HDFC Bank has joined hands with Emirates Skywards, the loyalty program of Emirates and flydubai, to launch a new International Travel Rewards Credit Card. The partnership aims to cater to India’s rapidly growing segment of frequent international travelers, offering premium lifestyle privileges, air miles, and global travel benefits.
This collaboration blends HDFC Bank’s dominance in India’s credit card market with Emirates’ global reach, giving Indian flyers an unmatched travel experience every time they spend.
With more Indians traveling abroad for leisure and business, demand for travel-centric credit cards has surged. The new HDFC Bank–Emirates Skywards Credit Card is designed to provide seamless travel rewards — from earning Skywards Miles on everyday purchases to exclusive Emirates benefits like priority check-in and lounge access.
This card marks Emirates’ first major credit card partnership with an Indian bank, reinforcing India’s importance as one of the airline’s top international markets.
Let’s explore the major benefits that make this card stand out for international travelers:
1. Welcome Bonus
Cardholders receive up to 10,000 Skywards Miles as a welcome gift after the first transaction. These miles can be redeemed for Emirates or flydubai flights, seat upgrades, or partner rewards.
2. Skywards Miles on Every Spend
The card offers a powerful earning rate:
This allows travelers to accumulate miles quickly and redeem them for high-value flight rewards.
3. Complimentary Lounge Access
Frequent travelers can relax before flights with unlimited access to select international lounges via the Priority Pass program and 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits each year through Visa or Mastercard networks.
4. Travel Insurance and Protection
The card includes comprehensive travel insurance coverage:
Such features provide security and peace of mind while flying abroad.
5. Global Dining and Hotel Privileges
HDFC Bank has integrated its SmartBuy platform with the card, allowing members to enjoy exclusive discounts at global hotels, restaurants, and car rental services. Cardholders also get complimentary access to luxury dining programs under the Good Food Trail.
6. Luxury Airport Transfers
For top-tier members, the card offers two complimentary airport transfers per year in select cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Dubai.
7. No Foreign Exchange Mark-up on Emirates Tickets
Cardholders enjoy 0% forex markup when booking Emirates flights in foreign currency through the official website, a rare perk among Indian credit cards.
Given the premium benefits, this card targets frequent international travelers, business professionals, and luxury vacationers.
Skywards Miles can be redeemed easily via the Emirates Skywards portal for:
Redemption starts at just 2,000 Miles, making it flexible even for moderate spenders.
HDFC Bank also ensures seamless reward tracking via its SmartHub and PayZapp platforms, allowing cardholders to check miles, book travel, and manage expenses on the go.
In addition to rewards, the card includes several experiential benefits:
These privileges align with the lifestyle of global travelers who value comfort, convenience, and exclusivity.
When compared to other premium travel cards like the Axis Bank Atlas, American Express Platinum Travel, and SBI Card ELITE, the HDFC-Emirates Skywards Card stands out for its direct airline partnership.
While others offer generic travel points or flexible reward transfers, this card ties users directly into Emirates’ loyalty ecosystem — a major advantage for those who frequently fly to the Middle East, Europe, or the US.
| Feature | HDFC–Emirates Skywards | Axis Atlas | SBI Card ELITE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Airline Partnership |
Emirates & flydubai |
None (EDGE Miles) |
None |
|
Lounge Access |
8 Domestic + Intl. |
12 Domestic + Intl. |
6 Domestic |
|
Forex Mark-up |
0% on Emirates |
3.5% |
3.5% |
|
Welcome Miles |
10,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 Reward Points |
|
Annual Fee |
₹5,000 |
₹5,000 |
₹4,999 |
Clearly, the Emirates tie-up gives HDFC Bank’s card a strong edge for global travel benefits.
This partnership signals a growing trend among Indian banks to collaborate with global brands and airlines. For HDFC Bank, it strengthens its reputation as a leader in premium cards, following the success of its Diners Club Privilege and Infinia series.
For Emirates, it deepens customer engagement in India — one of its busiest international markets — and encourages loyalty through Skywards Miles.
According to industry analysts, travel co-branded cards are becoming more appealing as post-pandemic travel rebounds. With the rise in outbound travel from India (projected to cross 50 million international trips by 2030), partnerships like this create win-win opportunities for banks and airlines.
Financial experts also highlight that the forex fee waiver and Emirates-specific perks make this one of the most rewarding airline cards for Indian customers.
If you’re a frequent international traveler who values comfort and luxury, the HDFC Bank–Emirates Skywards Credit Card is worth considering. It offers:
From Dubai getaways to Europe holidays, this card transforms every trip into a rewarding experience.
HDFC Bank’s collaboration with Emirates Skywards sets a new benchmark for premium travel cards in India. By combining seamless rewards, zero forex fees, and unmatched Emirates privileges, it provides Indian travelers with a truly global lifestyle solution.
Whether you’re a business executive, a digital nomad, or a travel enthusiast, this card ensures every journey feels a bit more first-class — even before you board the flight.