PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

With numerous countries now offering visa-free travel to Indian passport holders, exploring international destinations such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and more has become increasingly accessible. And if you are someone who loves to travel and finds yourself looking for deals and offers before every vacation, getting a travel credit card could be a wise move for you. These credit cards specifically cater to a variety of travel-related expenses, like hotel and flight bookings, and help you save a substantial amount on bookings. Complimentary airport lounge access, air miles, free flight tickets, and co-branded benefits with airlines or travel partners are some of the common features of travel credit cards. If you’re looking to save big on hotel and flight bookings and enjoy the VIP treatment at airports, check out our curated list below.

A Welcome Bonus

Premium travel credit cards offer welcome bonuses that save money on your next vacation These bonuses often include perks such as complimentary flight tickets, class upgrade vouchers, bonus reward points, and more. They also offer added luxuries like lounge access, hotel stay discounts, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage. These welcome bonuses not only attract users but also enhance the overall travel experience by providing exclusive benefits and privileges.

CFAR Travel Insurance

CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) travel insurance is a must-have because it protects you from losing money due to unexpected cancellations of flights and hotels. This coverage allows you to cancel your plans for any reason and still get a refund for part of your non-refundable expenses. If you’re looking for a credit card with CFAR travel insurance, consider the Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card. It comes with Rs 10,000 worth of CFAR travel insurance and offers other great benefits, making it a smart choice for affordable and luxurious travel.

Smooth Airport Experience

In addition to securing flight discounts, your credit card opens the door to a seamless airport experience, providing an array of additional benefits. These cards offer exclusive privileges, including complimentary checked baggage, access to premium airport lounges, and travel miles, to enhance your overall flying experience. Enjoy perks like priority check-in with partner airlines and extended baggage allowances by choosing a card tailored to your travel preferences.

Reward Points for Accomodation, Dining and Shopping

If you’ve accumulated reward points on your credit card, you have the flexibility to exchange them for discounts on accommodations or shopping. Many banks collaborate with hotel loyalty programmes, allowing cardholders to transfer their reward points at specific ratios. Additionally, if you’re an avid golfer seeking to experience top-notch golfing abroad, be sure to check your travel credit card for exclusive golf offers that could add an extra layer of enjoyment to your trips. Choosing a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees is particularly beneficial for international travel, preventing unnecessary expenses from piling up.

Easy Transactions

Make sure to activate your credit card or travel card for international transactions. Specifically, enable the “International/Online” feature before and during your trip for hotel and cab bookings, and activate the “International/POS and Contactless” option for shopping, dining, and other card payments throughout your journey. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience while using your cards abroad.

If you’re considering applying for a credit card and seeking the best options for affordable and hassle-free travel in 2024, here’s a curated list of the top travel credit cards:

1. Air India SBI Signature credit card

You can get this card for a fee of ₹14,999.

Receive a welcome gift of 5,000 reward points upon paying the joining fee.

Receive complimentary membership to the Air India FFP (Frequent Flyer Programme).

A special fuel surcharge waiver on a set transaction value.

Get complimentary visa lounge access at major Indian airports and a lot more.

2. Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card

Get it for a joining fee of Rs. 3500.

You can Redeem your miles at partner retail outlets

Earn up to 55,000 miles during your first year of travel

Get a minimum of 15% off when you dine at partner restaurants

Enjoy Priority Pass Lounge access

1% fuel surcharge on your fuel expenses

3. Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Credit Card

One complimentary premium economy ticket voucher and one one-class upgrade voucher.

Direct access to Club Vistara Silver Membership.

Get access to two domestic airport lounge/spa in a month.

Get one international airport lounge access every quarter on a minimum monthly spend of Rs 5,000.

Priority airport check in and an increased Check-In Baggage allowance

4. HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card

1.1X Air Miles on all overseas spend

Complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide

Enjoy Global Data Roaming by Flexiroam in over 150 countries

Get free, unlimited access to digital health services.

Enjoy a 10% discount on Expedia hotel bookings and a 7% discount on Agoda hotel bookings

Shop at key destinations around the world and enjoy cashback offers and discounts.