If you travel frequently, the selection of the right credit card can make a noticeable difference to your overall expenses and experience. From complimentary airport lounge access to zero forex markup on international spends, travel-focused credit cards now come packed with features that go beyond just rewards.
Here are some of the popular credit cards for frequent travellers (Data from Bankbazaar).
Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card
The card offers unlimited complementary access to domestic lounges on spending Rs 20,000 every preceding month. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card offers instant reward redemption on flights, hotels and buses on the Scapia app at 1 reward = 1 Scapia Coin*.
The card comes with a 10% reward on VISA and a 5% reward on UPI on online and offline spends. There is zero forex markup on international spending, and the card doesn’t have any joining or annual fee.
Ixigo AU Credit Card
An Ixigo AU credit cardholder gets 16 complementary lounge access and a 10% off on flight, hotel and bus bookings. The card also offers 2.5% reward points, including on UPI spends.
There is zero forex markup on international spending, and the card doesn’t have any joining or annual fee.
IDFC First WOW Black Credit Card
An IDFC First WOW Black credit cardholder can enjoy 1 domestic lounge visit per quarter and earn 4x reward points on every travel spend.
A cardholder can earn 1 reward point worth Rs 0.50 on travel bookings. Offering zero forex markup on international spending; the card comes with a joining and annual fee of Rs 750 + GST.
BOBCARD ETERNA
A BOBCARD ETERNA cardholder can avail unlimited complementary lounge access to domestic lounges. They can earn 5x reward points for every Rs 100 spent on travel and international purchases, and 5x reward points for every Rs 100 spent on dining and shopping. The card has a 2% forex markup on international spends and is free for a lifetime.
Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card
The card offers 12 domestic and 12 international complimentary lounge visits, along with a free night award and 10 elite night credits on eligible spends. You can earn four Marriott Bonvoy points for every Rs 150 spent on travel, entertainment and dining. The card comes with a joining and annual fee of Rs 3,000.
| Credit Card | Lounge Access | Rewards & Benefits | Forex Markup | Fees |
| Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card | Unlimited domestic lounge access (on Rs 20,000 monthly spend) | 10% rewards on VISA, 5% on UPI; instant redemption on travel via Scapia app (1 reward = 1 coin) | Zero | No joining/annual fee |
| Ixigo AU Credit Card | 16 complimentary lounge visits | 10% off on flights, hotels, buses; 2.5% rewards (including UPI) | Zero | No joining/annual fee |
| IDFC First WOW Black Credit Card | 1 domestic lounge visit per quarter | 4x rewards on travel; 1 point = Rs0.50 on travel bookings | Zero | Rs 750 + GST |
| BOB Card Eterna | Unlimited domestic lounge access | 5x rewards on travel & international spends; 5x on dining & shopping | 2% | Lifetime free |
