Which credit card is best for earning air miles in India?

Cards co-branded with airlines or those with strong transfer partners give the best air mile value. Look for high earn rates on flight bookings, airline transfer partners (Air India, Singapore Airlines, British Airways), and a low transfer ratio.

Can I transfer Indian credit card points to IndiGo or Air India miles?

Air India Flying Returns is the most widely supported transfer partner for Indian credit cards. IndiGo's 6E Rewards program has limited card transfer support. Axis Bank, HDFC, and Amex cards offer the broadest airline transfer partner networks in India.

How many miles do I need for a free flight using credit card rewards?

Short-haul economy redemptions typically start at 5,000–15,000 miles depending on the airline and route. Always check the specific airline's award chart and factor in fuel surcharges, which can significantly add to the overall cost.

Are co-branded airline credit cards worth it in India?

Co-branded airline cards deliver the best value if you regularly fly that specific airline — they offer accelerated miles on that carrier's tickets, complimentary upgrades, and priority boarding. For multi-airline travellers, a general travel card with broad airline transfer partners is usually more flexible.

Can I use miles earned in India to book international flights?

Yes, airline miles earned on Indian credit cards can typically be redeemed on international flights — both on the partner airline and its alliance partners. Business and first class international redemptions often give the best cents-per-mile value.

AVIATION CREDIT CARDS

Best Aviation & Airline Credit Cards of June 2026

By CreditGully Editors · Updated June 1, 2026

Earn frequent flyer miles and unlock aviation perks with India's best airline credit cards. Transfer points to Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and international airline partners for outsized redemptions.

Rankings are based on our editorial criteria. Card details are subject to change — verify current terms with the issuing bank.

Credit cardBest forWelcome bonusEffective yieldAnnual fee

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Axis Bank Atlas

Axis Bank

Flexible airline rewards

Bonus: 2,500 EDGE Miles

Fee: ₹5,000Yield: 2%–10%

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Axis Bank Atlas

Axis Bank

Flexible airline rewards

2,500 EDGE Miles

2% – 10%

₹5,000

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Invite Only

Infinia Metal Edition

HDFC Bank

Ultimate travel rewards

Bonus: 12,500 Reward Points

Fee: ₹12,500Yield: 3.33%–33.33%

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Invite Only

Infinia Metal Edition

HDFC Bank

Ultimate travel rewards

12,500 Reward Points

3.33% – 33.33%

₹12,500

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Magnus

Axis Bank

3.5

Ultra-high spenders and premium travel transfers

Bonus: ₹5,000 Luxe/PostCard/Yatra voucher

Fee: ₹12,500Yield: 1.2%–12%

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Magnus

Axis Bank

3.5

Ultra-high spenders and premium travel transfers

₹5,000 Luxe/PostCard/Yatra voucher

1.2% – 12%

₹12,500

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Magnus for Burgundy

Axis Bank

Ultra-high spenders and premium travel transfers

Bonus: ₹5,000 Luxe/PostCard/Yatra voucher

Fee: ₹30,000Yield: 2.4%–24%

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Magnus for Burgundy

Axis Bank

Ultra-high spenders and premium travel transfers

₹5,000 Luxe/PostCard/Yatra voucher

2.4% – 24%

₹30,000

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Platinum Travel

American Express

High-value milestone rewards

Bonus: 10,000 Membership Rewards points

Fee: ₹5,000Yield: 0.8%–4%

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Platinum Travel

American Express

High-value milestone rewards

10,000 Membership Rewards points

0.8% – 4%

₹5,000

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Diners Club Black Metal Edition

HDFC Bank

Premium lifestyle and travel

Bonus: Club Marriott, Swiggy One, Amazon Prime

Fee: ₹10,000Yield: 3.33%–33.33%

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Diners Club Black Metal Edition

HDFC Bank

Premium lifestyle and travel

Club Marriott, Swiggy One, Amazon Prime

3.33% – 33.33%

₹10,000

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Regalia Gold

HDFC Bank

Travel and lifestyle

Bonus: Swiggy One, MMT Black Gold

Fee: ₹2,500Yield: 1.33%–17.33%

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Regalia Gold

HDFC Bank

Travel and lifestyle

Swiggy One, MMT Black Gold

1.33% – 17.33%

₹2,500

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Air India Signature

State Bank of India

3.5

High-volume Air India travel and domestic miles

Bonus: 20,000 reward points + complimentary Maharaja Club membership

Fee: ₹4,999Yield: 4%–10%

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Air India Signature

State Bank of India

3.5

High-volume Air India travel and domestic miles

20,000 reward points + complimentary Maharaja Club membership

4% – 10%

₹4,999

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Vistara Infinite

Axis Bank

High-velocity Air India/Vistara business class travel

Bonus: 1 complimentary Business Class Voucher

Fee: ₹10,000Yield: 3%–12.5%

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Vistara Infinite

Axis Bank

High-velocity Air India/Vistara business class travel

1 complimentary Business Class Voucher

3% – 12.5%

₹10,000

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Miles Elite

State Bank of India

Travel and lounge milestones

Bonus: 5,000 Travel Credits

Fee: ₹4,999Yield: 1%–3%

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Miles Elite

State Bank of India

Travel and lounge milestones

5,000 Travel Credits

1% – 3%

₹4,999

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TravelOne

HSBC

3.5

Flexible travel rewards

Bonus: ₹1,000 cashback + ₹3,000 PostCard voucher + 3 months EazyDiner Prime + 3000 RP

Fee: ₹4,999Yield: 2%–4.8%

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TravelOne

HSBC

3.5

Flexible travel rewards

₹1,000 cashback + ₹3,000 PostCard voucher + 3 months EazyDiner Prime + 3000 RP

2% – 4.8%

₹4,999

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Horizon

Axis Bank

3.5

Travel and high lounge access

Bonus: 5,000 EDGE Miles

Fee: ₹3,000Yield: 2%–5%

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Horizon

Axis Bank

3.5

Travel and high lounge access

5,000 EDGE Miles

2% – 5%

₹3,000

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Reserve

Axis Bank

3.5

Luxury travel and lifestyle

Bonus: 15,000 Reward Points

Fee: ₹50,000Yield: 1.2%–4.8%

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Reserve

Axis Bank

3.5

Luxury travel and lifestyle

15,000 Reward Points

1.2% – 4.8%

₹50,000

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Wealth

IDFC FIRST Bank

Lifetime-free premium rewards

Fee: NilYield: 0.375%–9.5%

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Wealth

IDFC FIRST Bank

Lifetime-free premium rewards

0.375% – 9.5%

Nil

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Air+

Kotak Mahindra Bank

Simple travel redemptions

Bonus: 2,500 Air Miles

Fee: ₹3,000Yield: 2%–5%

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Air+

Kotak Mahindra Bank

Simple travel redemptions

2,500 Air Miles

2% – 5%

₹3,000

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Platinum (Charge)

American Express

Luxury travel and hotel status

Bonus: Welcome gift worth up to ₹60,000

Fee: ₹66,000Yield: 2.5%–50%

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Platinum (Charge)

American Express

Luxury travel and hotel status

Welcome gift worth up to ₹60,000

2.5% – 50%

₹66,000

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Adani One Signature

ICICI Bank

3.5

Adani airport ecosystem privileges

Bonus: ₹5,000 flight ticket voucher + ₹2,000 hotel voucher

Fee: ₹5,000Yield: 1.5%–7%

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Adani One Signature

ICICI Bank

3.5

Adani airport ecosystem privileges

₹5,000 flight ticket voucher + ₹2,000 hotel voucher

1.5% – 7%

₹5,000

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the CreditGully editorial team's alone and have not been reviewed or approved by any card issuer. Compensation may impact which cards appear and how, but does not affect our editorial integrity or ratings.

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