Our Products
Loans
Cards
Insurance
Investment
Stock Market
Electronics Mall
CIBIL Score
Knowledge Centre
Calculators
Our Services
Do not call
En
Table of Contents
Earn airline miles on every spend, from daily essentials to flight bookings. Over time, these miles can be accumulated and redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, or a range of travel-related benefits.
Air miles are reward points offered through airline loyalty programmes which are run by carriers, as well as through travel-focused credit cards that partner with these airlines. These programmes are designed to reward frequent flyers and regular spenders by allowing them to earn points on eligible transactions such as flight bookings, card spends, or partner purchases.
Over time, these air miles accumulate and may be redeemed for flight tickets, seat upgrades, or other travel-related services, depending on the programme’s terms.
Different airlines offer their own loyalty programmes, where these rewards are known by specific names.
For example:
Air France – Flying Blue Miles
Air Canada – Aeroplan Miles
Vistara – Club Vistara Points
IndiGo – IndiGo BluChips
Credit cards that offer travel rewards allow users to accumulate air miles based on their spending patterns. These miles can later be used for flight bookings, seat upgrades, or other travel-related benefits, depending on the card’s terms.
Here is how the process typically works:
Understanding these mechanisms helps in recognising how routine expenses can contribute to accumulating travel rewards over time.
Air miles credit cards can generally be classified into two categories based on how rewards are earned and redeemed.
These credit cards are issued in partnership with a specific airline. Spending on the card earns the airline’s native loyalty currency.
Key features:
Example: The IndiGo SBI Card earns IndiGo BluChips, which can be redeemed directly against base fares for IndiGo flights.
These cards offer bank-issued reward points or Travel Credits that can be transferred to multiple airline partners.
Key features:
Example: The SBI Card Miles (Base, PRIME, ELITE) allows transfer of Travel Credits to partners such as Air France-KLM, Air Canada, and Club Vistara.
On Bajaj Markets, users can explore and apply for credit cards that provide air mile-related benefits. A summary of key options is outlined below:
| Credit Card | Joining Fee | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
SBI Card Miles – Base |
As per issuer |
Earns travel credits that can be transferred to airline partners such as Air France–KLM Flying Blue, Air Canada Aeroplan, Air India Maharaja Club, and Vistara Club Vistara (conversion may vary, e.g., 1 credit = 1 mile or 2 credits = 1 mile). |
SBI Card Miles – PRIME |
As per issuer |
Higher Travel Credit earning rate; transfer to multiple global airline partners |
SBI Card Miles – ELITE |
As per issuer |
Premium earn rate; Travel Credits convertible at 1:1 ratio for most partners |
IndiGo SBI Card – Base |
As per issuer |
Earns IndiGo BluChips (1 BluChip = ₹1 against base fare); redeemable on IndiGo platforms |
IndiGo SBI Card – ELITE |
As per issuer |
Faster BluChip accumulation with additional IndiGo travel-related privileges |
SBI Card PRIME |
As per issuer |
Reward Points convertible to Air India Maharaja Miles; includes Club Vistara Silver Membership |
SBI Card ELITE |
As per issuer |
Reward Points transferable to Air India Maharaja Club; includes Club Vistara Silver Membership |
YES Bank Klick Credit Card |
NIL |
YES Reward Points can be converted into airline miles with different conversion rates depending on the partner airline. For example, 10 points = 1 mile with Vistara’s Club Vistara or InterMiles, while 15 points = 1 mile with Air India’s Maharaja Club. |
Different types of credit cards offer air miles or travel rewards in distinct ways, depending on how they are structured and the kind of spending they prioritise. Understanding these variations can help clarify how rewards are earned and used across categories:
Cards such as SBI Card Miles follow a flexible rewards model. In this setup, users earn travel credits on eligible spends, which can later be transferred to multiple airline loyalty programmes.
These cards are designed to offer broader usability, as the accumulated rewards are not tied to a single airline. In some cases, conversion ratios may be as straightforward as 1:1 for select partners, which means that one reward point earned on the credit card can be exchanged for one air mile in the partner airline’s loyalty programme. This flexibility supports different travel routes and airline preferences, making it easier to plan across carriers.
With cards like the IndiGo SBI Card, the rewards structure is linked directly to a specific airline. Instead of general reward points, users earn IndiGo BluChips on their spending.
Each BluChip typically holds a fixed value, such as ₹1 against the base fare. Redemption is integrated into the airline’s booking system, allowing users to apply their rewards directly when purchasing tickets. This approach keeps the process simple but limits usage to that airline’s ecosystem.
Some cards, including SBI Card PRIME and SBI Card ELITE, combine general rewards with travel-focused benefits. Users earn standard reward points on transactions, which can later be converted into airline miles.
These cards may support conversions to programmes such as Air India Maharaja Miles and can include additional benefits like Club Vistara Silver Membership. This structure allows cardholders to earn rewards on everyday spending while still having the option to use them for travel.
Entry-level options like the YES Bank Klick Credit Card focus on basic rewards with optional travel benefits. Users earn reward points on routine transactions, which can then be converted into airline miles if required.
These cards often come with minimal or zero joining fees and support conversions to programmes such as Club Vistara, InterMiles, or Air India Maharaja Points. They function primarily as general rewards cards, with travel redemption available as an added feature rather than the main focus.
Airline miles credit cards come with several features that can enhance how everyday spending translates into travel-related value:
An airline miles credit card may be suitable for individuals with the following travel or spending preferences:
Frequent domestic or international travellers.
Individuals loyal to a specific airline (IndiGo, Air India, Vistara).
Customers who prefer flexible miles transfer to multiple airline partners.
Users seeking predictable flight‑booking value via fixed‑value currency (BluChips).
Cardholders who want to convert general rewards into airline miles.
Before choosing an airline miles credit card, it may be helpful to review certain programme features and issuer-specific conditions.
Check conversion ratios, which differ across cards and airline partners.
Review airline partner availability before choosing a card.
Understand reward expiry policies for both credits and transferred miles.
Consider the joining fee vs. benefit value based on your travel frequency.
Check issuer‑specific terms regarding mileage transfer caps and processing times.
An airline-mile credit card allows users to convert eligible spending into travel-related rewards through airline partnerships or reward transfer programmes. Depending on the card structure, rewards could be offered as airline-specific loyalty currency such as BluChips or as flexible travel credits that can be transferred to multiple airline programmes. When comparing options, key factors such as partner airlines, transfer ratios, earning rates, redemption flexibility, and additional card benefits may be reviewed.
The information on this page, including any “Top” or “Best” lists, is based on data from our Partner institutions and objective parameters such as interest rates, loan amounts, tenure, and other factual criteria. These lists are not exhaustive and do not cover the entire market. We do not claim that featured products are universally the best or suitable for everyone. Details are accurate as of the date shown and may change without notice. Rankings are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice or personal recommendations. They should not be considered endorsements or guarantees of suitability. Bajaj Markets operates as a neutral marketplace and shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
Airline miles earned through credit cards are accumulated based on spending patterns and reward structures. These miles are credited to a linked loyalty account and can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or travel-related services through airline or partner platforms.
Credit card reward points are general-purpose benefits that can be redeemed across categories like shopping or travel, while airline miles are specifically tied to airline loyalty programmes and are primarily used for booking flights or travel-related benefits.
Airline miles credit cards may justify an annual fee depending on usage patterns, travel frequency, and redemption value. Benefits such as accelerated mile earning, lounge access, and travel perks can offset the fee for users who frequently utilise these features.
The number of airline miles required for a free flight varies based on distance, route, airline programme, and seat availability. Short domestic flights may require fewer miles, while international or premium class bookings typically need significantly higher mileage balances.
Airline miles earned from credit cards may expire depending on the airline’s loyalty programme rules. Some programmes have fixed expiry periods, while others extend validity with continued account activity such as earning or redeeming miles within a specified timeframe.
Airline miles can be accumulated faster through higher spending on eligible categories, using milestone rewards, and taking advantage of promotional offers. Some credit cards also provide accelerated earnings on travel-related expenses or partner transactions within airline ecosystems.
Certain credit card reward programmes allow points to be transferred to multiple airline partners, offering flexibility in redemption. The availability of transfer partners and conversion ratios depends on the card issuer and the specific rewards programme structure.
Airline miles from credit cards can be redeemed through airline websites or partner booking platforms by selecting flights and applying accumulated miles. Redemption options may include full ticket bookings, partial payments, or seat upgrades depending on programme rules.
Co-branded airline credit cards are linked to a specific airline and offer benefits within that airline’s ecosystem, while general travel credit cards provide flexible rewards that can be used across multiple airlines, hotels, and travel-related services.
Airline miles can often be used to book tickets for other individuals, subject to the airline’s loyalty programme terms. This allows account holders to redeem miles for family members or others without requiring the traveller to be the cardholder.
Most Viewed
Academy by Bajaj Markets
165272
Unlock the world of credit! From picking the perfect card to savvy loan management, navigate wisely.
97564
Money Management and Financial Planning covers personal finance basics, setting goals, budgeting...
28577
Explore the investment cosmos! From beginner's guides to sharp-witted strategies, explore India's treasure trove of options.
47193
Navigate the tax maze with ease! Uncover Income Tax 101, demystify jargon with Terms for Beginners, and choose between Old or New Regimes.
18760
Discover essential insights on various types of insurance in India.
4583
Welcome to Tech in Finance, where we explore the exciting intersection of technology and finance...
Academy 
