Whether it is for adventure, relaxation or business, travel is back on the rise. The convenience of choosing and booking packages online and the plethora of packages for budget-friendly and luxury-seeking travellers make planning much easier. In fact, opting for a travel credit card multiplies the benefits.
From accelerated reward points to air miles, vouchers for hotel stays and discounts on tickets, these credit cards offer endless advantages. Opting for a travel credit card can not only help you enjoy your experience but also make it more affordable.
But how do you choose the right one? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just keep these parameters in mind before finalising a travel credit card online.
How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card
Keeping these criteria in mind can help you make a well-informed decision:
● Assess the Travel Benefits You Get to Enjoy
From free access to airport lounges in domestic and international destinations to higher reward points when used outside India, a travel credit card can offer many benefits. Complimentary insurance covers also come in handy when you travel as do air miles and discounts on stays and from partner retailers.
All this can help you save more on your trips. While these offers depend on the credit card you select, what you can do is match them to your travel needs and spending habits.
● Review the Card’s Annual Fee
Before you hit ‘apply’ on a travel credit card online, check out the annual fee as well as the interest rate and other charges, such as joining fees. All this can add to your bills. The simplest solution is to look for cards with zero or minimal annual fees.
If you see more perks in cards that do have higher charges, ensure they are worth your while.
● Check Out Options for Cashback and Rewards
While assessing travel-specific benefits is a must-do, your travel credit card should also offer you perks during general use. An easy way to see if the card makes sense is to check its rewards programme.
See the list of partner retailers and restaurants that its discounts are linked to as well as the redemption convenience of points you earn. If you can use your points to pay your credit card bill or buy a range of products you actually use, it may be the best credit card for you. Welcome bonus and milestone rewards can also help you save more.
Perks of Owning a Travel Credit Card
Know what’s in store before signing up for a travel credit card in India:
● Use it Across the Globe
Most travel credit cards are accepted worldwide and charge minimal fees on transactions abroad. In addition, some issuers also offer coverage for:
- Medical emergencies while travelling abroad
- Trip cancellations
- Delayed or misplaced baggage
All these benefits allow you to save a huge sum while giving you a stress-free travel experience.
● Enjoy Travel-Focused Rewards
Travel cards usually offer discounts and rewards focused on travel, allowing you to save more on airfare, hotels, cab rentals, train tickets and more. As a frequent traveller, you can maximise these benefits and earn up to 10X points based on the card.
● More Protection From Fraud & Overspending
With some travel credit cards, you get to enjoy higher safety as you will not be held liable for fraudulent transactions. On finding out that your card has been lost or stolen, you can reach the issuer online and get coverage against financial loss, even if it has been used by scammers or thieves.
Moreover, some credit card issuers allow you to set limits for international transactions as well as on spending categories. This can help you stay on budget even while you’re on vacation.
How to Apply for the Best Online Credit Card in India
Here are some common eligibility criteria set by most credit card issuers. Once you match these parameters and submit relevant documents, you are good to go!
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Maintain a high credit score that is at least around 750
- Meet the required income parameters set by the issuer
- Have stable employment or income
Here are some documents you may need to upload to get a travel credit card effortlessly:
- Passport-size photograph
- Completed application form
- ID Proof (Passport, Aadhaar card, Driver’s licence, etc.)
- Address Proof (Utility bills, rental agreement, bank statement, etc.)
- Income Proof (Bank statements, ITR)
Remember, the eligibility terms and paperwork may vary across issuers, so check before you apply.
So, if you’re bitten by the travel bug or are a frequent flier for business, there are a variety of pros of owning a travel credit card. However, if you are looking for an all-rounder credit card, one option to consider is the One Credit Card. This premium metal credit card not only comes with zero joining and annual fees but also helps you effortlessly plan affordable international trips with its powerful One Credit Card App.
Along with discounts on hotel booking and tickets on partner platforms* like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip and more, it also offers 5X rewards on your top spending categories. The EMI facility helps you address big-ticket payments with ease, and your rewards points never expire. Get it now and get going to your next travel destination.
*Offers may vary with time. Please check your One Credit Card app for the latest details.
