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How to earn rewards on every travel spend

Key Takeaways

The right booking method and travel mode can help you earn rewards faster and more efficiently.
Travel cards from IDFC FIRST Bank offer reward points on travel bookings to make your journeys more rewarding.
Features like lounge access, fuel surcharge waivers, and bonus rewards make your holiday spending more valuable.
Know how to earn reward points smartly by choosing cards that match your travel habits and offer flexible redemption.

27 Feb 2026 by Team FinFIRST

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Want to secure the best holiday deals? Stop booking what's the cheapest and start choosing an itinerary that gets you the most in return. Whether you’re planning a long-awaited family trip or a weekend getaway with friends, the right credit card can help you earn rewards with every tap.

But not all travel spends give you equal value. From reward points on flight tickets to low/zero forex markup, fuel surcharge waiver, insurance protection, or more, the smart traveller knows how to turn transport costs into long-term benefits.

Here’s how to choose your travel mode and booking method to make your credit card rewards work harder for you.

Beyond debt consolidation: How does a credit card balance transfer help?

How to choose the right credit card with no annual fee for you

Can you earn rewards and save money from how you travel?

Can you earn rewards and save money just by choosing how you travel? Absolutely, if you know how to use the right tools.

Travel cards have evolved far beyond simple spending enablers. Today, they’re powerful allies that help you save on transport costs, earn points on every booking, and even unlock bonus perks like lounge access without stretching your budget. But the trick lies in understanding how different modes of travel impact your spending behaviour and your reward potential.

Flights often involve higher spends, which could mean more reward points, while trains and buses are more affordable but can still rack up benefits with the right credit card. Knowing how to earn reward points (including on which travel mode) is what turns regular travellers into smart spenders.

The more strategically you spend, the more valuable your journey becomes.

How different modes of travel can help you save money (and more)

No matter whether you choose to travel by air, rail, road, or bus, every mode offers a chance to earn rewards if you spend smartly. The right credit card doesn’t just help you book tickets; it adds value through reward points, exclusive travel perks, and hidden savings that stack up over time. Here’s how each option can help you save money and get more from your journeys:

Flights

Flight tickets usually cost more, which means more reward points per transaction. In fact, with IDFC FIRST Bank cards like FIRST Millennia, FIRST Classic, FIRST Select, FIRST WOW! Black, and FIRST Wealth, you earn bonus rewards on hotel and flight bookings.

You can also explore the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card that blends global Mastercard acceptance and low forex fees with RuPay UPI convenience, all under one powerful card. Earn accelerated 6E Rewards on every spend, unlock extra bonuses through activation and milestones, and redeem your rewards for IndiGo flights

Cards like Ashva and Mayura also offer higher redemption values of ₹0.40 and ₹0.50 per point, respectively, on flight and hotel bookings made via the the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App.

Apart from these perks, select cards also offer lounge access, elevating your airport experience at no added cost.

Trains

Using your credit card for IRCTC bookings can help you earn rewards. Trains are ideal for frequent or intercity travel, and cards like FIRST Select, FIRST Wealth, Ashva, and Mayura even offer access to railway lounges, boosting both comfort and convenience.

Bus Journeys

Travelling by bus may be budget-friendly, but you still earn rewards. For short breaks or last-mile journeys, using your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card with the add-on FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card can help you earn points on UPI payments for snacks, water, and other purchases made on the go.

Road Trips

Planning a road trip? Cards like FIRST Power and FIRST Power+ offer fuel surcharge waivers and reward points on UPI payments made at pitstops, whether it’s a quick fuel refill or grabbing something to eat. These benefits make driving not just flexible, but rewarding too.

How can different IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards help you earn rewards?

Here’s how different IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards can help you earn rewards while matching your travel style and preferences. Whether you fly frequently, commute by train, or take spontaneous road trips, there’s a card that fits your journey.

Credit Card	What sets it apart	Best travel mode
FIRST Millennia	10X rewards, bonus rewards on flight and hotel bookings, fuel four complimentary railway lounge access every quarter, surcharge waiver, roadside assistance	Flights, Trains: Perfect for young professionals taking domestic holidays or weekend drives
FIRST Classic	10X rewards, bonus rewards on travel spends, fuel surcharge waiver, roadside assistance	Flights, buses: Ideal for budget-conscious travellers looking for everyday savings
FIRST Select	10X rewards, bonus travel rewards, low forex markup, fuel surcharge waiver, railway and domestic airport lounge access, travel protection, roadside assistance	Flights, trains:Great for work trips or regular intercity travel with lounge comforts
FIRST Wealth	Similar to FIRST Select but with 10X rewards, bonus travel rewards, 1.49% low forex, railway lounge, domestic and international airport lounge access, better limits, and protection features	Flights, trains: Ideal for frequent fliers and family travellers wanting elevated benefits
FIRST WOW! Black	Bonus travel rewards, zero forex markup, higher redemption value on travel bookings, fuel surcharge waiver, airport lounge access, travel protection	Flights: Perfect for international travellers who want value and luxury
Ashva	10X rewards, bonus travel rewards, low forex markup, higher travel redemption, surcharge waiver, railway and airport lounge access, travel protection, roadside assistance	Flights, trains: Ideal for professionals travelling within India or overseas
Mayura	Zero forex markup, airport lounge access, free trip cancellation cover, and up to 50X reward points for hotel booking and 30X for flight booking	Flights, trains: Great for global explorers or those combining air and rail travel
FIRST Power	Bonus rewards on fuel and UPI spends, travel rewards, travel protection, roadside assistance	Cars, flights:Best for road trippers or drivers who book the occasional flight
FIRST Power+	Domestic airport lounge access, 5% savings on fuel, travel protection, roadside assistance, 8.83% savings on hotels and flight bookings through IDFC FIRST Mobile App	Cars, flights: Perfect for regular drivers who love value from every UPI or fuel spend
IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card	1.49% forex markup, trip cancellation cover, earn IndiGo BluChips with every spend which can be redeems for flight bookings, bonus Bluchips earned upon reaching milestones, and global reach with Mastercard and RuPay	Flights: One of the best cards for frequent flyers, especially those who travel internationally.

With the right match, your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card can help you earn rewards effortlessly, no matter how or where you travel. The key is to choose a card that aligns with your journey and use it smartly to unlock its full potential.

Dos and don'ts to maximise your travel card's rewards

To truly earn rewards from your travel card, knowing how to spend smartly is as important as selecting the right card. A few smart habits can stretch your travel spends further, while common mistakes could keep you from enjoying the full benefits.

Here are some dos and don’ts to help you get the most value from your credit card while you’re on the move.

Dos

Pay through your bank’s mobile app whenever possible

For IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cardholders, using the mobile app for bookings or UPI transactions often unlocks extra reward points. It’s also faster and safer, especially during travel. You could be missing out on bonuses just by using third-party wallets or portals.

Track platform-specific and category-based offers

Before booking flights, trains, or hotels, check for ongoing offers via merchants partnered with IDFC FIRST Bank. Many cards also help you earn bonus rewards if you make bookings via the “FIRST Rewards” section of the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App.

Convert big-ticket bookings into EMIs

Don’t hesitate to break up flight or hotel expenses into EMIs, especially if you have an IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card that can help you earn rewards or save money on EMI conversions. This helps manage cash flow during holidays without sacrificing points.

Use cards with relevant perk s for your travel mode

Choose a card that fits your travel style, like a card with lounge access for flights, or fuel perks for road trips. This ensures you don’t just earn rewards, but also enjoy smoother journeys.

Don’ts

Make cash or debit payments unless necessary

They usually don’t help you earn rewards and can sometimes lack purchase protection. Unless absolutely necessary, always swipe or scan with your credit card.

Don’t ignore redemption terms

Some cards offer higher value per point on travel redemptions, while others offer more on lifestyle or vouchers. Redeem strategically to get the most out of your reward points.

Never miss your payment due date

Late payments can lead to interest charges that wipe out the value of any rewards earned. Set auto-pay or reminders to stay on track.

Skip cards with overlapping perks

If you already have a card with railway or airport lounge access, don’t stack another with the same benefit. Diversify instead – for instance, pick one with fuel rewards or international travel perks to maximise savings.

Travel smart, earn more

No matter where you're headed, how you pay for your journey can be just as important as where you're going. With the right credit card, you don’t just book tickets, you earn rewards, unlock exclusive perks, and turn every trip into long-term value.

From lounge access and fuel surcharge waivers to reward points on UPI spends, IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards are designed to match your travel style and spending habits. If you want to earn rewards on every mode of travel without compromising on comfort or savings, apply for your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the credit card annual fee different from a joining fee?

Yes. A joining fee is a one-time cost, while the credit card annual fee recurs yearly. Some cards charge both, others waive one or both.

Are lifetime-free cards truly free of the credit card annual fee?

Yes, lifetime-free cards, especially those offered by IDFC FIRST Bank, don’t charge any credit card annual fee ever. Just make sure to confirm there’s no spend-linked condition hiding in the terms.

Can I be charged a credit card annual fee in the first year even if it’s waived later?

Yes, some cards waive the credit card annual fee only from the second year. Always check the MITC for accurate fee timelines.

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.