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Travel benefits explained: How your credit card can do more for every trip

Key Takeaways

Smart use of travel benefits can help you save on flights, fuel, forex charges and airport experiences without changing how you normally spend.
Choosing the right card ensures your perks match your travel style, whether it’s international trips, road journeys, or frequent work travel.
With never-expiring reward points and lounge access, travel benefits continue adding value long after your trip ends.
IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards combine flexibility and control to help you travel with confidence.

26 Feb 2026 by Team FinFIRST

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Stuck in a security queue, juggling bags, searching for a charger and a seat, only to realise your flight’s delayed?

Travel can be unpredictable, expensive and, at times, utterly exhausting. But what if your travel credit card could make things smoother, smarter and more rewarding?

Whether it’s free lounge access during a long layover, greater reward points (and redemption) on flight bookings, or a zero-fee cash withdrawal abroad, the right card helps you plan, save, and stay in control.

With an IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card, you unlock real travel benefits that go beyond the usual. Here’s how you can turn every trip, whether business or leisure, into a more seamless and budget-friendly experience.

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Why use your credit card for travel?

A credit card with great travel benefits can help you plan smarter, manage expenses better and get rewarded along the way. From discounts on flights and hotels to protection during emergencies, it’s a tool that adds real value to your journey.

With the right usage, you can earn reward points, enjoy lounge access, avoid high foreign exchange fees, and even spread out your payments when needed. It’s convenience and savings, all in one.

What are some of the perks you can unlock with travel cards?

Travelling is about the experience, not just the destination. The travel benefits you unlock along the way can make a big difference. Here are a few perks that the best travel credit cards have to offer:

Airport lounge access for a smoother iourney

Long layovers or early check-ins don’t have to mean uncomfortable hours at the gate. With complimentary domestic and international lounge access, you can relax, recharge and enjoy a meal before your flight.

Options like Ashva, Mayura, FIRST Wealth, and FIRST Select Credit Cards come with multiple lounge visits every quarter for both airports (domestic/international, depending upon the card) and railway stations. It’s a huge plus for frequent flyers and business travellers.

International travel made affordable

The travel benefits of IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards, like the Mayura, FIRST WOW!, FIRST WOW! Black and the Diamond Reserve Credit Card, include zero forex markup, which means you won’t pay extra charges on international spends. That’s ideal for shopping, dining, or booking global stays online.

Fuel surcharge waiver and roadside assistance

Road trips are better when your card covers more than just the fuel. One of the best travel benefits of select IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards, such as the FIRST Power and FIRST Power+ Credit Cards, is a fuel surcharge waiver across fuel stations to help you save more during road trips.

Pair that with roadside assistance coverage and cashback on travel spends, and your local getaways just got a lot more rewarding.

Interest-free ATM cash withdrawals worldwide

Caught in a cash emergency abroad? IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards let you withdraw cash from any ATM globally, interest-free for up to 45 days.

This is one of those travel benefits that can bring real peace of mind when travelling to remote areas or managing unexpected expenses without having to dip into savings.

Rewards on travel spends

Make every booking count. Earn up to 50 reward points on hotel bookings and up to 30 reward points on flight bookings with IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards like the Ashva, Mayura, FIRST WOW! Black, and more. Additionally, the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Dual Credit Card allows you to earn IndiGo BluChips on every single spend and grants 5000 IndiGo BluChips plus a complimentary meal voucher as a joining benefit. You can then redeem your accrued IndiGo BluChips to book domestic and international flights with IndiGo.

These travel benefits come with the added advantage of never-expiring reward points, so you can redeem them whenever the next adventure calls.

How to avail the travel benefits of your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card

Activating your travel benefits is easier than you think. From earning more on everyday purchases to unlocking airport perks, here’s how to make sure you never miss out:

Reward points

You can multiply your travel benefits by using the ‘Travel & Shop’ platform on the IDFC FIRST Bank app. Just follow these steps:

Open the mobile app and go to the ‘FIRST Rewards’ section
Tap on the Shopping button
Pay using your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit or Debit Card

Here’s what you get:

Access to exclusive product and voucher discounts

Bonus reward points over and above your regular earnings

Free delivery with no minimum spends

Special cardholder-only offers across categories like travel, electronics, grooming and more

Lounge access

To use your complimentary lounge visits, simply show your eligible card at the airport lounge desk. Make sure you’ve met the spend threshold, which varies by card. For example, the FIRST Wealth Credit Card and FIRST Select Credit Card offer lounge access based on quarterly spends.

These travel benefits are perfect for making waiting time more comfortable.

You can track your reward points to better plan redemptions and purchases. Here’s how to view your rewards:

Log in to your IDFC FIRST Mobile Banking App or Internet Banking account
Go to 'Credit Cards' and select your card
On the card summary page, click on ‘See more about rewards’

What different IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards can help you with

Knowing which card to carry makes all the difference when you’re travelling. Each IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card offers unique travel benefits tailored to different needs, budgets and lifestyles. Here’s a look at how you can match the right card to the right travel moment:

Card	Ideal for	Key travel benefits	Real-world application
FIRST Select Credit Card	Travellers who want to upgrade their style	Domestic lounge access, accelerated reward points, travel rewards	While travelling for client meetings, you use your lounge access to stay productive between flights.
FIRST Wealth Credit Card	Premium/business travellers	Low forex markup, domestic and international airport lounge access, interest-free cash withdrawals	On a work trip to Singapore, you save big on international spends thanks to the travel benefits of zero forex fees.
FIRST WOW! Credit Card	Those who need assured credit card	Ideal for international travel, lifetime-free, zero forex markup	Planning a short trip? Zero forex markup saves you money at a remote resort.
Ashva Credit Card	Fuel and road travel	Fuel surcharge waiver, travel rewards, accelerated points, low forex markup	Driving through the Western Ghats? Enjoy fuel surcharge waiver on every fuel refill using your travel credit card.
Mayura Credit Card	Premium lifestyle	Great for international travel, lounge access, travel rewards, accelerated points, zero forex markup, insurance	You fly first-class to Dubai and enjoy complimentary lounge access and built-in insurance as part of your travel benefits.
FIRST SWYP Credit Card	Gen Z/first jobbers	Budget travel, EMI offers, online spends	Heading on a weekend trip with friends? Split flight costs into EMIs and enjoy discounts on online travel bookings.
FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card	Premium benefits at affordable joining fee	Reward points on travel booking, domestic airport lounge access, zero forex markup, trip cancellation cover	An FD backed credit card that offer premium travel benefits for domestic and international trips, along with reward points for future ticket booking opportunities.
IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card	Frequent travellers, especially those who prefer IndiGo flights	Get IndiGo BluChips with every spend which can then be used to book more flights, trip cancellation cover, low forex markup, and global reach + UPI access	Premium card for frequent travellers, allowing you to keep booking new flights with the IndiGo BluChips you have accrued. Every single spend guarantees reward points, with spending milestones to receive bonus points for future use.

Travel smarter, spend better

The right credit card can do more than just help you pay for your trip – it can help you plan, protect and enjoy it too. With built-in travel benefits, you get more value out of every journey.

From flights and fuel to lounges and stays, make smarter choices with IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards. Explore all cards here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards to pay for visa fees or foreign tour packages?

Yes, you can use your card for visa payments and travel packages while also earning travel benefits like reward points, depending on the merchant and card variant.

What happens if I lose my credit card while travelling abroad?

You can instantly block the card through the mobile app or Internet Banking. Your card's travel benefits include emergency support and lost card liability cover on select variants.

Do I need to activate lounge access separately before travelling?

No separate activation is needed. Just ensure you’ve met your card’s spend criteria to enjoy this travel benefit when you reach the lounge.

Are reward points earned on travel spends valid forever?

Yes, IDFC FIRST Bank cards offer never-expiring reward points, making your travel benefits more flexible and rewarding across multiple trips.

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.