Traveling frequently, whether for business or leisure, requires not just planning your itinerary but also choosing the right travel credit card. The right card can save money, earn reward points, provide complimentary lounge access, and even include travel insurance. In 2025, HDFC, Axis, and ICICI offer some of the most popular travel rewards credit cards in India.
This guide compares their features, benefits, reward points, lounge access, insurance, and annual fees, helping you choose the best card for your travel style.
Why Travel Rewards Credit Cards Matter
A travel rewards credit card is not just a payment tool—it is a travel companion. Here’s why:
- Reward Points for Travel Spending
Earn points on flights, hotels, cabs, and daily expenses. Points can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, or vouchers.
- Airport Lounge Access
Avoid crowded waiting areas and enjoy free refreshments, Wi-Fi, and comfort at domestic and international airports.
- Travel Insurance
Covers trip delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and sometimes accidental death.
- Exclusive Offers
Special discounts on flights, hotels, and partner travel portals make trips more affordable.
- Luxury Benefits
Premium cards often include concierge services, airport transfers, and exclusive lifestyle perks.
Key Factors for Comparison
Before diving into individual cards, consider the following factors:
- Reward Points: Points earned per ₹100/₹150 spent and bonus points for travel.
- Lounge Access: Number of complimentary visits at domestic and international airports.
- Annual Fee: The cost of maintaining the card and whether benefits justify it.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage for delays, cancellations, baggage loss, and medical emergencies.
- Redemption Options: Flexibility of redeeming points for flights, hotels, or vouchers.
1. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
Overview:
HDFC Regalia is a premium card suited for frequent domestic and international travelers. It offers a good mix of reward points, lounge access, and travel insurance.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 4 points per ₹150 spent; bonus points on travel bookings
- Lounge Access: 12 domestic visits per year; international via Priority Pass
- Travel Insurance: Accidental death, flight delay, and lost baggage coverage
- Redemption: Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or vouchers via HDFC Travel Portal
- Other Benefits: Concierge services, dining discounts, and global acceptance
Pros:
- Excellent domestic lounge coverage
- Bonus reward points on flights and hotels
- Comprehensive travel insurance included
Cons:
- Annual fee higher than mid-tier cards
- Lounge visits may require advance booking at some airports
Best For: Travelers seeking premium perks with robust reward points
2. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Overview:
Axis Magnus is a high-end travel card that caters to frequent travelers who value luxury and rewards.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 10 points per ₹200 spent on flights and hotels
- Lounge Access: Unlimited domestic and international via Priority Pass
- Travel Insurance: Covers medical emergencies, flight delays, and baggage loss
- Redemption: Redeem points for flights or hotels via Axis Travel Portal
- Other Benefits: Golf privileges, dining discounts, and concierge services
Pros:
- High reward points on travel spending
- Unlimited lounge access
- Premium benefits including concierge support
Cons:
- High annual and joining fees
- Best suited for high-spending travelers
Best For: Travelers looking for premium rewards and luxury travel perks
3. ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
Overview:
ICICI Sapphiro is a mid-tier travel rewards card offering good value for moderate travelers.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 5 points per ₹150 spent, bonus for travel and dining
- Lounge Access: Up to 8 domestic lounges annually
- Travel Insurance: Covers flight delays, lost baggage, and emergencies
- Redemption: Redeem points on ICICI Travel Portal or transfer to airline loyalty programs
- Other Benefits: Dining discounts and hotel offers
Pros:
- Moderate annual fee for travel benefits
- Good rewards on flights and hotels
- Lounge access and travel insurance included
Cons:
- Limited premium perks
- Fewer international lounge options
Best For: Mid-range travelers who want value without high fees
Side-by-Side Comparison
Choosing the Right Card
When deciding between these cards, consider:
- Travel Frequency:
- Frequent travelers may benefit from Axis Magnus due to unlimited lounge access.
- Moderate travelers may prefer ICICI Sapphiro or HDFC Regalia.
- Budget and Annual Fee:
- High-end cards offer more perks but at a premium.
- Mid-tier cards provide value without heavy fees.
- Reward Point Strategy:
- Check which card offers the best points for your travel habits.
- Consider redemption options for flights, hotels, or cashback.
- Insurance Needs:
- All three cards offer travel insurance, but coverage limits differ.
- Additional Perks:
- Concierge services, lifestyle discounts, and hotel offers may influence your choice.
Tips to Maximize Travel Rewards
- Use the Right Card for Travel:
Always use the card that offers bonus points on flight, hotel, or cab bookings.
- Combine Points for Bigger Redemptions:
If you have multiple cards, pool points where possible to redeem free flights or hotel stays.
- Check Partner Airlines and Hotels:
Transfer points to partner programs for better value than direct redemption.
- Book Early:
Reward seats and hotel perks are limited; early booking ensures availability.
- Monitor Offers:
Banks regularly run promotions offering bonus points or discounts on travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Conversion Rates: Not all points have equal value. Check airline or hotel transfer ratios.
- Redeeming Points for Low-Value Options: Avoid using points for gift vouchers if redemption value is low.
- Missing Lounge Access: Some travelers forget to use lounge visits included with their card.
- Not Tracking Annual Fee vs Benefits: Ensure perks outweigh the cost of maintaining the card.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and comfort preferences.
- HDFC Regalia offers premium perks and robust reward points for frequent domestic and international travelers.
- Axis Magnus is ideal for high-spending travelers who want unlimited lounge access, premium concierge services, and luxury travel benefits.
- ICICI Sapphiro balances affordability with rewards, hotel discounts, and lounge access, perfect for moderate travelers.
By understanding the benefits, redemption options, and costs of these cards, you can select a travel rewards card that maximizes comfort, savings, and convenience in 2025.