If you travel within India for work or leisure, choosing the right credit card can make your trips smoother and more affordable. The best travel cards for domestic flights don’t just help you earn air miles—they also offer practical benefits like lounge access, free flight tickets, insurance, and exclusive deals that save money on your journeys. In this guide, we’ll look at the top travel credit cards for domestic flyers, compare their key features, and help you decide which option fits your travel lifestyle.
Why Use a Travel Card for Domestic Flights?
Travel credit cards are designed to turn your everyday spending into valuable rewards, especially if you travel within India regularly. Here’s why a specialized travel card matters for domestic flyers:
- Earn rewards on flight bookings: Many cards give you bonus points or miles specifically for domestic air tickets.
- Access to airport lounges: Domestic lounges provide meals, Wi-Fi, and a quiet environment while you wait for your flight.
- Complimentary tickets and vouchers: Some cards offer free flight vouchers each year.
- Travel insurance and protection: Card benefits often include lost luggage, trip delay, or accident coverage.
- Discounts on travel spends: Look out for reduced convenience fees or instant discounts on partner airlines.
Top Picks: Best Credit Cards for Domestic Flights in India (2025)
Let’s compare the best options available in India for frequent domestic flyers. We focused on features like miles earning, lounge access, bonus vouchers, and annual fees.
1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card stands out for its travel rewards and lounge benefits at a reasonable annual fee.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + GST
- Domestic airport lounge visits: 12 per year
- Bonus reward points for milestones spent on the card
- Enjoy travel vouchers worth up to ₹5,000 on spending targets
- Insurance covers for lost baggage, delayed flights, and more
This card is perfect for the frequent domestic traveler who also spends on dining and shopping. You can compare credit cards easily to see if Regalia Gold matches your lifestyle.
2. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card is premium and offers high-value benefits for regular flyers.
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
- Annual flight voucher worth ₹10,000 on renewal
- Unlimited domestic airport lounge access
- 12x reward points on selected spends
- Comprehensive insurance covers accidents, emergencies, and trip delays
You get excellent rewards for high spenders, making Magnus a worthy option if you often book last-minute flights or want luxury travel experiences.
3. American Express Platinum Travel Card
The American Express Platinum Travel Card targets Indian travelers with SpiceJet & Indigo vouchers as its main reward.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500 + GST (waived on spend milestone)
- Earn Membership Rewards redeemable for domestic flight tickets
- Get up to ₹19,500 worth of complimentary travel vouchers annually
- 8 complimentary lounge visits per year at domestic terminals
- Purchase protection and emergency assistance
For domestic flyers preferring SpiceJet or Indigo, this card helps unlock free flights faster than most others.
4. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
The Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card is a strong pick if you frequently fly Vistara airlines in India.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
- Get one complimentary Vistara Premium Economy ticket upon joining and renewal
- Complimentary lounge access at major airports across India
- Club Vistara points for every spend
- Milestone benefits including multiple free tickets in a year
This is one of the best credit cards for those loyal to a single airline and craving additional perks every trip.
5. SBI Prime Credit Card
The SBI Prime Credit Card offers a good balance of travel, cashback, and lifestyle benefits—ideal if you want a card that covers more than just flights.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,999 + GST
- Get e-gift vouchers (including Yatra/Trident)
- 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year
- Good milestone rewards on annual spending
- Access to hotel and flight discount platforms
SBI Prime is suitable if you need a versatile card that delivers on multiple fronts, including travel rewards.
Key Benefits of Using Travel Cards for Domestic Air Travel
- Zero or low annual fee: Some cards, like the HSBC Platinum Credit Card, waive annual fees based on spending or run lifetime free offers.
- Travel rewards: Earn reward points and miles with every ticket booking and everyday spend.
- Instant credit card approval: Many issuers provide faster approvals with online applications for travel-focused cards.
- Exclusive airport privileges: Access domestic lounges, express check-ins, and priority boarding on select tickets.
- Travel insurance: Free insurance covers on most cards for accidental, lost luggage, or trip delay events.
How to Pick the Best Credit Card for Domestic Flights
Choosing the best travel card depends on your travel pattern and personal preferences. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Airline loyalty: If you favor one carrier, like Vistara or Indigo, select a co-branded card for extra value.
- Fee vs. benefit calculation: Add up annual fees and compare them with the airline vouchers, lounge access, and points you’ll realistically use.
- Secondary perks: Check for dining offers, hotel discounts, and insurance—these add to a card’s overall value.
- Approval process: If you need a card quickly, look for instant approval options and digital KYC processes.
Common Features to Look For
- Annual fee waiver after spending target
- Complimentary tickets or renewal gifts
- Lounge access at multiple Indian airports
- Reward points on both travel and non-travel expenses
- Flexible redemption for flight and hotel partners
FAQs – Best Travel Cards for Domestic Flyers
Which card gives the best lounge access for Indian airports?
The Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card offers unlimited domestic lounge visits, making it the best for frequent flyers who use lounges often.
Can I get an instant credit card approval for travel cards?
Yes, many banks now provide instant credit card approval for travel cards if you meet the eligibility criteria. Check each bank’s online application process carefully for faster issuance.
Are co-branded airline credit cards better for regular travelers?
If you mostly fly with one airline, co-branded cards—like Axis Vistara or Air India SBI—provide more value due to bonus miles or free tickets tied to that airline.
Do travel credit cards offer cashback benefits too?
Some cards offer a blend of travel rewards and cashback on select categories. For pure cashback, see options like the SBI Cashback Credit Card, but for maximizing flight benefits, travel cards are better suited.
What are the eligibility criteria for these cards?
Eligibility varies, but you should typically have a stable income, a good credit score (often above 700), and valid ID documents. Each card issuer will have specific requirements.
Ready to Compare Travel Credit Cards?
The right travel card makes domestic flying more comfortable and cost-effective. Explore more choices, compare credit cards, and read detailed reviews at FinWitty’s blog or try our Find My Card tool to match the perfect option to your travel habits.