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Travelling across India has become a common affair, not only for business but also for leisure and family reasons. With the increasing number of domestic flights and the rising cost of airfare, having the right credit card can make a notable difference. Domestic travel credit cards are specially curated to reward Indian travellers for their frequent journeys within the country.
These cards offer flight discounts, cashback, airport lounge access, and reward points on bookings, making your travel smoother and more cost-effective. For the frequent flyer, owning the right credit card is no longer a luxury, it is an essential tool to unlock exclusive travel privileges and significant savings.
An ideal credit card for domestic travel in India combines multiple benefits tailored to frequent fliers. When searching for some of the best credit cards for flight booking, here are the essential features to consider:
Complimentary flight tickets, discounts on airfare, free seat selection, or airline-specific rewards.
Earn accelerated points, air miles, or cashback every time you book flights, hotels, or make other travel-related payments.
Complimentary or discounted access to domestic airport lounges enhances comfort while waiting for flights.
Personal accident cover, lost baggage insurance, and trip cancellation protection add a layer of security.
Partner discounts with airlines and travel portals, including instant savings or gift vouchers on bookings.
For those also spending abroad, cards with low transaction charges on international bookings are beneficial.
Booking flights with a suitable credit card can unlock benefits like cashback, reward points, lounge access, and flexible EMI options. The following table summarises popular credit cards known for their useful flight booking rewards and travel benefits in India as listed on Bajaj Markets:
Card Name |
Key Flight & Travel Benefits |
Lounge Access |
Reward Highlights |
Annual Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IRCTC RuPay SBI Card |
- Cashback on IRCTC flight and train bookings |
No |
10% points rewarded on IRCTC purchases |
Nil |
-Accelerated rewards on flight bookings via partners |
4 domestic lounge visits/yr |
Welcome gift worth ₹3,000; milestone rewards |
₹2,999 + GST |
|
Enhanced cashback & discounts on flight & hotel spends |
2 domestic lounge visits/yr |
Nil |
₹2,999 + GST |
|
Flight booking cashback and fuel surcharge waiver |
No |
5% cashback on travel and fuel |
Nil / Low fee |
|
Redeem points on flight bookings and partner offers |
2 domestic lounge visits/yr |
Accelerated rewards on dining and shopping |
₹500 + GST |
|
Discounts on travel platform spends including flights |
No |
Flat cashback on lifestyle spends |
Nil |
|
Fuel surcharge waiver; cashback on travel services |
No |
Cashback on fuel and travel bookings |
Nil / Low fee |
|
Cashback on flight and hotel bookings via MakeMyTrip |
8 domestic lounge visits/yr |
Cashback on MakeMyTrip bookings plus gift vouchers |
₹999 |
|
Higher cashback rates on MakeMyTrip flight bookings |
8 domestic + 1 international |
Complimentary travel vouchers and higher cashback |
₹2,000+ |
|
Rewards on travel and flights bookings; exclusive fan benefits |
4 domestic lounge visits/yr |
Reward points on all spends and Manchester United perks |
₹3,000+ |
|
Flexible rewards, including flight bookings; no annual fee for first year |
1 domestic lounge visit/yr |
Accelerated rewards on travel and dining |
Nil (waived 1st year) |
Disclaimer: Features and fees are indicative and may change. Verify current details on the official websites or Bajaj Markets before applying.
Using a credit card for domestic travel offers more than just transactional convenience. The following benefits can transform ordinary journeys into rewarding experiences:
Lounge Access: Exclusive entry to airport lounges provides a peaceful setting to relax or work before your flight.
Travel Insurance: Extensive coverage includes personal accident protection, loss of baggage, or trip delays.
Cashback and Reward Points: Redeemable for air miles, free tickets, or on spending at travel and lifestyle partners.
Priority Check-ins and Upgrades: Many credit cards for flights offer priority boarding or check-in benefits.
Dining and Hotel Discounts: Save on dining and staycations through partner offers.
Milestone Gifts and Vouchers: Exclusive vouchers for achieving yearly spending milestones keep you motivated to choose one card for all bookings.
By leveraging a credit card for domestic travel, frequent flyers in India gain comfort, savings, and valuable perks at every stage of their trip.
To make the most out of your credit card with flight benefits, follow these practical tips:
Consolidate Bookings: Use a single travel credit card for all bookings to accumulate more reward points rapidly.
Utilise Welcome and Milestone Offers: Redeem initial bonuses quickly, and target milestone spends for extra rewards.
Track Partner Discounts: Often, exclusive offers apply only on partner portals like MakeMyTrip or Yatra.
Redeem Points Regularly: Do not let reward points lapse; check for the expiry date and redeem on flights or hotels.
Opt for Cards with Maximum Lounge Access: If you travel often, choose a card offering the highest number of complimentary lounge entries.
Stay Alert for Flash Deals: Special deals on airline websites or travel sales help you maximise value from credit card promotions.
Maximising these features ensures the best value from your credit card for domestic travel.
Choosing the best credit card for domestic travel requires evaluating both your travel habits and the card’s features. Follow these steps to identify your perfect match:
Assess Your Travel Frequency: Frequent flyers benefit most from cards with high lounge access and travel milestone rewards.
Analyse Reward Structure: Determine whether points, miles, or cashback fit your travel and redemption preferences.
Check Airline Partnerships: If you prefer certain airlines, cards offering specific flight benefits with them would be advantageous.
Compare Annual Fees vs. Benefits: High-fee cards often deliver more perks but ensure you will use them enough to justify the cost.
Read the Fine Print: Review terms for point expiry, blackout dates, and exclusions before applying.
Consider Extra Perks: Travel insurance, accident cover, or lost baggage protection add another level of value.
By comparing these criteria, you ensure that your selected credit card for domestic travel perfectly complements your flying lifestyle.
Credit card insurance can include a wide range of coverage, such as the following:
Lost or Stolen Card Liability: Reimburses for losses from lost or stolen cards after promptly notifying the provider.
Purchase Protection: Insures newly bought items against theft, loss, or damage for a specified time.
Balance Protection: Pays off outstanding debt in case of involuntary job loss, disability, or death.
Extended Warranty: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases.
Travel and Accident Protection: Covers accidents, medical emergencies, or travel disruptions funded via credit card.
The secure platform of Bajaj Markets ensures your data stays protected when applying for a credit card online. The site’s card comparison tool helps you pick the best fit. The digital application is straightforward and involves these easy steps:
Click the ‘Check Eligibility’ button on the credit card application page.
Fill in your mobile number, date of birth, and occupation to proceed.
You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP to continue securely.
Review and confirm your pre-filled information including your PAN card number, address, email ID, and income details.
Browse through the credit card options shown based on your eligibility and pick the one that best suits your needs.
Complete your application by clicking the ‘Submit’ button.
Using a travel credit card unwisely can erode potential savings. Avoid these frequent mistakes:
Overspending: Do not exceed your limits for the sake of rewards; repay dues fully to avoid interest charges.
Ignoring Reward Expiry: Failing to redeem points or miles before they expire results in lost value.
Missing Offers: Regularly scan partner portals and emails to catch time-bound discounts or cashback.
Carrying Multiple Similar Cards: Focus spending on one card to maximise reward accumulation.
Ignoring Terms and Conditions: Always read and follow usage terms, especially blackout dates for redemption.
Building good habits ensures every credit card for domestic travel serves its intended purpose effectively.
The best credit card for flight booking varies by individual preferences, but options like Axis Atlas and HDFC Diners Club Black consistently top the lists for their rich travel rewards and lounge access.
Yes, several credit cards for flights allow you to redeem reward points directly for domestic flight bookings or convert them to air miles on partner airlines.
Yes, the best credit cards for domestic travel typically offer a set number of complimentary lounge accesses at domestic and sometimes international airports each year.
You will require identity proof (like PAN, Aadhaar), address proof, and proof of income, such as salary slips, for your application.
While most premium travel cards have an annual fee, there are a few entry-level cards that offer flight benefits and have either low or waived annual fees.
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| 1min read
Posted on 16 May
Roshani Ballal
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