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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for India 2024

If you’re travelling to India, a dedicated travel money card can make spending and withdrawing Indian rupees cheaper and more convenient. Different types of travel money cards exist to support different customer needs, including travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards. The right one for you will depend on your personal preference and how you like to manage your money.

Read on for all you need to know, including a closer look at travel money card types, some great options to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose.

Wise - our pick for travel debit card for India

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let’s start with the Wise card as a versatile option for a travel money debit card that allows you to hold and spend not only INR but also a diverse range of other currencies.

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 50+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in pounds and switch to INR before you travel, so you know your travel money budget in advance - or if you’d prefer, you can simply allow the card to automatically switch currencies as and when you need it. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.41%. Here are some of the pros and cons of the Wise travel money debit card, to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Hold and exchange 50+ currencies alongside INR

No fee to spend any currency you hold, low conversion fees from 0.41%

Mid market exchange rate on all currency conversion

Some fee free ATM withdrawals every month

No ongoing fees and no interest to pay

7 GBP delivery fee

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card can be used for payments online and in stores, and for cash withdrawals, just like your regular bank card can be. However, with a travel money card you’ll find the features and fees have been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees. Some travel cards also have options to earn cashback and rewards when you use your card internationally.

6 travel money cards for India compared

We’ll look at each of these card options in a little more detail in just a moment, but let’s start with an overview of how 6 top travel money cards for India compare side by side:

As you can see, the features and fees of different travel money cards can vary widely. In general travel debit cards can be convenient and often fairly cheap to use, while travel credit cards can offer some nice benefits like cashback or rewards - but do mean you might be faced by interest costs and late payment charges if you don’t clear your bill in full every month.

Travel debit cards often let you top up a linked account online or through an app, so you can set your budget and can’t spend more than you intend. Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

UK customers can get a travel money card from either a regular bank or a specialist provider, which may be a travel debit card, travel prepaid card or a travel credit card. Let’s take a closer look at what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

1. Travel debit cards

2. Travel prepaid cards

3. Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and convert a currency balance. While different cards have their own features, travel debit cards can usually be topped up easily online and through an app, with the option to see your balance and get transaction notifications through your phone too. That makes it easier to keep on top of your money, even when you travel.

Wise - travel debit card for India

Wise is our best value travel money debit card for India. There’s no fee to open a Wise account, and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.41% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM withdrawal fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

No fee to open a Wise account, no minimum balance requirement

7 GBP one time fee to get your Wise card

2 withdrawals, to 200 GBP value per month for free, then 0.5 GBP + 1.75%

Hold INR and 50+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Travel debit card option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers, so you can simply pick the account you prefer - from free Standard plans to the 12.99 GBP/month Metal plan. All Revolut accounts have linked cards, although exactly what type of card you get depends on your account tier. You can hold around 25 currencies including INR, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance.

No fee to open a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade for up to 12.99 GBP/month

Card delivery fees may apply depending on your account tier

All accounts have some fee free currency conversion with 0.5% fair usage fees after that

Standard plan holders can withdraw 200 GBP (up to 5 withdrawals in total) per month for free

Hold INR and around 25 other currencies

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in India

No possibility to run up interest costs or late payment fees

Real-time currency holding and exchange options available

Digital top-up, management, and account viewing features

Safe to use as they're not connected to your primary UK bank account

Issued on widely-used global payment networks

Transaction and currency conversion fees may apply

Cash back and rewards may not be available

Click here to read a full Revolut review

How to choose the best travel debit card for India?

The best travel debit card for India really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money. If you’ll be travelling widely it makes sense to look for an account with mid-market currency exchange and a large selection of supported currencies as well as INR, like Wise. Other providers like Revolut can also be a good pick, particularly if you’ll use your account very frequently and would prefer to pay a monthly fee to unlock lots of fee free transactions and extra perks.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in India?  

Different providers set their own limits for card use. Limits may apply daily, weekly or monthly, and can apply to different types of transactions. You might find you have a limit to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make per day, for example, or the value of contactless payments - these limits are set for security and can sometimes be managed and changed in the provider’s app.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards

Prepaid travel cards can be ordered or collected from specialist providers - once you have a card you’ll just need to add funds in the supported currency of your choice. While prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely - not all cards support all currencies. INR prepaid cards are pretty hard to come by, so you may find you pay a foreign transaction fee when you spend. However, a prepaid card can still be helpful from a security perspective, as it means you won’t need to use your regular bank card while you’re in India.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Post Office

You can pick up a Post Office prepaid travel money card in a Post Office branch or order one online. You’ll then be able to top up in pounds or one of the 22 supported currencies. As INR isn’t a supported currency you’ll pay a 3% foreign transaction fee to spend with your card in India - however this card can still be a helpful choice because it means you can avoid using your regular bank card while overseas.

Hold and exchange 22 currencies (not including INR)

No fee to spend a balance in a supported currency

3% foreign transaction fee when spending a currency you don’t hold on the card

Variable ATM withdrawal fees based on the currency you hold

No interest to pay

Click here to read a full Post Office review

Prepaid travel card option 2: Monese

Monese accounts can be opened by UK residents to hold GBP, EUR and RON. There are several different types of accounts, from the Simple account which has no monthly fees, to fee paying account tiers which have more features. It’s free to spend a balance you hold - but as INR isn’t a supported currency, you may find you pay a foreign transaction fee of 2% when you’re spending in India. Foreign transaction fees may be waived for higher tier account holders.

Hold a balance in GBP, EUR or RON

Choose a free Simple account, or upgrade to an account with monthly fees

Foreign transaction fees of 2% may apply depending on your account tier

ATM withdrawal fees may apply, depending on the value of withdrawals and the account tier you hold

Track and spend Avios reward points within your account

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in India

Manage your account, add more money or convert funds online or with an app

Accounts with no monthly fees are available

Selection of supported currencies, with no fee to spend a currency you hold

ATM withdrawals supported globally

Some accounts have extras like options to earn reward points

INR may not be a supported currency

Transaction fees apply to most accounts

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for India?

There’s no single best travel prepaid card for India - it’ll come down to your personal preference. If you hold a Monese Classic or Premium account already it’s good to know that the 2% foreign transaction fee is waived, which means you get the card network rate when you spend in India. This may be cheaper than using your regular bank card. The Post Office card can also be an option if you’re simply looking for an alternative to your normal bank card when you’re in India, plus you can get a card instantly by walking into a Post Office branch.

Is there a spending limit with a prepaid card in India?

Different prepaid travel cards set their own limits for spending and withdrawals, which can  vary between currencies. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

3. Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards typically offer some extra international features compared to regular credit cards, such as low or no foreign transaction fees or extra option to earn rewards when you’re abroad. In general, travel credit cards are safe and convenient but can be more expensive compared to using a debit card option. Before you select the right card for you it’s important to check the fees, rates, eligibility rules and interest rates which apply, so you can make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Travel credit card option 1: Barclaycard Rewards Visa

With the Barclaycard Rewards Visa card, there are no international ATM or foreign transaction fees. Instead, your overseas expenses are converted to pounds at the Visa exchange rate and added to your monthly statement. To avoid fees and interest, you’ll need to repay your balance in full each month, but as a bonus you can earn cashback on your everyday expenditures.

No foreign transaction or foreign ATM fee

Earn cashback at 0.25% on spending

Protection on purchases over 100 GBP

International spending uses the Visa exchange rate

Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Halifax Clarity Mastercard

The Halifax Clarity Mastercard has a variable interest rate which you can see when you check your eligibility for the card. There’s no foreign transaction or foreign ATM fee to pay, and all currency conversion uses the Mastercard exchange rate.

Variable interest rates

Check your eligibility and order a card online easily

No foreign transaction fee

No ATM fee - but interest will accrue instantly when you make a withdrawal

Mastercard exchange rates apply

Pros and cons of using credit cards in India

Spending more than 100 GBP covered by additional consumer protection

Option to pay for travel expenses over multiple months

Check card eligibility online without affecting your credit score

Potentially no foreign transaction or ATM fees

Network exchange rates usually apply, which are usually pretty fair

Interest charged if you don’t repay in full every month

Eligibility rules apply

How to choose the best travel credit card for India?

The best travel credit card for India will depend on your personal preferences. If you’re interested in earning rewards and cash back on your overseas spending, the Barclaycard Rewards Visa might be a good pick, as it has no foreign transaction fee and offers cashback on all spending. Whichever card you’re considering you’ll want to weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile.

If you’re planning to travel to India you might want to pick a travel money card for while you’re away. Travel money cards have different features, and can be picked up via regular banks, online specialists and even the Post Office.

Not all travel cards support INR, so you’ll need to check out the fees and features of a few to pick the right one for you. For example, you could opt for a low cost travel debit card which can hold a selection of currencies including INR - like the Wise account. Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the Monese card which can be linked to either a fee free account or an account which has monthly fees in exchange for lower transaction charges. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees.

The good news is that the UK market is well served for all types of travel money cards - use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

FAQ - Best travel cards for India

You can usually make cash withdrawals with a credit card in India at any ATM that supports your card network. You’ll often find that a fee applies, and you may start to accumulate interest on the withdrawn amount immediately. Travel money debit cards from providers like Wise and Revolut can be a lower cost option for cash withdrawals in INR.

You can normally use your debit card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including in India, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for India.

Prepaid cards from reputable providers are safe to use at home and abroad. They aren’t linked to your main bank account which can offer extra peace of mind, and may also make it easier to manage your travel budget. However, you’ll need to check the card features and fees carefully to make sure you're getting the best match for your needs.

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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.

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:.

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Joining Fee

Renewal fee, best suited for, reward type.

Reward Points

Card Details +

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.

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 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.

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

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

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.

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:

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.

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 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.

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.

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:

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.

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 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:

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.

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.

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:

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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%

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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Travel money guide: India

Discover how to turn your dollars into rupees and pay your way through india..

In this guide

Travel card, debit card or credit card?

These are your options for spending money in india, which credit card issuers are accepted in india, compare travel credit cards, indian currency, buying currency in the us, atms in india, keep your travel money safe in india, how much should i budget to travel in india, travel insurance for india, bottom line.

Travel money type

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Top picks of 2024

Banks and ATMs are widely available in India — even in smaller villages. Though it’s still important to have access to cash on your trip, as India is still very much a cash economy.

Bringing a credit card along that doesn’t incur foreign transaction fees can help you save on extraneous fees as well. A combination of card and cash will offer you the most flexibility during your travels.

Our picks for traveling to India

50+ currencies supported

Wise Multi-currency

• 4.33% APY on USD balances
• $0 signup or subscription fees
• Withdraw $100 per month for free from ATMs worldwide
• Send, spend and withdraw 50+ currencies at the live rate
• Freeze and unfreeze your card instantly

Join to save up to 10% on hotels

SoFi Checking and Savings

• 0.50% APY on checking balance
• Up to 4.60% APY on savings
• $0 account or overdraft fees
• Get a $300 bonus with direct deposits of $5,000 or more

Travel rewards with no annual fee

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

• 20,000 miles (equal to $200 in travel) after spending $500 in the first 3 months
• Earn unlimited 1.25x miles on all purchases
• Low intro rates on purchases and balance transfers

Unfortunately, there aren’t any travel cards that allow you to load INR, meaning you’ll be charged a currency conversion fee if you use one in India. Instead, look for debit cards and credit cards that don’t charge for currency conversion. Reduced fees for ATM withdrawals should always be a factor in your comparison.

Things can go missing, wallets picked from your pocket and cards can get swallowed up by ATMs, so make sure you have different spending options. A debit card and credit card combination will give you the best results, you may also want to bring some extra cash as backup — you can change it out easily enough for a competitive price.

Have a look at the different travel money products you can use in India and learn how each product works.

Using a credit card

Credit cards are a good option because they are accepted almost everywhere, have excellent security measures and some come with travel insurance. A card without foreign transaction fees, like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card , will keep you from racking up unexpected charges during your stay (Terms apply, see rates & fees ).

Travel credit cards often also come with other useful benefits like travel insurance and the ability to earn rewards. You’ll want to compare travel credit cards and examine your own travel preferences to find one that best fits your needs.

• Accepted everywhere
• Built-in security and anti-fraud measures
• Some cards have features such as complimentary insurance or reward points earning
• ATM cash withdrawals may attract cash advances and higher fees

You’ll find that most vendors accept Visa and Mastercard, while some large establishments may accept American Express and Discover cards as well.

Potential credit card fees in India

When you use your credit card in India, there’s a good chance you’ll pay foreign transaction and currency conversion fees.

Foreign transaction fees

Credit cards that come with foreign transaction fees tend to charge 2% to 3% per transaction. Before you use your card outside of the US, find out how much your card will charge you. Most travel credit cards eliminate foreign transaction fees altogether.

Currency conversion fees

The Indian Finance Act allows merchants to levy a service tax on the purchase and sale of foreign currencies, which includes transactions. Banks can fix currency conversion charges depending on their internal cost structures. As a result, if a merchant offers to convert your bill into US dollars, you may want to pass and make your payment in rupees instead.

Explore top debit cards with no foreign transaction fees and travel credit cards by using the tabs to narrow down your options. Select Compare for up to four products to see their benefits side by side.

• Credit cards

Using a debit card

A debit card could be a good travel money choice to take to India. You’ll have access to cash each time you come across an ATM, without carrying lots of cash on you all at once. To avoid additional expenses, find a card that waives the fee for international ATM withdrawals like the one from Betterment Checking .

• Tip: Citibank has a large presence in India. Make cheap ATM withdrawals using a Citibank debit or credit card.
• Access to your own money
• Widely accepted
• PIN security
• Can be cancelled if card is lost or stolen
• No back-up option for lost or stolen cards
• May charge ATM transaction fees
• May charge currency conversion fees

Using a prepaid travel card

Since there are currently no travel cards that allow you to preload Indian rupees, you should look for a card with no foreign currency conversion fees to avoid any extra costs. Even though travel cards can be a convenient way to withdraw funds and spend over the counter, it may not seem to be the cheapest option when you factor in the extra fees.

• Comes with a back-up if the card is compromised
• Not linked to your bank account
• Can reload money online easily
• Pay directly or withdraw from ATM
• Rupees cannot be preloaded
• Some cards charge a reload fee
• Can take up to six days for a transfer

Paying with cash in India

You should always have some cash on you, ideally have some spending money in lower denominations and then keep a large amount in a hidden place. Whether you’re staying in small villages or big cities, you will find that many services, attractions and simply getting around will require you to use cash.

Banks and exchange offices will happily exchange foreign currency at a reasonable rate and with a small commission, if any commission at all. It helps if you can access online rates before you exchange so you can give yourself a rough idea of how much you should get and don’t get ripped off.

• Tip: Indian rupee notes can get pretty scruffy and ripped, and overly creased or otherwise damaged notes will not be accepted. People love to try and give them to tourists.
• Payment flexibility
• Convenience
• Difficult to manage expenses
• Higher risk of theft

Using traveler’s checks

Security is the main advantage of using traveler’s checks. Each check has a unique serial number and can only be cashed with photo identification.

Fees are the main disadvantage. Banks charge you to get checks and to cash them. You’re better off using a debit or travel card which lets you make cheap or free ATM withdrawals to get Indian rupees.

• Tip: Traveler’s checks are good for locking in a good exchange rate. So if you watch the forex market, get them while the getting’s good.
• Can be costly with initial purchase charges
• Not all merchants accept traveler’s checks

The money used in India is called the Indian rupee (INR). It comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 notes — the 500 and 1000 note were demonetized in 2016.

The main banks in India are:

• Bank of Baroda
• Bank of India
• Canara Bank
• IndusInd Bank
• Kotak Mahindra Bank
• Punjab National Bank
• State Bank of India

If you’re a foreigner, you can bring up to 25,000 rupees into India, whereas returning residents can only bring 5,000 to 7,500 rupees into the country. There’s no restriction to the amount of foreign currency you can bring with you, though you’ll have to claim more than $5,000 cash at customs.

Refreshing in: 60s | Mon, Apr 01, 06:01PM GMT

ATMs are widely available in India and you should have no trouble finding one. Limits vary depending on the machine, but you should be able to withdraw up to your local bank’s ATM withdrawal limit. If not, 10,000 rupees ($150) is a standard amount to withdraw.

If possible, use a debit card that doesn’t charge international ATM fees, like the one from Betterment Checking.

• Tip: If the ATM is slow to respond, don’t worry, sometimes it takes a good half minute for an ATM to process the transaction.

Find ATMs in India

Specific areas in India are out of bounds for US travelers. In more US-friendly spots it’s wise to use an elevated level of caution and avoid traveling alone.

Never wear flashy or luxury items out in public and keep your valuables at home. Conceal your wallet in your pocket or consider using a money belt to tuck your funds away out of arm’s reach. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

If you’re wondering how much money you’ll be spending on your trip to India, that’ll depend on your tastes and budgets. You can get by on as little as $10 a day or spend thousands just sleeping in a 5-star hotel. All prices are in US dollars.

Prices are approximate and are subject to change.

Case study: Jane's experience

Case study: Jane’s Indian sabbatical

Jane spent just under two months traveling in India. She started in the north making her way from New Delhi to Uttar Pradesh so she could visit the Taj Mahal and the city of Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. She finished her trip relaxing on the beaches of Goa. Her trip took her off the beaten track, through tourist spots and India’s bustling cities.

What travel money tips do you have for India?

• Tricks and scams. Be aware of scams that can be anything from a detour in a taxi, thieves trying to pick pockets or fake tourist bureaus at New Delhi train station and around Connaught Place. Jump on blogs and official websites to read up on the latest tourist scams.
• Bargaining. Tourists are frequently charged higher prices for goods in India. Don’t be afraid to bargain. Sellers don’t expect you to pay the asking price. Bargaining is a part of the culture in India so don’t be shy, but don’t take it too seriously, either. If you agree to a price make sure you are happy with it because once you agree, you’re obliged to pay it.

India has a unique set of risks which is why you should give travel insurance a look. Travel insurance can protect against situations such as:

• Flight delays
• Stolen cash
• Rental vehicle excess
• Overseas medical emergencies
• Lost luggage

It is a country so dense, so stimulating to the senses and impulses that the first visit to India can be a shock to even the most road-hardened traveler. Find the right travel money to take to India so you can access your money cheaply and conveniently and fully experience the country’s rich cultural tapestry.

Kyle Morgan

Kyle Morgan is SEO manager at Forbes Advisor and a former editor and content strategist at Finder. He has written for the USA Today network and Relix magazine, among other publications. He holds a BA in journalism and media from Rutgers University.

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Visa-Free Travel and Smart Card Tips for Indian Jetsetters in 2024

Curated By : Lifestyle Desk

Last Updated: January 04, 2024, 07:49 IST

New Delhi, India

Visit Rishikesh and Haridwar if you want a spiritual start to the year.

Indian traveler is now widely sought after by many countries, some of whom have rolled out the red carpet by offering visa-free travel to Indian passport holders

2023 saw international travel across most parts of the world rebound strongly. With a fast-growing economy, increased disposable income, and a keen enthusiasm to explore and experience the world, the Indian traveler is now widely sought after by many countries, some of whom have rolled out the red carpet by offering visa-free travel to Indian passport holders. This is great news for last minute holiday planners who can choose from options like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Nepal, among others, to visit without having to get a travel visa, as long as they have the essential passport (valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure date), a valid return ticket, accommodation bookings and travel insurance.

The aforesaid countries also accept card payments, which further enhance the travel experience, making it hassle-free, safe and convenient. According to a recent survey conducted by Visa, the global leader in digital payments, 95% of Indian travelers said they intended to use their credit, debit or travel prepaid cards for payments at international travel destinations. Sridhar Keppurengan, Business Head, Cross Border Payments, India and South Asia, Visa, shares a few insights on how to make the most of credit cards in your international travels.

• Enable your card for “International” transactions Do remember to enable your credit/debit card or even your travel prepaid card for international transactions. Specifically, enable the “International/ Online” feature for hotel and cab bookings before and during the trip, and the “International/POS and Contactless” option for shopping, dining and other card payments during the trip.
• Look for travel promotions offered by your card Cards typically offer travel-related benefits, either in the form of free lounge access, discounts on flight bookings, travel insurance, car rentals, and entertainment options at your destination. These offers come in handy and enable you to go the extra mile, literally.
• Ensure your “Card limit” is fully available for use Make sure to have enough credit limit to cover most of the trip expenses. Many of us do not actively monitor the remaining limits for the month, so it’s a good idea to pay off your credit card bills before traveling to ensure the limit is fully available or prepay as you spend during the trip. Alternatively, you can request a card upgrade or a limit increase from your bank.
• Forex markup rates vs. Rewards While cards in general offer favorable currency conversion rates compared to currency exchanges, some cards offer lower forex markup fees in lieu of rewards, while others do not offer discounted forex markup fees, but provide generous rewards on international travel spends. Make your choice based on what works for you.
• Tokenisation – Tap to pay using your phone One has much to carry during a trip, and your smartphone can reduce the need to pull out your wallet as often. Tokenisation is currently available for Android phones in India, where your cards can be stored securely on high-end smartphones and wearables. At many countries, you can simply unlock your phone and tap it at a merchant’s point-of-sale (POS) device, or even at a Metro/Bus/Train gate or payment terminal to take a ride.
• Pay in destination currency Merchants and ATMs often give tourists the choice to complete a transaction in the destination currency or simplify it by displaying it in the tourist’s familiar home currency. However, cardholders must remember that the latter may come with an additional fee. Unless this is a feature you really prefer, you could opt to pay in the foreign currency.
• Remember, the card is always in your “Control” One of the most compelling features of the Reserve Bank mandated card controls is just that – Offering cardholders greater “Control” over their cards! You can turn on or switch off card features as well as set spend and transaction limits on your mobile banking apps, thus adding extra layers of safety and security to your transactions.

The digital payment’s Global Travel Intentions survey revealed that Indian travelers cited relaxation and the desire to explore and learn something new as key motivators for cross border travel. However, anxieties related to cash payments or handling foreign currencies are common concerns among travelers visiting a new country. Card payments are a great way to allay these anxieties, so vacations can truly be what they are desired to be – Relaxing and Rejuvenating!