Air travel has become an integral part of modern life. Millions in India rely on flights to reach their destinations quickly for business, leisure, or emergencies. However, the cost of flight tickets can add up, especially if you are a frequent traveler. The best way to save on flights and travel costs is to use the best credit card for flight tickets in India. The right credit card can offer big benefits. These include discounts on airfares, reward points, and lounge access. This guide will help you navigate India’s credit card landscape. It focuses on those best for booking flight tickets.
Why Use a Credit Card for Flight Booking?
Before finding the best credit card for booking flights in India, know its benefits. Credit cards are the top choice for frequent and casual travelers. They offer several benefits.
Rewards and Cashback
One of the most compelling reasons to use a credit card for flight bookings is the rewards system. Most credit cards give reward points or cashback on every buy. You can redeem these for future buys, including flight tickets. Certain cards offer bonus points for travel costs, such as flights.
Travel Insurance
Credit cards often feature built-in travel insurance, a valuable perk for frequent flyers. The insurance may cover trip cancellations, delays, baggage loss, and even medical emergencies. For frequent travelers, this extra security measure provides immense protection.
Airport Lounge Access
Travel credit cards often grant free access to airport lounges. These lounges offer a comfy space to relax before your flight. They also provide free food, drinks, and other perks.
Exclusive Discounts and Offers
The best credit card for flight tickets in India often partners with airlines, travel agencies, and hotels. It offers exclusive discounts and deals. They could include lower fares, early access to flight sales, or free upgrades.
Zero or Low Foreign Transaction Fees
If you often book international flights, a no-foreign-fee credit card can save you a lot of money. Many travel credit cards waive these fees. They are ideal for those who often book flights on international websites.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card for Flight Ticket Booking
When picking the best credit card for flights in India, consider several factors. This will help you get the most value for your money.
Annual Fees
Some credit cards have high annual fees. They may wipe out their benefits unless you’re a frequent traveler. However, cards with higher fees tend to offer better perks. They include: higher reward points on air ticket purchases; airport lounge access; and travel insurance. It’s important to weigh the annual fee against the benefits you will actually use.
Reward Points System
Reward points systems differ between cards. Some credit cards offer more points for travel-related expenses. Others may give you more points for dining, shopping, or fuel purchases. If you want the card mainly for booking flights, find one that gives extra rewards for air travel.
Interest Rates
Credit cards for travel offer benefits, but interest rates demand attention. If you carry a balance, high interest rates can outweigh your rewards. So, choose a card with a low interest rate. This is true if you don’t pay off your balance in full each month.
Airline Partnerships
Some credit cards are co-branded with specific airlines. They offer better benefits when you book flights with that airline. Do you have a preferred airline for your journey? Get a co-branded card for enhanced perks.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Travelers crossing borders often need a credit card with tailored benefits. It should waive foreign transaction fees or have very low ones. Many premium travel credit cards offer this benefit. It can save you a lot on overseas flights.
Additional Travel Benefits
Beyond flight ticket booking, many credit cards offer additional travel-related benefits. They may include free checked bags, seat upgrades, priority boarding, and concierge services. If these perks are important to you, look for a credit card that offers them.
Columbia University World Ranking 2024
Top Credit Cards for Flight Ticket Booking in India
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s examine the best credit cards for buying flight tickets in India. These cards have great travel perks, rewards, and flight discounts.
1. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is a top choice for frequent flyers. Its rewards program is for travel lovers. It offers great benefits for booking flight tickets.
– Welcome Bonus: Earn up to 10,000 Membership Rewards Points as a welcome gift.
– Reward Points: Earn 1 point for every ₹50 spent. Get 5x points for bookings through travel partners.
– Travel Vouchers: After reaching spending milestones, cardholders receive travel vouchers. They can redeem them for flight tickets.
– Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access to lounges at major Indian airports.
Foreign Exchange Markup totals 3.5%, surpassing rivals but justifying its perks.
This card is ideal for frequent domestic travelers. They want to maximize rewards on flight ticket bookings and enjoy lounge access.
2. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
HDFC’s Regalia Credit Card is a top travel card. It has great benefits, making it one of the best for flight tickets in India.
– Reward Points: Earn 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent. You can earn accelerated reward points on air tickets booked via HDFC’s travel portal.
– Travel Concierge Services: 24/7 concierge for booking flights, hotels, and more.
– Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access to more than 850 airport lounges globally.
– Travel Insurance: Covers accidental air death and medical emergencies during travel.
The annual fee is ₹2,500, a modest cost for the benefits.
The HDFC Regalia Credit Card is best for frequent international travelers. They want lounge access and travel concierge services.
3. SBI Card Elite
The SBI Card Elite is a top choice for travelers. It is the best credit card for flight tickets in India.
– Welcome Benefits: You get a free Club Vistara membership. It offers 1,500 bonus points when you activate it.
– Reward Points: Earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent. Additional reward points are available for travel bookings made through affiliated travel partners.
– Exclusive Discounts: Offers discounts on airfares through partnerships with leading airlines.
– Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
– Foreign Transaction Fees: 1.99%, which are lower than many competing travel cards.
This card suits Vistara frequent flyers seeking bonus miles and luxury travel benefits.
4. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
The Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card is co-branded with Vistara. It is for those who prefer flying with this premium airline.
– Welcome Bonus: Get a free Vistara Business Class ticket as a gift.
– Reward Points: Earn 4 Club Vistara points for every ₹200 spent. You can redeem these points for flight tickets and upgrades.
– Milestone Benefits: Earn extra tickets and upgrades for spending milestones.
– Lounge Access: Complimentary lounge access at select domestic airports.
– Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for lost baggage, flight delays, and medical emergencies.
This card is ideal for frequent Vistara flyers who accumulate miles.
5. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
The Citi PremierMiles Credit Card is very flexible. It’s one of the best credit cards for flight tickets in India due to its many airline partners.
– Reward Points: Earn 10 Miles for every ₹100 spent on airlines, and 4 Miles for every ₹100 spent on other categories.
Transferable Miles: You can transfer PremierMiles to 12 or more airline partners. It’s a great card for international travelers.
– Lounge Access: Complimentary access to domestic airport lounges.
– Travel Insurance: Comes with air accident coverage and lost baggage insurance.
The ₹3,000 annual fee is worth it. It offers many airline partnerships and flexible miles.
This card is best for those who value flexibility. It lets them transfer their miles to multiple airlines for maximum travel benefits.
Maximizing the Benefits of Your Credit Card for Flight Ticket Booking
Selecting the ideal credit card for flight tickets in India matters. Cardholders maximize benefits by using the card in a thoughtful way.
Here are a few tips to maximize the benefits of your travel credit card.
Use for All Travel-Related Expenses
To get the most from your travel credit card, use it for all travel-related expenses. This includes flight bookings, hotel stays, car rentals, and airport dining. Many travel credit cards offer bonus rewards for these categories. They help you earn points faster.
Redeem Points for Flights and Travel Upgrades
It’s often better to use your reward points for flights or travel purchases than for cash or vouchers. When you use points, many cards provide a higher redemption value.
for airfares, making this a better option for frequent travelers.
Keep an Eye on Promotions and Offers
Credit card companies run promotions all year. They include discounts on flights, bonus reward points, and extra lounge access. Keep an eye on these offers to maximize the value of your card. Some cards also partner with airlines and travel agencies. They offer exclusive deals for cardholders.
Pay off your balance in full.
Avoid luring distractions of rewards and benefits to prioritize debt control. Paying off your balance in full each month will help you avoid high-interest charges. They will wipe out your rewards. If you plan to carry a balance, choose a card with a low-interest rate to minimize your financial burden.
Utilize Travel Insurance Benefits
Many credit cards offer travel insurance. It covers trip cancellations, lost baggage, and medical emergencies. Ensure you’re aware of the coverage your card offers and use it when necessary. This can save you a significant amount of money in unexpected situations.