Best Credit Cards to Book Flights in India

So, you’re ready to jet off on your next adventure? Booking flights can be exciting, but it’s also a significant expense. Luckily, the right credit card can turn your travel dreams into reality. With countless cards offering a dizzying array of rewards, benefits, and perks, choosing the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Fear not! We’ve done the research and curated a list of the best credit cards for flight bookings. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveller, there’s a card out there that can help you save money and upgrade your travel experience. Let’s dive in.

List of Best Credit Cards to Book Flights

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Features and Benefits of Travel Credit Cards

1. Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card

   If you’re a frequent flyer who loves the comfort and service Vistara offers, then the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card is definitely worth considering. This card is designed to make your travel experience smoother and more rewarding. By combining the benefits of a credit card with the perks of a loyal Vistara customer, it offers a compelling package for frequent travellers.

   With this card, you can earn Club Vistara points on every spend, which can be redeemed for flight tickets, upgrades, and other travel-related goodies. Plus, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits such as complimentary lounge access, airport transfers, and priority check-in. It’s like having a personal travel assistant in your wallet. Here’s a look at its detailed features:

   • Earning Club Vistara Points: Cardholders earn Club Vistara points on every spend, allowing them to accumulate points faster for free flights and upgrades.
   • Complimentary Flights: Depending on the card variant, you can enjoy complimentary economy or premium economy tickets as welcome benefits or by meeting spending milestones.
   • Lounge Access: Experience the comfort of airport lounges with complimentary lounge access, subject to spending criteria.
   • Exclusive Offers: Enjoy exclusive discounts and deals on Vistara flights, hotel bookings, and other travel-related services.
   • Milestone Rewards: Earn additional rewards and benefits by achieving specific spending targets throughout the year.
   • Insurance Coverage: Benefit from purchase protection, lost baggage insurance, and other travel-related insurance covers.
   • Complimentary Vistara Club Membership: Enjoy the privileges of a Vistara Club membership, including priority check-in and extra baggage allowances.

2. Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card

   The Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer credit card is a super-premium card that comes with a joining fee of ₹40,000 and an annual fee of ₹10,000. While the fees might seem high, the card offers benefits that can be attractive to frequent flyers, especially those who travel with Vistara a lot.

   Here are some of the main features of the Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card:

   • Exclusive Perks: Cardholders enjoy complimentary Club Vistara Gold membership, granting access to benefits like priority check-in, complimentary inflight Wi-Fi, and baggage handling. Additionally, you’ll receive a complimentary business class ticket voucher from Vistara and gift vouchers worth Rs. 25,000 from IndusInd Bank upon paying the joining fee.
   • Travel Rewards: The card offers a complimentary business class ticket voucher for every Rs. 3 lakhs spent, up to a maximum of five vouchers per year. This is a significant perk for frequent flyers.
   • Financial Benefits: There’s no foreign currency markup, making it a great option for international travellers. Moreover, the card comes without late payment or over-limit fees, providing financial flexibility.
   • Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy a 20% discount on BookMyShow, buy-one-get-one free movie tickets (up to Rs. 700), and additional discounts on food and beverages. You also get access to airport lounges through Priority Pass and a fuel surcharge waiver.

   Overall, if you are a frequent flyer, especially on Vistara, and you spend a lot on travel and lifestyle categories, then this card can be a good option for you. However, the high joining and annual fees mean that you should carefully consider your spending habits before applying for this card.

3. Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card

   The Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card is a premium offering designed for frequent travellers who value comfort and rewards. With a joining fee of ₹5000 + GST, this card is positioned to provide exceptional benefits that justify its cost.

   What sets this card apart is its comprehensive package of travel perks and lifestyle advantages. Right from the start, you’re greeted with a complimentary premium economy ticket voucher and a class upgrade e-voucher, setting the tone for a luxurious travel experience. Moreover, the card automatically enrols you in Club Vistara Silver membership, granting you access to the tiered perks.

   To further enhance your travel experience, the card offers complimentary airport lounge access to more than 600 lounges across the globe. For those who love to golf, there are exclusive benefits like complimentary golf rounds and lessons.

   The card also rewards your spending with Club Vistara points, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. By meeting specific spending milestones, you can unlock even more complimentary flight tickets throughout the year.

   While the joining fee might seem a lot, the card’s features and benefits cater to travellers who prioritise comfort, convenience, and exclusive rewards. If you’re a frequent flyer seeking a premium card that offers a multitude of perks, the Club Vistara IDFC First Credit Card is definitely worth considering.

   Key Features:

   • Complimentary premium economy ticket voucher and class upgrade e-voucher
   • Club Vistara Silver membership
   • Earn Club Vistara points on every spend
   • Complimentary flight tickets on achieving spending milestones
   • Airport lounge access
   • Golf benefits
   • Travel Insurance
   • Hotel and flight booking cancellation insurance
   • Exclusive lifestyle benefits

4. Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card

   If you’re an IndiGo loyalist who takes to the skies often, the Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching 6E Rewards XL Credit Card might be your golden ticket. For a joining fee of ₹2500 + GST, this card offers a suite of benefits designed to make your travel experience better. Let’s take a look at some of its features below:

   • Welcome Benefit: Enjoy a complimentary IndiGo flight ticket to kickstart your card journey.
   • Reward Points: Earn reward points on every spend, which can be redeemed for flight tickets and other benefits.
   • Lounge Access: Experience the comfort of airport lounges with complimentary access.
   • Priority Services: Enjoy priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding to save time and hassle.
   • Additional Perks: Take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on dining, entertainment, and more.

5. HDFC 6E Rewards-Indigo Credit Card

   If you’re looking for a no-frills travel credit card, the HDFC 6E Rewards Indigo Credit Card is a solid choice. It’s one of the cheapest travel credit cards in the market with an annual fee of just INR 500 + GST, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.

   What sets this card apart is its simplicity and focus on IndiGo rewards. You earn 6E Rewards on every spend, which can be redeemed for flight tickets and other IndiGo services. While it might not offer the same level of perks as premium travel cards, it’s perfect for those who prioritise earning rewards on IndiGo flights over airport lounge access or travel insurance.

   Key Features of the HDFC 6E Rewards Indigo Credit Card:

   • 1 Complimentary flight ticket worth INR 1500 offered as a welcome benefit
   • Low annual fee
   • Earn 6E Rewards points on every spend.
   • Redeem points for IndiGo flight tickets.
   • Option to upgrade to the HDFC 6E Rewards XL for additional benefits

6. MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card

   The MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card is a specialised travel card for those who frequently use MakeMyTrip for travel bookings. It offers a range of benefits to enhance and simplify your travel experiences. Key features include:

   • Exclusive Rewards: Earn up to 4 My Cash points per rupee spent on MakeMyTrip bookings, allowing you to redeem points for flight, hotel, and holiday packages.
   • Complimentary Lounge Access: Enjoy two complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter
   • MakeMyTrip Black Membership: Get a complimentary MakeMyTrip Black membership, that offers you exclusive deals, discounts, and priority customer support.
   • Holiday Voucher: Receive a MakeMyTrip holiday voucher worth Rs. 2,500 upon card activation.
   • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save on fuel expenses with a waiver of fuel surcharge on all transactions.
   • Concierge Services: Access personalised assistance for travel arrangements, reservations, and more.

7. InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card

   The InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card is a travel enthusiast’s dream, offering a plethora of benefits to make your jet-setting adventures more rewarding and affordable. Here’s a breakdown of why this card might be the perfect fit for you:

   Welcome Benefits:

   • Kickstart your journey: Earn up to 8,000 bonus InterMiles in the first 90 days, including points for spending and milestone rewards.
   • Flight and Hotel Discounts: Save on your first-year travel bookings with complimentary vouchers.

   Earning InterMiles:

   • Earn 6 InterMiles on every Rs. 150 spent on everyday purchases.
   • Earn a whopping 12 InterMiles per Rs. 150 spent on flights and hotels booked through InterMiles platforms.

   Travel Privileges:

   • Etihad Airways Discounts: Enjoy special discounts on both Economy and Business Class tickets, plus earn bonus InterMiles on Etihad bookings.
   • Multiple Lounge Access Programs: Relax in style at domestic and international airport lounges with complimentary visits through Visa, Mastercard, and Priority Pass memberships.

   Renewal Benefits:

   • Maintain your card and earn additional InterMiles after your first year.
   • Receive renewed flight and hotel discount vouchers (subject to fee payment).

   Other Features:

   • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save 1% on fuel purchases across India.
   • Zero Liability on Lost Cards: Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re not responsible for fraudulent transactions on a lost card.
   • Up to 50 Days Interest-Free Credit: Extend your payment window for eligible purchases.
   • Dining Discounts: Save up to 20% on restaurant bills with Dineout Pay.

8. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

   This card is the top-tier option in SBI’s co-branded credit card lineup with Air India. While it comes with a joining and annual fee of Rs. 4,999, it offers several benefits that might be attractive for frequent Air India flyers and high spenders.

   Here’s a breakdown of the main features:

   • Welcome Bonus: Get a hefty 20,000 bonus reward points upon joining and paying the annual fee within 15 days. You’ll also gain automatic membership to Air India’s Flying Returns frequent flyer program.
   • Rewards Program: Earn reward points on everyday spending. You’ll get 4 points for every Rs. 100 spent, with the potential to earn up to 100,000 bonus points annually.
   • Enhanced Air India Rewards: Maximise your points by booking Air India flights directly through their website or app. You can earn up to 30 points per Rs. 100 spent on flights booked for yourself, with a slightly lower rate (10 points) for bookings made for others.
   • Convert Points to Air Miles: Easily convert your reward points into Air India Air Miles for greater travel flexibility.
   • Priority Pass Membership: Enjoy access to airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass membership
   • Anniversary Bonus: Receive a nice boost of 5,000 bonus points every year on your card anniversary.
   • Airport Lounge Access: Relax in comfort before your flights with 8 complimentary visits per year to domestic VISA Lounges in India (limited to 2 visits per quarter).
   • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save some money at the pump with a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 4,000, with a monthly limit of Rs. 250.
   • Additional Features: The card offers various conveniences like Flexipay for converting purchases into EMIs, Easy Bill Pay for automatic utility bill payments, add-on cards for family members, Easy Money for doorstep delivery of drafts or cheques, and lost card liability cover.

Before you apply, consider if the annual fee outweighs the benefits for your spending habits and travel frequency. If the high fee is a concern, you might want to explore the Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card as an alternative.

How to Compare the Credit Cards for Flight Booking?

Comparing credit cards designed for flight bookings can be complex due to the numerous options available. Each card offers various benefits, so it’s important to choose one that matches your travel habits and financial needs. To make the selection process easier, consider the following criteria:

1. Rewards and Air Miles

Check how many rewards points or air miles you can earn and how they can be redeemed.

2. Annual Fees

Look at the annual fee for each card and determine if the benefits outweigh this cost.

3. Lounge Access

Consider whether the card provides access to airport lounges and if it fits your travel style.

4. Interest Rates and Charges

Review the interest rates and any additional charges to understand the card’s overall cost.

5. Travel Insurance and Protection

Evaluate the travel insurance and protection features included with the card.

6. Partner Discounts and Offers

Check for any discounts or special offers with travel partners that the card might provide.

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Closing Thoughts

Choosing the right credit card for your travel needs can significantly enhance your flight booking experience. By carefully considering factors like rewards, fees, benefits, and your travel habits, you can find the perfect card to optimise your spending and unlock valuable perks. Remember, while credit cards offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to use them responsibly and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Happy travels!

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