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The search for the best credit card for travel India often begins with a fundamental question: does the savings in exchange rates outweigh the value of reward programs?
Understanding this dichotomy is important, as the decision is based on choosing between cards that offer a Zero Forex Markup to avoid the standard cost of international transactions, or Ultra-Premium cards that have incredible points programs.
This article aims to be the most objective and direct guide on the topic, using data and information to compare 10 leading cards in the value, premium, and luxury segments.
At the end of this analysis, you will have clarity to select the credit card for travel India that not only fits your financial profile but also guarantees maximum advantages.
The 10 Best Credit Cards for Travel in India
Below, we detail the most advantageous credit cards for travel. Let’s look at the main points about each one.
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1. Federal Bank Scapia Co-Branded Credit Card
Recognized as one of the strongest entry-level cards for those seeking a credit card for travel India focused on cost, the Scapia, issued in partnership with Federal Bank, is completely free of charges.
Initially, it is a card exempt from the following fees:
- Zero Joining Fee;
- Zero Annual Fee;
- 0% Forex Markup on all international transactions.
This absence of fees provides direct savings on any amount spent abroad.
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Furthermore, the card extends its benefits with access to Domestic Lounges, elevating the comfort of the travel experience at no additional cost.
It also generates reward points on daily spending, with a return of approximately 2% in rewards, making it useful even when the customer is not traveling.
2. IDFC First Bank WOW Credit Card
This card is a solution for customers who are building their credit history or who prefer a low-risk approach, as it is backed by a Fixed Deposit.
Its main attraction is the Zero Currency Conversion Fee (0% Markup), ensuring savings on international travel.
It is worth noting that the card has no joining fee and, in general, no annual fee, making it highly accessible.
As it is an FD-backed card, it does not require credit history or proof of income, making it a viable option for beginners.
However, a minimum Fixed Deposit of ₹20,000 is required for its issuance.
Here’s a tip! It is recommended for domestic and international travelers due to its zero exchange rate and offers multiple cashback and discount offers with partners. In fact, this is one of the best credit card in India 2025.
3. RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card
Designed for travelers seeking benefits combined with exchange rate savings, the RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card offers Zero Forex Markup on all international transactions.
Although the joining and annual fees have not been explicitly stated, the card has a notable Welcome Benefit, with a MakeMyTrip Voucher of ₹3,000 after activation.
In addition, the card includes access to VIP lounges and allows for accelerated accumulation of travel points.
These rewards are interesting and can be converted into airline miles and stays, making it suitable for individuals who enjoy traveling and seek advantages beyond fee elimination.
4. HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card (Credit Card for Travel India)
One of India’s most exclusive Ultra-Premium cards, the HDFC Bank Infinia, often available by invite-only, is an example of a maximum reward card.
As a rule, its Joining Fee and Annual Fee are ₹12,500 + GST. The Forex Markup is 2% + GST, a value that is minimized by the massive reward benefits.
One of its most interesting benefits is that Infinia offers unlimited access to global airport lounges for primary and additional members.
You will also have a points program, receiving 5 Points for every ₹150 spent, resulting in a 3.3% return. You can still earn more points, working as follows:
- 10X Points (up to 33% return) on hotels;
- 5X Points (16.5% return) on flights via the SmartBuy/iShop portal.
Furthermore, you will have other luxury privileges. For example, Golf with unlimited lessons and games and courtesy at leading courses, and a 24/7 Global Personal Concierge Service.
5. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Credit Card
Firstly, the ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Credit Card directly rivals the HDFC Infinia in terms of reward multiples.
As a rule, the Joining Fee and Annual Fee are ₹12,499 + GST, and the Forex Markup is fixed at 2% + GST.
In addition, the card offers a good reward program, receiving points as follows:
- 6 points per ₹200 (3% return) on regular spending;
- 12X Points (up to 36% return) on hotels;
- 6X Points (18% return) on flights via the iShop portal.
The card also offers unlimited access to global and domestic VIP lounges, a standard for the Ultra-Premium category.
Additionally, there is an annual fee waiver with annual spending of ₹10 Lakhs and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹1,000 per month), demonstrating its focus on premium spending.
6. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card (Credit Card for Travel India)
Considered one of India’s leading airline miles cards, the Axis Bank Atlas is focused on accumulating EDGE Miles.
With a Joining Fee and Annual Fee of ₹5,000, this is a great gateway to loyalty programs.
It offers Accelerated Rewards of 2.5X EDGE Miles on travel spending, maximizing mile accumulation on airfares and packages.
We emphasize that the card grants a Welcome Bonus of up to 2,500 EDGE Miles and Lounge access that can reach 12 international and 18 domestic accesses per year.
The card encourages spending through Milestones, offering bonuses of up to 5,000 EDGE Miles upon reaching spending targets.
7. HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card
Firstly, the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card seeks to mitigate the exchange markup for the frequent traveler.
Although the bank’s standard Forex Markup is not zero, it is mitigated by the Global Value Program, which offers 1% Cashback on all international transactions (up to ₹1,000 per statement cycle). This reduces the net transaction cost to about 1%.
The card offers Welcome Benefits such as Swiggy One and MMT Black Gold memberships, and free access to over 1,000 airports globally.
You will also earn 4 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent.
Points are applied to purchases at retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Myntra, Nykaa & Reliance Digital.
Furthermore, the Annual Milestone program rewards the customer with ₹5,000 flight vouchers on spending of ₹5 Lakhs, and an additional ₹5,000 on spending of ₹7.5 Lakhs, encouraging continuous spending.
8. YES Bank Marquee Credit Card (Credit Card for Travel India)
This Super Premium card stands out for offering a Forex Markup of only 1%, one of the lowest among non-zero premium cards in the Indian market.
Firstly, with a Joining Fee of ₹9,999 + Taxes and an Annual Fee of ₹4,999 + Taxes, the card focuses on high-level access and rewards.
The standout benefit is unlimited international lounge access for primary and additional users, and access to 24 domestic lounges per year.
The card has a high reward multiple on online spending, with 36 points per ₹200. Services such as 24/7 Concierge and Zero Liability for Card Loss complete the Super Premium value proposition.
9. SBI Air India Signature Credit Card
A co-branded card focused on airline loyalty and mile accumulation, issued by the State Bank of India (SBI).
Initially, this credit card for travel India is for those who prioritize redeeming tickets with the largest Indian airline group.
The card offers 20,000 reward points as Welcome Points and a complimentary membership to Air India’s Frequent Flyer Program.
You will also have access to VIP lounges, common in Signature cards, and offers Milestone bonus points upon reaching annual spending targets, in addition to comprehensive international travel insurance.
10. Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card (Credit Card for Travel India)
This is the American Express card, renowned for its reputation in the travel segment and flexible rewards (Membership Rewards).
It is built on significant annual travel vouchers and access to Amex Global network lounges. Its robust rewards (Membership Rewards) can be redeemed against multiple travel partners and allow transfer to various airlines and hotels.
The card includes fraud protection and Amex purchase insurance as standard. In addition to a dedicated Concierge Service, and exclusive benefits at luxury hotels (e.g., The Hotel Collection).
Comparing the costs of credit cards for travel India
| Credit Card | Issuing Bank | Category | Joining Fee (INR) | Annual Fee (INR) | Forex Markup | Interest-Free Payment Period |
| Federal Bank Scapia CC | Federal Bank | Entry/Zero Forex | ₹0 | ₹0 | 0% | Up to 50 Days |
| IDFC First Bank WOW CC | IDFC First Bank | FD-Backed/Entry | ₹0 | ₹0 | 0% | Up to 50 Days |
| RBL Bank World Safari CC | RBL Bank | Premium Zero Forex | ₹0 | ₹0 | 0% | Up to 50 Days |
| YES Bank Marquee CC | YES Bank | Super Premium | ₹9,999 + Taxes | ₹4,999 + Taxes | 1% | Up to 50 Days |
| HDFC Bank Infinia CC | HDFC Bank | Ultra-Premium | ₹12,500 + GST | ₹12,500 + GST | 2% + GST | Up to 50 Days |
| ICICI Emeralde Private CC | ICICI Bank | Ultra-Premium | ₹12,499 + GST | ₹12,499 + GST | 2% + GST | 2% + GST |
| Axis Bank Atlas CC | Axis Bank | Premium Miles | ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 | 0% | Up to 50 Days |
| HDFC Regalia Gold CC | HDFC Bank | Premium | ₹0 | ₹0 | Mitigated by 1% Cashback | Up to 50 Days |
| SBI Air India Signature CC | SBI | Airline Co-branded | ₹0 | ₹0 | 0% | Up to 50 Days |
| Amex Platinum Travel CC | Amex | Premium Travel | ₹0 | ₹0 | 0% | Up to 50 Days |
Conclusion (Credit Card for Travel India)
Credit cards for travel India offer a specialized ecosystem, requiring the traveler to clearly determine their value priority.
The right choice is not the card with the highest annual fee, but the one that fits your annual spending profile and your CIBIL score, which needs to be above 750 to be considered eligible for premium cards.
Furthermore, it is essential to maintain a liquidity plan in Rupees in cash or access to ATMs, due to the persistent challenge of international card acceptance in smaller establishments in India.
Analyze your travel style, your credit score, and how much you actually spend on air and hotel bookings. From this, choosing your card will be easy.