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| Best Travel Credit Cards & Debit Cards in India |
Travel has become smarter in 2025–26, and choosing the right travel credit card or debit card can save you thousands of rupees on foreign exchange fees, flight bookings, hotel stays, and airport services. In this detailed guide, we explain best travel credit cards and debit cards in India, compare leading banks, highlight benefits like zero forex markup and airport lounge access, and help you choose the best card for international and domestic travel.
What Is a Travel Credit Card and Travel Debit Card?
A travel credit card is designed specifically for travelers, offering benefits such as air miles, hotel reward points, free airport lounge access, travel insurance, and discounts on flight bookings.
A travel debit card, on the other hand, lets you spend directly from your bank account and is ideal for controlled spending, ATM withdrawals abroad, and basic international payments.
Both options reduce dependency on cash and provide better security during travel.
Travel Credit Card vs Debit Card for International Travel
| Feature | Travel Credit Card | Travel Debit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Forex Markup | Low / Zero (premium cards) | Usually higher |
| Rewards & Miles | Yes | Limited |
| Lounge Access | Free / Complimentary | Limited / Paid |
| Travel Insurance | Included | Rare |
| Best For | Frequent travelers | Occasional travelers |
Verdict: If you travel often, a travel credit card with zero forex markup is better. For limited international use, a debit card for international travel works well.
Key Benefits of the Best Travel Credit Cards
- Zero or Low Forex Markup: Save 2–4% on every international transaction
- Airport Lounge Access: Domestic & international lounges
- Air Miles & Hotel Rewards: Free flights and hotel stays
- Travel Insurance: Covers delays, lost baggage, and emergencies
- Exclusive Travel Offers: Discounts on flights and hotels
Best Travel Credit Cards in India (2025–26) – Bank-Wise List
HDFC Bank Travel Credit Cards
Popular for premium travel benefits and global acceptance.
Top Cards:
- HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
- HDFC Diners Club Miles
Key Benefits: Lounge access, reward points on travel, low forex fees
Official Website: https://www.hdfcbank.com
SBI Travel Credit Cards
Affordable cards with strong domestic and international travel offers.
Top Cards:
- SBI Card Elite
- IRCTC SBI Platinum Card
Key Benefits: Travel rewards, flight booking discounts, lounge access
Official Website: https://www.sbicard.com
ICICI Bank Travel Credit Cards
Best for premium users and frequent international travelers.
Top Cards:
- ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
- ICICI Emeralde Credit Card
Key Benefits: Complimentary lounges, premium concierge services
Official Website: https://www.icicibank.com
Axis Bank Travel Credit Cards
Known for luxury travel perks and high reward value.
Top Cards:
- Axis Atlas Credit Card
- Axis Magnus Credit Card
Key Benefits: Air miles, hotel benefits, international lounge access
Official Website: https://www.axisbank.com
American Express Travel Credit Cards
Ideal for luxury travel and high reward redemption value.
Top Cards:
- Amex Platinum Travel Card
- Amex Membership Rewards Card
Key Benefits: Premium travel insurance, hotel partnerships
Official Website: https://www.americanexpress.com/in
Best Debit Cards for International Travel in India
SBI Global International Debit Card
Best for overseas ATM withdrawals and basic travel spending.
Website: https://www.onlinesbi.sbi
HDFC Bank International Debit Card
Secure card with global acceptance and travel offers.
Website: https://www.hdfcbank.com
ICICI Bank Coral Debit Card
Good for online international payments and travel bookings.
Website: https://www.icicibank.com
Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card
Premium debit card with lounge access at select airports.
Website: https://www.axisbank.com
Best Cards for Flight Booking and Hotel Booking
- Best credit card for flight booking: Axis Atlas, SBI Card Elite
- Best card for hotel booking offers: Amex Platinum Travel
- Best debit card for travel booking: HDFC International Debit Card
These cards provide cashback, reward points, and exclusive partner discounts.
How to Choose the Best Travel Card (Beginner Guide)
- Check forex markup fees
- Compare annual fee vs benefits
- Look for airport lounge access
- Review reward redemption options
- Ensure international acceptance
For beginners, choose a travel credit card without annual fee or with easy fee waiver.
Hidden Charges in Travel Credit & Debit Cards
- Foreign currency conversion charges
- ATM withdrawal fees abroad
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) markups
Tip: Always pay in local currency while traveling internationally.
FAQs – Travel Credit Cards & Debit Cards
Q1. Which is the best travel credit card in India?
Axis Atlas, HDFC Regalia Gold, and Amex Platinum Travel are top choices.
Q2. Which debit card is best for international travel?
HDFC and SBI international debit cards are reliable options.
Q3. Is a zero forex credit card worth it?
Yes, especially for frequent international travelers.
Q4. Can students apply for travel cards?
Yes, secured credit cards and international debit cards are suitable.
Q5. Credit card or debit card – which is safer abroad?
Credit cards offer better fraud protection and insurance.
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