However, the redemption rate is only 0.5%. So, if you spend INR 15,000, you will receive 400 reward points worth INR 200 when redeemed. If you are a frequent shopper and frequently travel throughout the year, this card is ideal for you.

HDFC Bank Regalia

Travel Benefits

  • 12 complimentary visits to Indian lounges
  • 6 free lounge visits outside of India
  • Membership in Priority Pass for primary and secondary members
  • A 2% forex markup fee is charged.
  • Use Smartbuy reward points to book flights and hotels (1 point = Rs 0.50).
  • Conversion of Airmiles via internet banking (1 point = 0.5 Airmile)

Air India SBI Signature

The SBI Air India Signature credit card is one of the best travel credit card in India, particularly for Air India fans. The basic reward earning rate is 4%, and all points are worth the same number of Air India Miles. If you spend INR 20 lakh in a year, you can earn up to 1 lakh reward points, equivalent to 1 lakh Air India Miles and used to get free flights multiple times. Another advantage of redeeming rewards points is that they are not limited to air mile conversion; you can use them to obtain services from the rewards catalogue.

Air India SBI Signature

  • As a welcome bonus, you will receive 20,000 reward points.
  • Earn up to 1 lakh reward points per year.
  • Every Rs. 100 spent on Air India ticket booking earns you up to 30 reward points.
  • Eight complimentary VISA lounge visits per year (max. 2 per quarter)
  • Up to Rs. 1 lakh in liability coverage for lost cards
  • 1% fuel surcharge exemption for transactions between INR 500 and INR 4,000

Yatra SBI Card

There are certain cards created in partnership with travel portals like Yatra.com, even though the majority of travel credit cards are focused on providing general travel rewards or co-branded airline advantages. Also, the card offers six reward points for every INR 100 spent at department stores, restaurants, movie theatres, and other entertainment venues. For the primary cardholder, complimentary air accident coverage up to INR 50 lakh is also provided, which is once again an unusual perk on a card at this pricing level.

Yatra SBI Card

  • Vouchers for domestic and international travel, vacation, and hotel booking, totalling INR 8,250, are provided as welcome gifts on Yatra.
  • 1,000 off domestic flight reservations with a minimum purchase of INR 5,000
  • 4,000 off foreign flight reservations with a minimum purchase of INR 40,000
  • 20% off domestic hotel bookings with a 3,000 rupee minimum transaction value
  • When a ticket is purchased through Yatra.com and paid for using a Yatra SBI Card, the primary cardholder is entitled to complimentary air accident insurance of INR 50 lakh. Moreover, all gas stations remove the 1% fuel levy for transactions between INR 500 and INR 3,000.

HDFC Superia Card

The HDFC Bank Superia card is a premium credit card with many wonderful features and advantages in areas like eating, travel, petrol, and retail. Together with a welcome incentive, the card also offers reward points for each purchase you make. Use your HDFC Bank Superia credit card for dining and receive 50% more reward points. For minimum transactions of INR 400, the 1% fuel surcharge is eliminated on all fuel transactions.

Fuel transactions are only eligible for a maximum cashback of INR 500 every statement cycle.

The first year of membership is free if you spend INR 15,000 during the first 90 days of account setup. You must spend INR 75,000 in the first year to get your annual fee waived for the next year.

HDFC Superia Card

  • Using the KrisFlyer – Singapore Airlines Frequent Flyer Program, you can exchange the reward points you have accrued on your credit card for airfare on more than 20 foreign airlines.
  • The reward points can also be exchanged for AirMiles. Tickets from Air India can be purchased using these miles. The miles can also be used to purchase tickets on other well-known domestic carriers.

IRCTC SBI Card Premier

Many credit cards are available that are designed with air travellers in mind. Yet, very few credit cards offer advantages for purchasing train tickets and using train lounges. Using this credit card saves frequent rail travellers a tonne of money. On ordering air-conditioned tickets, IRCTC SBI Card Premier offers 10% value back as reward points on all purchases (AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC CC). Additionally, any plane ticket and e-catering purchases made through the IRCTC website or app will earn you 5% back. Also, you will receive a waiver of 1.8% for air ticket purchases made through the IRCTC website and a waiver of 1% for train ticket purchases.

IRCTC SBI Card Premier

  • 1,500 Reward Points as welcome bonuses after paying the membership fee
  • 1 Reward Point is 10% of 1 Rupee. Returning to AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC CC as IRCTC Reward Points
  • For every INR 125 spent on dining and standing orders, you receive three reward points.
  • 2,500 reward points are earned when you spend INR 50,000 on travel each year, and 5,000 reward points are earned when you spend INR 1 lakh on travel each year.
  • 10 lakh rupees in free rail accident insurance
  • Free INR 50 lakh in aviation accident insurance
  • Eight entrances per year to specific lounges on trains

Axis Bank Vistara Signature

The Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card is ideal for frequent travellers who prefer Vistara Airlines. It awards 2% Club Vistara Points, which can be redeemed for flight upgrades and free flights. The more you spend on the card, the more travel benefits you will receive, as the card’s milestone benefits are excellent. You can earn up to four premium economy tickets per year by meeting spending goals.

Long-distance flights earn more rewards than short-distance flights because the total payable amount on the former is greater. You can also get a Club Vistara Silver membership, travel insurance, and discounted golf access.

Axis Bank Vistara Signature

  • As a welcome gift, you will receive one complimentary Premium Economy ticket.
  • 4 Club Vistara Points for every Rs. 200 spent on the card Reward points can be redeemed for flight bookings and other upgrades.
  • Bonus CV points and up to four complimentary Premium Economy tickets upon reaching certain spending thresholds
  • Up to Rs. 2.5 crore in air accident insurance and Rs. 1 lakh in purchase protection insurance
  • Up to 100% credit limit liability coverage for lost cards

InterMiles ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

In partnership with the InterMiles frequent flyer programme, ICICI Bank provides the InterMiles ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card. It has two versions: one for American Express and one for Visa. In regards to the advantages they provide, the two types are only slightly different. You can use the InterMiles you earn on your InterMiles ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card to make reservations for flights and hotels with partner airlines and hotel chains through the InterMiles website.

InterMiles ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

  • Rewards Points can be converted into InterMiles and earned faster when booking hotels and flights through the InterMiles website.
  • Free domestic spa visits and free (limited) access to domestic and international lounges are included with the free Dreamfolks membership.
  • With a Dreamfolks membership, you receive two free annual visits to foreign airport lounges.
  • If at least Rs. 5,000 was spent in the preceding calendar quarter, and AmEx and Visa customers would receive two complimentary domestic lounge visits each quarter.
  • Both the Visa and American Express versions are eligible for these advantages.

Air India SBI Platinum Card

This is a credit card that all frequent travellers should consider getting the Air India SBI Platinum Card. For this card, the membership charge (which also serves as the first-year fee) is INR 1,499. From the second year, there is an annual fee of INR 1,499. If you have an unpaid amount, interest fees of up to 3.35% per month (or 40.2% annually) will be applied.

air india sbi platinum card

  • You can sign up for the premium Flying Returns frequent flyer programme with the card for free.
  • You can receive up to 15 reward points for every Rs. 100 you spend on airfare when you book through the Air India website.
  • Also, it provides free access to lounges at domestic airports.
  • When you pay the card’s annual renewal charge, you receive 2,000 reward points.

Citi PremierMiles Credit Card

The Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card is among the best travel credit card in India. This card comes with a rewards programme, and the rewards are AirMiles. Although you can use these Miles to make a variety of purchases, using them to book flights or hotels through partner airlines or hotel chains or Citibank’s PremierMiles portal offers the most value. Also, these Miles can be transferred to other hotel or airline loyalty schemes. You receive 10,000 Miles from Citibank at sign-up and 3000 Miles annually when your card membership is renewed.

For every INR 100 spent on flight reservations or the bank’s PremierMiles website, you receive 10 Miles. With every further transaction, you will receive 4 Miles. 32 domestic lounge visits per year with the Visa Signature variation and 24 domestic lounge visits per year with the MasterCard variant are additional travel perks. Nevertheless, this credit card does not give you access to overseas lounges.

Citi PremierMiles Credit Card

  • For the Visa Signature version, you are entitled to either six or eight domestic lounge visits for free each quarter (applicable for the Mastercard variant).
  • As previously indicated, you can use your earned Miles to book flights on the official airline website or at the airline counter. Also, the Miles can be transferred to affiliated hotel and airline loyalty programmes.
  • If you participate in an airline’s frequent flyer programme, you receive a double benefit: in addition to the ordinary AirMiles you earn as a member, you also receive PremierMiles.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals seeking the best travel credit cards in India must meet the eligibility criteria set by various banks and financial institutions. The following is the list of the basic eligibility criteria an applicant must meet when applying for travel credit cards.

  • Applicant should be a citizen of India
  • Both salaried and self-employed individuals are eligible
  • Applicants must maintain a good credit score. The ideal credit score for most banks and financial institutions is 650 or above.
  • The applicant must fall in the age group of 21 years to 65 years
  • The applicant must reside in the city of the source of the travel credit card.

It must be noted that the criteria differ from one credit card provider to another. It is best to check with the credit card provider before deciding.

Documents Required

The following documents are required to get the best travel rewards credit card. Customers must produce one document from each of the below-mentioned categories to avail of the required travel credit card.

Identity Proof

  • Aadhaar card
  • Driving licence
  • Voter ID card

Address Proof

  • Electricity bill
  • Ration card
  • Telephone bill
  • Last two months’ bank statement

Income Proof

  • Latest payslip
  • Income tax (IT) return
  • Tenth standard school certificate
  • Birth certificate

It must be noted that a bank may ask for a few additional documents. It is advised to visit the bank’s website to ensure they have every document handy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do travel credit cards differ from regular ones.

Travel credit cards have features and benefits primarily related to discounts, reward points, and cashback on travel expenses. These credit cards give you access to travel-related promotions. On the other hand, a credit card is a type of credit facility offered by banks that allow customers to borrow funds up to a pre-determined credit limit. It allows customers to make purchases of goods and services.

What are the benefits of using a travel credit card while booking flights and hotels?

Travel credit cards provide accelerated travel rewards as well as benefits such as complimentary lounge access,co-branded benefits, and air mile earning with airlines and travel partners. Cards are best suited for frequent business or leisure travelers.

Are any travel credit cards offering rewards or cashback on purchases?

Yes, there are credit cards that offer rewards or cashback on purchases. Read our blog above to learn about the best travel rewards credit cards.

Can travel credit cards be used to book travel internationally?

Many credit cards can be used to book domestic and international flights at a discounted rates. Additional discounts on hotel bookings may also be available.

Are any travel credit cards offering complimentary lounge access or travel insurance?

Yes, many travel credit cards offer complimentary lounge access or travel insurance. The number of complimentary visits to lounges might be restricted.

How can I compare and choose the best travel credit card for my needs?

It is important to compare different cards to choose the best travel credit card in India. A comparison can be drawn based on the fees, welcome rewards, airline or travel partner, type of travel and other benefits offered.

travel insurance credit card india

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10 Best Credit Cards for Travel in India

Sushma Singh

  • September 20, 2023
  • 25 min read

10 Best Credit Cards for Travel in India 2020

Do you want to roam around the world with lots of offers in your pocket? Then scroll through our exhaustive list of the best credit cards for travel in India covering the fee, benefits, rewards, and other offers.

As 2019 is at its midway, who doesn’t want to see the world and explore? Almost all the people you know must be busy making ambitious travel plans? You need to estimate all in advance be it the flight costs or the right hotel of your budget. These days you can find a lot of attractive travel packages if you use your credit card to book these travel packs and enjoy all the offers and benefits.

To make it more rewarding, banks recommend travel credit cards for frequent travelers to avail of such offers like bonus miles, lounge access, travel membership, and a lot of other privileges. It makes traveling more convenient and a lot more enjoyable as you spend a significantly less amount than what you would have paid not using your credit card.

Also, credit cards make a scope of substantial savings as swiping your card would get you quite a good number of discounts and redeemable points.

The travel credit cards are a boon for all travelers, which helps them transact without carrying any foreign currency. If you frequently travel, whether it is for work or pleasure, you must know the benefits of a travel credit card.

Let’s look at the various benefits of using a Travel Credit Card.

  • Earn reward or payback points every time you use the card: Generally, the travel credit cards offer reward or payback points in two ways – first, when you get the substantial sign up bonus and second, whenever you use your card for making a transaction whether online or physically.
  • Zero foreign transaction fees:  Almost all credit and debit cards charge a specific transaction fee whenever you make a payment in foreign currency, or you use it in a foreign country. Generally, the fee is around 2.5% to 3% of the transaction amount, which can be a burden on your monthly credit card bills and become a financial threat in your life, this is where travel credit card comes in as the best travel credit card in India comes with zero foreign transaction fee.
  • Insurance against accident/mishap:  The best travel credit card provides travel insurance or travel accident cover, which helps you in claiming a reimbursement if any mishap happens to you or your family members during your trip.

There are many more benefits to taking the best travel credit card, and to help you select the best credit card for travel, we have some suggestions that can help you stand out and help you save a huge amount of money:

1.Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card

This credit card requires you to spend 2.5 Lakh and doing so will later make you eligible to get INR 7500 value back as reward points & travel vouchers from Yatra. Every traveler would prefer owning this credit card because its greatest feature is 100 percent acceptance, so you need not worry about the time and place you are using it.

The special thing about vouchers is that it can be used for domestic/international flights, hotels, and holiday bookings as an additional perk.

Eligibility:

  • Primary cardholders should be between 18 to 70 years of age.
  • He/She must be a resident Indian or an NRI.
  • Having an active credit history.
  • Able to submit relevant documents.
  • It is mandatory to use your credit card at least three times in 2 months.
  • You can redeem 12,500 Reward points.
  • You can use a single voucher at a time. Also, for a single booking, you can’t combine two vouchers.
  • It is valid for 4 months.
  • Cardholders get 2 complimentary lounge access to domestic airport lounges per quarter.

Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card Reward points

  • It has a reward rate of 1% which means 10 Points on every INR 200 spend.
  • As you spend INR 2,50,000, you can get Yatra vouchers worth INR 5,000. That a reward rate of 2%.

Keeping in mind the perks received from both reward points and travel vouchers, it makes up to a total of a 3% reward rate that is almost near to rewarding rates on super-premium credit cards. Thus to enjoy this credit card to its credit advantage, you need to spend a minimum of INR 2,50,000.

Fees and Charges:

2.HDFC Diners Black Credit Card

This credit card is a must-own for air travelers. The HDFC’s Diners Club Black super premium credit card gives you unlimited access to airport lounges with no extra cost. The credit card allows you to enjoy 700+ lounges in India and worldwide with no specific requirement of having a priority pass.

In addition to it, the credit card allows you 5 reward points worth INR 5 on swiping of INR 150. Thus you can save 3.3% directly using this credit card in your travel as well as day to life.

Annual Charge and Perks

Its annual fees depend on two patterns that are the first year and then from the second year onwards.

For the first year, it is INR 10,000. You need to spend INR 5 lakh to get next year’s fee waived. From the second year onwards the fees that you need to pay annually are INR 5,000.

If you have a close look at the welcome gifts are equal to the annual fee. Thus you can avail of all the benefits with no pressure on your pocket.

Also, there is a necessary condition with this credit card that you should have a minimum annual income of INR 21 Lakhs to own this credit card.

  • You will get INR 2 Crores of Air accident cover, INR 50 Lakhs cover for Emergency medical expenditures, INR 9 Lakhs cover for Credit card liability and INR 55,000 Travel insurance cover on baggage delay as well.
  • You should have this credit card to get the free lounge access and enjoy the luxury.
  • Earn 5 reward points for every Rs.150 spent on the card except on fuel transactions.
  • Welcome Gift and the renewal bonus points. For the First-year you are entitled to a welcome gift of 10000 points. And when you renew your credit card, it offers you 5000 rewards points.
  • Enjoy exclusive discounts at leading spas, salons, and gyms.

Eligibility :

3.ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card

There are two types of ICICI Sapphiro Credit Cards

  • Sapphiro Mastercard: Sapphiro Mastercard allows you 2 payback points per INR 100 on domestic 4 payback points on the international one.
  • Sapphiro Platinum American Express Card: Sapphiro Platinum American Express Card allows you 3 payback points per INR 100 and 6 payback points on domestic and international spending, respectively.

To add on you would get complimentary 2 international and 16 domestic airport lounge visits every year with both the options of credit cards available to you.

Annual charges

For the first year, the annual charges are INR 6500, and after that, the renewal fee that you need to pay is INR 3500 which can be waived off in case your spending makes up to INR 6,00,000.

The ICICI Sapphiro credit card offers you plenty of welcome benefits of worth INR 10,000. The details of the vouchers include Shoppers Stop Voucher worth INR 3000, 4 EaseMyTrip Vouchers worth INR 1000 each, 4 Ola vouchers worth INR 250 each, 2 Zomato vouchers worth INR 500 each, Croma Voucher worth INR 1000.

4000 Payback points on spending INR 4 Lakhs and an additional 2000 payback points each time you cross INR 1 Lakh in the years to come are also offered.

  • Only Indian Citizens can apply for this credit card.
  • He/she must be over 21 years but below 65 years of age.
  • The applicant must have a regular source of income.
  • The customer must have all the necessary documents.
  • Renewal Fee Waiver – The renewal fee is waived off if the user spends Rs. 5.00 lakh in the previous year.
  • Movie Offers –  Customers get a free movie ticket, worth up to Rs.500, on every movie ticket they purchase.
  • Milestone Benefits – 1.) 4,000 points on spending Rs. 4.00 lakh 2.) Additional 2,000 points on crossing Rs. 1.00 lakh 3.) Maximum 20,000 points can be earned in a year

Several other benefits of the credit card are offered to you if you go for this travel credit card like 1 payback points on INR 100 spent on fuel, utilities, and insurance, get up to INR 500 off on the second ticket you buy, 15% savings on eating out, 4 complimentary rounds of golf each month at the golf course,1% fuel surcharge waiver and 2 complimentary domestic airport spa visits in a year.

4.Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card

Royal signature credit card is the most appropriate for the out of box travelers who like spending on travel agencies, tour operators.

  • Age limit between 21 to 65 years.
  • He/she should have an annual income above Rs.24 Lakhs.
  • He/she should be a Resident of India.
  • The Kotak Royale Credit Card gives 4X bonus points per INR 150 spend on Air ticket bookings, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies & tour operators and package tour operators spend.
  • It allows you 8 complimentary domestic lounge access every year.
  • The annual charges are the most reasonable here INR 999 and a waiver on the spend of INR 1,00,000. Also, the welcome gift for cinema lovers is a Bookmyshow voucher.
  • Spend of INR 4,00,000, you get 10,000 reward points, and with the spending of INR 8,00,000, you get 30,000 reward points.
  • Enjoy 1% fuel surcharge waiver, while booking train ticket INR 500 of railway surcharge waiver on www.irctc.co.in.
  • It also provides a recovery INR 2.5 Lakhs of in case the is a Credit Card stolen.

5.American Express Platinum Travel (Amex)

What makes Amex Platinum Travel credit card the best credit card for travel in India is that the credit card allows you free lounge access and a great deal of travel gift vouchers.

It gives you the benefit of having access to 4 complimentary lounges visit in a year. It provides you worth INR 17, 000 one of the best deals for a travel voucher,

Also if you spend more than INR 4 Lakhs in a year, you can have the benefit of having Taj Hotel Gift Vouchers at your ease.

Annual Charges and Perks

The annual charges for the First-year are INR 3500 and INR 5000 from the second year onwards.

The other such perks you get for owning this travel credit card are that it gives you a travel voucher on spending more than INR 1.9 Lakh in a year worth INR 6,000. Beyond the spend of INR 4,00,000, you get 10000 milestone reward points.

As you hit the 4 Lakh milestone on your credit card, you get the premium Taj Hotel gift voucher  worth INR 10,000.

Its additional advantages include it offers you 1 reward point per INR 50 spent, the value of each reward point is min 40 paise, it makes to a suitable travel credit card as it gives you several offers on MakeMyTrip, it gives you a lot more redemption options, and it has a zero lost card liability.

6.Yes Preferred Credit card

Yes, Preferred Credit Card is one of the best travel credit cards that offer complimentary 4 international and 12 domestic lounge visits each year.

  • Spend Rs. 7.5 lakh in a year and earn 20,000 bonus reward points.
  •   Make the first transaction within 90 days of card issuance and get 15,000 bonus reward points. Get 10,000 extra reward points on each renewal.
  • Yes Preferred Credit card user can easily convert reward points into JPMiles (4 Points = 1 JPMile)
  • Complimentary Priority Pass Membership giving 4 complimentary visits to the primary cardholder in a calendar year.
  • You can get up to 36000 bonus points in the very first year. You get 15000 points as a welcome gift, 20,000 milestone points on spending INR 7.5 Lakhs. You earn 1000 points on every YES PayNow registration. These reward points can be redeemed for hotel and flight bookings.
  • Enjoy fuel surcharge waiver across all fuel stations in India for transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 5,000.

Yearly Fees & Renewal Fees of INR 2500. Apart from this, you get 15000 points in the first year and 10000 points on each renewal of your credit card.

The other significant benefits of owning this credit card include 8 reward points on travel agencies & tour operators, Indian airlines and eating out, 4 reward points on all types of spending, Preferential foreign currency markup of 1.75%. You get a Life Insurance Cover of INR 1.5 crore for flight accidents, medical insurance coverage of INR 2.5 Crore when traveling overseas and credit card cover if accidental death of primary cardholder takes place.

You can own a Yes Preferred credit card if your monthly income is INR 2 Lakhs or above or you can get the card by making a fixed deposit of INR 3 Lakhs and above.

  • He/She be a minimum of 21 years.
  • He/She is not over 60 years.
  • Your minimum net monthly salary should be Rs.2 lakh.
  • If you are self-employed, your Income Tax Return should be Rs.24 lakh or more.
  • Or, you should have a fixed deposit with YES Bank of Rs.3 lakh or above.

7.Citi Premier Miles Credit Card

Booking your tickets with any airlines using the Citi PremierMiles credit card and doing so will fetch you 10 miles for every INR 100 spent.

You are also entitled to 8 complimentary domestic lounge access per quarter on Visa Signature card and can enjoy 6 domestic lounge visits access MasterCard World card every quarter. The important thing here to take note of is that there is no complimentary access to lounges internationally with the Citi Premier Miles Credit Card.

Annual charges of the credit card are INR 3000. Also in case you are a premium customer, you get waived from the charges for the first year.

The privileges you enjoy as the welcome gift includes with your first swipe of INR 1000 you get 10,000 Miles. A perfect thing for travellers here is that this card gives you 3000 of travel miles even during the renewal and also these miles can easily be availed at a variety of websites while booking your tickets including MMT, Goibibo, Indigo, Yatra, Bookmyshow, IndianOil, Amazon, Flipkart for domestic and international airlines. The redemption value varies from one site to another.

The other such benefits include 4 Miles for every INR 100 spent; it also provides cover INR 2 Lakhs in case the credit card is lost. Up to 15% discount on dining at certain specific restaurants.

  • He/She must be at least 21 years of age.
  • He/She must be within 65 years of age.
  • The income criteria differ from time to time and will be communicated when you apply for the card.
  • You should be a resident of India or a Non-resident of India.

8.SBI Elite Credit Card

With 8 domestic and 6 international lounge access in a year SBI Elite Credit Card makes it the best travel credit card. To add on, it offers 10 points per INR 100 spent on dining, departmental stores, grocery & international spends.

Annual charges for the credit card are INR 4999, and you will get a welcome gift worth INR 4999, which automatically brings this card to you at no extra cost. You can get your annual charge waived if you spend INR 10,00,000 using your credit card.

The additional benefits include 10,000 bonus reward points on achieving annual spending of INR 3 lakhs and INR 4 lakhs and 15,000 bonus reward points on achieving annual spending of INR 5 lakhs and INR 8 lakhs.

These reward points can be used for travel booking. You would be surprised to know that you save 1.5% only through reward points itself.

Some other benefits that the credit card offers are 10 points per INR 100 spent on dining, departmental stores, grocery & international spends, 2 points per on all other spends, 9 Vistara points for every INR 100 spent on Vistara flight bookings., Free 2 movie tickets worth INR 500 every month, 1% fuel surcharge waiver, 1.99% foreign currency mark-up.

  • He/She must be in the ages of 18-70 years.
  • The add-on cardholder must be above the age of 15 years.
  • The applicant must be a citizen of India.
  • A credit score of 750 or above is essential to be eligible for the card.

9.SBI Air India Signature

SBI Air India Signature suits your need the best if you travel via Air India Flights. With this credit card when you use it to travel will fetch you 30 reward points per INR 100 spent on AirIndia tickets. Note that you get 30 points when you book it for yourself and 10 when you book it on behalf of someone else. It also gives you 8 complimentary lounge access in domestic airports. In the case of an International airport lounge, you have to pay $27 per visit through the Priority Pass Program.

An annual charge of bringing this credit card to use is   INR 4999

The welcome gift and reward you get on joining it are   20,000 reward points and later in the Second-year 5000 reward points. Also, you might get cumulative reward points of 1,00,000 as you cross the milestone. The other benefits include 4 Reward points for every INR 100 spent and 10 Reward Points spent on SuperSaver booklet being bought.

  • You must be an Indian citizen.
  • The age of the primary credit cardholder must be above 18 years of age.
  • The applicant must have a high credit score.

10.SBI IRCTC Credit Card

SBI IRCTC Credit Card

It makes the best travel credit card for the railway traveler, designed explicitly for them. SBI IRCTC credit card is the only credit as such. It allows you a 10% discount and in case you prefer traveling in AC classes, the credit card provides you with plenty of reward points for booking in AC coaches.

You save 11.8% on all train travel spends, what else do you need. Also, it does not charge the transaction fees while you use the SBI IRCTC Credit Card. Note that you can redeem points only on the IRCTC website to be specific.

Annual charges of the credit card as minimal as INR 500 for the first year and after that renewal fees of INR 300 is charged from the next year onwards. You are also given 350 bonus points as a welcome gift.

The additional benefits of having the SBI IRCTC Credit Card are:

  • It allows you 1 reward point on the spending of every INR 125 (except for fuel expenses).
  • For the fuel, you get a 1% fuel surcharge across all petrol pumps.
  • Using your credit card in the first 30 days allows you a cashback of INR 100 on its first swipe.
  • He/she should be a Resident Indian.
  • He/she should have a good credit history.
  • He/she must be above 18 years and below 65 years of age.

Travel credit cards offer a comprehensive range of benefits that can be availed by the credit cardholders while relishing their holiday. From offering welcome gifts to providing complimentary airport lounge access and fee waivers, travel credit cards offer a wide variance of highlights and bonuses catering to the needs of frequent travelers. Thus get the travel card to make the greatest of our trip and have fun overseas without wasting much.

Sushma Singh

Sushma Singh

Sushma is an expert in online money-making strategies with extensive experience in business. She has spent a lot of time researching and writing about the ever-changing world of money-making games and websites, making her an expert at finding ways to make money online. Her work, largely based on research and useful information, helps both new and experienced gamers and business owners.

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10 Credit Cards That Provide Travel Insurance

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Travel insurance helps you get your money back when things go wrong with your trip. And it remains a debate: Do you really need it, and is it worth it?

Personally, I’ve often skipped travel insurance, preferring to put the extra money toward my trip. Yet as I pulled into the airport after a winter ski trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in my SUV rental, a snowplow kicked up a rock and a crack extended across the windshield. And just like that, I got in the dreaded rental car accident .

Thankfully, I had rented my car with my Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , which covered rental car windshield reimbursement. Note that I had also specifically opted out of the car rental's insurance coverage offered at the counter, which is a requirement in order to allow my credit card coverage to kick in. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

A number of credit cards provide various types of travel insurance (including trip cancellation, trip interruption and car rental loss and damage insurance) when you use your card to pay for flights, rental cars and other travel expenses. So do you need additional travel insurance? Maybe not.

What does your travel insurance cover?

First, let’s look at the different types of coverage that your credit card may offer to help protect your trip, from your bags to your rental car to your health.

Baggage delay . If your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do, you may receive a reimbursement to offset the costs of having to purchase new attire and other items you may need. The length of delay required and the coverage offered varies by card.

Lost/damaged baggage . If your bags are lost or damaged by a carrier, or items have been stolen from your baggage, your provider may provide monetary compensation.

Trip delay . If your trip on a common carrier is delayed, you may receive monetary compensation to help cover meals, hotels, transportation and necessary purchases up to a certain amount per ticket.

Trip cancellation . If you need to cancel a prepaid, nonrefundable trip, you may receive compensation to offset the lost funds. This benefit generally applies to cancellations for covered reasons, which vary by card.

Trip interruption . If you miss a portion of your trip due to a covered reason, this benefit will reimburse you for any unused, prepaid, nonrefundable reservations (i.e., excursions, hotel nights).

Medical treatment . If you are hurt while traveling and require medical treatment, medical expenses may be covered up to a certain dollar amount.

Medical evacuation . If your illness or injury requires you to return home immediately for care, the insurance coverage through your card may cover the costs.

Travel accident insurance. In the case of accidental death or dismemberment, your credit card may provide coverage to you or to your beneficiary

Rental car insurance. This coverage provides protection to your rental car against theft and damage. Coverage may be primary or secondary to your personal auto insurance, depending on the card.

» Learn more: Should you insure your cruise?

Popular credit cards with travel insurance

Some of the best travel rewards cards include various forms of travel insurance. These are a few of our favorite cards that offer certain types of coverage. If you have a different travel rewards card, it’s a good idea to check the benefits of your card before assuming that it either does or doesn’t have any of the coverage listed here.

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than six hours.

Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

Travel accident: Up to $1,000,000.

Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Lost luggage: Up to $2,000 for checked bag and up to $3,000 for checked and carry-on bag. New York state residents get $2,000 per bag, up to a maximum of $10,000 for all covered persons per trip.

Travel accident insurance. Up to $500,000.

Trip delay insurance: Up to $500 per trip. Maximum benefit of $1,000 per 12-month period.

Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

4. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days for essential purchases like toiletries and clothing for delays of over six hours.

Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger for checked or carry on luggage.

Damaged luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger for checked or carry on luggage.

5. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for three days.

Travel accident insurance: Up to $250,000 to $500,000 (Visa Platinum and Visa Signature, respectively).

Rental car insurance: Up to actual cash value of vehicle.

Travel and emergency assistance services: Assistance and referral via the Benefit Administrator, cardholder is responsible for all costs.

6. United℠ Explorer Card

Chase United Airlines Mileage Plus Credit Card

Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

Rental car insurance: Covers damage or theft with restrictions.

7. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Lost carry on luggage: Up to $1,250 per person for carry on baggage while in direct transit to or from a common carrier terminal, while traveling on a common carrier or while at a common carrier terminal.

Lost checked luggage: Up to $500 per person while traveling on a common carrier.

Rental car insurance: Up to $50,000.

Terms apply.

8. The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

9. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger. For New York state residents, coverage is limited to $2,000 per bag.

Travel accident insurance: Up to $250,000.

Rental car insurance: Covers damage or theft with restrictions. Eligible rental periods are limited to 15 consecutive days in the cardholders home country or 32 consecutive days outside it.

10. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Baggage delay: Up to $100 per carrier for three days.

Do I need additional travel insurance?

Even with the coverage listed above, some credit cards offering travel insurance benefits may not provide enough insurance for your needs. For example, if you have paid $10,000 for a vacation using your card and trip cancellation is not offered, you may want to purchase additional coverage. Likewise, if you book a very expensive trip but your card only covers $10,000 in trip cancellation coverage, you may want to consider additional coverage.

American Express offers full travel insurance options through AmEx Assurance . This specific benefit is available to all travelers and does not require an American Express card. You can pick and choose the coverage you want, and a quote will be processed based on your age, trip expense and days traveling.

For example, here's what we found when requesting insurance for a two-day trip that costs $1,000. You can decide what coverage you'd like and see the full cost of your options:

The quote we received covered 100% reimbursement for cancellation, then offered different levels for other types of coverage.

Medical protection was available for $25,000 to $100,000.

Travel accident protection was available for $250,000 to $1,500,000.

Baggage protection was available for up to $500 to $2,500.

Trip delay coverage was offered for $150 to $1,000 per day, depending on selecting basic, silver, gold or premium options.

When renting a car, be sure to check the specific requirements of your credit card, which may vary by location and type of vehicle.

So do you need travel insurance? A good rule of thumb is if the amount you could lose is more than you want to lose (or can afford to lose) if something goes wrong, get the insurance. For a list of travel insurance companies that provide online quotes, read more about how to find the best travel insurance .

» Learn more: Does trip insurance cover award flights?

Cards with travel insurance, recapped

If you are concerned about an upcoming trip and want to be fully protected, combine your travel credit card insurance with a build-your-own plan to cover what your credit card does not.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

travel insurance credit card india

CardExpert

25 Best Credit Cards in India for 2024 [Detailed Reviews]

Best Credit Cards in India 2024

Looking for the  best credit card in India for 2024  to suit your needs? You’re at the right place. Whether you need  cashback, lounge access, complimentary hotel stays or business/first class tickets , you can find everything here.

I’ve analysed 200+ credit cards in India across various banks and compiled a list of best credit cards for 2024 based on various user segments.

With about 10+ active credit cards in my wallet, below list covers most of the cards that I personally use and even more.

Table of Contents

SBI Cashback Card

Icici amazon pay, hdfc regalia gold, amex gold charge, yes first reserv, hdfc tata neu infinity rupay, idfc first wealth, amex platinum travel, hdfc marriott bonvoy, rbl world safari, vistara infinite, idfc vistara, sbi air india signature, indusind tiger card, axis magnus for burgundy, hdfc infinia, hdfc diners black metal, icici emeralde private, yes bank marquee, amex platinum, axis burgundy private, hsbc premier, choosing the right card, entry level credit cards.

  • Suggested income:  5 Lakhs+
  • Suggested spend:  1 Lakhs+

Entry-Level credit cards, also called as  credit cards for beginners  are those cards that are targeted at first-time credit card users.

SBI Cashback Credit Card

  • Best for : Upto 5% Cashback on Online spends
  • Read Review & Apply:   SBI Cashback Card Review

This is the new HOT pick of the year for entry-level cardholders as 5% Cashback on online spends is lucrative even after the recent devaluation. With a pretty good max cap of 5,000 INR a month, it equates to 1L monthly spends.

Axis Ace Credit Card

  • Reward Rate:  2% – 5% (as cashback to card)

Axis Bank ACE credit card is one of the highly rewarding entry-level credit card with flat 2% cashback as statement credit.

But the downside is that it can only be applied online if you’ve a pre-approved offer for the same and it’s not available through other application channels.

Amex Membership Rewards Credit Card

  • Best for : Gold Collection & Points Transfers
  • Read Review & Apply:   American Express MRCC Review

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card (MRCC) is the best way to get into the world of Amex. If you use this card just to get the 2000 MR bonus points monthly, you can easily get a return of 6% on spends.

Apart from that, you will also get access to the amazing  Amex Offers  (merchant offers & spend linked offers) which are quite good most of the time.

ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card

  • Best for : 5% return on Amazon spends
  • Apply from Amazon App

If you shop frequently on Amazon and if you’re an Amazon Prime customer, you cannot afford to miss this wonderful card as it’s anyway a lifetime free credit card.

Premium Credit Cards

  • Suggested income range:  12 Lakhs+
  • Suggested spend range:  6 Lakhs+

Premium credit cards comes into picture when your lifestyle has pinch of luxury factor to it. It comes with  more travel benefits  like domestic and international lounge access, better reward rate, etc.

HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

  • Best for : Airport Lounge access & Milestone Benefits
  • Review :  HDFC Regalia Gold Review

The most important benefit of this card apart from rewards & merchant offers is the ability to get Priority Pass for all family members, which shares the complimentary lounge access limit with the primary card.

For those who can’t get HDFC Super Premium credit cards, this is a wonderful alternative especially for lounge access.

American Express Gold Charge Card

  • Best for : Higher Credit Limit & Gold Collection rewards
  • Read Review & Apply:   American Express Gold Charge Card Review

If you’re looking for a higher credit limit but unable to get it via any other credit card, this is the one for you.

On top of that, You also get rewards on fuel/utility spends unlike most other credit cards in the segment. This is best used along with Amex MRCC to speed up the 24K gold redemption.

Yesbank Reserv Credit Card design

  • Best for : Online / Travel spends with 3X/5X subscription
  • Read Review: Yes First Reserv Review

Yesbank’s rebranded Reserv Credit Card (previously called as Yes First Exclusive) is a pretty good product when it’s coupled with the subscription plan that gives 3X/5X rewards on select categories depending.

HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Rupay Credit Card

  • Best for:  UPI Spends & utility payments
  • Apply Now (Review coming soon)

If you’re looking for a single UPI Credit Card, HDFC Bank Tata Neu Infinity Rupay Credit Card is the one that you need.

It not only gives decent rewards on UPI spends, but also offers lucrative 5% return on utility bills. On top of that, you also get targeted offers from Tata Neu, like the recent promo where a good discount was offered on booking your car with Tata Motors.

IDFC First Wealth Credit Card Review

  • Best for : Spends >1L in a billing cycle.
  • Review :  IDFC First Wealth Credit Card Review

If your monthly spends are higher, you shouldn’t be missing this, especially if you prefer non-travel benefits like cashback to credit card stmt or amazon/flipkart vouchers as redemption option.

And the airport lounge access is the additional advantage, the spend requirement of which has been recently added and also removed.

Travel Credit Cards

When your life has good amount of travel, that’s when you need to have these exclusive Travel credit cards.

Travel & airline credit cards are designed in such a way that you get travel vouchers/points/miles instead of cashback.

Axis Atlas Credit Card

  • Best for:  ITC & other airline transfers partners
  • Read Review & Apply:   Axis Atlas Credit Card Review

Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card not only comes with an amazing reward rate on regular spends but also helps you enjoy airport meet & greet and luxury airport transfer services.

Accelerated rewards on Airlines & hotel spends are definitely useful for some. It’s a hot pick for 2024 because of it’s lucrative reward rate but may go through a devaluation anytime.

american express platinum travel credit card

  • Best for:  Taj Vouchers & access to premium airport lounges
  • Read Review & Apply :  Amex Platinum Travel Review

American Express Platinum Travel card is the best travel credit card in the country, hands down! It retains it’s name and fame for alomost a decade now. 

I personally enjoy using this card as it helps me to stay at one unique Taj property every year by using the complimentary Taj Vouchers that comes with it.

HDFC Marriott Credit Card

  • Best for:  for its lucrative joining/renewal benefits
  • Review:   HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Review

While HDFC Bank’s Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card has poor reward rate on ongoing spends, it stands good for its incredible welcome and renewal benefits which can easily fetch twice or thrice the value of the joining fee.

RBL World Safari Credit Card

  • Best for:  1 Yr Worldwide travel insurance, 0% Forex markup Fee
  • Review: RBL World Safari Credit Card Review

RBL World Safari Credit Card is a hidden gem for frequent travellers as it not only offers the compete 1 Year international travel insurance but also comes with a 0% markup fee on international spends.

This solves the need for most international travellers without needing to get super premium credit cards or other forex cards for that matter.

Airline Credit Cards

If you’re a frequent traveller, you might also need to get one or more of the  best Airline Credit cards.  Airmiles/Airlines credit cards makes sense if you fly frequently with the specific airline. Here are some of the best:

Axis Vistara Infinite Credit Card Review

  • Best for : Flying Vistara Business Class
  • Read Review & Apply:   Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Review

This best airline credit card in the country continues to give wonderful returns even after many years of it’s existence.

It’s a must have credit card for those who frequently fly Vistara because of it’s gold tier benefits (1st year only) and for those who love business class experience, as it gives 1 complimentary business class ticket on every ~2.5L spends.

If you’re already holding 3 Axis cards, you may go for the IndusInd Vistara Explorer Credit Card that has similar benefits with slightly higher spend requirement.

IDFC Vistara Credit Card

  • Best for : Flying Vistara Premium Economy

If you don’t fancy a Business Class flight or don’t find sufficient availability, then IDFC Vistara Credit Card may help you with complimentary Premium Economy Tickets on credit card spends.

If you’re okay with not-so-great customer support, you may as well go with the SBI Vistara Prime Credit Card that has similar features.

SBI Air India Signature Credit Card

  • Best for:  Flying Air India & select star alliance partners
  • Review (to be updated):   SBI Air India Signature Credit Card Review

If your travel involves flying Air India for whatever reason, you shouldn’t be skipping this credit card. It demands high spends, but rewards very well on most type of spends.

Also, with the change in ownership and merging of airlines I’m hoping things with Air India to get better in 2024 and beyond.

IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card Review

  • Best for:  transferring points to Vistara
  • Review: IndusInd Tiger Credit Card Review

While it’s technically not an airline credit card, the earn rate of CV points on the card is much higher than any other airline cards, thanks to the accelerated earn rate on crossing >5L spend in a year.

Super Premium Credit Cards

  • Suggested income range:  20 Lakhs+
  • Suggested spend range:  10 Lakhs+

Super premium credit cards are those that comes with higher reward rate, higher credit limit, unlimited lounge access, better card linked benefits & many more perks that you would need to enjoy a luxury lifestyle.

axis magnus credit card

  • Best for:  Airport meet & greet services, miles transfer
  • Read Review & Apply:   Axis Magnus Review

Axis Magnus for Burgundy is the upgraded version of the previous “Magnus” with the ability to transfer points at 5:4 to the airline/hotel partners.

It also gives you new airport experiences with their complimentary  airpot meet & greet service , which is useful for many.

If your spends are over 2 or 3 Lakhs a month even for few months in a year, this is perhaps the ONLY card you would ever need.

HDFC Infinia Credit Card

  • Best for:  5X Rewards with decent reward rate on regular spends
  • Updated Review coming soon

Infinia is everyone’s dream for ages without an exception. If you are looking for a single credit card for all your spends beyond Axis Magnus, then Infinia will serve the need.

If you couldn’t get Infinia, Diners Black (pvc) is equally good with same reward rate, only the capping on accelerated rewards is lower.

HDFC Diners Black Metal Credit Card

  • Best for:  5X Rewards with quarterly milestone benefit
  • Review coming soon

The primary difference from the old Diners Black (pvc) is the metal form factor along with higher smartbuy capping and the additional quarterly milestone benefit which is useful for regular high spenders.

Only downside though is the lower  acceptance of Diners cards in India  compared to Visa/MasterCard, which means you have to keep a backup card handy.

ICICI Emeralde Private Credit Card

  • Best for: Welcome benefit & decent ongoing rewards

ICICI Bank’s Emeralde Private Credit Card is perhaps the first ever credit card in the ICICI bank’s history to carry a good reward rate of 3% on regular spends.

This card can only be applied as an upgrade at the moment and not everyone is eligible for the same. Upgrade request usually goes through for existing Sapphiro/Emeralde credit card holders with higher credit limit.

Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card Review

  • Best for:  rewards as shopping vouchers
  • Read Review: Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card Review

Yesbank’s newly launched Marquee Credit Card is a pretty good Super Premium Credit Card especially if your spends are largely focused online as it gives you 4.5% reward rate on online spends.

But the downside is, Yes Bank doesn’t have the ability to transfer points to international airlines/hotels. So if you’re not into airmiles and looking for only vanilla rewards, Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card can do wonders for you.

Ultra Premium / UHNI Cards

The ultra premium credit cards are  generally different  from other type of cards because these cards not only gives rewards but also intend to give you returns via card  benefits .

Some of the benefits include: hotel privileges, concierge, meet & greet, airport transfer, first class upgrades, premium support, etc.

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  • Best for:  hotel benefits & concierge
  • Read Review & Apply:   Amex Platinum Charge Card Review

Most of the Amex Plat cardholders that I know have it for the Marriott Bonvoy Gold membership benefit which is quite useful in India.

Other than the tangible benefits, their “Do Anything” platinum concierge is worth it for those who have the lifestyle to make use of it.

The expensive metal card makes sense if you know how to get equivalent value out of the joining fee. The newly introduced luxury redemption options are quite useful for that matter.

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  • Best for:  Very high spends, miles transfer

If your spends are very high for Magnus and can hold a relationship of 5Cr with Axis Bank, then Axis Burgundy Private is the option.

While it requires high NRV with bank, the rewards and benefits that comes with it for very high spenders are phenomenal.

HSBC premier Mastercard Credit Card Design

  • Best for:  Rewards on all kinds of spends
  • Read Review: HSBC Premier Credit Card Review

HSBC Premier Credit Card with it’s upgraded features and benefits is certainly useful for those who prefer to enjoy rewards on all kinds of spends.

While it’s primarily a good card for existing HSBC Premier customers with medium spends, one should consider Magnus for Burgundy if the spends are high.

Choosing the best credit card in 2024 is lot simpler than how it used to be in the past, thanks to all the aggressive credit card offers around.

#1 If you’re new to the game and have relatively low annual spends (<5L) with significant online spends, get the SBI Cashback Credit Card and you’re done.

#2 If you spend >15L a year, get Axis Atlas along with one or two more cards that would suit your lifestyle.

#3 If you spend over >30L a year, you likely need Axis Magnus for Burgundy along with HDFC Infinia among others.

Which is the best credit card in India for 2024?

Calculate your annual spend and choose the cards from the list above. The best card varies from one person to another.

How many Credit Cards can I have?

As many as you need. Start with 2 cards if you’re new to the system and increase the count gradually based on your spends. 5 cards is sufficient for most.

Which Credit Card has best customer service?

Amex is known for their premium customer support. You may also enjoy a similar treatment with any bank, as long as you take their super-premium cards.

Which Bank’s Credit Card is best in India?

HDFC Bank is the market leader and has very good merchant offers as well. So start with HDFC and add others as per your requirement. Consider having one Amex card for a mix.

Which is the best fuel credit card?

You may use Amex Gold Charge Card as mentioned above. Or just load your ICICI Fastag using Amazon Pay balance and enjoy 5%-15% on fuel depending on the cards you hold.

After few years of making short lists, now the list has got bigger just as it used to be before, thanks to the devaluation of Magnus.

The list will be updated from time to time to keep it relevant. So feel free to bookmark the page for quicker access.

What’s your thoughts about the above list of best credit cards for 2024? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments below. We shall amend the list if required.

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98 thoughts on “ 25 Best Credit Cards in India for 2024 [Detailed Reviews] ”

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Can you please elaborate on upgrade process for emeralde private? What limit is required for upgrade?

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Preferably ~10L on Sapphirro/Emeralde. Upgrades from lower end cards may not work even if limit is like 15L, as I did see one such case recently.

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I’ve around 10+L limit on my existing ICICI Emeralde but I’m not getting upgrade reflecting on my imobile app. Have 4 CC’s with them.

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Any update on 10L limit @siddharth??

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Thanks Sid. Great post as usual. My thoughts on two card:

I do not see HSBC Premier a good fit that too in UHNI Cards even for someone with HSBC Premier relationship as the effective reward rate is just 1.5% (not everyone wants Apple voucher).

I think Citi Prestige needs to be in the list even with the uncertainty about Axis replacement card as this gives no-nonsense 4% miles earning opportunity (8% on international spent), overseas medical insurance of USD 50,000 and unlimited use of priority pass in domestic lounges as well. The annual fee is well compensated by miles and Taj/ITCvoucher.

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Have you received the reward points for Yes Reserv card?

Not yet fulfilled.

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What’s unique this year is almost every bank has something to offer in for one or the other segment, last year was dominated by Axis and Amex. Noticeable dropouts are Idfc wealth and Axis Reserve, while SCU is less super premium than it used to be.

Yeah and will likely remove SCU and add IDFC Wealth in sometime.

Thanks for adding Idfc wealth. It stands out for being LTF and providing spa access as well as railway lounges.

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Hai Siddarth, I am a biggest fan of ur blog for the genuine and crisp review. I will be grateful if your reply me back. I am currently using non metal version of HDFC Infina credit card and being offered paid metal upgrade. Is it wise to deny the upgrade or better to upgrade please suggest.

Thanks for the kind words.

Upgrades are usually FYF and I don’t see a reason to pay for it unless you’re looking for upcoming Infinia Reserve, as metal with good spends may get quicker access to it.

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nice list. But really looking forward to a good premium card with good reward structure. The market as of now has matured no major shaker card in the market now.

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We are like mr.bean waitiiiiiiiiiiiing on the road (for infinia reserve) 😛

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Nice post Sid. Thank you

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Hi Sid, Like to add some insights on ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card. I’ve LTF Sapphiro. Few months ago, I could see pre-approved ‘Paid’ Emeralde PVC on iMobile, obviously gave it a pass. In Nov last year, came to know about the Private metal card. Contacted ‘Wealth Management’ customer care and response from them to contact RM. But since (both of my HDFC &) ICICI RMs are useless (the least I can term them), again contacted customer care and surprisingly this time got it approved (paid).

That’s interesting. May I know when it was approved by the support? As the functionality was not enabled a month ago.

It was approved in mid Dec (probably 18th). Initially support staff mentioned, I can’t assure you but I can try for it. Surprisingly 2 days later, I got it approved.

Nice, so then it seems anyone can raise this SR, just like they do at the branch and it’s probably upto the backend to decide. Nice info.

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Hi Pranab. Even I am getting the Paid Upgrade offer for Emerald PVC. I have two CCs with ICICI. Was your limit above 10L with your existing CCs with ICICI. ? And since I don’t have any other Banking Relationship with ICICI can you suggest a better way for Emerald Private Upgrade.?

Hi Anubhav, Yes, my existing limit is above 10L. I’ve 19 years of Salary account (Wealth management) with ICICI. But don’t think that helped me to get the card. Only plus I’ve got is getting the support executive directly (without any IVR or queue). IMO, the most important part is to get connected with a good support executive. The first one and also my RM expressed his/her inability (rather my ineligibility) but the second one (after approx 10 days) got me the card. You can try the same.

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Great card list. International airlines cards need to up their game. I guess no point in getting ethiad, emirates or qatar/ba card as rewards are low on ongoing basis.

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Does HDFC still gives good merchant offers in 2024 other than official Apple store purchase?

Nowadays I’ve hardly found HDFC giving discounts also if someone is buying Apple products they’re available at lesser price at both Amazon/ Flipkart.

Last big billion sale, SBI/ ICICI/ Kotak lead the way and no where HDFC was found.

I actually meant the Apple offer with that line, I’ll update the same shortly.

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Superb list as always !

Can you please elaborate on “load your ICICI Fastag using Amazon Pay balance and enjoy 5%-15% on fuel depending on the cards you hold.” Does it work with ICICI fastag only and if it’s same or different from Amazon ICICI fastag ? How does it work ? you mean purchase gift card, add in amazon pay and then recharge fastag.

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Hi Sid, have been looking forward to this for a while. The Infinia has regained the top card in India spot I guess. Magnus B isn’t the easiest to get and after Axis’ hit job on the regular card, think the 2 HDFC cards are back on top… SC Ultimate is not worth considering a super premium card in my view. The lounge access isn’t extraordinary, nor are the other benefits. What makes it worse is the absolutely godawful reward redemption options. That SCB Reward portal has to be the most pathetic such portal in the world. Have been receiving Ultimate offers on my Super Value Titanium, the Titanium with the little cashback it gives on fuel and bill pay, is a much better card. The only cards worth it from the SCB lineup would be the SC Smart and Titanium. Bit surprised to see none of the AU cards in there, the AU Zenith is in reality, a far better card than the SC Ultimate. Noticed the IDFC cards don’t even make it to the entry level options, yes, ICICI AmazonPay has to be the king there along with SBI Cashback, but the IDFC Wealth/Select, and even Flipkkart Axis, despite recent devaluation, can earn a place there.

Alright, so I’ve removed SC Ultimate and added IDFC Wealth.

AU LIT card probably is good in entry-level but given that their issuance is limited, we couldn’t suggest it as a mainstream card for now.

Any USP you see with Au Zenith?

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Well said Mahesh . My thoughts exact and thanks Sid for updating. After lots of thought I got IDFC Wealth CC, few weeks ago and seeing it in your list makes me proud of my decision. Currently for non-premium cards, IDFC Wealth is the only one which rewards edu fee.

Zenith gives one of the best in the market return on offline dining. Useful as every restaurant isn’t covered by Eazydiner/Dineout/Zomato Gold. The card also has a fairly decent lounge access program, the list of exclusions when it comes to rewards are minimal. Decent returns on Zomato/ Swiggy/grocery in general. For high spenders, there is the Accor membership as well. Miles better than Ultimate. SC Ultimate, India’s best no-nonsense card for the longest time, is now missing the No.

Zenith or Zenith Plus?

For 75K pm spend, Zenith Plus gives 1500 RP plus 1000 bonus, so combined value is 3.33% . Whereas Zenith gives 5% on dining but it’s 2.5% and 1.25% on other categories. Quarterly milestone is another 0.5% but still doesn’t add upto 3.33% . Railway lounge is there with Zenith, while Zenith Plus gives Airport meet & greet. One can ignore Epicure benefit on both, and annual fee is not an issue either. Overall felt Zenith Plus has a slight edge.

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Hey Siddharth,

I also wanted to know more about your comment regarding “load your ICICI fastag using Amazon pay balance and enjoy 5%-15% on fuel”. I’m unable to establish any connection between the fastag and savings/cash back on fuel, unless of course there’s a feature I’m not aware of.

Could you please elaborate on that point and explain clearly what you meant?? Also, I wanted to know if you have a recommendation in terms of getting a credit card for fuel. I only go to Indian Oil petrol pumps and have tried getting the Citibank card, but got denied because of the location I’m in (the pincode is blacklisted I guess).

Really appreciate what you do man and thanks in advance.

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What is this hidden trick that every Apay card holder needs to know?

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You can use your Fastag for fuel payments at certain fuel pumps.

I think SC smart deserves to be in the list, with its 2% cashback on all spends (including insurance, rent, tax payment etc) except fuel, card user need not remember it while using it. Your thoughts?

Getting the card is the problem for most. But good to know that they’re still giving points on all spends while they don’t on Ultimate.

Another card which I find interesting is HSBC cashback card for its 10% cashback on dining and grocery spends and 1.5% cashback on other spend.

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Hi Sudip, I must correct you, StanC Smart CC doesn’t give RP’s on Rental payments anymore instead they have started charging 1% additional fee on such payments. I have this card and recently got LE from 2.64L to 7.92L, such a big leap. With this limit, is it worth to take StanC Ultimate with the limited redemption options it has? @Siddharth- What’s your take on this?

Agree with you however even post charges you can get .82% reward rate on rental payments.

Hi Rohit, I couldn’t find what categories it rewards 2%. Will it reward for edu fee, taxes, govt. services ?

Hi Balaji, SC Smart CC gives 2% upto Rs. 1000/- on all Online spends, there is no category excluded. But Rental transactions will attract 1% processing fee + GST. Offline spends will give 1% upto Rs. 500/-

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Nice article. Can we have a category for Forex Spend cards.

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I guess you missed the bracket of 5L to 15L while recommending the best cards… Can you update this please?

Also, how to make use of Amazon pay for rewards? Loading up the wallet from Atlas gives edge miles?

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Great article, Sid. I have one query, though. Is it advisable to upgrade a LTF HDFC DCB (PVC) to ‘paid’ Infinia (FYF)?

Mostly yes. But also if – 1)smartbuy per day limit causing an hindrance 2)you use your card at stores and diners not supported at your places 3)you travel outside india and diners has poor acceptance

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Certainly with eyes closed.

But this is how I look at it. You can answer the following questions for your answer: 1. Do you often exhaust your smartbuy 3x/5x/10x limit on DCB ? 2. Do you ever face acceptance issues for DCB? 3. Can you meet the spend limits for a fee waiver? Many of the DCB users (few I know personally) would love to get this option.

Do let us know what you chose.

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I mainly found that 5x v/s 3x benefit on Vouchers for Infinia and the fact that they have higher monthly capping at 15K v/s 7.5K for DCB base version, Infinia paid is a good proposition. For most high spenders, anyway the annual fees will get waived off due to annual threshold being reached. Worst case, HDFC will anyway give you equivalent points for the annual fees.

Net net Infinia upgrade is ALWAYS worth it, especially given it’s a Visa card.

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Can somone please suggest which card in the above list give reward points for payment of Income Tax?

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Your best bet would be Axis Atlas. Amex Gold, SBI Air India Signature and ICICI Amazon Pay cards also give rewards on govt transactions. Choose as per what your goal for redemption is: Miles or Amazon vouchers.

IDFC Wealth CC 1.5% for the first 30K of the billing cycle, later 2.5%. I payed advance tax recently and did receive.

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Post of the Year. Excellent article

Dear Sid, As usual a great post. One that most of us wait and keep looking for, all year round. This opens my eyes to upgrading my strategy for my bouquet of cards. How is your experience, (if any) of moving from Citi cards to Axis cards? Are they doing it now?

I never have a Citi card to experience this but from what I hear, it is not happening yet.

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Neucard is not that great as far Utility bill payments are concerned. It has max cap of 25K for a bill payment transaction. Insurance premium less than 25K only will enjoy 5%. However the Rupay varient of the card is best since it gives 1.5% cashback on UPI transaction.

Sid, Is there anyway to convert Axis ACE to LTF ?

Not that I’m aware of. First I see many having trouble in getting ACE. 🙂

Hi Sid, Its true. When ACE was introduced, every other person was interested in getting that card. When I applied for that card, bank person told me due to mad rush for this card, bank is very selective in giving the approval. As it was a game changer that time. But now, with many conditions in place, this card is not so good. But yes, much better than SBI Cashback at least it has transparency in giving cashback per transaction. ACE & LTF, no ways. Not until further devaluation.

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I have been trying to get wealth card upgrade for more than 1 year now. IDFC is neither increasing my limit nor upgrading my card.

Any tips to get my IDFC SELECT card upgraded to WEALTH card.

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Thanks Sid. Wanted to check if any good alternative to Axis Magnus for flight reward points. The booking system on Travel Edge portal is extremely slow and cumbersome.

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Best as always. 🙂

I am wondering why Axis Airtel, HDFC Swiggy, IndusInd Eazydiner couldn’t fit in the list of 25 best credit cards 🤔

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If considering a card for milestone benefits with a spend of ~10L/annum of government transaction/tax payments and rent, which of the below is recommended: a) SBI Air India b) SBI Vistara Prime c) IDFC Club Vistara

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Does sbi vistara prime give point for rent spends? And does it consider rent spends for annual spends calculation?

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I want to apply for INDUSIND tiger cc but indus ind site has no option for selecting this card . Bajaj says I can apply only only through indus ind Pl guide

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Hi Siddharth I currently have a HDFC Infinia and Axis Reserve. Does it make sense to switch the Axis Reserve for Amex Platinum? I have a lot of international use also.

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Holding Amex Plat Travel recently got a offer to Upgrade to Platinum Travel Reserve card doesn’t seem useful as long as utilities/fuel are not covered for points plus half the places i have shopped/dined at have rejected amex that too in Mumbai due to high seller/business charges would have hit 4lp bonus milestone easily. wondering if renewing this card will be worth it,did get my milestone bonus of 1.9 that too because i paid college fees with it but beyond that idk how useful.

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Any Mid range variant card for paying rents without any additional charges and also suggest me some sites to pay. Currently I’m paying via CRED which is charging me 1% as service charge and apart from that the cards I’m holding (HDFC regalia, ICICI Amazon pay, SBI) are no longer providing any benefits for paying. I would appreciate if anyone could suggest me for one card for utility payments with some benefits in either reward points or cashback. Even it is in premium segment cards are also fine.. I’m ready to explore!

Rent – forget it . Even milestones are not considered now. Bills – Axis ACE 5% upto 500 INR. later 2% .

You may also explore wallet rewarding cards like Kotak White or others (used Emeralde Private earlier, now they stopped rewarding Wallet loads from 5th Feb I guess), load PayZapp and pay via no broker where you won’t end up rent surcharge, however no broker charges their fee

Pay on Redgirraffe.com using tata neu infinite for rent

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Hello Sid, Excellent article and thanks for providing all the details. I recently revamped my CC portfolio and your article certainly helped a lot.

Based on this, I current have a 5 card strategy

1) ICICI Amazon Pay LTF 2) ICICI Sapphiro Master Card LTF 3) ICICI Sapphiro Amex LTF 4) HDFC INFINIA 5) IDFC Wealth LTF

So planning to use (4) as primary, (5) for backup on large spends, (2) and (3) for Festive offers in each network from ICICI and (1) for large >20K spends on Amazon.

Please share your thoughts and suggest if any additional cards could be useful.

Thanks, Rudra Chowdhury

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You are the best!!

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As usual amazing post with updated card variants, their details & respective conditions. I would like you to take some time and start giving reviews for best debit cards as well. To start with – AU ROYALE Banking visa signature DC, HSBC Savings account DC etc has unmatched advantages like a decent CC. Hoping to see the DC vs CC debates as well.

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I am a simple man with simple needs.

What is the one card that will help me most with free movie tickets and good dining offers? I have PVR and Cinepolis near my place and use both BMS as well as Paytm movies. For dining out, I use Easydiner/Zomato/Swiggy.

Helps if the recommended card is lifetime free 🙂

Thanks in advance.

Amex gold collection is revised from today and its mostly a devaluation for people who are into amazon/ flipkart vouchers, etc. Croma is removed, reliance digital voucher is added.

Can you update the same in your AmEx MRCC review.

Will do something this week.

travel insurance credit card india

Hey Siddharth, Just had a word with Axis people and got to know that Axis Vistara Cards are being phased out and no info on new cards with Air India. Your Thoughts?

IndusInd also stopped issuance.

While I’m unsure of any developments, I’m assuming that they might alter the features little bit and start issuing soon.

travel insurance credit card india

Reward points on Grocery via HDFC Gyftr now restricted. Only ₹1,500/- each worth Big basket and Blinkit vouchers can now be purchased in a calendar month, as per pop-up while trying to add more to cart. This seems to have happened from 1st March as I recently purchased 5k worth vouchers in February. Huge devaluation of sorts as points restricted to ~300 in this category.

travel insurance credit card india

Is there any card which still provide any benefits on Rental payments?

Use tata neu infinite on redgirraffe.com

travel insurance credit card india

Any thoughts on using credit card to pay down payment of house/flat. I have come across deals where we can directly pay the builder say dlf or godrej the initial 10% amount of the flat via credit card. Hence, such transactions can be 10 lakh worth easily. Which set of credit do you think can be used to make best use of it? Say like doing 2L worth transactions from say 5 different cards? I have amex mrcc, tata neu infinity, idfc select, SBI cashback, ICICI Amazon, hdfc regalia, hsbc platinum, kotak myntra

travel insurance credit card india

Hi Sidharth, Great article but I can see that there are no cards on AU bank present. I believe AU Ixigo card is also a great card for international spends as it offers zero forex markup. And it is being offered LTF right now, which makes it a better pick than RBL world safari card.

AU is still not issued in many cities is a concern, will probably add AU cards to list by mid 2024.

travel insurance credit card india

Thanks for good Article. I’m holding Axis Magus Credit for couple of years. Magnus Monthly milestone benefit 25,000 points on 1L spend (per calendar month) discontinued from 1st Sep 2023. After changes, i feel the card is not useful. Can you suggest some good premium credit card like Magnus. I’m not frequent traveller. The reward points i like to redeem as gift voucher or cash. FYI – I’m also holding HDFC Diners Black Credit card (Non Metal)

Most of the premium cards are targeted for travel categories. The reward rate when redeemed against GVs will not be as good as in travel category. Magnus was good till it lasted as it gave about ~9% against AGVs.

Now, if you are not a frequent traveler SBI CashBack is good enough. You can try to upgrade HDFC DCB to Infinia by mailing to grievance addressal. Even with Inifina if you buy AGVs and redeem against AGVs via SmartBuy, your effective rate is just 6.9%. And you can buy a max of 20K AGVs per month.

travel insurance credit card india

LTF DCB to infinia is not free upgrade.

travel insurance credit card india

Hi Siddharth, any card for government transactions (advance tax) from which we can benefit after paying the gateway transaction charges?

travel insurance credit card india

Even me too want to know for Government Payments like Income Tax, Tally TSS Renewals etc.

Hi Sid, Is HDFC bank working on a credit card in collaboration with Apple? Is it true?

travel insurance credit card india

Axis murder*d the Magnus and finally buried the reserve!

travel insurance credit card india

Just received Mails from axis bank, Devaluation on both ACE and Airtel Cards

Update regarding your Axis Bank ACE Credit Card

While you continue to make the most of your Axis Bank ACE Credit Card, we would like to update you regarding a few changes to the features on your Credit Card, effective 20th April 2024:

Unlimited cashback on all eligible spends other than transactions on Google Pay or preferred partners has been revised from 2% to 1.5%.

Utility spends on any other platforms except Google Pay will not be eligible for cashback.

Update regarding your AIRTEL AXIS BANK Credit Card

While you continue to make the most of your AIRTEL AXIS BANK Credit Card, we would like to update you regarding a few changes to the features on your Credit Card, with effect from 20th April 2024:

The maximum cashback on Airtel Mobile, Broadband, Wi-Fi and DTH bill payments via Airtel Thanks App in a statement cycle has been revised from Rs. 300 to Rs. 250.

The maximum cashback on other utility payments such as gas, electricity, etc., via Airtel Thanks App in a statement cycle has been revised from Rs. 300 to Rs. 250. Utility spends on any other platform except Airtel Thanks app will not be eligible for cashback.

For Both Cards :

Effective 1st May 2024, access to domestic airport lounges will be based on a minimum eligible spend of Rs. 50,000 in the previous 3 calendar months. In the case of a newly issued card, the minimum spend criteria is waived for the month of card issuance as well as for the following 3 calendar months. For more details, please click here.

travel insurance credit card india

Similar email for Axis MyZone card as well.

Need suggestions. Considering the devaluation with Axis ace card, please suggest the next best card specially for offline transactions. (with preferably non-travel benefits) Faced problems with MRCC at many places, Amazon icici and sbi cashback has only 1% points for offline transactions. Any good paid card with similar benefits may also work.

Also, is there any way to get the axis card fees waived off or get a better card ?

travel insurance credit card india

I would suggest you take a look at HSBC cashback credit card. It offers good benefits if your top spends revolve around grocery shopping and Dining

travel insurance credit card india

Can you suggest one or two good UPI credit cards. Not sure if its already in the list, I was not able to find one. Thanks you

Hdfc tataneu infinity, first year free.

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travel insurance credit card india

Insure your adventures: The ultimate guide to credit cards offering travel insurance

T ravel brings excitement, adventure and occasional unpredictability. Whether you’re exploring new destinations or returning to old haunts, travel insurance can provide peace of mind and security. Many travelers find buying a travel insurance policy to protect their trips (and themselves) against unforeseen circumstances worthwhile. While this is smart, you may not have to pay for a policy. Many travel credit cards offer extensive travel insurance. 

However, not all credit card travel insurance is equal. Coverage varies from sparse to comprehensive, rivaling many of the best policies you can purchase. In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of credit card travel insurance and help you decide how to get the best card for your specific needs.

What is credit card travel insurance?

Credit card travel insurance consists of various travel-related protections. It typically includes benefits like trip cancellation or interruption insurance. Some cards cover baggage loss, theft or delay, and emergency medical expenses. Many premium credit cards even provide rental car collision damage waivers or emergency evacuation and assistance services. 

These protections are available for cardholders who use their credit cards to pay for travel expenses (including flights, hotels and rental cars). The extent of coverage can vary depending on the card, so it’s important to understand coverage limitations before relying on it exclusively.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

  • Trip cancellation or interruption insurance: Non-refundable travel expenses due to trip cancellations, delays or interruptions caused by severe weather or medical emergencies.
  • Baggage insurance: Lost or delayed baggage caused by your common carrier (plane, train or cruise ship).
  • Travel accident insurance: Accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier.
  • Auto collision damage waiver: Damage caused to a rental vehicle, up to the full cost (or $75,000), depending on the policy.

What credit card travel insurance will cover depends on the issuer and your card type. Generally, it covers a range of travel-related purchases due to illness, weather, or unexpected emergencies.

Coverage amounts will vary by credit card, so it's important to review your card’s policy beforehand to ensure it’s sufficient. Your credit card guide to benefits is a great place to find comprehensive information about your insurance. Always check policy details, including coverage limits and exclusions, which vary widely. 

What does credit card travel insurance not cover?

  • Pre-existing medical conditions
  • Travel to high-risk countries or engaging in risky activities
  • Acts of war or terrorism
  • Trip cancellation due to personal preferences

Typical exclusions to credit card travel insurance coverage include high-risk activities like extreme sports or travel to countries under specific government advisories or in conflict zones. The same goes for acts of war or terrorism—if you require evacuation or trip cancellation due to these reasons, your credit card travel insurance may not reimburse your expenses.

Most credit card travel insurance will also not cover pre-existing medical conditions. If you require medical care during your travels due to these previously diagnosed conditions, your card’s policy likely won’t protect you. 

Sometimes, coverage is secondary, which means it only applies after other insurance options have been exhausted. For example, if your card’s rental collision damage waiver is secondary, you can’t file a claim until after your personal insurance has rejected your claim. 

Most credit card travel protections are also limited in the amount of damage they’ll cover. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card ’s trip cancellation and interruption insurance covers up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses. The card’s baggage delay insurance kicks in during delays over six hours and covers up to $100 per day for five days. 

However, the card’s emergency evacuation coverage is insufficient for her family. “These coverages are important if you're traveling where your own health coverage won't apply or if you may be in situations where you need to be evacuated from a remote area.” As a result, Johnson pays for an annual travel insurance plan with medical coverage included to supplement her card’s insurance. 

Additionally, most credit card travel insurance doesn’t cover expenses resulting from non-emergency medical treatments. Any insurance claim requires supporting documentation; in the case of a medical emergency, this includes supporting documentation from a physician or health care professional. 

To protect against these scenarios, consider purchasing a comprehensive policy. Some travel insurance policies even include “cancel for any reason” coverage, which will reimburse most of your nonrefundable expenses if you decide not to go on your trip.

Holly Johnson, a credit card rewards expert and founder of Club Thrifty, travels frequently abroad with her family. While she relies on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® ’s auto rental collision damage waiver, she finds its emergency medical benefit insufficient. “The $75 per day hospital benefit (for up to 5 days) is not enough for many things that could go wrong. We still use Chase Sapphire Reserve® coverage for domestic trips and even as our rental car coverage for car rentals in the United States.” 

9 credit cards with travel insurance 

Outside of a few restrictions, credit cards offer pretty robust travel protections. Depending on the cost and scope of your travels, you may not need to buy a separate policy. With the right credit card, you can fully cover most of your travel expenses. A wide range of coverage options are available through a diverse array of credit cards. At the very least, your credit card should offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance, along with primary collision damage waiver. You might also opt for a card that provides some level of baggage insurance. 

For the most comprehensive coverage, you should opt for a card with emergency evacuation and transportation coverage. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the most comprehensive suite of travel protections, making it the benchmark to compare other cards against. However, you may not need all nine types of protections, in which case you can opt for a lower annual fee card like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. 

We’ve created a comparison table for you to evaluate the different credit cards that offer travel insurance and choose the best fit for your needs:

When do you need additional travel insurance coverage? 

Supplementing credit card travel insurance with an additional policy might be necessary in some cases. Julie Menez, a points strategy coach and host of the Geobreeze Travel podcast , recommends purchasing a comprehensive policy if you require peace of mind or want flexibility: “Travel insurance will not cover non-refundable travel expenses in the event that you simply change your mind and decide not to go on a trip anymore. This is where supplementary travel insurance can come into play.” Julia recommends Faye travel insurance, which offers quick claims processing and "cancel for any reason" coverage, which covers up to 75% of non-refundable trip costs.  

Your credit card coverage might also be invalid if your trip involves extreme sports, mountain climbing or other high-risk activities. The last thing you want is to go on this kind of trip unprotected. Buying a policy instead of relying on your credit card coverage might be the best move.

If you’re traveling to regions with higher security risks or under travel advisories, purchasing a travel insurance policy tailored to these requirements is crucial. Your credit card likely won’t provide coverage and you don’t want to be left out cold in an emergency. Longer trips exceeding the duration covered by your credit card might also necessitate additional insurance. 

If your trip costs more than the amount your credit card’s trip cancellation and interruption policy covers, then it’s definitely worth purchasing additional travel insurance. You don’t want to spend thousands on airfare and hotels only to have a portion of it reimbursed in case of an emergency. When in doubt, buy additional coverage.  

Assessing your individual travel needs and comparing them against the coverage provided by your credit card can help you determine when additional travel insurance is necessary. It’s important to carefully review your credit card’s insurance policy for limitations and determine whether the coverage is adequate for your travel needs.

How to choose a credit card that offers travel insurance 

When selecting a credit card that offers robust travel insurance, it’s essential to evaluate several key factors. First, examine the coverage provided. Look for cards that offer comprehensive coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical emergencies, and lost, delayed or damaged baggage. A card with broader coverage and higher limits will be more beneficial, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or planning longer trips.

You’ll also want to consider coverage amounts. Most credit card travel insurance policies have limitations in terms of coverage amount and number of people covered. Understanding eligibility criteria and length of coverage can help you determine the best card for your needs.

In addition, assess your card’s other benefits and perks . Besides travel insurance, look for cards that offer travel perks that might suit your needs, such as airport lounge access, annual travel statement credits, and waived foreign transaction fees. Additionally, you’ll want a card that rewards your daily purchases . If you’re big on travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 points per dollar in these categories and valuable travel protections. You want a card that checks numerous boxes, helping you accrue points in your everyday life rather than just during your travels. 

Lastly, consider the card’s annual fee to ensure the benefits and rewards justify the cost. Comparing multiple credit cards and their respective travel insurance offerings can help you find the one that best suits your travel goals and needs.

The takeaway 

While credit card travel insurance can provide excellent baseline coverage, it’s not the most comprehensive option. If you’re traveling with family, for an extended period of time or want more extensive coverage with higher limits, you might want to consider buying a supplemental policy. Travel can get expensive and the last thing you want is to incur additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances. By researching your options and being aware of your card’s limitations, you’ll be prepared to make the best choice for your travel needs.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

Purchasing travel insurance is generally a solid plan, but some credit cards offer additional coverage.

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travel insurance credit card india

Top 5 credit cards for airport lounge access in India – Know key features, benefits and annual fees

Industry experts said the average cost for banks per customer lounge visit at airports used to be rs 600 in 2022, and it has now surpassed rs 1,000 in 2024, making cards with this feature more lucrative for travellers..

Top 5 credit cards for airport lounge access in India - Know key features, benefits and annual fee

Credit cards offer several benefits like cashback, miles, vouchers, discounts, free priority pass membership, etc, to attract customers. One of their prominent offerings is free airport lounge access at select airports in the country and abroad. The facility of airport lounge access is available not only on travel credit cards but also on some other premium cards issued by banks.

Industry experts said the average cost for banks on per customer lounge visit at airports used to be Rs 600 in 2022, and it has now surpassed Rs 1,000 in 2024, making cards with the free lounge access feature more lucrative for travellers.

travel insurance credit card india

The best perk such cards bring with them is a free lounge access benefit, allowing travellers to spend time in a relaxing environment at bustling airports. At select airports, they are also served complimentary snacks and drinks in these lounges.

IndiGo, IndiGo news, aviation news, airlines, Middle east, South East Asia, West Asia

Also Read: CIBIL score 700 good or bad? How to get personal loan with low credit score in India

Take a look at top 5 credit cards providing lounge access at select airports in India and abroad, as per paisabazaar.com.

travel insurance credit card india

Source: Paisabazaar.com

1. HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card

HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card offers a free lounge access facility to its customers. If you’re looking to earn high rewards and multiple benefits at a reasonable annual fee, you can go for this card. There are several other benefits like shopping, travel, rewards and more on this card.

HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card Fees

The joining fee for HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card is Rs 2,500. Its annual fee is also the same, Rs 2,500, but the bank waives this charge if your spending on the card is more than Rs 3 lakh in the previous year.

HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card Key Benefits

You can enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges globally using this HDFC Bank card and receive 12 complimentary airport lounge visits annually, for both domestic and international travel. Complimentary lounge access is also provided to add-on card members.

2. SBI Elite Credit Card

SBI Elite Credit Card is considered as one of the best credit cards with free airport lounge access facility. The card also offers several other benefits across multiple categories. This card gives you a high reward rate and a low foreign exchange mark-up fee of 1.99%

SBI Elite Credit Card Fees

SBI Elite Credit Card’s joinig fee is Rs 4,999 and the annual fee is also the same.

SBI Elite Credit Card key benefits

You get a complimentary Priority Pass Membership valued at $99 and also six complimentary visits to international lounges, with a maximum of two visits per quarter. You also receive two complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter.

3. Axis Bank Select Credit Card

Axis Bank Select Credit Card is a lifestyle card but offers a free access to aurport lounges. This card stands out among its competitors as it comes at a low fee. The card also offers benefits to movie goers, shoppers, diners and more. Users get reward points on each purchase and also bonus points on reaching spending milestones

Axis Bank Select Credit Card Fees

Axis Bank has kept Rs 3,000 as joining fee and the same amount as annual fee for customers.

Axis Bank Select Credit Card key benefits

This card gives a complimentary Priority Pass Membership and allows 6 complimentary international lounge visits annually, apart from two complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter.

4. SBI Prime Credit Card

SBI Prime Credit Card is considered as one of the best airport lounge access credit cards in India, The card offers international as well as domestic lounge access.

SBI Prime Credit Card Fees

SBI Prime Credit Card charges Rs 2,999 as joining fee and the same ammount as annual fee. The annual charge is waived if spending crosses 3 lakh in the previous year.

SBI Prime Credit Card Benefits

Wit this card, you get four complimentary visits to international priority pass lounges outside India (maximum 2 per quarter), and 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits in a year (2 visits per quarter).

5. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card offers a lounge access facility for both primary as well as add-on cardholders. The card also comes with other benefits on travel, shopping and dining. You can also use reward points against the exclusive Gold Catalogue, for travel bookings and even convert them to Air Miles.

HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card Fees

HDFC Bank has fixed the joining fee for this card at Rs 2,500 and the annual fee as same. Cutomers are charged annually Rs 2,500, which gets waived on spending Rs 4 lakh in a year.

HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card Benefits

You can enjoy six complimentary airport lounge visits per year outside India via Priority Pass for both primary and add-on card members on completing minimum four card transactions. The card also offers 12 complimentary airport lounge visits per year within India.

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COMMENTS

  1. Best Travel Credit Card In India April 2024

    Forbes Advisor India analyzed prominent credit cards from top financial services companies in India on the basis of key factors including: Ease of Use: Where the system of reward points is clear ...

  2. 25+ Best Travel Credit Cards India 2024

    Check out the list of best Travel credit cards India 2024 on Card Insider . Compare Features, Benefits, Charges and Apply Online! ... Various travel cerdit cards offer travel insurance covers, such as cover against lost tickets, lost/delayed baggage, canceled/delayed flights, etc. Different card issuers can have different policies related to ...

  3. Credit cards that offer insurance when you travel

    The Standard Chartered Emirates World credit card comes with a complimentary overseas insurance. With this card, you can protect yourself with overseas air accident coverage of Rs 1 crore The Priority Visa Banking Infinite credit card from Standard Chartered is also helpful with respect to air accident coverage as it protects you with ...

  4. Best Travel Credit Cards in India for 2024

    SBI Air India Signature Credit Card is one of the best travel credit cards in India, especially for Air India loyalists. The basic reward earning rate is 4% and you get an equal number of Air India Miles for all points. If you can spend Rs. 20 lakh in a year, you can get up to 1 lakh reward points that are equivalent to 1 lakh Air India Miles ...

  5. Best Credit Card for Travel in India

    Discover the top 5 travel credit cards in India 2024, offering rewards, benefits, security, ... Earn 4 CV points for every ₹200 spent on Club Vistara Signature Credit Card. Insurance Benefits. Insurance covers upto ₹1 lakh for loss of baggage, travel documents, or delay in check-in baggage.

  6. Everything to Know About Credit Cards Travel Insurance Benefits

    Listed below are some credit cards that offer the best travel insurance in India: HDFC Regalia Credit Card It offers air accident insurance coverage of up to Rs. 1 crore and emergency hospitalisation coverage overseas of up to Rs. 15 lakhs.

  7. Best Travel Credit Card India 2024

    Explore the best travel credit cards in India for 2024. Compare features, rewards and benefits to find the perfect card for your travel needs. Make your next trip more rewarding. ... Travel Insurance covers up to ₹55,000 on baggage delay beyond 8 hours for international flights, capped at $10/hour.

  8. Travel Insurance on Credit Cards: What You Need to Know Before Your

    Travel insurance on credit cards can be a valuable benefit that enhances your travel experience in India. It provides financial protection and peace of mind during your journeys. To make the most of this coverage, review your credit card's terms and conditions, understand the coverage and exclusions, and be prepared with emergency contact ...

  9. The Must-Have Travel Credit Cards In India For Avid Wanderers

    A post shared by SBI Card (@sbicard_connect) One of the best credit cards for travel, especially for booking flights, is the Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card. With an annual fee of INR 1,499, this card provides the advantage of eight visits to domestic VISA lounges in India (with a maximum of two visits per quarter).

  10. Best Travel credit cards in India

    Travel insurance: This card offers travel insurance coverage of up to Rs. 1 crore in case of flight delays, baggage loss, or any other travel-related mishap. Rewards points: HDFC Regalia Credit Card provides 4 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on travel-related expenses, which can be redeemed for hotel bookings, flight tickets, or shopping.

  11. Popular Credit Cards in India with Trip Cancellation & Trip

    The YES First Preferred Credit Card is an exclusive privilege rewards point credit card offered by YES Bank. It provides overseas medical insurance worth Rs 25 lakh and accidental death cover of Rs 1 crore. It also offers concierge services for travel and hotel referral and reservation. Eligibility:

  12. Best Credit Cards With Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance: Annual fee: $95. The Ink Business Preferred is one of the best business travel rewards cards on the market. It earns a 6% return on the first $150,000 spent in select categories, which is excellent considering the card's $95 annual fee and travel protections.

  13. Insurance Benefit Credit Cards 2023

    The card also offers travel insurance cover up to ₹1 crore for air accidents, emergency overseas hospitalisation of up to ₹15 lakhs, lost card liability cover of up to ₹9 lakh, a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000, and you also get 8 complimentary domestic lounge access ...

  14. Platinum Travel Credit Card Benefits

    The American Express App. View your reward points, set up alerts and manage your account on the go with the Amex App. For Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Help Center. Explore all the thrilling benefits, offers and rewards of your Platinum Travel Credit Card that you get to enjoy as a cardholder. Click here to find out more.

  15. American Express India

    Single Trip Plan - Pay only for the number of days you travel. High covers of up to USD 500,000. Instant policy issuance. Cashless claim settlement worldwide with global medical network of preferred hospitals. Choose from a variety of add-on coverages like pet care, legal expenses etc. No health checkups required.

  16. Best Travel Credit Cards in India 2024: Enjoy Exclusive Benefits and

    Cardholders can get air accidents and travel insurance for a peaceful travel experience. There is an extra discount if the cardholder pays their bill with this credit card. 5. Axis Atlas Credit Card: Axis Atlas Credit Card is a premium credit card by Axis Bank. It is a special card which offers a better travel and lifestyle experience to the ...

  17. Travel Insurance Benefits offered by Credit Cards

    Several credit card companies in India offer travel insurance as an added benefit to their cardholders. This insurance coverage can provide protection and peace of mind while travelling. Here is a list of some major credit card companies in India that offer travel insurance, along with a brief explanation of their offerings:

  18. Best Travel Credit Card India in 2023

    The SBI Air India Signature credit card is one of the best travel credit card in India, particularly for Air India fans. The basic reward earning rate is 4%, and all points are worth the same number of Air India Miles. If you spend INR 20 lakh in a year, you can earn up to 1 lakh reward points, equivalent to 1 lakh Air India Miles and used to ...

  19. 10 Best Credit Cards for Travel in India

    6.Yes Preferred Credit card. Yes, Preferred Credit Card is one of the best travel credit cards that offer complimentary 4 international and 12 domestic lounge visits each year. Benefits: Spend Rs. 7.5 lakh in a year and earn 20,000 bonus reward points.

  20. 10 Credit Cards With Travel Insurance

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  21. 25 Best Credit Cards in India for 2024 [Detailed Reviews]

    Entry Level Credit Cards. Suggested income: 5 Lakhs+ Suggested spend: 1 Lakhs+ Entry-Level credit cards, also called as credit cards for beginners are those cards that are targeted at first-time credit card users.. SBI Cashback Card. Best for: Upto 5% Cashback on Online spends; Read Review & Apply: SBI Cashback Card Review This is the new HOT pick of the year for entry-level cardholders as 5% ...

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    20.99% to 29.99% variable APR. The Platinum Card® from American Express. $695. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per card every 12 months) Trip ...

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