TL;DR
India has dozens of travel credit cards, but only a handful truly maximise value on flight bookings. In this guide we break down 9 of the best cards for 2026 — covering annual fees, reward rates, lounge access, forex markup, and travel insurance. Whether you fly once a quarter or every week, there is a card here that can save you thousands on every trip booked through happyfares.in.
Why the Right Credit Card Matters When Booking Flights
Booking a flight is already one of the biggest single transactions most Indians make in a month. When you pay with the right credit card, that same transaction can earn you reward points worth thousands of rupees, unlock complimentary airport lounge access before your flight, cover you with free travel insurance, and slash foreign-exchange charges on international tickets.
The catch? Not all credit cards are created equal. Some cards charge an annual fee of Rs 12,500 but return more than Rs 50,000 in benefits. Others are lifetime free but still deliver meaningful lounge access and rewards. The trick is matching the card to your travel frequency and spending pattern.
In this guide, we have evaluated 9 of India’s most popular travel-friendly credit cards across six parameters that matter most to Indian flyers: annual fee, reward rate on flights, lounge access (domestic and international), travel insurance, forex markup, and milestone benefits. Whether you are booking a Rs 3,000 domestic hop or a Rs 1,50,000 international round-trip on happyfares.in, this guide will help you pick the card that gives you the most value.
Key Takeaway
A credit card with even a 2% effective reward rate on a Rs 50,000 flight ticket saves you Rs 1,000 per booking. Over 10 flights a year, that is Rs 10,000 back in your pocket — before counting lounge access, insurance, and milestone bonuses.
Quick Comparison: 9 Best Credit Cards for Flight Booking in India 2026
Before diving into individual card reviews, here is a side-by-side comparison of the key features that matter most for flight bookings.
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Reward Rate | Domestic Lounges | International Lounges | Forex Markup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Infinia | Rs 12,500 | 3.3% (up to 33% via SmartBuy) | Unlimited | Unlimited (Priority Pass) | 2% |
| Amex Platinum Travel | Rs 5,000 + tax | ~1% (+ milestone bonuses) | 8/year (2 per quarter) | Priority Pass membership | 3.5% |
| SBI Card ELITE | Rs 4,999 | 0.5% – 2.5% | 8/year (2 per quarter) | 6/year | 1.99% |
| ICICI Sapphiro | Rs 6,500 (joining) / Rs 3,500 (renewal) | ~1% domestic / ~2% intl | 4 per quarter (on Rs 5K spend) | 2/year (Priority Pass) | 3.5% |
| Axis Magnus | Rs 12,500 | ~1.8% – 5.25% | Unlimited | Unlimited (Priority Pass) | 2% |
| IDFC First Select | Lifetime FREE | 0.75% – 2.5% | 2 per quarter | None | ~3.5% |
| AU Zenith | Rs 7,999 + tax | 0.75% – 1.25% | 4 per quarter | 2 per quarter (Priority Pass) | 1.99% |
| RBL World Safari | Rs 3,000 + GST | ~1% domestic / 2.5% travel | 2/year | 2/year (Priority Pass) | 0% (ZERO) |
| Kotak Privy League Signature | Rs 2,500 (paid) / Free variant | ~0.4% – 1% | 2 per quarter | 4/year (Priority Pass, paid variant) | 3.5% |
Detailed Card Reviews: Features That Matter for Flyers
1. HDFC Infinia Credit Card — The Premium Powerhouse
The HDFC Infinia is widely regarded as one of India’s most rewarding credit cards, and for good reason. It is an invite-only card aimed at high-net-worth individuals with significant spending power.
- Annual Fee: Rs 12,500 (waived on Rs 10 lakh annual spend)
- Reward Rate: 5 Reward Points per Rs 150 spent on retail transactions, translating to approximately 3.3% return. On the HDFC SmartBuy portal, this can go up to 10X, giving an effective 33% return on travel bookings
- Lounge Access: Unlimited complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access for primary and add-on cardholders via Priority Pass (1,000+ lounges globally)
- Forex Markup: 2% on international transactions. The Global Value Program adds a 1% cashback, effectively reducing this further
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive air accident cover
- Milestone Benefits: 12,500 welcome reward points on card activation; Club Marriott membership; unlimited golf rounds
- Fee Waiver: Annual fee waived if total spend exceeds Rs 10 lakh in the previous year
Best for: High spenders who fly frequently — both domestically and internationally. If you consistently spend above Rs 10 lakh per year, the Infinia essentially becomes a free card with unmatched rewards. Book your next flight on happyfares.in with this card to earn points on every transaction.
2. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card — Milestone Machine
The Amex Platinum Travel card is popular among mid-range travellers for its strong milestone benefits and brand value. While its base reward rate is modest, the real value lies in hitting spending milestones.
- Annual Fee: Rs 5,000 + applicable taxes
- Reward Rate: 1 Membership Rewards (MR) point per Rs 50 spent (~1%). Not applicable on fuel, utilities, insurance, or EMI transactions
- Lounge Access: 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year (maximum 2 per quarter); Priority Pass membership with annual fee waived
- Forex Markup: 3.5% on foreign currency transactions
- Travel Insurance: Included with the card
- Milestone Benefits: Spend Rs 1.9 lakh in a year and earn 7,500 bonus MR points. Spend Rs 4 lakh and earn 10,000 bonus points. Spend Rs 7 lakh and earn 22,500 points plus a Rs 10,000 Taj voucher
- Welcome Gift: 10,000 MR points on spending Rs 15,000 within 90 days
Best for: Travellers who can hit the Rs 4-7 lakh annual spend milestone and value hotel rewards alongside flight savings. The Taj voucher at the Rs 7 lakh milestone is a compelling perk for weekend getaways.
3. SBI Card ELITE — Balanced All-Rounder
SBI Card ELITE strikes a good balance between annual fee, rewards, and lounge access. It is one of the most popular premium cards among Indian travellers who want decent benefits without a very high fee.
- Annual Fee: Rs 4,999 (waived on Rs 10 lakh annual spend)
- Reward Rate: 10 Reward Points per Rs 100 on dining, grocery, and departmental stores (~2.5%). 2 Reward Points per Rs 100 on other spends (~0.5%)
- Lounge Access: 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter (8/year); 6 complimentary international airport lounge visits per year
- Forex Markup: 1.99% — one of the lowest in this price segment
- Travel Insurance: Available on the card
- Welcome Benefit: Vouchers worth Rs 5,000 from partner brands
- Entertainment: 2 free movie tickets worth Rs 250 each per month via BookMyShow
Best for: Frequent domestic flyers who also spend significantly on dining and groceries. The 1.99% forex markup is attractive for occasional international trips. A solid mid-tier card to pair with your HappyFares bookings.
4. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card — Lifestyle + Travel
ICICI Sapphiro combines lifestyle perks (golf, movies, dining) with meaningful travel benefits, making it attractive for professionals who enjoy both.
- Annual Fee: Rs 6,500 joining fee; Rs 3,500 renewal (waived on Rs 6 lakh annual spend)
- Reward Rate: 2 points per Rs 100 on domestic retail spends; 4 points per Rs 100 on international spends. Milestone: 4,000 points on Rs 4 lakh spend, plus 2,000 points for each additional Rs 1 lakh (up to 20,000 points per anniversary year)
- Lounge Access: 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter (subject to Rs 5,000 quarterly spend); 2 international lounge visits per year; Priority Pass membership for cards issued after November 2024
- Forex Markup: 3.5%
- Travel Insurance: Air accident insurance included
- Additional Perks: Up to 4 complimentary golf rounds per month; buy-one-get-one on BookMyShow (up to Rs 500 off, twice a month); concierge services
Best for: Professionals who want lifestyle benefits (golf, movies) alongside decent travel rewards. The 4X international spending rewards rate makes it handy for overseas bookings.
5. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card — Unlimited Lounges, Strong Rewards
The Axis Magnus is a premium card that competes directly with HDFC Infinia. Its unlimited lounge access and tiered reward structure make it a favourite among frequent flyers who value simplicity.
- Annual Fee: Rs 12,500 (waived on Rs 25 lakh annual spend)
- Reward Rate: 12 EDGE Reward Points per Rs 200 for monthly spends up to Rs 1.5 lakh; 35 EDGE Points per Rs 200 for spends above Rs 1.5 lakh. On the Travel Edge portal, earn 60 points per Rs 200 (up to Rs 2 lakh)
- Lounge Access: Unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access for primary and add-on cardholders via Priority Pass, subject to Rs 50,000 spend in the previous three months; 4 guest visits per year
- Forex Markup: 2%
- Travel Insurance: Credit Shield cover of Rs 5 lakh; purchase protection of Rs 2 lakh
- Dining: 15% discount (up to Rs 1,000) at 4,000+ restaurants via EazyDiner through Axis Bank Dining Delights
- Concierge: 24×7 concierge for flight bookings, dining, and gifts
Best for: Heavy spenders (Rs 1.5 lakh+ monthly) who travel frequently. The tiered reward rate is highly rewarding for high-volume spenders. Use the card to book on happyfares.in and stack rewards on every flight.
6. IDFC First Select Credit Card — Best Lifetime-Free Option
The IDFC First Select is the standout card in the lifetime-free segment. It proves that you do not need to pay a hefty annual fee to get lounge access and meaningful rewards.
- Annual Fee: Lifetime FREE — no joining, membership, or annual fee ever
- Reward Rate: 3X never-expiring reward points on spends up to Rs 20,000 per statement cycle; 10X points on spends above Rs 20,000 and on birthday spends
- Lounge Access: 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter (requires Rs 20,000 spend in the current month to activate for the next month); 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter. No international lounge access
- Forex Markup: ~3.5%
- Travel Insurance: Not a standout feature on this card
- Never-Expiring Points: Unlike most cards, reward points on IDFC First Select never expire, giving you flexibility to accumulate and redeem when ready
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers and first-time credit card users who want lounge access without paying an annual fee. Ideal for domestic flyers booking on happyfares.in who do not need international lounge access.
Key Takeaway
You do not need to pay Rs 12,500 in annual fees to get lounge access. The IDFC First Select (lifetime free) and Kotak Privy League Signature (free variant) both offer complimentary domestic lounge visits. Start with a free card, and upgrade once your travel frequency justifies a premium card’s annual fee.
7. AU Small Finance Bank Zenith Credit Card — Emerging Contender
The AU Zenith card has gained traction for its competitive lounge access and low forex markup, positioning itself as a strong contender in the mid-premium segment.
- Annual Fee: Rs 7,999 + tax (waived if you spend Rs 1.25 lakh within 90 days of setup; renewed free on Rs 5 lakh annual spend)
- Reward Rate: Up to 1.25% value-back on dining, grocery, and international categories; 0.75% on other eligible spends
- Lounge Access: 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter; 2 international lounge visits per quarter via Priority Pass; 2 railway lounge visits per quarter
- Forex Markup: 1.99% — among the lowest for mid-tier cards
- Concierge: 24×7 concierge service available
Best for: Travellers who want strong lounge access (4 domestic + 2 international per quarter) at a mid-range annual fee, especially those who can waive the fee through regular spending.
8. RBL World Safari Credit Card — Zero Forex Champion
If you book international flights regularly, the RBL World Safari card deserves a place in your wallet for one simple reason: 0% forex markup. No other card on this list matches this benefit.
- Annual Fee: Rs 3,000 + GST
- Reward Rate: 2 Reward Points per Rs 100 on domestic retail; 5 Reward Points per Rs 100 on travel spends (2.5X)
- Lounge Access: 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year; 2 complimentary international lounge visits per year via Priority Pass (1,400+ lounges). Additional visits possible on Rs 50,000 quarterly spend
- Forex Markup: 0% — absolutely zero markup on foreign currency transactions. This alone can save 2-3.5% on every international flight ticket compared to other cards
- Travel Insurance: Complimentary coverage for lost baggage, delayed flights, and passport loss
- Milestone Benefits: 10,000 bonus points on Rs 2.5 lakh spend; 15,000 bonus points on Rs 5 lakh spend; Rs 10,000 voucher on Rs 7.5 lakh spend
Best for: International flyers who want to eliminate forex charges entirely. On a Rs 1 lakh international ticket, saving 2-3.5% in forex markup means Rs 2,000-3,500 saved per trip. Book through happyfares.in for the best fares combined with zero forex costs.
9. Kotak Privy League Signature Credit Card — Budget Premium
The Kotak Privy League Signature comes in two variants — a free version and a paid version (Rs 2,500). Both offer basic lounge access and moderate rewards, making it accessible for travellers who want a branded premium card experience.
- Annual Fee: Rs 2,500 for the paid variant; free variant available (fee waived on Rs 10 lakh spend)
- Reward Rate: 5 points per Rs 100 on special categories; 2 points per Rs 100 on other retail spends. Point value is 20 paise each, translating to roughly 0.4%-1% return
- Lounge Access: 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter; 4 international lounge visits per year (paid variant) via Priority Pass
- Forex Markup: 3.5%
- Redemption: Points redeemable for movie tickets, air tickets, air miles, and shopping vouchers
Best for: Kotak Mahindra Bank account holders who want a low-cost or free card with basic lounge access. While the reward rate is not the highest, the free variant offers decent value for occasional travellers.
Forex Markup Comparison: How Much You Actually Save on International Flights
Forex markup is one of the most overlooked costs when booking international flights with a credit card. On a Rs 1 lakh ticket, the difference between 0% and 3.5% markup is Rs 3,500 — enough to cover a meal at the airport or even a basic hotel night. Here is how each card stacks up:
How to Maximise Credit Card Rewards When Booking on HappyFares
Having the right card is only half the equation. Here is how to squeeze every last rupee of value when booking flights through happyfares.in:
1. Always Pay the Full Amount (Avoid EMI at Checkout)
Most credit cards do not award reward points on EMI transactions at the point of sale. If you want those 3-5X points, pay the full ticket price upfront. If you need EMI, book at full price first, then convert to EMI later through your bank’s app — you will usually retain the points earned on the original transaction.
2. Use the Card That Matches the Ticket Type
For domestic flights, use a card with high base reward points (HDFC Infinia, Axis Magnus). For international flights, prioritise low forex markup (RBL World Safari at 0%, or SBI ELITE/AU Zenith at 1.99%). Keep two cards in your wallet — one optimised for domestic, one for international.
3. Hit Milestone Spends Strategically
Cards like Amex Platinum Travel and RBL World Safari offer massive bonus points at spending milestones (Rs 1.9 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, Rs 7.5 lakh). Plan your larger flight bookings around these milestones. A family trip booked on happyfares.in might push you past the milestone threshold and unlock thousands of bonus points.
4. Stack Lounge Access Before Your Flight
Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours early and use your complimentary lounge access. A lounge visit typically costs Rs 1,500-2,500 if paid out of pocket. With cards like HDFC Infinia and Axis Magnus offering unlimited access, every lounge visit is a real saving. Check out our detailed guide on airport lounge access in India for more tips.
5. Combine Reward Points with HappyFares Deals
HappyFares regularly offers discounted fares, cashback deals, and promotional pricing on domestic and international routes. When you book a discounted fare with a high-reward credit card, you are effectively double-dipping — saving on the ticket price and earning rewards simultaneously. Visit happyfares.in to check the latest deals.
6. Track Your Reward Points and Redeem Wisely
Most cards allow you to redeem points for airline miles, hotel stays, or cashback. The value per point varies significantly by redemption method. Generally, transferring points to airline loyalty programs (like Air India’s Flying Returns or Vistara’s Club Vistara) offers better value than cashback. Cards with never-expiring points, like IDFC First Select, give you the flexibility to wait for the right redemption opportunity.
Which Card Should You Pick? A Simple Decision Framework
With nine cards to choose from, here is a quick framework to narrow down your best option:
- High spender (Rs 10 lakh+ per year), fly frequently: HDFC Infinia or Axis Magnus — unlimited lounges, top-tier rewards, low forex
- Moderate spender (Rs 4-10 lakh per year), mix of domestic and international: SBI Card ELITE or Amex Platinum Travel — balanced benefits, reasonable fee
- International flyer priority: RBL World Safari — 0% forex markup saves thousands per trip
- First credit card or budget-conscious: IDFC First Select — lifetime free, still offers lounge access and rewards
- Lifestyle + travel combo: ICICI Sapphiro — golf, movies, dining alongside decent travel rewards
- Kotak bank customer: Kotak Privy League Signature — easy to get, basic lounge access, low annual fee
Important Things to Check Before Applying
Before you apply for any travel credit card, keep these pointers in mind:
- Check your credit score: Most premium cards require a CIBIL score of 750+. You can check your score for free through the CIBIL website
- Read the terms for lounge access: Many cards require a minimum quarterly or monthly spend to activate lounge benefits. Do not assume access is automatic
- Understand reward point expiry: Some cards (HDFC, SBI) expire points after 2-3 years. Others like IDFC First Select offer never-expiring points
- Factor in GST: Annual fees attract 18% GST. A Rs 12,500 fee becomes Rs 14,750 after GST. Check if the fee waiver is on the pre-GST or post-GST amount
- Review the RBI guidelines on credit card charges: The Reserve Bank of India mandates certain disclosures and consumer protections that all issuers must follow
EMI Options: Can You Book Flights on EMI with These Cards?
Yes, most of these cards support EMI conversion on flight bookings. However, there are two approaches:
- EMI at checkout: Some OTAs offer no-cost or low-cost EMI at the time of payment. However, you typically do not earn reward points on EMI transactions
- Post-purchase EMI: Book the flight at full price (earn full reward points), then convert the transaction to EMI through your bank’s mobile app or net banking. This way, you retain the reward points. Interest may apply depending on the bank and tenure
If you are looking for more EMI options for flight bookings, check out our guide on Fly Now Pay Later and BNPL options for flights in India.
Tax Benefits: Can You Claim GST on Flight Tickets?
If you are a business traveller or a GST-registered entity, you may be eligible to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the GST component of your flight tickets. The GST rate on domestic economy class flights is 5%, while business class attracts 12% GST. For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on GST on flight tickets in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best credit card for flight bookings in India in 2026?
It depends on your spending pattern and travel frequency. HDFC Infinia offers the highest reward rate with unlimited lounge access, while IDFC First Select is an excellent lifetime-free option. For international travellers, the RBL World Safari card stands out with 0% forex markup.
Do credit card reward points work when booking flights on HappyFares?
Yes, you earn regular credit card reward points on all flight bookings made through happyfares.in. Some cards categorise OTA spends under travel or retail, so you earn standard reward points on every transaction.
Which credit card has 0% forex markup for international flights?
The RBL World Safari Credit Card offers 0% forex markup on all international transactions, making it the top choice for booking international flights without additional currency conversion charges.
Can I get airport lounge access with a free credit card?
Yes, the IDFC First Select Credit Card is a lifetime-free card that offers 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter and 2 railway lounge visits per quarter, subject to a minimum monthly spend of Rs 20,000.
How many free airport lounge visits does HDFC Infinia offer?
HDFC Infinia offers unlimited complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access for both primary and add-on cardholders through Priority Pass, covering 1,000+ lounges worldwide.
Is the Axis Magnus credit card worth its annual fee?
If you spend regularly on travel and dining, the Axis Magnus can deliver strong value. It offers unlimited domestic and international lounge access, up to 35 EDGE reward points per Rs 200 on high spends, and concierge services. The Rs 12,500 annual fee is waived if you spend Rs 25 lakh in a year.
What is the best credit card for international flight bookings from India?
For international flights, consider the RBL World Safari (0% forex markup), HDFC Infinia (2% markup with unlimited international lounge access), or Axis Magnus (2% markup with unlimited Priority Pass access). Your best pick depends on how often you travel and your annual spending.
Do I earn reward points on EMI flight bookings?
Most credit cards do not award reward points on EMI conversions at the point of sale. However, if you book a flight at full price and later convert it to EMI through your bank’s app, you typically retain the reward points earned on the original transaction. Check your card’s terms for specifics.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The credit card features, fees, reward rates, and benefits mentioned are based on publicly available information from issuer websites as of March 2026 and may change without notice. We do not recommend any specific credit card or bank. Please read the terms and conditions, most important terms and conditions (MITC), and the key fact statement of any credit card before applying. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalised advice. HappyFares is a travel booking platform and does not issue or endorse any credit cards.
