Top 5 best credit cards for travelling out of India 

Here are top 5 best credit cards:

top 5 best credit cards in India for 2023, based on factors like rewards, fees, and benefits.

1. SBI Elite

The SBI Elite card boasts a powerful rewards program catering to different spending habits, especially for travel and dining enthusiasts.

Joining Fee	Annual Fee
₹4,999 (one-time)	₹4,999

SBI Elite Credit Card Rewards:

1. Base Rewards:

• Travel & Dining: Earn a whopping 20 reward points per ₹100 spent on travel and dining bookings.
• Other Categories: For all other transactions, you accumulate 2 reward points per ₹100 spent.

2. Milestone Rewards:

As your annual spending increases, you unlock additional bonus points and vouchers:

• ₹5 lakh spend: Get 6,000 bonus points (worth ₹1,500) along with a voucher worth ₹2,500.
• ₹8 lakh spend: Receive another 6,000 bonus points and a voucher worth ₹3,500.

3. Welcome Gift Voucher:

Upon card approval, you get a generous welcome gift voucher worth ₹5,000. This effectively negates the joining fee of ₹4,999.

4. Redemption Options:

The accumulated reward points offer a range of exciting redemption options:

• Travel: Flight bookings, hotel stays, car rentals, train tickets, and more.
• Lifestyle: Gift vouchers for shopping, dining, electronics, entertainment, and other categories.
• Direct payment: Use points to pay for your card outstanding or utility bills.

5. Reward Point Value:

Each reward point holds a value of ₹0.25, making it easy to calculate your earned rewards and potential redemption value.

SBI Elite Credit Card travel benefits:

The SBI Elite Credit Card comes packed with travel benefits designed to elevate your international adventures. Here’s a closer look at the perks that await you:

Airport Lounge Access:

• Global Lounge Network: Unwind in comfort at over 1,000 domestic and international airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Lounge Key, and DragonPass networks.
• Unlimited Access: No restrictions on lounge visits, ensuring relaxation and convenience throughout your travels.

Travel Insurance:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Get covered for travel-related mishaps up to ₹1 crore, including flight delays, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and more.
• Peace of Mind: Travel with confidence knowing you’re protected against unforeseen incidents.

Priority Boarding:

• Skip the Queue: Enjoy priority boarding on flights, saving time and avoiding the pre-boarding rush.
• Smoother Journey: Start your travel experience on a stress-free note with this exclusive benefit.

Dining Offers:

• Global Discounts: Savor delicious meals at partner restaurants worldwide with exclusive discounts and deals.
• Culinary Explorations: Discover new flavors and cuisines while enjoying attractive savings.

Hotel Stay Discounts:

• Exclusive Rates: Access discounted rates on accommodation at partner hotels across popular destinations.
• Comfortable Stays: Elevate your travel experience with luxurious stays at a price you’ll love.

Additional Perks:

• Foreign Currency Markup Waiver: Save on currency conversion charges for international transactions with reduced markup.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Get up to 1% waiver on fuel surcharge at petrol pumps, providing additional savings.

2. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card boasts a rewarding program catered to travel enthusiasts and lifestyle spenders. Here’s a closer look:

Joining Fee	Annual Fee
₹2,500 (one-time)	₹2,500

HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card rewards:

1. Base Rewards:

• Travel & Hotels: Earn 4.5 reward points per ₹150 spent on flight bookings and hotel stays, maximizing your rewards on travel expenses.
• Other Categories: For all other transactions, you accumulate 2 reward points per ₹150 spent, still offering value for everyday purchases.

2. Welcome Bonus:

Upon card approval, you receive a welcome bonus of 2,000 reward points, instantly boosting your points balance and offering a kickstart to your rewards journey.

3. Milestone Rewards:

The card encourages responsible spending through milestone rewards:

• ₹5 lakh spend: Get 5,000 bonus points (worth approximately ₹1,250) and a voucher worth ₹2,500.
• ₹10 lakh spend: Receive another 5,000 bonus points and a voucher worth ₹5,000.

4. Redemption Options:

Your accumulated points offer a variety of exciting redemption options, including:

• Travel: Flight bookings, hotel stays, car rentals, train tickets, and more.
• Lifestyle: Gift vouchers for shopping, dining, electronics, entertainment, and other categories.
• Direct payment: Use points to pay for your card outstanding or utility bills.
• Partner offers: Exclusive deals and discounts from partner brands on flights, hotels, and merchandise.

5. Reward Point Value:

Each reward point holds a value of ₹0.25, making it easy to calculate your earned rewards and potential redemption benefits.

HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card travel benefits:

HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card: Unlocking Travel Perks for the Discerning Explorer :

Traveling can be an enriching experience, and the HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card aims to elevate your journeys with a treasure trove of travel benefits.

Airport Lounge Access:

• Global Network: Relax in comfort at over 650 domestic and international airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Lounge Key, and DragonPass networks.
• Unlimited Access: No restrictions on lounge visits, ensuring you have a haven of peace and refreshment before every flight.

Travel Insurance:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Enjoy peace of mind with up to ₹50 lakh travel insurance covering flight delays, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and more.
• Travel with Confidence: Focus on your adventures, knowing you’re protected against unforeseen mishaps.

Priority Boarding:

• Skip the Queue: Be among the first to board your flight, avoiding pre-boarding crowds and streamlining your travel experience.
• Smoother Take-off: Begin your journey with ease and convenience.

Dining Offers:

• Global Flavors: Savor delicious meals at partner restaurants worldwide with exclusive discounts and deals.
• Culinary Delights: Discover new cuisines and culinary experiences while enjoying attractive savings.

Weekend Discounts:

• Entertainment Escapes: Save on movie tickets, theme park visits, and other exciting activities during weekends.
• Fun on a Budget: Make the most of your time off without compromising on your finances.

Additional Perks:

• Foreign Currency Markup Waiver: Save on currency conversion charges for international transactions with reduced markup.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Get up to 1% waiver on fuel surcharge at petrol pumps, providing additional savings.

3. Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card

The Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card packs a punch when it comes to rewards, especially for frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed look at its rewarding proposition:

Joining Fee	Annual Fee
₹5,999 (one-time)	₹3,500

Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card rewards:

1. Miles Earn Rate:

• Base Rate: Earn a solid 4 award miles for every ₹200 spent across all categories. This allows you to accumulate miles consistently on everyday purchases.

2. Bonus Miles:

• Travel Boost: Get additional miles on specific travel-related spend:
  • Flights: Earn up to 6 miles per ₹200.
  • Car rentals: Earn up to 8 miles per ₹200.
  • Hotel bookings: Earn up to 5 miles per ₹200.
• Milestone Rewards: Reach annual spending milestones (₹6 lakh and ₹10 lakh) to unlock bonus miles and vouchers, rewarding your dedication.

3. Welcome Bonus:

Get a head start on your mileage journey with a generous welcome bonus of 5,000 award miles upon card approval, worth approximately ₹1,250 in travel redemptions.

4. Redemption Options:

Turn your accumulated miles into exciting travel experiences through a diverse range of redemption options:

• Flights: Book flights with airline partners within the Star Alliance network, offering extensive global coverage.
• Hotels: Enjoy comfortable stays at partner hotels, maximizing your miles’ value.
• Car rentals: Explore destinations at your own pace with convenient car rentals, redeemed using miles.
• Merchandise: Choose from a selection of travel-related merchandise and lifestyle products.
• Transfer miles: Share your miles with family and friends, adding flexibility to your rewards.

5. Reward Point Value:

Each award mile holds a value of approximately ₹0.25, providing a clear understanding of your potential redemption benefits.

Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card travel benefits:

The Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card promises a world of travel bliss, complete with perks to elevate your journeys. Here’s a closer look at its enticing travel benefits:

Airport Lounge Access:

• Star Alliance Network: Unwind in the comfort of select Star Alliance network lounges globally, offering a haven of relaxation during layovers or before flights.
• Complimentary Access: Enjoy lounge access without worrying about additional fees, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Priority Boarding:

• Skip the Queue: Be among the first to board your flight with priority boarding privileges, saving time and avoiding pre-boarding crowds.
• Convenience and Comfort: Board first and settle in comfortably, maximizing your pre-flight enjoyment.

Additional Perks:

• Baggage Allowance Benefits: Take advantage of increased baggage allowance with select airlines, allowing you to pack more without worries.
• Hotel Stay Discounts: Access exclusive discounts on stays at partner hotels worldwide, stretching your travel budget further.
• Miles-based Travel Packages: Redeem your accumulated miles for curated travel packages, encompassing flights, hotels, and activities, simplifying trip planning.

4. Air India SBI Platinum Card

The Air India SBI Platinum Card rewards program takes flight with exclusive benefits for Air India fans and frequent travelers. Here’s a closer look at its rewarding features:

Joining Fee	Annual Fee
₹1,499 (one-time)	₹1,499 (second year onwards)

Air India SBI Platinum Card rewards:

1. Generous Mileage Earning:

• Air India Boost: Earn a generous 4 miles per ₹100 spent on Air India flights, accelerating your Air India Award Points accumulation.
• Base Rate: For transactions outside Air India, you earn a decent 2 miles per ₹100 spent, ensuring consistent rewards on everyday purchases.

2. Bonus Rewards:

• Anniversary Boost: Celebrate your card anniversary with an additional 5,000 bonus points upon renewing your membership.
• Flight Package Bonus: Get rewarded for planning ahead with bonus points when booking Air India flight packages.

3. Welcome Gift:

Upon card approval, you receive a welcome gift of 5,000 Air India Award Points, providing a head start on your travel redemption journey.

4. Redeeming the Rewards:

Air India Award Points unlock a world of exciting possibilities:

• Flight Upgrades: Elevate your travel experience by utilizing points for cabin upgrades to Business Class or First Class.
• Free Flights: Redeem your points for domestic and international Air India flights, taking the cost out of your travel plans.
• Premium Cabin Access: Indulge in comfort and luxury with points redeemed for access to Air India’s premium lounges and cabin services.
• Merchandise: Choose from a selection of travel-related merchandise, adding to your travel excitement.

5. Reward Point Value:

Each Air India Award Point holds a value of approximately ₹0.25, offering transparent insight into your potential redemption benefits.

Air India SBI Platinum Card travel benefits:

Air India SBI Platinum Card: Soaring High with Travel Perks

For die-hard Air India fans and frequent flyers, the Air India SBI Platinum Card offers more than just miles – it unlocks a world of travel privileges specifically designed to elevate your Air India journeys. Here’s a closer look at the perks that take flight with this card:

Airport Lounge Access:

• Air India Lounges: Relax in comfort and style at Air India Maharaja Lounges at select domestic and international airports.
• Domestic Lounge Access: Gain access to select domestic lounges through partnerships, ensuring peace and quiet even before your Air India flight.

Priority Check-in & Boarding:

• Skip the Queues: Breeze through check-in and boarding formalities with priority privileges, saving you valuable time and reducing pre-flight stress.

Complimentary Airfare Upgrades:

• Surprise Me Upgrade: Get bumped up to Business Class or First Class on select routes at no additional cost, adding a touch of luxury to your travels (subject to availability).

Exclusive Air India Offers:

• Discounts and Benefits: Enjoy special discounts and deals on Air India flights, merchandise, and services like excess baggage allowance or seat selection.
• Experiences: Gain access to exclusive experiences like pre-boarding greetings or personalized assistance, making your travel feel tailor-made.

Additional Perks:

• Travel Insurance: Stay covered with complimentary travel insurance up to ₹1 crore, offering peace of mind during your flights.
• Lost Card Liability Cover: Enjoy financial protection in case of card loss or theft.
• Global Acceptance: Use your card for international transactions with ease.

5. ICICI Bank Sapphire Select

The ICICI Bank Sapphire Select Credit Card boasts a rewarding program designed to cater to both travel enthusiasts and lifestyle connoisseurs. Let’s dive deeper into its enticing rewards structure:

Joining Fee	Annual Fee
₹4,999 (one-time)	₹4,999

ICICI Bank Sapphire Select rewards:

1. Base Rewards:

• Travel & Dining: Earn a generous 20 reward points per ₹100 spent on travel bookings and dining bills, maximizing your rewards for your passions.
• Other Categories: For all other transactions, you still accumulate 2 reward points per ₹100 spent, ensuring consistent rewards on everyday purchases.

2. Milestone Rewards:

As your annual spending increases, you unlock additional bonus points and vouchers:

• ₹5 lakh spend: Get 6,000 bonus points (worth ₹1,500) along with a voucher worth ₹2,500.
• ₹8 lakh spend: Receive another 6,000 bonus points and a voucher worth ₹3,500.

3. Welcome Gift Voucher:

Upon card approval, you get a ₹5,000 welcome gift voucher, effectively offsetting the joining fee and providing a head start on your rewards journey.

4. Redemption Options:

Your accumulated points offer a wide range of exciting redemption options, including:

• Travel: Flight bookings, hotel stays, car rentals, train tickets, and more.
• Lifestyle: Gift vouchers for shopping, dining, electronics, entertainment, and other categories.
• Direct payment: Use points to pay for your card outstanding or utility bills.
• Exclusive experiences: Bidding for unique experiences like luxury getaways or adventure activities.

5. Reward Point Value:

Each reward point holds a value of ₹0.25, making it easy to calculate your earned rewards and potential redemption benefits.

ICICI Bank Sapphire Select travel benefits:

The ICICI Bank Sapphire Select credit card, as its name suggests, shines brightest when it comes to travel benefits. Here’s a closer look at the perks that take your journeys to new heights:

Unlimited Airport Lounge Access:

• Global Network: Unwind in comfort at over 1,000 domestic and international airport lounges, including networks like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass.
• No Restrictions: Enjoy unlimited lounge access regardless of your travel class or flight frequency, making every journey a relaxing experience.

Priority Pass Membership:

• Complimentary Select Membership: Your Sapphire Select card automatically comes with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to even more lounges worldwide.
• Upgrade Options: Consider upgrading to a higher Priority Pass tier for access to exclusive and premium lounges for an additional fee.

Priority Boarding:

• Skip the Queue: Be among the first to board your flight with priority boarding privileges, saving time and avoiding pre-boarding crowds.
• Smoother Take-off: Begin your journey with ease and convenience, maximizing your pre-flight comfort.

Travel Insurance:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Enjoy peace of mind with up to ₹1 crore travel insurance covering flight delays, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and more.
• Travel with Confidence: Focus on your adventures, knowing you’re protected against unforeseen mishaps.

Additional Perks:

• Foreign Currency Markup Waiver: Save on currency conversion charges for international transactions with reduced markup.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Get up to 1% waiver on fuel surcharge at petrol pumps, providing additional savings.
• Visa Concierge Services: Access a dedicated concierge service for assistance with travel bookings, restaurant reservations, and other needs.