Travel Credit Cards: Benefits, Top Picks, and Features

A travel credit card is a credit card that rewards you for travel-related spending. You earn points or air miles when you book flights, hotels, or other travel services. Many cards also give benefits such as airport lounge access, travel discounts, and travel insurance. It works like a regular credit card. You make purchases using the card and repay the amount later. If you pay your full bill on time, you can avoid interest charges.

The main difference is in the rewards. Instead of simple cashback, you earn travel points that you can redeem for flight tickets, hotel stays, or vouchers. Some cards are linked to specific airlines, -while others let you use points across different travel partners.

If you travel often, whether for work or holidays, a travel credit card can help you save on future trips while managing your everyday spending wisely.

Here are the main types of travel credit cards available in India and how each one can match different travel needs:

Co-Branded Travel Credit Cards

These cards are issued in partnership with airlines, hotel chains or travel portals. You earn points or miles with the partner brand, which you can use for flights, hotel stays or holiday bookings.

Airline-specific Travel Credit Cards

These cards are linked to a particular airline and its frequent flyer programme. You earn air miles on spending and may get benefits such as priority boarding, extra baggage allowance or airport lounge access.

Hotel-specific Travel Credit Cards

These cards focus on hotel rewards and stay benefits. You can earn points for free stays, room upgrades, or member-only discounts at selected hotel chains.

General Travel Rewards Credit Cards

These cards give travel points that you can redeem across multiple airlines, hotels or travel platforms. They offer more flexibility, which is useful if you do not prefer one single brand.

Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards

These cards mainly provide complimentary airport lounge visits within India or abroad. They are helpful if you want a quiet and comfortable space before your flight.

Fuel Surcharge Waiver Credit Cards

These cards waive the extra surcharge added to fuel payments at petrol pumps. If you travel often by road, this can help you reduce your overall travel costs.

Here are simple and practical tips to help you choose the right travel credit card for your needs:

• Check how often you travel and choose a card that rewards the type of travel you do most

• Compare the joining fee and annual fee with the travel benefits offered to see if the value makes sense

• Look at how you earn reward points and make sure the spending categories match your daily expenses

• Review how you can redeem points, and ensure the process is simple and flexible

• Check the number of complimentary airport or railway lounge visits offered each year

• See if the card charges a high foreign currency mark-up fee if you plan to travel abroad

• Read the spending conditions linked to lounge access or bonus rewards before applying

• Make sure you can comfortably repay the monthly bill in full to avoid interest charges

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you apply for credit card online on Bajaj Markets quickly and with ease:

1. Click on the ‘Check Eligibility’ button on the travel credit card page

2. Enter your basic details such as your mobile number and employment type

3. Read the terms and conditions carefully and provide your consent to proceed

4. Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to verify your identity

5. Review the pre-filled details such as your PAN, name, date of birth and email address for accuracy

6. Provide your income details and PIN code to help assess your eligibility

7. Click on ‘Check Offers’ to view the travel credit cards that match your profile

8. Select the card that suits your travel needs and click ‘Submit’ to complete your application

Wait for confirmation and further communication from Bajaj Markets or the card issuer for the next steps.

Note: The exact application steps and verification requirements may differ based on the travel credit card you choose and the issuing bank’s policy.

Here are the common eligibility requirements you should know before applying for a travel credit card in India:

• Applicants are generally required to be Indian residents or eligible NRIs, based on the issuer’s rules

• Most banks expect you to be at least 18 years of age when you submit your application

• A regular and verifiable income is necessary, whether you work in a salaried role or run your own business

• Each card comes with a minimum income threshold, which can differ depending on the features and benefits offered

• A healthy credit score, usually around 700 or higher, helps show that you manage credit responsibly

• You will need to submit valid KYC documents, such as proof of identity, address and income, for verification

Note: As criteria can vary across banks and card variants, it is wise to review the specific terms carefully before applying.

Here are the key factors you should consider to choose a travel credit card that truly fits your travel plans and spending habits:

Reward Points and Air Miles

Check how many points or miles you earn on travel and daily spending, and how easily you can redeem them.

Annual and Joining Fees

Make sure the travel benefits and rewards justify the fee you pay each year.

Welcome or Sign-Up Bonus

Look at the joining bonus offered and review the spending conditions required to unlock it.

Foreign Currency Mark-Up Fee

If you travel abroad, choose a card with a low foreign currency mark-up fee to reduce extra charges.

Airport Lounge Access

Review how many complimentary lounge visits you receive each year and whether there are spending conditions attached.

Travel Insurance Benefits

Check if the card offers travel insurance cover for delays, cancellations or lost baggage.

Merchant Acceptance

Ensure the card network is widely accepted in India and overseas destinations you plan to visit.

Customer Support

Choose a bank that offers reliable 24/7 customer service in case you need help during your trip.

Interest Rate and Repayment Terms

Understand the interest rate and always plan to repay your full bill on time to avoid extra costs.

Here are simple and smart ways to maximise travel rewards and get better value from your travel credit card:

• Use your travel credit card for regular expenses such as groceries, fuel and utility bills to earn more reward points

• Book flights and hotels through the card’s partner platforms to receive higher points or exclusive discounts

• Pay your full credit card bill on time each month to avoid interest charges that can cancel out your rewards

• Track limited-time travel offers and seasonal promotions to earn bonus points faster

• Redeem your reward points for flights or hotel stays instead of low-value options to get better returns

• Meet the required spending threshold to unlock welcome bonuses and milestone rewards

• Check the expiry date of your reward points so you can use them before they lapse

• Avoid withdrawing cash using your credit card, as high fees and interest can reduce your overall savings