Best travel credit cards in India
A travel credit card earns its keep on two things: complimentary airport lounge access and accelerated reward-earn on flights/hotels. Below are five cards Indian frequent flyers keep coming back to.
By Rohan Desai·Senior Writer, Cards & Credit·reviewed by editor
Last updated: 15 June 2025
Ranked shortlist
| Rank | Card | Annual fee | Lounge access | Reward highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HDFC Infinia | ₹12,500 | Unlimited domestic + intl (Priority Pass) | 5 RP/₹150; strong on SmartBuy |
| 2 | Axis Magnus (Burgundy) | ₹12,500 | 8 intl + unlimited domestic | Milestone Yatra/EazeDiner vouchers |
| 3 | HDFC Diners Club Black | ₹10,000 | Unlimited domestic + intl | 5 RP/₹150; 2x on weekend dining |
| 4 | SBI Elite | ₹4,999 | 6 intl (Priority Pass) + 8 domestic | 5x on dining/utility; ₹5k flight voucher |
| 5 | Axis Vistara Signature | ₹3,000 | 2 intl + 8 domestic | Free Vistara ticket on ₹1L spend |
What matters for travellers
- Free lounge visits per year (domestic and international)
- Effective reward earn on flights and hotels
- Forex mark-up (2% is great; 3.5% is standard)
- Milestone flight or hotel vouchers
- Concierge or travel-desk support
Rule of thumb
If you travel 4+ times a year and spend ₹5 lakh+ annually on the card, a premium card (Infinia/Magnus/Diners Black) usually returns 3-5x its annual fee in benefits. Below ₹5 lakh in annual spend, a mid-tier card (SBI Elite/Axis Vistara) is better value.