Best Credit Card for Domestic Travel

Created on 27 Sep 2023

Wraps up in 6 Min

Read by 4.7k people

Updated on 29 Nov 2023

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Kashmir during the blossoming of flowers or exploring the scenic beauty of Manali in Northern India? Or maybe relaxing on the beaches of Goa or experiencing the holiness of Varanasi? If so, we understand your desire to travel and explore these beautiful places. However, we also understand that travelling can be expensive. To help you make your dream a reality without breaking the bank, we have something for you - the best credit cards for domestic travel with great deals. So, let's dive in and explore these amazing credit cards without any further delay.

1. Standard Chartered Digi Smart Credit Card

Looking for a credit card that fits your lifestyle? Consider the Standard Chartered DigiSmart Credit Card, which offers great benefits for online shoppers and travellers. You'll receive a free INOX movie ticket with the purchase of one, as well as save up to 10% on Zomato food orders. Plus, you can earn rewards points for partner brand shopping and travel.

If you're a frequent traveller, you'll love the discounts on flights and hotels. Receive 20% off on domestic flights, 10% off on international flights, and up to 25% off on domestic hotels through Yatra.com. Additionally, you can get up to 25% off on your travel expenses and up to 20% off on your shopping bills.

The card also comes with zero liability protection to protect you from fraud and misuse. Just report any loss of the card to the bank as soon as possible. And, if you use Ola cabs frequently, you can get 15% cashback, up to a maximum of ₹600 per month.

To be eligible for the Standard Chartered DigiSmart Credit Card, you must be between 21 and 65 years old and have a monthly income of at least ₹50,000.

2. Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME

The Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME is a great choice for frequent travellers as it offers a host of benefits. For a joining fee of ₹2,999, you get a complimentary Premium Economy class ticket as a gift voucher, which is a fantastic way to start. The rewards program is impressive, with 4 Club Vistara (CV) points earned for every ₹200 spent, including fuel transactions. 

If you're a travel enthusiast, you'll love the complimentary Premium Economy Class tickets that you can earn on annual expenditures of ₹1.5 lakh, 3 lakh, 4.5 lakh, and 8 lakh, as well as access to domestic and international lounges. The card also provides discounts on car rentals, hotel bookings, and destination programs in Japan, Korea, Macau, and Singapore. 

With Priority Pass membership, you can enjoy 8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per year (2 per quarter) and 4 international lounge visits annually (maximum 2 per quarter). Additionally, the card offers insurance benefits, including coverage for flight ticket cancellations, air accident protection, and baggage-related coverage. There's also Zero Liability Protection, which offers up to ₹1 lakh in lost card liability protection from 48 hours before reporting the card loss until 7 days after reporting it to the bank.

To apply for this card, you must be at least 18 years old and have a stable income. 

3. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

If you're a frequent traveller who wants to earn rewards while enjoying convenience, the Air India SBI Signature Credit Card is the perfect fit for you. You can earn 4 reward points for every ₹100 you spend, with an accelerated rate of reward points on purchases made with Air India when you book tickets for yourself through Air India.in, you'll get 30 reward points for every ₹100 spent and 10 RPs for every ₹100 spent on tickets booked for others. You'll also earn 10 RPs for every ₹100 spent on tickets booked for yourself and others through the Air India Booking office or call centres.

These reward points can be converted to Air India Air Miles, which is a great value for frequent flyers. In addition, this travel credit card offers free membership to the Priority Pass lounge access program, which allows you to access domestic airport lounges up to 8 times a year. Moreover, it provides essential insurance benefits and Zero Liability Protection, ensuring peace of mind for cardholders. 

To apply for this card, you must be at least 18 years old and have a stable income. 

4. HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card

HDFC Bank has recently introduced an exciting addition to its lineup, the HDFC IRCTC RuPay Credit Card, through a strategic partnership with IRCTC. This co-branded travel card has been designed to offer incredible value to frequent travellers and train enthusiasts. With this card, HDFC Bank aims to offer a compelling alternative to existing co-branded cards with IRCTC, providing travellers with more choices and benefits for their journeys.

With a modest joining and annual membership fee of ₹499, it's a budget-friendly choice for those looking to enhance their travel experiences. What sets this card apart is the reward benefits; you earn up to 5 cash points on every ₹100 spent, offering an impressive reward rate. Furthermore, cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to IRCTC Executive Lounges every quarter, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable train journey. 

Plus, there's the added benefit of Zero Liability Protection in case of a lost or stolen card. Additionally, the card provides a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000, with a maximum waiver of ₹250 per billing cycle. The renewal fee of ₹500 is also waived if you spend ₹1,50,000 or more in the previous anniversary year. 

To be eligible for this card, you should be aged between 21 and 65 years and should have a stable monthly income, whether self-employed or salaried. 

5. Yatra SBI Credit Card

The Yatra SBI credit card, a travel co-branded credit card in collaboration with Yatra.com, offers a world of benefits and privileges to avid travellers. This card opens the door to fantastic discounts, including ₹1,000 off on domestic flight bookings and a generous  ₹4,000 off on international flight bookings. 

As a warm welcome gesture, members receive a Yatra e-gift voucher worth  ₹8,250 upon payment of the membership fees. Every transaction with this credit card earns you rewards, with 6 reward points for every ₹100 spent on movies, groceries, entertainment, departmental stores, and dining, and 1 reward point for every  ₹100 spent on all other expenses. 

Additionally, cardholders benefit from a comprehensive air accidental insurance cover of  ₹50 lakhs. 

The joining fee is a reasonable ₹499 plus applicable taxes, with the same amount as the renewal fee. This card is a traveller's dream, offering not just discounts but also peace of mind with its Zero Liability Protection, which covers unauthorized transactions when reported within the stipulated time. 

Whether you're booking flights or exploring dining options, this card has you covered with rewards and savings that enhance your travel experiences. Furthermore, you can enjoy a delightful 20% off on domestic hotels for transactions exceeding  ₹3,000, with a maximum discount of  ₹2,000, making your accommodation choices more economical. With such incredible perks, the Yatra SBI credit card transforms your travel experiences into unforgettable adventures.

Conclusion

Here were some of the best credit cards for domestic travel that you can choose from. They offer rewards, discounts, cashback, insurance, and more. You can compare them based on their features, fees, eligibility, and benefits to find the one that best suits your needs. 

But how can you find the right credit card for you? That's where Select by Finology comes in. It's a platform that helps you find, compare and apply for the perfect credit card. With over 50 credit cards from various banks and issuers, you can filter them by categories such as travel, shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. 

So, don't wait any longer. Visit Select by Finology today and find the ideal credit card to make your domestic travel more rewarding and convenient!