FinFIRST Blogs

Credit Card

Best Credit Cards for Frequent Flyers

Key Takeaways

Frequent flyers should compare cards based on lounge access, travel rewards, forex markup, travel protection and annual fees.
IDFC FIRST Bank offers multiple cards suited to different travel needs, from premium international travel to IndiGo-specific and lifetime-free options.
0% forex markup is available across the IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card portfolio, so card selection can focus on other travel benefits.
The right card depends on travel frequency, destinations, spending habits and preferred benefits.

21 Sep 2026 by Team FinFIRST

best credit cards for frequent flyers air miles

Apply Now

If you travel regularly, the right credit card can make every trip a little more rewarding. Additional perks such as airport lounge access, low forex markup, travel-related protection, extra rewards on travel bookings, and more benefits that can add up over time enhance your experience. Refer to this guide on the best credit cards for air miles to maximise savings on your trips.

Your guide to choosing the right credit card with no annual fee

Take a step to financial inclusion with an add-on credit card

What should frequent flyers look for in a credit card?

The best credit card for air miles is the one that upholds these essential features that enhance your travelling experience:

Airport lounge access

Lounge access can make time at the airport more comfortable, especially during long waits or layovers. Consider the number of complimentary visits per quarter and the minimum spend requirement, if any.

Low or zero forex markup

On your international trip, you may be charged a forex markup on foreign currency transactions. A credit card with low or zero forex markup helps you save on this additional cost.

Accelerated rewards on travel bookings

As you spend regularly on flights, hotels, experiences, and other travel-related bookings, choose a credit card that offers bonus reward points on such routine spends.

Trip cancellation and travel insurance

If your much-awaited travel plan falls through, a trip cancellation cover can protect your non-refundable bookings, while travel insurance enhances financial protection against baggage loss, flight delays, passport loss, and medical emergencies, as per the policy.

Annual fee versus value

All the benefits against the best credit card for air miles make sense only when they outweigh the cost. Consider how often you may use the perks and compare their potential value against the yearly cost of owning the credit card.

Best IDFC FIRST Bank credit cards for frequent flyers

Your unique travel habits need a credit card that can do it all. Here's a list of the best credit cards for frequent flyers that IDFC FIRST Bank offers:

Mayura Credit Card

A premium metal credit card that satisfies your elevated travel needs with the following features:

Zero forex markup

4 domestic and 4 international airport lounge access per quarter, plus 1 guest visit

4 railway lounge visits per quarter

30x bonus reward points on hotel and 15x points on flight bookings via IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app

Free trip cancellation cover of up to ₹50,000 per year

Air accident cover of ₹1 crore.

Complimentary gold rounds and lessons

Annual fee of only ₹5,999 + GST

Ashva Credit Card

A balanced option for frequent flyers wanting substantial travel benefits at a lower annual fee.

0% forex markup

4 domestic and 2 international airport lounge visits per quarter

4 railway lounge visits per quarter

Free trip cancellation cover of up to ₹25,000, usable twice a year

Air accident cover of ₹1 crore

30X bonus reward points on hotel bookings and 15X bonus points on flights

Complimentary golf privileges

Annual fee of ₹2,999 + GST

Diamond Reserve Credit Card

A formidable option for travellers who value savings on international spends and a refined travel experience with:

Zero forex markup

2 domestic and 2 international airport lounge visits per quarter

4 railway lounge visits per quarter

Free trip cancellation cover of up to ₹25,000 per year

20% bonus reward points on hotels and 10% bonus points on flight bookings

Premium golf privileges

Annual fee of ₹3,000 + GST waived on annual spends of ₹6 lakh

IndiGo IDFC FIRST Dual Credit Card

A natural fit if you frequently travel through IndiGo Airlines and want a credit card to complement your loyalty. You get:

0% forex markup

Up to 22 BluChips per ₹100 spent on IndiGo bookings via the IndiGo website or app

Welcome benefit of 8,000 BluChips

Milestone benefits of up to 25,000 BluChips per year

Free trip cancellation cover of up to ₹25,000 per year

Dual payment networks: Mastercard and RuPay

Annual fee of ₹4,999 + GST

FIRST Wealth Credit Card

A lifetime-free credit card packed with travel benefits and lifetime privileges. Here's what you can expect:

No joining fee and no annual fee on meeting minimum spend goals

0% forex markup

1 domestic and 1 international airport lounge visit per quarter on spending ₹20,000 in the previous month

4 railway lounge visits per quarter

Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000 per year

Air accident cover of ₹1 crore

10X reward points on travel and international spends of ₹20,000 and more, and 20X bonus reward points on flight and hotel bookings

FIRST WOW! Credit CARD

Your ideal first credit card backed by your fixed deposit. The perks on your travel spends include:

Zero forex markup

Zero joining or annual fee; Lifetime free

No income proof or credit history required

Interest-free foreign currency withdrawals at ATMs worldwide

Up to 4x reward points on every transaction

Distinct features of IDFC FIRST Bank credit cards

Here's a side-by-side look at the key travel features that make each IDFC FIRST Bank credit card stand out:

IDFC FIRST Bank credit card	Annual fee	Forex markup	Airport lounge access (per quarter)	Trip cancellation cover (maximum limit)
Mayura	₹5,999 + GST	Zero	4 domestic + 4 international	₹50,000 per year
Ashva	₹2,999 + GST	0%	4 domestic + 2 international	₹25,000 per year
Diamond Reserve	₹3,000 + GST	Zero	2 domestic + 2 international	₹25,000 per year
IndiGo IDFC FIRST	₹4,999 + GST	0%	Not applicable	₹25,000 per year
FIRST Wealth	₹0	0%	1 domestic + 1 international	₹10,000 per year
FIRST WOW!	₹0	Zero	Not applicable	Not applicable

Which credit card suits your travel style?

Choosing the best credit card for air miles is about understanding your specific needs and how often you spend on travel. Here's a simple guide to help:

Your travel profile	Suitable travel credit card
Frequent international traveller	Mayura or Diamond Reserve
Regular domestic with occasional international trips	Ashva or FIRST Wealth
Frequent IndiGo flyer	IndiGo IDFC FIRST Dual
Occasional traveller on a budget with limited credit score	FIRST WOW!
Travellers seeking lifetime-free card	FIRST Wealth or FIRST WOW!

Tips to maximise benefits on your travel credit card

Once you have the best credit card for frequent flyers, extracting its full potential comes down to these thoughtful practices:

Book your flight and hotel through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app to earn bonus reward points.

When paying overseas, pay in local currency to avoid the dynamic currency conversion charges.

Plan the usage of complimentary airport lounge access around the quarterly quota.

Make eligible purchases around the required threshold to unlock airport lounge access.

Where your card allows it, redeem reward points for travel bookings to maximise to get a higher value from your accumulated rewards.

Final thoughts

Your travel needs may change as your plans do. You want to select a credit card that can accommodate such dynamic requirements. Consider the frequency of your trips, travel destinations, saving aspirations, and spending categories. Whether it is zero forex markup or lifetime free options, IDFC FIRST Bank has a credit card for your unique expectations. Find the right fit for you today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best credit card for frequent flyers in India?

The best credit card for frequent flyers is the one that matches your travel frequency, destinations, spending patterns, and preferred benefits.

Which IDFC FIRST Bank credit card has zero forex markup?

Mayura, Diamond Reserve, and FIRST WOW! credit cards by IDFC FIRST Bank come with zero forex markup.

Do I get airport lounge access on a lifetime free credit card?

Yes, FIRST Wealth is a lifetime free credit card that comes with one domestic and one international lounge access per quarter.

How do I earn bonus reward points on flight bookings?

You can earn bonus reward points by booking flights through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app on eligible credit cards.

What is trip cancellation cover, and which cards offer it?

Trip cancellation cover reimburses you for eligible non-refundable travel booking expenses in the case of cancellation due to unexpected events. Mayura, Ashva, Diamond Reserve, IndiGo IDFC FIRST, and FIRST Wealth credit cards offer this cover.

Which credit card is best for IndiGo flyers?

The IndiGo IDFC FIRST Dual Credit Card is best for IndiGo flyers as it is specifically designed for frequent IndiGo travellers with the chance to earn IndiGo BluChips.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirst.bank.in for latest updates.