Frequent fliers know that airport lounges and forex fees make a big difference. In 2025, Indian banks are offering travel credit cards that give free lounge access, low forex charges, and extra perks like air miles and hotel rewards. Here are the best options this year.
India Snapshot
- Forex Markup: Standard 3.5% → travel cards reduce to 1.5–2%.
- Lounge Access: 4–16 free visits annually (domestic + international).
- Travel Rewards: Air miles, hotel points, cashback on tickets.
- Payments: UPI (RuPay variants), NetBanking, auto-debit.
- Annual Fee: ₹500 – ₹10,000 (waived on high spends).
- GST Invoice: Provided on all spends and fees.
Fly smarter with the best travel credit cards in 2025:
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Best Travel Credit Cards in India (2025)
1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
- 12 free domestic lounge visits/year.
- Low forex markup (2%).
- Reward points redeemable for flights & hotels.
Best for: Frequent domestic travelers.
2. SBI Elite Credit Card
- 6 free international lounge visits + Priority Pass.
- 2% forex markup.
- Complimentary movie tickets + Club Vistara membership.
Best for: International travelers.
3. Axis Atlas Credit Card
- Up to 16 free lounge visits annually.
- Air miles across 10+ global airlines.
- 1.5% forex markup.
Best for: Heavy international fliers.
4. ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card
- Unlimited domestic + international lounge visits.
- Complimentary airport spa sessions.
- Forex markup 1.5%.
Best for: Premium luxury travelers.
5. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
- Lifetime free, no annual fee.
- 8 free lounge visits/year.
- Low forex charges.
Best for: Beginners seeking travel perks.
Other Notable Mentions
- American Express Platinum Travel Card – free Taj vouchers, hotel perks.
- IndusInd Bank Legend – 2% forex markup + golf/travel benefits.
- Kotak White Reserve – premium lounge access + concierge.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free lounge access (domestic + international).
- Reduced forex charges.
- Air miles and hotel rewards.
- Annual fee waivers possible.
Cons
- High annual fees for premium cards.
- Cashback caps may apply.
- Limited lounge access on entry-level cards.
Quick Checklist for Travelers
- Pick a card with at least 4 lounge visits/year.
- Choose forex markup ≤2% for international trips.
- Check tie-ups with airlines/hotels.
- Prefer RuPay UPI variants for easy payments abroad (where supported).
- Apply online with Aadhaar + PAN for faster approval.
Ready to unlock airport lounges & cheaper forex in 2025?
See Travel Cards on Paisabazaar
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In 2025, the best travel credit cards in India combine lounge access, reduced forex charges, and lifestyle perks. HDFC Regalia Gold and IDFC FIRST Wealth suit domestic users, while Axis Atlas, SBI Elite, and ICICI Emeralde dominate for international fliers. Choose based on your travel frequency and spend pattern to get the most value.
