Top Travel Credit Cards in India with Air Miles and Lounge Access (May 19, 2025)
- Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card:
- Air Miles: Earn up to 5 EDGE Miles for every ₹100 spent on travel.
- Lounge Access:
- Up to 18 complimentary domestic lounge accesses annually.
- Up to 12 international lounge accesses annually. The number of lounge visits depends on your card tier, which is determined by annual spending.
- Other Benefits: EDGE Miles can be converted to partner points for various airlines and hotels.
- SBI Card MILES:
- Air Miles: Earn 2 Travel Credits for every ₹200 spent on travel.
- Lounge Access:
- 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year (max 2 visits per quarter).
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership. However, note that complimentary international lounge visits are not included.
- Other Benefits: Travel Credits can be converted to air miles or used for hotel bookings.
- HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card:
- Lounge Access:
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Access to 6 complimentary international lounge visits per year.
- 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year.
- Lounge Access:
- HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card:
- Lounge Access: Unlimited access to domestic and international airport lounges for both primary and add-on cardholders via Priority Pass.
- Air Miles: Strong rewards rate, points can be redeemed for flights.
- Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card:
- Air Miles: Earn EDGE Miles on spends.
- Lounge Access: Offers lounge access benefits.
- SBI Air India Signature Card:
- Air Miles: High reward rate, especially for Air India bookings. Earn reward points that can be converted to Air India miles.
- Lounge Access: Offers domestic and international lounge access.
- SBI Air India Platinum Card:
- Air Miles: Designed for Air India flyers, offering a high reward rate on Air India bookings.
- Lounge Access: Includes domestic lounge access.
- IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite Credit Card:* Air Miles: Earn Avios points.* Lounge Access: Complimentary Priority Pass Membership with international lounge visits.
- HSBC TravelOne Credit Card:* Air Miles: Earn reward points that can be redeemed for air miles.* Lounge Access: 6 local and 4 international airport lounge visits every year.
- MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card:* Air Miles: Earn MyCash on MakeMyTrip bookings.* Lounge Access: Offers international airport lounge access.
- IDFC FIRST Bank Select Credit Card:* Lounge Access: Offers domestic and international lounge access.
- AU Zenith+ Credit Card:* Lounge Access: Offers lounge access benefits.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Card:
- Spending Habits: Consider where you spend the most. Some cards offer accelerated rewards or higher air miles earning rates on specific categories like travel, dining, or international transactions.
- Travel Frequency: If you’re a frequent traveler, prioritize cards with generous lounge access and air miles benefits.
- Airline Preference: If you frequently fly with a specific airline, a co-branded card (like the Air India SBI cards) might offer the best value.
- Fees: Pay attention to annual fees and any spending-based waivers.
- Reward Redemption: Understand how the reward points or miles can be redeemed and their value. Some cards offer better redemption rates for specific airlines or hotels.
- Lounge Access Details: Check the number of complimentary visits, whether it includes domestic and international lounges, and if guest access is available. Some cards require a Priority Pass membership.
How to Maximize Benefits:
- Meet Spending Milestones: Many cards offer bonus miles or points for meeting spending thresholds.
- Use Preferred Partners: Utilize the card for purchases with partner airlines, hotels, or travel portals to earn more rewards.
- Take Advantage of Lounge Access: Make use of your complimentary lounge visits for comfortable travel.
- Convert Rewards Strategically: Choose the most valuable redemption options for your points or miles.
Remember to compare the features, fees, and benefits of different cards to find the one that best suits your individual travel needs and spending patterns. You can find more details and compare cards on websites like Bankbazaar, Paisabazaar, and the official websites of the card issuers.
Would you like me to help you compare specific cards or explore options based on particular travel preferences?
