Best Travel Credit Cards in India (June 2026): Post-Devaluation Picks

Axis Atlas was previously the undisputed king of mid-tier travel cards, but a massive, unannounced devaluation on April 2, 2026, has severely limited its utility. It remains a strong card for specific airline transfers (like KrisFlyer), but it is no longer the universally perfect travel card it once was.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best travel credit cards in India right now, with a focus on updated fees, reward rates, lounge rules (including new spend-based conditions), and who each card truly suits.

Quick Comparison: At a Glance

As of June 2026; always re-check issuer terms before applying, as banks are cutting and tweaking benefits frequently.

Note: Exact fee, reward and lounge numbers change frequently in 2025–26. For every card below, cross-check the issuer’s current MITC/KFS at the time you apply.

1. Axis Atlas — Strong for Airline Miles, But Deeply Devalued

Axis Atlas is one of the best overall travel credit cards in India in 2026 if you fly multiple times a year and want strong airline transfer partners plus milestone benefits, without going into ultra-premium ₹50k-fee territory.

Key features (as of June 2026)

• Annual fee: ₹5,000+GST on the standard tier; higher on upper tiers – check Axis Bank’s current schedule and tiering.
• Welcome benefits: Joining Edge Miles/benefits are linked to fee and/or spends; verify the current joining offer on Axis’ site before applying.
• Rewards:
  • Edge Miles on spends, with higher earn on travel and partner spends, and lower on generic spends (exact slabs are updated; check Axis terms).
  • Miles can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners, giving flexibility for international redemptions.
• Lounge access:
  • Domestic and international lounge access is tied to card tier and, for many users, spend-based eligibility, in line with the industry shift to minimum annual spends.
  • Check Axis’ latest lounge program page for current visit caps and any spend conditions.
• Forex markup: Around 3.5%+GST on most Axis credit cards unless specifically “zero-forex”; confirm in the MITC.
• Eligibility: Axis generally requires a stable income and good CIBIL score; specific income cut-offs can change, so check Axis’ current eligibility criteria.

Pros

• Strong airline/hotel transfer ecosystem, making Edge Miles useful for both domestic and international trips.
• Milestone benefits can boost effective reward rate for high-spend users.
• A good balance between annual fee and premium travel value, especially if you use transfer partners well.
• Fits naturally into a 2–3 card strategy along with a domestic cashback card.

Cons

• Lounge access and some key benefits are tied to spend thresholds, which hurts low-spend users.
• Lost its best hotel tie-ups: The removal of Accor and Marriott destroys its value for luxury hotel hackers.
• Forex markup is not the lowest; not ideal as a primary card for pure overseas POS spends.
• Axis has a history of frequent devaluations and benefit tweaks, so Atlas owners need to track email/SMS updates.

Who should get Axis Atlas?

Get Atlas if:

• You fly at least 4–6 times a year, including international routes.
• You’re comfortable learning airline transfer sweet spots for maximum value.
• Your annual card spends are high enough to hit milestones and lounge spend thresholds.
• Get Atlas only if you fly frequently and your preferred frequent flyer program is still supported at a good ratio (like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer). If your primary goal was transferring points for luxury hotel stays at Accor or Marriott properties, this card is no longer for you.

If you’re mainly flying domestic on IndiGo and don’t care about airline partners, an IndiGo co-branded card (see below) can be more straightforward.

2. HSBC TravelOne — Best Value Pick for Flexible International Travel

HSBC TravelOne is one of the best value travel credit cards in 2026 for users with meaningful monthly spends who want global airline/hotel transfer partners but don’t want ultra-premium fees. Following Axis Bank's removal of Accor from its Travel Edge program in April 2026, HSBC TravelOne has become the only premium Indian credit card offering direct, instant Accor ALL transfers at a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, HSBC recently added four complimentary airport transfers (in select cities) per year in 2026, significantly boosting its real-world travel value against its ₹4,999+GST fee.

Key features (as of June 2026)

• Annual fee: ₹3,999+GST; check HSBC’s official schedule for any changes.
• Welcome benefits: Includes bonus points on joining and/or first-year spends; verify the current joining bonus on HSBC’s product page.
• Rewards:
  • Accelerated points on travel bookings, with a moderate earn rate on non-travel spends.
  • Points can be transferred to several international airlines and hotel chains, which is the main USP.
• Lounge access:
  • Complimentary domestic and select international lounge visits, usually capped per quarter/year and, for many users, linked to minimum spends, in line with the new industry rules.
  • Always check the latest HSBC lounge T&Cs, as banks in 2025–26 are moving most lounge access to spend-based eligibility.
• Forex markup: Standard foreign currency markup unless specified; check MITC for the exact percentage.
• Eligibility: HSBC typically requires higher income thresholds and/or relationship status (salary account, Premier, etc.) for premium cards like TravelOne.

Pros

• Excellent airline/hotel transfer flexibility, useful if you fly multiple carriers rather than sticking to one domestic airline.
• Annual fee is more accessible than ultra-premium cards while still providing meaningful travel value.
• Good fit for users who want one main international travel card instead of juggling multiple specialist cards.

Cons

• HSBC’s branch network and card servicing are more limited compared to big domestic banks like HDFC, SBI, Axis, ICICI.
• Reward rate on non-travel spends is nothing special; you should pair this with a strong domestic cashback or rewards card.
• Lounge rules are subject to change and can have lower caps than ultra-premium competitors.

Who should get HSBC TravelOne?

Consider TravelOne if:

• You travel abroad at least once a year and favour international airline/hotel brands.
• Your monthly spends are enough to justify the fee via rewards and benefits.
• You want a simpler, flexible points ecosystem without the extreme spends that Infinia/Diners Black demand.

If your spends are below ₹30k/month, you may get better overall value from fee-free or low-fee cards plus smart use of travel portals; see our beginner guide to credit cards.

3. HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition — Best for High-Spend Premium Travellers

HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition is one of the top premium travel cards in India 2026 for very high spenders who want excellent reward rates, premium lounge access and hotel partnerships, but can meet strict income/relationship criteria.

Key features (as of June 2026)

• Annual fee: ₹10,000+GST; HDFC typically offsets this with equivalent joining points, but check the current KFS.
• Welcome benefits: Joining reward points often equal to the fee (for example, 10,000 points), effectively offsetting the fee except GST; confirm the exact joining offer on HDFC’s latest product page.
• Rewards:
  • The reward structure can deliver around 3.3% value-back on many spends when redeemed via HDFC’s portal/partners, especially on travel via SmartBuy or equivalent.
  • Accelerated earn on specific categories and partner offers
• Lounge access:
  • International and domestic lounge access across the Diners network and partner lounges is a core USP; however, in line with broader industry trends, HDFC has introduced or tightened spend-based eligibility rules on lounge access in 2025–26.
  • For Regalia Gold and Diners Privilege, HDFC has already confirmed revised lounge rules effective July 2026; see our detailed analysis in HDFC Regalia Gold & Diners Lounge Rules Change July 2026. Diners Black owners should expect similar tightening over time and must check HDFC’s latest lounge T&Cs.
• Forex markup: Typically around 2%–3%+GST, which is better than many mid-range cards but not “zero-forex”.
• Eligibility: High income requirement or HDFC relationship; check the current official criteria, as these have been updated post-RBI’s tightening on unsecured lending.

Pros

• One of the highest real-world reward rates in India when optimised via SmartBuy and partners.
• Very strong global lounge coverage for both primary and add-on cardholders (subject to new spend-based rules).
• Great fit for those who spend heavily on travel, dining, premium hotels, and online shopping.

Cons

• Requires very high income and/or existing relationship to get approved.
• Not a zero-forex card; heavy foreign currency POS/ATM use may be better on a dedicated zero-forex product.

Who should get Diners Club Black Metal?

Choose this card if:

• Your annual spends are ₹10–12L+, and a big chunk is online/travel/dining.
• You want one primary rewards engine and are okay learning HDFC’s SmartBuy and partner ecosystem.

If you don’t meet the income bar, consider more accessible cards like Axis Atlas, SBI Cashback or ICICI Amazon Pay as part of a starter strategy, along with building your CIBIL (see CIBIL guide).

4. IndiGo Co‑Branded Cards — Best for IndiGo Loyalists & Domestic Flyers

If you mostly fly IndiGo on domestic routes, IndiGo co‑branded credit cards (often branded as Ka‑Ching, issued with multiple banks) can provide straightforward value through IndiGo-focused rewards and benefits.

Key features (as of June 2026)

Because IndiGo has multiple co-branded variants with different banks, the specifics vary; always check the exact card’s current terms.

• Annual fee: Usually in the ₹700–₹2,500+GST range depending on variant and issuer (Axis, HDFC, etc.); confirm on the specific issuer’s product page.
• Welcome benefits: Commonly include IndiGo 6E Rewards, flight ticket vouchers, or fare discounts. Check the welcome offer and its minimum spend/booking conditions.
• Rewards:
  • Accelerated 6E Rewards on IndiGo flight bookings, with lower earn on other categories.
  • Some variants give extra rewards on dining, groceries or fuel.
• Lounge access:
  • Select higher-fee variants provide complimentary domestic lounge visits, sometimes linked to minimum spends per quarter.
  • International lounge access is limited to a few variants, often via Priority Pass or network benefits, and is increasingly tied to spend thresholds.
• Forex markup: Usually standard (3%–3.5%+GST) unless explicitly a zero-forex design, so not ideal as a dedicated foreign spending card.
• Eligibility: Moderate income requirements; easier to get compared to ultra-premium travel cards.

Pros

• Simple, IndiGo-centric value: If all your flights are IndiGo, earning 6E Rewards is straightforward.
• Often lower annual fee than general premium travel cards.
• Good fit for frequent domestic travellers in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities where IndiGo dominates.

Cons

• Rewards are concentrated on a single airline, limiting flexibility if fares on other airlines are cheaper.
• Lounge access is more limited and typically domestic-only on mid-variants.
• Forex markup and limited international features make it weak as a global travel card.

Who should get IndiGo co‑branded cards?

Pick a Ka‑Ching/IndiGo co-branded card if:

• You fly IndiGo at least 3–4 times a year for work or family trips.
• You want easy value without worrying about airline transfers or complex reward programs.
• Your priority is cheaper IndiGo flights and occasional lounge visits, rather than premium hotel redemptions.

For a limited-time welcome promo perspective, keep an eye on IndiGo-linked offers; for example, see our coverage of IndiGo offering a limited-time 2X Welcome Bonus to understand how airlines structure these deals.

5. IDFC FIRST Travel-Focused Cards — Best for Zero-Fee/Low-Fee & Zero-Forex Use

IDFC FIRST Bank has been one of the more innovative issuers in 2026, with lifetime-free and low-fee cards focused on travel, zero-forex and lounge access. While exact card names and features have evolved (Wealth, Select, Myura, etc.), the pattern is consistent: good travel utility without big fees.

Key features (as of June 2026)

Since IDFC FIRST made significant changes to its credit card portfolio effective June 18, 2026, including travel-related benefits, use this as a framework and then check the specific card’s updated KFS.

• Annual fee: Many IDFC FIRST cards remain lifetime free or have low annual fees; for travel-focused variants, check the updated fee schedule effective after June 18, 2026.
• Welcome benefits: Typically include bonus reward points and partner vouchers on activation and initial spends.
• Rewards:
  • Elevated reward rates on online and travel spends, often with monthly caps.
  • Some variants support air miles / travel redemptions via partner portals.
• Lounge access:
  • Domestic airport lounge access on select cards, frequently linked to minimum monthly spends (for example, spend thresholds per month to unlock 1–2 lounge visits).
  • International lounge access may be via third-party programs with caps; again, these are being increasingly tied to spends.
• Forex markup: IDFC has experimented with low and zero-forex offerings (for example, Myura and similar products). Confirm the exact forex rate on your chosen travel card.
• Eligibility: Often more lenient than traditional big banks, which is attractive for young professionals with thin credit files.

Pros

• Great for fee-sensitive users who still want travel benefits and lounge access.
• Some variants deliver zero or reduced forex markup, making them strong for international POS spends.
• Good synergy if you already bank with IDFC FIRST (for limits, approvals, offers).

Cons

• Travel ecosystem and redemption portals can be less mature than those of HDFC/Axis.
• Benefits have been in flux; the June 18, 2026 overhaul changed reward rates and lounge structures, so you need to read the fine print.
• Not always the best for high-end airline/hotel transfer hacking; better seen as a practical travel utility card.

Who should get an IDFC FIRST travel card?

Choose an IDFC FIRST travel-focused card if:

• You want travel benefits with little or no annual fee.
• You value zero/low forex for overseas POS spends.
• Your monthly spends are moderated (say ₹20k–₹50k) and you prefer simplicity over optimising every last point.

For a detailed look at how IDFC FIRST has reshaped rewards and lounge access, see our deep-dive: IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card Changes From June 18, 2026.

Other Strong Travel Cards Worth Considering in 2026

Depending on your profile, you may also want to compare:

• HDFC Infinia Metal – Ultra-premium, very high income/spend requirement, but excellent reward rates and hotel/airline tie-ups.
• SBI Cashback – Not a travel card per se, but a strong flat cashback card that can be paired with a travel card to fund flight/hotel bookings via cash savings.
• ICICI Amazon Pay + Axis/HSBC Travel card combo – Use Amazon Pay ICICI for everyday spends and a travel card purely for flights/hotels if you like clear cashback plus occasional travel hacking.
• Zero-forex cards (RBL World Safari, Federal/Scapia, IDFC Myura) – Useful as secondary cards purely for international spends if your main travel card charges a high forex markup.

If you’re just starting with credit cards, read Guide to Getting Started with Credit Cards in India 2026 before jumping into premium travel cards. It’s better to build your CIBIL and spending discipline first.

How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card for You

The best travel card depends on how much you spend, where you spend, and how you travel. Here’s a simple framework.

1. Map your monthly spends and travel frequency

• If your total credit card spends <₹30k/month and you fly 1–2 times a year:
  • Use a no-fee or low-fee card with occasional travel benefits (IDFC FIRST, zero-forex cards) plus a strong cashback card.
• If you spend ₹30k–₹1L/month and fly 3–6 times a year:
  • Consider Axis Atlas or HSBC TravelOne as primary travel cards.
• If you spend ₹1L+/month and fly frequently (including business class/international):
  • Look at HDFC Diners Black Metal or Infinia Metal subject to eligibility.

2. Decide between airline-specific vs flexible points

• Airline-specific (IndiGo co‑branded, Air India SBI Signature, etc.)
  • Best if you consistently fly one airline.
  • Simpler, but less flexible when other airlines are cheaper.
• Bank points with transfer partners (Axis Atlas, HSBC TravelOne, HDFC Diners Black)
  • Better for international and multi-airline use.
  • Requires some learning but gives higher upside.

3. Factor in lounge access rules (2025–26 reality)

As covered in our article on ICICI Bank’s ₹75,000 Lounge Access Rule, issuers increasingly require minimum spends to unlock lounge access.

• Always check:
  • Is lounge access free or chargeable after some visits?
  • Is it linked to a monthly/quarterly spend?
  • Does it cover international lounges or only domestic?

If you rarely meet those spend thresholds, don’t buy a card just for lounge access. You’re better off paying per visit occasionally.

4. Watch for devaluations and benefit changes

Indian banks have been cutting rewards and perks in 2025–26.

• Before applying, read:
  • Latest MITC and KFS on the issuer’s site.
  • Recent news about that particular card (devaluations, lounge rule changes).
• Periodically review your cards once or twice a year to ensure they still match your usage; see How CreditGully Rates Credit Cards in India for the criteria we track.

5. Check your eligibility and CIBIL

Premium travel cards generally require:

• Good CIBIL score (typically 750+) and consistent repayment behaviour; see Credit Utilisation Explained for how utilisation impacts this.
• Minimum monthly income thresholds varying by card, such as:
  • Around ₹1L+/month for many premium cards like Diners Black/Infinia.
  • ₹50k–₹75k/month for mid-tier travel cards like Atlas/TravelOne (varies by bank and city).

If your profile doesn’t fit yet, start with fee-free cards, build history, then upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

If you want a simple decision:

• Best overall travel card for most frequent flyers: Axis Atlas (strong airline partners and milestones, good if you fly multiple times a year).
• Best value flexible travel card: HSBC TravelOne (great for international transfers at a mid-range fee).
• Best premium travel card for very high spenders: HDFC Diners Club Black Metal (excellent earn rate and lounges if you qualify).
• Best for IndiGo loyalists: IndiGo/Ka‑Ching co‑branded cards (straightforward IndiGo value).
• Best for fee-sensitive/zero-forex users: IDFC FIRST travel-focused cards and dedicated zero-forex products like Scapia/RBL World Safari.

Pick one strong travel card + one everyday rewards/cashback card, keep an eye on devaluations, and align your cards with how you actually travel—not the marketing brochure.