Unlock Global Benefits: Top Indian Credit Cards for Travel in 2024

Unlock Global Benefits: Top Indian Credit Cards for Travel in 2024

The best Indian credit cards for international travel can help you save money on flights, hotel bookings, and other travel expenses. These cards offer complimentary lounge access and travel insurance, too. 

This makes travel more affordable and luxurious, especially since you get room upgrades at hotel chains or become an automatic member of airline or hotel loyalty programs. Learn about the features and eligibility criteria of these top cards. 

Top Indian Credit Cards for International Travel in 2025

A travel credit card can be a game changer if you often travel abroad. There are many credit cards in the market that can be ideal for international travel in 2025. These credit cards give you a chance to earn bonus reward points, travel securely and save money while you’re at it! 

Some of the cards you can consider include:

  • Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
  • Intermiles HDFC Diners Club Credit Card
  • Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card
  • Air India SBI Signature Credit Card
  • HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card

Types of Travel Credit Cards and Key Features

The benefits of travel credit cards include access to discounts on flights, hotels and holiday packages, complimentary lounge access, and more, making them an ideal choice for international travellers. 

Here are important details of some of the best Indian credit cards for international travel:

Name of the Travel Credit Card Joining Fee Key Features  Eligibility Criteria
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card ₹5,000 – 5 EDGE Miles/₹100 on travel (up to ₹2 lakh/month); 2 Miles after ₹2 lakh
– Redeem: 1 Mile = ₹1 or partner points
– 4 international & 18 domestic lounges/year
– Tier upgrades: Gold (₹7.5 lakh spent), Platinum (₹15 lakh spent)
– Up to 10,000 bonus Miles/year 
– Age: 18-70 (primary), 18+ (add-on)
– Income: ₹12 lakh+ annually (salaried), ₹15 lakh+ annually (self-employed)

– Indian resident

Intermiles HDFC Bank Diners Club Credit Card ₹5,000 – InterMiles Gold Membership + 25,000 welcome InterMiles
– ₹2,000 flight + ₹3,000 hotel vouchers (first year)
– Lounge access, Etihad discounts, free golf coaching 
– Age: 21-60 (salaried), 21-65 (self-employed)
– Income: over ₹1.75 lakh/month (salaried), over ₹21 lakh/year (self-employed)
Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card ₹4,999 – 1 Premium Economy Ticket + Silver Membership
– 6 CV Points/₹200 (up to ₹1 lakh spent), 4 CV Points beyond ₹1 lakh
– 5 Premium Economy tickets/year (milestones)
– 2 domestic lounges and spas/quarter
– 1 international lounge/quarter
– Age: 21-65
– Have all the valid documents such as Aadhaar/Passport, Salary Slips/ITR
Air India SBI Signature Credit Card ₹4,999 – 20,000 reward points + Frequent Flyer membership
– 30 Points/₹100 on Air India tickets, 10 Points on other bookings
– 4 Points/₹100 in other categories
– Redeem: 1 Point = 1 Air Mile
– 8 domestic VISA lounge visits/year (2/quarter)
– Age: 21 to 70 years 

– Must be an Indian citizen with a high credit score 

– Must be salaried or self-employed with a regular income 

HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card ₹10,000 – Complimentary memberships: Club Marriott, Amazon Prime, MMT BLACK
– BookMyShow/TataCLiQ/Ola cabs ₹500 vouchers/month for ₹80,000 monthly spending
– 5 Points/₹150 spent, 10X on SmartBuy
– Unlimited lounge access worldwide
– 6 golf games/quarter
– Low forex markup fee of 2%
– Age: 21-60 (salaried), 21-65 (self-employed)
– Income: Over ₹2.5 lakh+/month (salaried), Over ₹30 lakh+/year (self-employed)
One Credit Card  Nil  – Book flights on Ixigo to get 10% off

– Exclusive offers on EaseMyTrip, Yatra, Booking.com, Zingbus and more

– Earn guaranteed 5X reward points on the top two spending categories each month 

– Must be 18 years or over 

– Must be an Indian citizen with a valid PAN card

– Must be a resident of the city where One Credit Card is available with valid proof of residence 

Disclaimer: Offers and features of credit cards are subject to change; please check the latest information before you apply.

Benefits of Using Travel Credit Cards

Here are some of the benefits of travel credit cards you can consider before applying:

  • Earn accelerated points on every transaction, with bonus points on sign-up, redeemable for discounts on flights and other bookings
  • Low foreign transaction fees on international purchases, which helps you save more
  • Insurance for lost luggage helps recover costs if your luggage is lost during your travels
  • Accident insurance offers compensation in case of accidents or emergencies during your trip
  • Emergency services can help you get help in case you are stranded or need assistance in a different country
  • The cash advance feature helps you get currency at ATMs when in need 
  • Free airport lounge access helps you travel more comfortably 
  • Memberships to travel/hotel/airline programs help you get access to perks, discounts and more 

How to Select the Right International Travel Credit Card

Here are some key points that will help you choose the right travel card: 

  • Ensure the card is widely accepted at international online and offline outlets
  • Opt for a card with low or no forex markup fees to save on foreign transactions
  • Choose a card that offers a range of discounts on flights and hotels from carriers and chains that you are likely to frequent 
  • Look for a card with access to international airport lounges across multiple countries

Steps to Apply for Travel Credit Cards

Follow the steps given below to apply for the travel credit cards:

  1. Check if you meet age, income, employment, and credit score requirements
  2. Choose a travel credit card that matches your needs
  3. Apply online via the issuer’s website or mobile app by submitting your details
  4. Upload required documents like ID, address, income proof and photo
  5. Wait for the credit card company to review and verify your application details
  6. Receive your travel credit card upon approval by the issuer

When choosing a credit card for international travel, it’s essential to consider various important factors. Some of them include low foreign transaction fees, global acceptance, range of rewards and ease of management. Among the top Indian credit cards for global use, One Credit Card stands out for its simplicity, features and value for money. 

This modern metal credit card comes with low forex fees and also helps you plan international trips with an expense planner on its powerful app, the OneCard App. With no joining fees, annual fees, or rewards redemption fees, the One Credit Card provides a cost-effective solution for frequent travellers. It also rewards you generously with 5X monthly reward points in the top two spending categories, with travel being one of them. 

So, if you are seeking transparency, control and rewards while travelling abroad, this is the card for you. Visit the website or download the app and apply now!