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Why every traveller needs a credit card with travel benefits

Key Takeaways

The right credit card with travel benefits can significantly reduce your trip expenses through rewards, forex savings, and built-in perks.
While travel credit cards offer rewards, savings, and protection, knowing what the best travel credit card is for your needs can help unlock its full potential.
Used strategically, a good travel credit card can turn everyday spending into meaningful savings and better travel experiences.

24 Apr 2026 by Team FinFIRST

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After applying for a credit card, it’s important to stay updated on your application status. Credit card applications typically go through multiple stages, including verification, approval, and dispatch, which may take a few days to complete.

Tracking your application status helps you stay informed and estimate when your credit card is likely to be delivered.

This guide explains how you can track your credit card application status, the details required for tracking, and what different application statuses mean.

Everything you need to know about the Credit Card over-limit facility

Expecting your first salary? Here’s why it’s time to get a credit card

What do credit cards with travel benefits actually cover?

Credit cards with travel benefits are curated specifically for those who love to travel more while spending less. Here are a few of the most common travel benefits offered with credit cards, along with how they can benefit you as a frequent traveller:

Low or zero forex markup

Every international transaction on a standard card carries a forex markup of 3-3.5%. On a ₹1 lakh trip abroad, that's ₹3,000-₹3,500 in fees alone. A credit card with travel benefits, such as low or zero foreign exchange markup, eliminates most or all of that cost.

Airport and railway lounge access

Lounge access credit card means you can wait for your flight or train in comfort, with food, seating, and Wi-Fi, rather than crowded terminal benches. With cards that offer airport and railway lounge access, you can skip several hours of discomfort trying to find a nice place to wait for your flight or train.

Fuel surcharge waiver

Travel doesn’t always mean taking a long flight or a memorable train journey. With so many people embarking on road trips during long weekends, a card with a fuel surcharge waiver can add up to meaningful savings across multiple refuels on a long road trip.

Rewards on travel bookings

Using credit cards with travel benefits isn’t just about accessing the best perks to complement your journeys. When your card is swiped so frequently for these expenses, earning accelerated rewards on them can help you save money on any transaction of your choice, so that those savings can be put to use in your travel fund instead.

Travel insurance coverage

Lost luggage, missed connections, and last-minute cancellations aren’t rare edge cases. Most credit cards with travel benefits, such as built-in travel insurance, cover these situations, so you may not need to buy a separate policy at all.

What is the best travel credit card (and why choose IDFC FIRST Bank)?

With such a variety of perks and protections available, there is only one question: what is the best travel credit card for someone who enjoys frequent travel? The answer depends on how often you travel, where you travel, and how much you spend per trip.

The best credit card with travel benefits is one that matches your travel profile and preferences.

Card	Best for	Standout travel features
Mayura Credit Card	Premium travellers seeking zero forex, global lounge access, and maximum reward value	Zero forex markup on all international spends Interest-free global ATM withdrawals for up to 45 days (₹199/withdrawal) 4 International + 4 domestic airport lounge visits per quarter (includes 1 guest visit at domestic lounges) 4 Railway lounge visits per quarter Get up to 60X bonus reward points on bookings via IDFC FIRST Bank mobile banking app; 1 RP = ₹0.50 on travel redemptions Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹50,000 per year and air accident cover of ₹1 crore
Ashva Credit Card	Frequent travellers who want the metal card experience and solid travel perks	Low 1% forex markup vs. industry standard of 3 to 3.5% Interest-free global ATM withdrawals for up to 45 days 2 International + 4 domestic airport lounge visits per quarter 4 Railway lounge visits per quarter Up to 60X bonus reward points on travel bookings via the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile banking app; 1 RP = ₹0.40 on travel redemptions Air accident cover of ₹1 crore and trip cancellation cover of up to ₹25,000 per year
Diamond Reserve Credit Card	Mid-to-high spenders who travel internationally a few times a year and want zero forex with solid insurance coverage	Zero forex markup on all international spends Interest-free global ATM withdrawals for up to 45 days 2 Domestic + 2 international airport lounge visits per quarter 4 Railway lounge visits per quarter Trip cancellation cover up to ₹25,000 per year
FIRST WOW! Credit Card	First-time users, students, young professionals, who want zero forex without income requirements	Zero forex markup, rare for a secured entry-level card 4X reward points on all eligible spends including international transactions; points never expire ₹25,000 card liability cover + ₹2 lakh personal accident insurance Lifetime free card with zero joining and annual fee; earn FD interest on your deposit while using the card
FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card	Beginners who want international travel perks including lounge access in an FD-backed card	Zero forex markup on international spends 4X rewards on international transactions 4 Complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year Up to 50X bonus reward points on hotels and 30X on flights via the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile banking app; 1 RP = ₹0.50 on travel redemptions Trip cancellation cover up to ₹10,000 twice a year + personal accident cover up to ₹2 lakh Dual card setup: physical Mastercard + UPI-enabled RuPay virtual card, both on one account and one statement
IndiGo Credit Card	Frequent IndiGo flyers looking to maximise rewards on IndiGi flight bookings	Earn up to 22 IndiGo BluChips per ₹100 on IndiGo bookings via app or website. Redeem upto 9 free flights every year Milestone bonuses of up to 25,000 extra IndiGo BluChips annually (triggered at ₹2L, ₹5L, ₹8L, ₹10L, and ₹12L spends) Low forex markup at 1.49% Trip cancellation cover up to ₹25,000 twice a year + travel insurance up to $1,200

How to maximise credit cards with travel benefits?

Knowing what the best travel credit card means for you is only the first step. Here are a few tips on how to make the best use of your card for safe, happy, and cost-effective travels:

Always use your card for flight, hotel, and transport bookings to earn accelerated rewards. Even if you're booking via a third-party site like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip, check if your card has a partner deal that offers higher reward multipliers

Redeem reward points specifically for travel to get a higher value per point

If your card has annual milestone bonuses (like extra BluChips at ₹2L or ₹5L spends), plan your biggest travel bookings for months when you're close to hitting those thresholds

If your card includes complimentary lounge visits per quarter, track how many you've used. Unused visits don't roll over, and you may be paying an annual fee that includes a perk you're never maximising

Book through your card provider’s app or partner platforms (like the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile banking app) to unlock higher reward multipliers

Always check and utilise built-in travel insurance benefits before purchasing separate coverage

Use low or zero-forex markup cards for all international transactions instead of debit cards or cash

Choose credit cards with travel benefits that align with your travel frequency and spending habits

Turn everyday spending into your next getaway

Travel does not always have to feel like a luxury reserved for special occasions. With the right financial tools, your regular expenses can slowly build into memorable experiences, whether it is a spontaneous weekend trip or a long-awaited international vacation. The key lies in choosing and using credit cards with travel benefits in a way that aligns with how you already spend.

IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards are designed to make this process seamless, offering features such as zero forex markup, lounge access, accelerated rewards, and travel protection. If you are ready to travel smarter and get more value from every rupee you spend, explore IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards and take the first step towards your next journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best travel credit card in India?

The best travel credit card depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and whether you prioritise rewards, lounge access, low forex fees, or some other perk. Evaluate where you spend the most (flights, hotels, international transactions, etc.) to choose a card that offers accelerated rewards or savings specifically in those categories.

Is airport lounge access free with travel credit cards?

Yes, several IDFC FIRST Bank credit cards offer complimentary lounge visits. For example, the Mayura Credit Card includes 4 domestic and 4 international airport lounge visits per quarter. The number of visits varies by card and some cards require a minimum monthly spend to unlock the benefit.

How do I calculate the real value I am getting from credit cards with travel benefits?

Compare the total annual value of rewards, forex savings, and perks used against the card’s annual fee to understand your net gain. When used strategically, travel credit cards can substantially reduce costs through rewards, fee savings, and insurance coverage, rather than just adding convenience.

What is a forex markup fee and how much can I save with a zero forex card?

A forex markup is a charge applied on every international transaction, typically 3% to 3.5% on standard cards. On a ₹1 lakh international trip, that is ₹3,000 to ₹3,500 in fees. A zero forex card eliminates this entirely, which adds up significantly for frequent international travellers.

Can I use my travel credit card for UPI payments in India?

Some travel credit cards come with a linked RuPay card that enables UPI payments. For example, the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Dual Credit Card and the FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card both offer a dual card setup that lets you earn rewards on UPI spends alongside regular card transactions.

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.