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Picking a travel credit card that saves you the most money

Key Takeaways

A travel credit card enhances trips by offering savings, rewards, and exclusive perks, such as lounge access and forex fee waivers.
The right credit card for you depends on your travel style, spending habits, and the benefits that matter most to you.
Hidden fees, such as forex markups and redemption restrictions, can reduce a travel credit card’s value, so it's essential to compare features carefully.
IDFC FIRST Bank credit cards come with a variety of lifestyle and travel benefits like zero forex designed to meet different customer needs.

18 Sep 2026 by Team FinFIRST

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Every traveller needs the right companion—not just for the journey but for managing expenses along the way. Flights, hotels, dining, and international purchases can quickly add up, turning a dream trip into a financial burden. That’s where a travel credit card comes into play. More than just a payment tool, it’s a partner that helps you save, earn rewards, and enjoy exclusive perks.

But with so many options, how do you choose the best travel credit card? Some focus on lounge access, others on forex savings or travel insurance. The key is finding one that fits your travel style, ensuring you get the most value from every trip. Let’s explore how to make the right choice.

BookMyShow offers on metal credit cards: Ashva and Mayura

Unlocking luxury: Prestige of Holding a Metal Card

Identifying your traveller profile

Every traveller has different priorities. The best credit card for international travel depends on your needs, whether it's luxury perks, savings, or maximising reward points.

Here are the different types of traveller and their priorities –

Business traveller – Needs a seamless travel experience with easy lounge access and flexible spending options to manage expenses efficiently.
Leisure traveller – Prefers generous rewards, lounge access, and forex savings to make vacations smoother and more enjoyable.
Budget traveller – Focuses on saving money through cashback, zero forex markup, and minimal annual fees to keep travel costs in check.
Luxury traveller – Looks for premium services like airport lounge access and high reward rates for exclusive travel experiences.

Understanding your style first will help you find the best credit card for international travel, ensuring you get the right perks without unnecessary costs.

Key benefits to look for in a travel credit card

The right credit card for international travel does more than just cover expenses—it enhances every trip by reducing costs and providing exclusive privileges. Whether you're looking for free flights, hotel perks, or seamless foreign transactions, certain benefits can make all the difference.

Lounge access – Escape the crowds with complimentary airport lounge access, which offers comfort and refreshments during layovers or flight delays.
Zero forex markup – Avoid paying extra on international transactions with a card that removes foreign currency conversion fees, making every purchase cost-efficient.
Reward points – Earn points on travel bookings, dining, and everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or statement credits.
Travel insurance – Get financial protection for trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies abroad, ensuring peace of mind while travelling.

A well-chosen credit card for international travel turns routine expenses into advantages, making every trip more rewarding and stress-free.

Understanding spending habits and reward structures

A travel credit card is most valuable when it rewards your spending in the right categories. By choosing a card that aligns with your expenses, you can maximise rewards and savings on every trip.

Flights and travel bookings – If you frequently book flights, hotels, or train tickets, look for a card that offers reward points that can be redeemed on travel expenses.
Foreign transactions – If you spend abroad, a zero forex markup card ensures cost-effective purchases while allowing you to earn points on international spending.
Everyday expenses – Some cards offer travel-friendly rewards on regular purchases, such as groceries, fuel, and shopping, ensuring you earn benefits even when not travelling.

Be mindful of hidden fees

Even the best credit card for overseas travel can come with hidden costs that reduce its value. Understanding these fees can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and maximise the benefits of your card.

Annual fees – Some cards offer premium travel perks but charge high annual fees. Ensure the benefits outweigh the cost or look for cards with lifetime-free options.
Foreign transaction fees – Many credit cards charge 2-3% on every international purchase. A zero forex markup card eliminates these charges, making overseas spending more affordable.
Point redemption restrictions – Not all reward points have equal value. Check for blackout dates, conversion rates, and expiration policies to avoid losing earned benefits.
Inactivity fees – Some travel credit cards require a minimum annual spend. You may be charged a non-usage fee or lose certain benefits if you fail to meet this requirement.

Travel credit card compatibility test

Different travellers have different priorities when it comes to using a travel credit card. The table below helps match key credit card benefits with traveller profiles.

(✔ indicates that a particular benefit is valuable for that traveller type, while ✘ means it’s less relevant.)

Benefit	Business traveller	Leisure traveller	Budget traveller	Luxury traveller
Lounge access	✔	✔	✔	✔
Zero forex markup	✔	✔	✔	✔
Reward points	✔	✔	✔	✔
Travel insurance	✔	✔	✘	✔
Trip cancellation cover	✔	✔	✘	✔
ATM withdrawal flexibility	✘	✘	✔	✘

Why these selections?

Business and luxury travellers maximise all benefits due to their frequent trips and value for convenience
Leisure travellers also benefit from most perks
Budget travellers focus on cost-saving features like reward points, forex fee waivers, and ATM withdrawals, while insurance and trip cancellation cover may be less relevant unless they’re frequent travellers
Lounge access is useful for all profiles since it helps reduce airport expenses and improves comfort during long layovers

This checklist makes it easier to compare travel credit card features and identify the ones that best align with your travel style.

Travel Credit Cards from IDFC FIRST Bank

Whether you fly abroad every quarter or take one trip a year, there is a card built for the way you travel. Every card below comes with zero forex markup, so you pay only what your purchase costs wherever you are.

1. Mayura Credit Card

A premium metal card designed for frequent international travellers who want the full package.

Zero forex markup on every international transaction

Four complimentary domestic and four international airport lounge visits per quarter, including one guest visit on domestic lounges, plus four railway lounge visits per quarter

Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹50,000 per year on non-refundable flight and hotel bookings, and air accident cover of ₹1 crore

Interest-free global ATM withdrawals for up to 45 days, with a cash advance fee of ₹199 plus GST per transaction

10X Reward Points on spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and 5X on spends up to ₹20,000, with points worth up to ₹0.50 on travel bookings via the app

2. Ashva Credit Card

The same metal experience and strong travel benefits at a lower annual fee.

Zero forex markup on every international transaction

Four complimentary domestic and two international airport lounge visits per quarter, plus four railway lounge visits per quarter

Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹25,000 per year and air accident cover of ₹1 crore

Interest-free global ATM withdrawals for up to 45 days

10X Reward Points on spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and 5X on spends up to ₹20,000, with points worth up to ₹0.40 on travel bookings via the app

3. FIRST Wealth Credit Card

Lifetime free, with international lounge access and travel cover at zero annual cost.

Zero forex markup on every international transaction

One complimentary domestic and one international airport lounge visit per quarter, plus four railway lounge visits per quarter, on spending ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month

Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000 per year and air accident cover of ₹1 crore

10X Reward Points on Dining, Travel and International spends from your first transaction

Up to 2 golf rounds or lessons per month on spending ₹20,000 in the previous statement cycle

4. FIRST WOW! Credit Card

FD-backed and lifetime free, for travellers without income proof or a credit history.

Zero forex markup on every international transaction

Interest-free cash withdrawals for up to 45 days, in India and abroad

Credit limit of 100% of your fixed deposit value

4X Reward Points on online, offline and international spends

Your fixed deposit continues to earn interest while the card is active

5. IndiGo IDFC FIRST Dual Credit Card

Built for IndiGo flyers who want to earn on every booking.

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

Welcome benefit of 8,000 BluChips

Milestone benefits of up to 25,000 BluChips every year

Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹25,000 per year

Dual Mastercard and RuPay network on a single card

Pro tips to maximise travel credit card benefits

The best card for international travel isn’t just about features—it’s about how you use it. Applying smart strategies ensures you get maximum value from your chosen travel credit card and turns everyday spending into travel perks.

Stack rewards with airline and hotel loyalty programs – Many travel credit cards multiply points on higher spends. Linking your card with a frequent flyer or hotel loyalty program helps accumulate both card rewards and membership perks for added savings.
Redeem points wisely – Travel rewards have the highest value when used for flights, upgrades, or hotel stays rather than cashback or merchandise. Choosing a card with flexible redemption options can significantly reduce travel costs.
Use lounge access for savings – Airport and railway lounge access helps reduce food and seating costs, making the perks of a travel credit card more practical.
Leverage zero forex markup – Always pay in the local currency to get the network conversion rate. A card with zero forex markup means no conversion fee is added on top of what you spend.
Plan your cash withdrawals – Most credit cards charge interest from the day of withdrawal on overseas ATM transactions. Select IDFC FIRST Bank cards offer interest-free cash withdrawals for up to 45 days, with only a flat cash advance fee per transaction.

A travel credit card is only as rewarding as you make it. Using the right strategies, you can turn everyday spending into valuable travel benefits.

Conclusion

Finding the best travel credit card isn’t just about getting flashy perks—it’s about choosing one that fits your travel habits, spending patterns, and lifestyle. The right card offers valuable benefits, including interest-free ATM withdrawals, lounge access, and forex savings, making every trip smoother and more rewarding.

IDFC FIRST Bank travel credit cards are an excellent choice for travellers who want premium benefits, zero forex markup, and generous rewards. From metal cards with high lounge entitlements to lifetime free options with no income proof required, there is a card built for the way you travel.

Apply for the IDFC FIRST Bank Travel Credit Card today and unlock exclusive travel perks!

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.