Best Credit Cards For Flight Booking: Top Picks for Airline Discounts and Travel Perks-2024
Best Credit Cards For Flight Booking: Air travel has become a necessary aspect of contemporary life, whether for work or pleasure. Finding methods to save costs and gain incentives is essential given the escalating cost of air travel. This is where credit cards come into play, providing a wealth of advantages when making travel arrangements. But for this reason, which credit cards are the best in India? Let us examine the top 10 credit cards that provide the most benefits while making travel reservations.
10 Best Credit Cards For Flight Booking
5. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
6. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
9. Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
Exploring The Best 10 Credit Cards For Flight Booking In Detail
1. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
The HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card is a premium offering that provides exceptional value for frequent travellers. This card stands out for its unmatched reward points system, offering 10 reward points for every ?150 spent on flight bookings. Additionally, it provides exclusive travel concierge services to assist with flight bookings, hotel reservations, and itinerary planning, ensuring a seamless and luxurious travel experience. Complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide adds to its appeal, making it a top choice for those who prioritize comfort and convenience.
Joining Fee: ?10,000
Renewal Fee: ?10,000
Best Suited For: Frequent travellers looking for high reward points and luxury travel benefits.
Welcome Benefits: 10,000 reward points as a welcome gift.
2. SBI Card ELITE
The SBI Card ELITE is designed to offer a blend of luxury and value, making it a preferred choice for many. This card comes with a generous welcome bonus, including complimentary memberships to premium travel programs and a substantial number of reward points. Cardholders earn 2 reward points for every ?100 spent on flight bookings, and reaching spending milestones can unlock additional reward points and travel vouchers. The Priority Pass membership that comes with this card provides access to over 1,000 airport lounges globally, enhancing your travel experience significantly.
Joining Fee: ?4,999
Renewal Fee: ?4,999
Best Suited For: Travelers seeking a mix of rewards and luxury travel benefits.
Welcome Benefits: Welcome e-gift voucher worth ?5,000.
3. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is highly regarded for its milestone rewards and travel benefits. By reaching certain spending thresholds, cardholders can earn travel vouchers worth up to ?19,000 annually. This card also offers complimentary travel insurance and access to premium travel experiences, including special deals on flight bookings and hotel stays. With 1 reward point for every ?50 spent, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to maximise their travel rewards and enjoy a premium travel experience.
Joining Fee: ?3,500
Renewal Fee: ?5,000
Best Suited For: Frequent travellers who want to earn significant travel rewards and benefits.
Welcome Benefits: Travel voucher worth ?4,000 on spending ?15,000 within 90 days of card issuance.
4. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
The Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card offers excellent benefits for Vistara flyers, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently travel with this airline. The card automatically enrols you in the Club Vistara Silver membership, enhancing your travel experience with additional baggage allowance and priority boarding. Cardholders earn 4 Club Vistara points for every ?200 spent, which can be redeemed for flight upgrades and award flights. Achieving spending milestones can also earn you complimentary business-class tickets, adding significant value to your travel.
Joining Fee: ?3,000
Renewal Fee: ?3,000
Best Suited For: Frequent Vistara flyers looking for exclusive airline benefits and rewards.
Welcome Benefits: Complimentary premium economy ticket as a welcome gift.
5. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card offers a comprehensive range of travel benefits, making it a top choice for avid travellers. Cardholders enjoy complimentary airport lounge access and travel insurance, providing peace of mind and convenience. With 4 PAYBACK points for every ?100 spent on travel bookings, this card offers a robust rewards program. Additionally, the 24/7 concierge services assist with travel bookings and other travel-related needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
Joining Fee: ?6,500
Renewal Fee: ?3,500
Best Suited For: Travelers seeking a card with extensive travel benefits and robust rewards.
Welcome Benefits: 20,000 PAYBACK points as a welcome gift.
6. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
The Citi PremierMiles Credit Card offers one of the most flexible miles redemption programs available. Cardholders earn 10 miles for every ?100 spent on airline transactions and 4 miles for other spends. This card also provides complimentary access to select airport lounges in India and abroad, along with comprehensive travel insurance coverage. The miles earned can be transferred to a wide range of airline partners, making this card highly versatile for frequent travellers who value flexibility.
Joining Fee: ?3,000
Renewal Fee: ?3,000
Best Suited For: Travelers who value flexible miles redemption and comprehensive travel benefits.
Welcome Benefits: 10,000 miles on spending ?1,000 within 60 days of card issuance.
7. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
The HDFC Regalia Credit Card is a popular choice for frequent travellers due to its generous reward points system and extensive travel benefits. Cardholders earn 4 reward points for every ?150 spent on travel bookings, which can be redeemed for air miles, hotel stays, and more. The card also offers dedicated travel concierge services and complimentary travel insurance for a stress-free travel experience. Additionally, cardholders enjoy access to both domestic and international airport lounges, enhancing travel comfort.
Joining Fee: ?2,500
Renewal Fee: ?2,500
Best Suited For: Frequent travellers looking for a combination of rewards and travel benefits.
Welcome Benefits: 2,500 reward points as a welcome gift.
8. Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card
The Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card is ideal for international travellers, particularly those who frequently fly with Lufthansa. The card integrates seamlessly with the Lufthansa Miles & More program, allowing cardholders to earn miles that can be redeemed for flights and upgrades. With 4 miles for every ?200 spent and bonus miles on achieving spending milestones, this card offers significant value. Comprehensive travel insurance and access to international airport lounges add to its appeal.
Joining Fee: ?3,500
Renewal Fee: ?3,500
Best Suited For: International travellers and Lufthansa flyers.
Welcome Benefits: 5,000 miles on the first transaction.
9. Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card offers a robust rewards program and extensive travel benefits. Cardholders earn 4x reward points on international spending and 2x on domestic spending, with additional rewards for reaching spending milestones. Complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges adds comfort to travel. Extensive travel insurance coverage ensures peace of mind, making this card a comprehensive choice for frequent travellers.
Joining Fee: ?1,999
Renewal Fee: ?999
Best Suited For: Frequent international and domestic travelers.
Welcome Benefits: 8,000 reward points as a welcome gift.
10. IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card
The IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card is designed to offer substantial rewards and travel benefits. Cardholders earn 4 reward points for every ?100 spent on travel-related expenses, with easy redemption options for travel bookings. The card provides complimentary lounge access and travel concierge services, enhancing the travel experience. Additionally, exclusive discounts on flight bookings and hotel stays make this card a valuable asset for travellers.
Joining Fee: ?2,000
Renewal Fee: ?2,000
Best Suited For: Travelers looking for substantial rewards and travel discounts.
Welcome Benefits: 4,000 reward points as a welcome gift.
Flight Booking Credit Cards Features and Benefits
1. Reward Points and Miles: One of the primary benefits of flight booking credit cards is the ability to earn reward points or miles on every purchase. These points can be accumulated and redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. The rate at which you earn points can vary, with some cards offering higher points for flight bookings and travel-related expenses.
2. Complimentary Lounge Access: Many flight booking credit cards offer complimentary access to airport lounges both domestically and internationally. This feature provides travellers with a comfortable and relaxing environment to wait for their flights, complete with amenities such as Wi-Fi, refreshments, and quiet areas.
3. Travel Insurance: Flight booking credit cards often come with built-in travel insurance, covering a range of incidents such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. This insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection while travelling, ensuring that unforeseen events don't derail your travel plans.
4. Concierge Services: Premium flight booking credit cards typically offer concierge services to assist with travel arrangements, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, and itinerary planning. These services can save time and effort, providing personalised assistance to enhance your travel experience.
5. Exclusive Travel Discounts and Offers: Holders of flight booking credit cards often receive exclusive travel discounts and offers. These can include discounts on flight tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, and travel packages. Additionally, some cards provide access to special deals and promotions that are not available to the general public, helping travellers save money on their trips.
Flight Booking Credit Cards: Rewards and Cashback
Flight booking credit cards offer a variety of rewards and cashback benefits that can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here’s a detailed look at the rewards and cashback benefits for each of the top 10 flight booking credit cards in India:
1. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
Rewards: 10 reward points for every ?150 spent on flight bookings.
Redemption: Points can be redeemed for air miles, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
Cashback: No direct cashback, but high reward points offer significant value.
2. SBI Card ELITE
Rewards: 2 reward points for every ?100 spent on flight bookings.
Milestone Benefits: Bonus reward points on reaching specific spending milestones.
Cashback: Welcome e-gift voucher worth ?5,000.
3. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Rewards: 1 reward point for every ?50 spent.
Milestone Rewards: Travel vouchers worth up to ?19,000 annually on achieving spending thresholds.
Cashback: Travel voucher worth ?4,000 on spending ?15,000 within 90 days of card issuance.
4. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
Rewards: 4 Club Vistara points for every ?200 spent.
Milestone Benefits: Complimentary business class tickets on achieving spending milestones.
Cashback: Complimentary premium economy ticket as a welcome gift.
5. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Rewards: 4 PAYBACK points for every ?100 spent on travel bookings.
Redemption: PAYBACK points can be redeemed for travel bookings and other rewards.
Cashback: No direct cashback, but high reward points offer significant value.
6. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
Rewards: 10 miles for every ?100 spent on airline transactions and 4 miles for other spends.
Redemption: Miles can be transferred to a wide range of airline partners.
Cashback: No direct cashback, but flexible miles redemption offers great value.
7. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
Rewards: 4 reward points for every ?150 spent on travel bookings.
Redemption: Points can be redeemed for air miles, hotel stays, and more.
Cashback: 2,500 reward points as a welcome gift.
8. Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card
Rewards: 4 miles for every ?200 spent and bonus miles on achieving spending milestones.
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Redemption: Miles can be redeemed for flights and upgrades with Lufthansa and partner airlines.
Cashback: 5,000 miles on the first transaction.
9. Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
Rewards: 4x reward points on international spending and 2x on domestic spending.
Milestone Benefits: Bonus points and travel vouchers on achieving spending milestones.
Cashback: 8,000 reward points as a welcome gift.
10. IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card
Rewards: 4 reward points for every ?100 spent on travel-related expenses.
Redemption: Points can be redeemed for travel bookings and other rewards.
Cashback: 4,000 reward points as a welcome gift.
How To Earn and Redeem Flight Booking Credit Card Reward Points
Earning Reward Points
Use the Card for Flight Bookings: Earn points by booking flights directly through the airline or travel portals.
Spending on Travel-Related Expenses: Earn additional points on hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related purchases.
Achieve Spending Milestones: Unlock bonus points by meeting specific spending targets within a defined period.
Shop with Partner Merchants: Earn extra points by shopping with merchants partnered with your credit card issuer.
Refer Friends: Some cards offer referral bonuses for recommending the card to friends and family.
Redeeming Reward Points
Book Free Flights: Redeem points directly for free or discounted flights through the credit card's rewards portal.
Upgrade Seats: Use points to upgrade from economy to business or first class.
Hotel Stays: Redeem points for free or discounted hotel stays at partnered hotels.
Convert to Air Miles: Transfer reward points to airline loyalty programs for flexible travel options.
Gift Vouchers: Redeem points for travel-related gift vouchers and discounts on travel services.
Flight Booking Credit Card Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a flight booking credit card, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the card issuer. Generally, applicants should be Indian residents aged between 21 and 65 years with a stable income source. A good credit score (typically 700 or above) is crucial to enhance approval chances.
Eligibility Criteria:
Age: 21 to 65 years
Residency: Indian resident
Income: Stable income source with a minimum annual income as specified by the card issuer
Credit Score: Typically 700 or above
Employment Proof: Proof of employment and income for salaried individuals
Financial Statements: Tax returns and financial statements for self-employed applicants
Documents Required for Flight Booking Credit Card Application
When applying for a flight booking credit card, you will need to provide several essential documents to verify your identity, address, and financial status. These documents include proof of identity, proof of address, proof of income, and additional financial documents for self-employed individuals. Ensure you have copies of these documents ready to streamline the application process and improve your chances of approval.
Required Documents:
Proof of Identity: PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, or driver's license
Proof of Address: Utility bills, rental agreement, or bank statements
Proof of Income: Salary slips, Form 16, or bank statements for salaried individuals
Financial Statements: Income tax returns, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets for self-employed individuals
Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs
Flight Booking Credit Card Annual Fees and Charges
1. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
Annual Fee: ?10,000
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: ?5,00,000 per annum
2. SBI Card ELITE
Annual Fee: ?4,999
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: ?10,00,000 per annum
3. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Annual Fee: ?5,000
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: ?1,90,000 per annum
4. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
Annual Fee: ?3,000
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: ?1,50,000 per annum
5. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Annual Fee: ?6,500
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: ?6,00,000 per annum
6. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
Annual Fee: ?3,000
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: ?3,00,000 per annum
7. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
Annual Fee: ?2,500
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: ?3,00,000 per annum
8. Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card
Annual Fee: ?3,500
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: No fee waiver is available
9. Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
Annual Fee: ?999
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: ?1,00,000 per annum
10. IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card
Annual Fee: ?2,000
Spends for Renewal Fee Waiver: No fee waiver is available
Other Fees and Charges for Flight Booking Credit Cards
In addition to the annual fees, flight booking credit cards may have other fees and charges that cardholders should be aware of. Here are some common fees and charges to look out for:
How To Activate Flight Booking Credit Cards
Activation via Net Banking
1. Log In: Log in to your bank's net banking portal using your credentials.
2. Select Credit Card: Navigate to the credit card section.
3. Activate Card: Choose the option to activate your new credit card.
4. Enter Details: Enter your card details (card number, expiration date, CVV).
5. Confirm: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.
Activation via Mobile App
1. Download App: Download and install the bank's mobile app.
2. Log In: Log in to the app using your credentials.
3. Navigate to Cards: Go to the credit card section in the app.
4. Activate Card: Select the option to activate your new credit card.
5. Enter Details: Input your card details (card number, expiration date, CVV).
6. Confirm: Follow the prompts to finalize the activation.
Activation via the Activation Page
1. Visit Website: Go to the card issuer’s official activation page.
2. Enter Card Details: Input your card number, expiration date, and CVV.
3. Personal Information: Provide any additional required personal information.
4. Submit: Click the submit button to process the activation.
5. Confirmation: Follow any additional instructions provided to complete the process.
Flight Booking Credit Cards Login/Net Banking
1. Visit the Bank’s Website: Open your browser and go to the official website of your bank.
2. Navigate to Net Banking: Look for the Net Banking section on the homepage and click on it.
3. Enter Credentials: Input your User ID and Password in the designated fields.
4. OTP Verification: If prompted, enter the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number or email.
5. Dashboard Access: Once logged in, navigate to the credit card section to manage your flight booking credit card.
How To Compare Flight Booking Credit Cards & Choose The Best One
Choosing the best flight booking credit card involves a careful comparison of several key factors. Start by evaluating the rewards and benefits each card offers, such as the number of reward points earned per flight booking, bonus points, and additional perks like lounge access and travel insurance.?
Consider the annual fee and other charges to determine if the benefits outweigh the costs. Look at the spending requirements for fee waivers, ensuring they align with your typical expenditure.
Assess the flexibility of redeeming reward points, checking if they can be converted to air miles or used for other travel-related expenses. Customer service and cardholder reviews are also crucial; a card with good support can make your travel experience smoother.?
Lastly, consider any special promotions or welcome bonuses that can provide added value. By systematically comparing these aspects, you can identify the card that best suits your travel habits and financial needs, maximising your rewards and minimising your costs.
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Conclusion
Selecting the right flight booking credit card can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering valuable rewards, exclusive benefits, and substantial savings. By carefully considering factors such as rewards, fees, redemption flexibility, and customer service, you can find a card that aligns perfectly with your travel habits and financial goals.?
Whether you are a frequent flyer seeking maximum rewards or an occasional traveller looking for added perks, the right credit card can make all the difference in your journey. Use the tips and information provided to compare your options and choose the best flight booking credit card to suit your needs.
FAQs:
Q1: What are the key benefits of flight booking credit cards?
A1: Flight booking credit cards offer rewards points on travel expenses, complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, discounts on flight bookings, and other travel-related perks that can enhance your travel experience.
Q2: How can I earn reward points on my flight booking credit card?
A2: You can earn reward points by using your credit card for flight bookings, travel-related expenses, achieving spending milestones, shopping with partner merchants, and referring friends to apply for the card.
Q3: What documents are required to apply for a flight booking credit card?
A3: Typically, you need to provide proof of identity (PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, or driver's license), proof of address (utility bills, rental agreement, or bank statements), proof of income (salary slips, Form 16, or bank statements), and financial statements for self-employed individuals.
Q4: How do I activate my flight booking credit card?
A4: You can activate your flight booking credit card via net banking by logging into your bank's portal, via the bank's mobile app, or through the card issuer’s activation page by entering the required card details and following the prompts.