India’s travel credit card market in 2026 is more competitive than ever. Whether you fly business class or take budget flights, the right travel credit card can save you thousands through lounge access, air miles, zero forex fees, and hotel upgrades. This guide breaks down the best travel credit cards in India to help you pick the perfect companion for your next journey.
What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card
Before picking a travel card, evaluate these key factors: lounge access (domestic and international), reward rate on travel spends, forex markup fee, airline and hotel transfer partners, and welcome bonuses. A card that’s great for a frequent international flyer may be overkill for a domestic traveller.
Top Travel Credit Cards in India 2026
1. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
The Atlas is a favourite among points enthusiasts. It earns EDGE Miles on all spends, which can be transferred to 10+ airline and hotel loyalty programs. With unlimited lounge access (domestic and international on higher tiers) and strong earn rates, it’s the best mid-tier travel card available.
2. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
An excellent starter card for those entering the travel rewards ecosystem. The Regalia Gold offers 4 domestic and 6 international lounge visits per year, SmartBuy portal access for bonus rewards, and transfer partners including InterMiles and KrisFlyer. A strong choice for new-to-premium travellers.
3. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Amex Platinum Travel is India’s gold standard for Taj Hotel vouchers. Annual spends unlock complimentary Taj Experiences vouchers and bonus Membership Rewards points. With unlimited lounge access and a strong partner ecosystem, it’s ideal for luxury travellers who stay at premium Indian hotels.
4. Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card (Lifetime Free)
The best zero-fee travel card in India. Scapia offers unlimited domestic lounge access, zero forex markup, and 2-4% travel rewards — all without charging an annual fee. A must-have even if you have a paid travel card, as it covers forex and lounges for free.
5. HSBC TravelOne Credit Card
Strong for international travellers with its access to rare transfer partners like Japan Airlines and Qantas. It offers 6 domestic and 4 international lounge visits per year and accelerated rewards on online travel agency (OTA) bookings like MakeMyTrip.
6. Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card
The best hotel co-branded card in India for 2026. It provides 12 airport lounge visits per year, and annual spend milestones unlock Free Night Awards redeemable at Marriott properties worldwide. Essential for frequent business travellers who stay in Marriott hotels.
Lounge Access: What to Expect
Most premium travel cards offer airport lounge access through DreamFolks or Priority Pass. Domestic lounge access is standard on most mid-tier cards (4-12 visits per year). International lounge access is reserved for premium cards with higher income eligibility. Always check whether the visits are complimentary or come with a guest fee.
Forex Markup: A Hidden Cost
Most Indian credit cards charge 2-3.5% on international transactions. Over a ₹1 lakh foreign trip, this adds up to ₹2,000-3,500 in fees. Cards like Scapia and Niyo SBM offer zero forex markup, making them essential for international travel. Pairing a rewards card with a zero-forex card is the smartest strategy.
Conclusion
The best travel credit card for you depends on how often you fly, whether you travel domestically or internationally, and what perks matter most. For beginners, the HDFC Regalia Gold or Scapia offers excellent value. For frequent flyers, the Axis Atlas or Amex Platinum Travel are unmatched. Visit ChooseYourCard.in to compare cards and find your perfect travel companion.