Domestic travel in India has grown rapidly over the last few years. With more airports, increasing connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and affordable flight options, traveling within India has become easier and more convenient. However, a seamless travel experience isn’t just about booking flights—it’s also about comfort, savings, and rewards. This is where credit cards for domestic travel come into play.
A good travel credit card can offer airport lounge access, reward points, travel insurance, cashback on flights and hotels, and other perks that enhance your domestic travel experience. In 2025, several Indian credit cards provide a combination of these benefits, making them ideal for frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike.
This article explores the best credit cards for domestic travel in India, their features, benefits, and tips on how to use them effectively.
Why You Should Have a Travel Credit Card for Domestic Flights
Many travelers overlook the benefits of a credit card when booking domestic flights. Beyond convenience, the right card can provide:
- Airport Lounge Access
Domestic airport lounges offer a quiet, comfortable space to relax before your flight. With amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, newspapers, and sometimes even showers, lounges transform the pre-flight experience. Certain premium and mid-tier credit cards provide complimentary lounge access at metro and Tier-2 airports.
- Reward Points and Cashback
Credit cards reward your spending on flights, hotels, and even daily purchases with points or cashback. These points can often be redeemed for free or discounted flights, hotel stays, or shopping vouchers, making your travel more economical.
- Travel Insurance
Travel insurance provided with credit cards may include coverage for trip delays, lost baggage, flight cancellations, or medical emergencies. This is particularly useful for domestic travelers who frequently fly within the country.
- Exclusive Offers
Many banks offer additional discounts on domestic flight bookings, hotel stays, or cab services when payments are made using certain credit cards. These offers can add up to significant savings over time.
- Flexibility and Safety
Paying with a credit card reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash, provides transaction safety, and offers the ability to spread payments over time with EMI options for expensive trips.
Top Credit Cards for Domestic Travel in India (2025)
Below is a detailed look at some of the best credit cards for domestic travelers in India, including their features, eligibility, and benefits.
1. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
Overview:
HDFC Regalia is one of the most popular premium credit cards in India. It is ideal for frequent domestic travelers due to its comprehensive lounge access and reward points program.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent, with bonus points for flight and hotel bookings
- Airport Lounge Access: 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year
- International Lounge Access: Available via Priority Pass for eligible users
- Travel Insurance: Covers accidental death, flight delay, and lost baggage
- Other Benefits: Concierge services, dining discounts, and global acceptance
Pros:
- Excellent lounge coverage including metro and Tier-2 airports
- Robust reward program for domestic flights
- Travel insurance included for added protection
Cons:
- Higher annual fee compared to mid-tier cards
- Some lounges may require advance reservation
Best For: Frequent domestic flyers who want premium perks and comfort during travel
2. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Overview:
Axis Magnus is a premium travel credit card with multiple domestic and international travel perks. It is especially suited for frequent flyers who also want lifestyle benefits.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 10 reward points for every ₹200 spent on flights and hotels
- Airport Lounge Access: 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits
- International Lounge Access: Unlimited via Priority Pass
- Travel Insurance: Coverage includes medical emergencies, flight delay, and lost baggage
- Other Benefits: Golf privileges, dining discounts, and personal concierge service
Pros:
- Extensive lounge access in India
- High reward points on travel bookings
- Concierge and lifestyle benefits
Cons:
- High joining and annual fees
- Rewards system may be complex for casual users
Best For: Travelers seeking a premium card with extensive domestic and international benefits
3. ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
Overview:
ICICI Sapphiro is a travel-focused credit card offering rewards on travel spending and airport lounge access. It is ideal for mid-tier travelers who want a mix of perks without very high fees.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 5 points per ₹150 spent, higher on travel and dining
- Airport Lounge Access: Up to 8 domestic lounge visits annually
- Travel Insurance: Covers flight delay, loss of baggage, and medical emergencies
- Other Benefits: Dining discounts, hotel offers, and shopping deals
Pros:
- Moderate annual fee for a travel card
- Good rewards on domestic flights and hotel bookings
- Travel insurance included
Cons:
- Lounge access limited compared to premium cards
- Fewer additional lifestyle perks
Best For: Mid-range frequent travelers who want lounge access and good rewards
4. SBI Card Elite
Overview:
SBI Card Elite is a premium card targeted at frequent travelers. It offers complimentary lounge visits and multiple travel-related benefits.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 2 points per ₹100 spent; bonus points for travel bookings
- Airport Lounge Access: Multiple domestic lounge visits per year
- Travel Insurance: Coverage for flight delays, lost baggage, and emergencies
- Other Benefits: Concierge services, dining offers, and club memberships
Pros:
- Multiple lounge visits and premium travel perks
- Reward points can be redeemed for flights and hotel bookings
- Concierge services make travel planning easier
Cons:
- Higher annual fee
- Reward points accumulation is moderate for non-travel spending
Best For: Frequent travelers looking for premium travel perks and concierge services
5. Kotak Mahindra Solitaire Credit Card
Overview:
Kotak Solitaire is a cost-effective credit card for travelers who want essential benefits without a high annual fee. It is ideal for frequent domestic travelers from Tier-2 cities.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹999 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 4 reward points per ₹150 spent, higher on travel and online spends
- Airport Lounge Access: Domestic lounge access at selected airports
- Travel Insurance: Covers flight delays and medical emergencies
- Other Benefits: Add-on cardholders can also enjoy travel perks
Pros:
- Affordable annual fee with good value
- Lounge access available at domestic airports
- Reward points on travel and daily spending
Cons:
- Limited lounges compared to premium cards
- Fewer lifestyle and concierge benefits
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who need basic lounge access and rewards
How to Choose the Right Domestic Travel Credit Card
When selecting a credit card for domestic travel, consider the following factors:
- Lounge Coverage: Check which airports, including Tier-2 cities, are included. Not all cards cover every domestic airport.
- Rewards & Cashback: Look for cards that offer bonus points or cashback for flight and hotel bookings.
- Annual Fee vs Benefits: Compare annual fees with the value of lounge access, rewards, and insurance.
- Insurance Coverage: Travel insurance adds security and peace of mind.
- Guest Access: If traveling with family, check if guests can also access lounges.
- Network Compatibility: Visa Signature or Infinite cards usually provide wider domestic coverage.
Tips to Maximize Domestic Travel Benefits
- Book Flights with Your Card: Earn maximum reward points or cashback.
- Check Lounge Rules: Some lounges require prior reservation; always confirm before traveling.
- Redeem Points Smartly: Use accumulated points for flights or hotels to save money.
- Monitor Offers: Banks often run seasonal promotions with discounts on travel.
- Track Complimentary Visits: Premium cards often have limits on lounge access per year or quarter.
Conclusion
Choosing the right domestic travel credit card can enhance your travel experience significantly. Cards like HDFC Regalia, Axis Magnus, ICICI Sapphiro, SBI Elite, and Kotak Solitaire provide a mix of comfort, rewards, and savings, catering to different budgets and travel frequencies.
By considering your travel habits, lounge preferences, and reward goals, you can select a credit card that makes domestic travel more convenient, comfortable, and rewarding in 2025.