What is a foreign exchange markup fee?

It is a fee charged by the bank for converting foreign currency transactions (offline swipe or online international purchase) into Indian Rupees. The industry standard is 3.50%, but travel cards reduce this to 0% - 2.00%.

How do I transfer points to airline partners?

You can log in to your bank's reward portal, link your airline loyalty account (e.g. KrisFlyer or Club Vistara), and request points transfer. Transfers usually take between 24 hours to 5 working days depending on the partner.

Best Travel Credit Cards in India

June 19, 2026• 15 min read

For frequent international flyers and luxury hotel stays, a dedicated travel credit card is an indispensable asset. The best travel cards combine low foreign exchange markups with direct point transfers to global airlines and hotel loyalty programs.

1. Travel Card Math: Forex Markup vs. Miles Yield

When traveling abroad, a card's Foreign Exchange Markup is crucial. Standard cards charge 3.5% + GST. The best travel cards reduce this to 2% or even 0%, while simultaneously earning high reward rates that offset any markup fees.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the top travel credit cards in India:

Card Name	Joining Fee	Forex Markup	Base Return Rate	Primary Travel Benefit
Axis Bank Atlas	₹5,000 + GST	2%	2.00%	5X Edge Miles on direct airlines / Travel Edge
HDFC Infinia Metal	₹12,500 + GST	2%	3.33%	1:1 transfer ratio to Marriott Bonvoy / airlines
Axis Reserve	₹50,000 + GST	0%	1.50%	Chauffeured transfers & airport Meet & Greet
Federal Scapia	Nil	0%	1.00%	Zero forex markup & unlimited domestic lounges
SBI Card Miles Elite	₹4,999 + GST	1.99%	1.00%	Multi-airline partners point transfers

2. In-Depth Travel Cards Analysis

#1. Axis Bank Atlas

The undisputed king of travel credit cards in India for miles accumulators.

Joining/Renewal Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
Forex Markup: 2%
Primary Benefit: Earns 5 Edge Miles per ₹100 spend (5.0% base return) on direct airline bookings and the Axis Travel Edge portal. Base spends earn 2 Edge Miles per ₹100.

[!IMPORTANT] Miles Transfer Ratios: Axis Atlas Edge Miles transfer to airline/hotel partners (Marriott Bonvoy, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, British Airways Executive Club) at a 1 Edge Mile = 2 Partner Miles ratio for Group A/B partners, giving you up to a 10% return on travel spends.

#2. HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition

A premium travel giant with outstanding booking portals.

Joining/Renewal Fee: ₹12,500 + GST
Forex Markup: 2%
Primary Benefit: 1 Reward Point = 1.0 Partner Mile/Point across airlines and Marriott Bonvoy.

HDFC's SmartBuy portal allows flight and hotel bookings at a 1 RP = ₹1 valuation, with a 5X multiplier (16.6% return) on bookings.

#3. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card

The best entry-level travel card for international shoppers.

Joining/Renewal Fee: Nil (Lifetime Free)
Forex Markup: 0% (Zero markup)
Primary Benefit: Unlimited domestic lounge access (unlocked by spending ₹10,000 in the billing cycle).