The best credit card for flight booking depends on how often you travel, where you book tickets and what kind of value you prefer. Indian travellers who fly every month may want air miles and lounge access. Families booking holidays once or twice a year may prefer instant discounts.
There is no single winner for everyone. Premium cards can offer strong rewards, but only if your spends justify the annual fee. Co-branded travel cards can be useful, but they often work best on one booking platform. RuPay credit cards on UPI can help when a travel platform accepts UPI and you want credit-backed payment convenience.
Use this guide to compare the best credit cards for flight booking in India by rewards, fees, lounge access, booking platform and real use case.
Quick Answer
If you want a card that supports eligible UPI merchant payments, the RuPay Credit Card via Kiwi is a strong starting point. It is useful when a travel platform accepts UPI at checkout, and it also helps with credit-backed QR payments, cashback and app-based control for everyday spends around your trip.
For frequent flyers, Axis Bank ATLAS, HDFC Infinia Metal and HDFC Diners Club Black Metal are strong options. For MakeMyTrip users, the MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card is easier to understand because rewards stay within the MakeMyTrip ecosystem. For EaseMyTrip users, the Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card offers direct travel discounts. For budget domestic travellers, AU ixigo Credit Card is worth comparing.
Best Credit Cards for Flight Booking: Comparison Table
| Credit card | Best for | Main value | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Bank ATLAS Credit Card | Frequent travellers | EDGE Miles on eligible travel spends | Reward caps and exclusions |
| HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card | Premium travellers | Reward points, SmartBuy and air-mile conversion | Selective eligibility and high fee |
| HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card | High-spend travellers | Rewards, lounge access and travel benefits | Network acceptance and fee |
| MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card | MakeMyTrip users | myCash on MakeMyTrip bookings | Best value stays inside MakeMyTrip |
| Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card | EaseMyTrip users | Instant discounts on flights and hotels | Platform-linked value |
| AU ixigo Credit Card | Budget domestic travellers | ixigo benefits, airport and railway lounge access | Check latest lounge rules |
| HSBC TravelOne Credit Card | International travellers | Travel rewards and partner offers | Premium fee and offer tracking |
| American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card | Milestone spenders | Membership Rewards Points and vouchers | Amex acceptance and annual spends |
| Air India SBI Credit Card | Air India loyalists | Maharaja Points on Air India spends | Airline-specific value |
Card fees, eligibility, Reward Points, lounge access and cashback rules change often. Check the latest issuer terms before applying.
1. Kiwi RuPay Credit Card via Kiwi
The RuPay Credit Card via Kiwi is useful for travellers who want UPI on credit, cashback and app-based control for daily merchant payments. When a travel platform accepts UPI at checkout, a linked RuPay credit card can be used through UPI, subject to issuer, platform and payment-gateway support.
Kiwi fits best when your flight booking is only one part of the trip. You may also pay for food, cabs, groceries, medicines, local shopping and other merchant QR payments before or during travel. Kiwi helps bring credit-backed UPI payments and cashback into that wider routine.
Kiwi’s public pages highlight a lifetime-free card, 1.5% cashback on eligible UPI scan-and-pay transactions and Kiwi Neon Membership benefits such as milestone-based cashback on eligible spends and airport lounge access. For PNB Kiwi and YES Bank Klick cards, lounge access should be understood with Kiwi Neon Membership. The card issued depends on credit score and partner-bank requirements.
Best for: UPI-first users who want cashback, credit-backed merchant payments and simple app control.
Check before applying: UPI acceptance on the travel platform, cashback eligibility, partner-bank criteria and Kiwi Neon Membership terms.
2. Axis Bank ATLAS Credit Card
Axis Bank ATLAS is a travel-first card for people who book flights and hotels regularly. It earns EDGE Miles on eligible spends, with accelerated earning on eligible travel spends such as airline, hotel and Axis Bank Travel EDGE transactions.
It works best if you understand miles and can plan redemptions. It is not the simplest choice if you only want a one-time discount at checkout.
Best for: frequent flyers who want miles and travel redemption value.
Check before applying: monthly caps, excluded spends, EDGE Miles transfer partners and annual fee recovery.
3. HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card
HDFC Infinia Metal is a premium card for high-income, high-spend users. Its appeal is reward-point value, especially when points are used through HDFC SmartBuy or converted for travel use.
This is not an entry-level flight-booking card. Eligibility is selective and the annual fee is high, so it works best when your regular spends and travel redemptions justify the cost.
Best for: premium travellers who already qualify for top-tier HDFC cards.
Check before applying: eligibility, fee waiver rules, redemption caps and SmartBuy terms.
4. HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal is another premium option for users who want rewards, lounge access and lifestyle value. It can be useful for flight bookings when you use eligible travel platforms and redemption options well.
Its value depends on your annual spends and card acceptance. If you only book one or two domestic flights a year, a lower-fee co-branded card may be easier.
Best for: high-spend users who can use rewards across travel and lifestyle categories.
Check before applying: Diners acceptance, annual fee, lounge access rules and reward caps.
5. MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card
The MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card is built for users who book on MakeMyTrip. It offers myCash on eligible MakeMyTrip bookings, and myCash can be used on MakeMyTrip during checkout. Current public information also highlights MakeMyTrip membership benefits and low forex markup on the card.
This card is useful if MakeMyTrip is your default travel app. It is less flexible if you compare fares across several platforms and usually book wherever the fare is lowest.
Best for: MakeMyTrip users who want platform-linked rewards.
Check before applying: myCash earning rate, redemption rules, lounge conditions and forex markup terms.
6. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card
The Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card is practical for people who use EaseMyTrip and prefer direct discounts. Its travel benefit includes discounts on domestic and international flight bookings through EaseMyTrip, subject to caps and offer terms.
The fee is lower than many premium travel cards, so it can suit occasional travellers who want simple savings without managing air miles.
Best for: EaseMyTrip users who want instant flight discounts.
Check before applying: promo code rules, discount caps, annual fee and eligible booking categories.
7. AU ixigo Credit Card
The AU ixigo Credit Card is useful for domestic travellers who want a travel package without moving into a very premium card. Current public information highlights ixigo benefits, domestic airport and railway lounge access, one international lounge visit per year and zero forex markup on international spends.
It can be a good fit for travellers who mix flights and trains, especially if they already use ixigo.
Best for: budget travellers who book through ixigo and value lounge access.
Check before applying: current annual fee, lounge eligibility, quarterly spend conditions and ixigo offer terms.
8. HSBC TravelOne Credit Card
HSBC TravelOne is designed for users who want travel rewards, partner offers and airline or hotel redemption options. It is more relevant for people who travel internationally or spend enough to use HSBC’s rewards ecosystem.
It is not the simplest beginner card. The value depends on how you use reward points, travel partners and offers.
Best for: international and rewards-led travellers.
Check before applying: annual fee, transfer partners, offer validity, lounge rules and forex costs.
9. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is useful for users who can hit annual spend milestones. It earns Membership Rewards Points on eligible spends and offers travel-related redemption options, including select voucher redemptions.
It is not a pure flight-discount card. Its value comes from planning annual spends, using milestone benefits and redeeming points well.
Best for: travellers who can meet milestone spends responsibly.
Check before applying: eligible spends, excluded categories, voucher redemption rules and Amex acceptance.
10. Air India SBI Credit Card
The Air India SBI Credit Card is best for users loyal to Air India and the Maharaja Club ecosystem. It earns Maharaja Points on Air India ticket spends and other eligible purchases, with travel benefits linked to Air India and SBI Card terms.
It is useful if you repeatedly fly Air India. It is less useful if you are airline-agnostic and always book the cheapest fare.
Best for: Air India loyalists.
Check before applying: Maharaja Points earning rate, redemption rules, lounge access and annual fee.
How to Choose the Best Card for Your Travel Style
If you fly once or twice a year, do not overpay for a premium card. A lower-fee card with instant discounts or platform rewards may be enough.
If you travel every month, compare miles, transfer partners, lounge access and redemption flexibility. Axis Bank ATLAS, HDFC Infinia Metal and HDFC Diners Club Black Metal can make sense if your spends justify the fee.
If you book mostly on one platform, use a co-branded card. MakeMyTrip users can compare MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card. EaseMyTrip users can compare Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card. ixigo users can compare AU ixigo Credit Card.
If you travel internationally, check forex markup, international lounge access, insurance, card-network acceptance and airline transfer partners.
If you want one card for daily payments and occasional flight bookings, compare UPI-on-credit options such as Kiwi. The value may come from everyday cashback and payment convenience rather than only flight-ticket rewards.
Can You Book Flights with a UPI Credit Card?
Yes, if the travel platform accepts UPI and your RuPay credit card is linked to UPI. NPCI enables RuPay credit cards on UPI for merchant payments. After linking the card, payment authentication happens through UPI PIN.
The usual flow is simple:
- Choose your flight on a travel app or airline website.
- Select UPI at checkout if available.
- Enter the UPI ID linked to your RuPay credit card.
- Approve the payment in your UPI app.
- Track the transaction and repay your credit card bill on time.
Availability depends on the travel platform, payment gateway, issuer and current UPI rules. RuPay credit card on UPI should be treated as a merchant-payment flow, not as a peer-to-peer transfer product.
Small-merchant transaction checks may also apply. Kiwi notes that NPCI-defined small-merchant transactions below ₹2,000 can be subject to a rolling 24-hour cap, while large merchants and transactions above ₹2,000 are treated differently.
What to Check Before Applying
- Annual fee and renewal fee: A high-fee card is useful only if your rewards exceed the cost.
- Reward exclusions: EMI, rent, wallet, fuel, insurance, utility and government payments may be excluded.
- Booking platform: Some cards reward only one portal or only direct airline bookings.
- Lounge access: Benefits may require quarterly spends, vouchers, DreamFolks validation or membership.
- Forex markup: Important for international travel.
- Redemption value: A point worth ₹1 on one platform may be worth less elsewhere.
- Capping: Accelerated rewards often have monthly or quarterly limits.
- Eligibility: Approval depends on credit score, income, bank policy and internal checks.
- Repayment: Interest charges can erase all travel savings if you carry unpaid balances.
Tips to Maximise Flight-Booking Value
Use the card where it earns the highest reward rate. Compare final fares after convenience fees, not just headline discounts. Track expiry dates for miles, vouchers and wallet rewards. Avoid EMI unless you have checked whether Reward Points will be excluded or reversed.
Before travelling, confirm lounge access conditions. Some cards require a recent spend threshold, an app-generated voucher or active membership. Lounge rules have become stricter across many cards, so do not assume access is automatic.
Most importantly, pay the full credit card bill on time. Travel rewards are useful only when you avoid interest charges.
Try Kiwi for UPI-First Travel Spends
If you want a credit card that works beyond the flight-ticket checkout, start with Kiwi. It lets eligible users link a RuPay credit card to UPI, pay at eligible merchant QR codes, track spends in the app and earn cashback on eligible scan-and-pay transactions.
That makes Kiwi useful for the whole travel loop: booking eligible flights through UPI where supported, paying for food and cab rides, shopping at local stores, buying medicines, and managing other merchant QR payments before and during the trip.
Download the Kiwi app, complete your application in minutes, and get quick access to your digital credit card upon approval. The card issued depends on your credit score and partner bank requirements. If you want more from eligible UPI spends, you can also explore Kiwi Neon Membership for benefits such as up to 5% cashback on eligible spends of ₹1.5L under milestone rules and airport lounge access after meeting the applicable Kiwi Neon Membership milestone conditions.
While complimentary airport lounge access is currently available with the Kiwi Neon membership (subject to applicable terms and eligibility), there’s more to look forward to. Kiwi Flights is coming soon, bringing a seamless way to book flights at the best available prices in the market while earning unlimited 4% cashback on bookings, making your travel experience even more rewarding.
Use a travel card when it gives the best flight-booking reward. Use Kiwi when you want eligible UPI merchant payments, cashback and credit control in one app.
FAQs
Which is the best credit card for flight booking in India?
For frequent flyers, Axis Bank ATLAS, HDFC Infinia Metal and HDFC Diners Club Black Metal are strong options. For platform-specific bookings, MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card and Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card can work well. For UPI-first users, Kiwi RuPay Credit Card via Kiwi is useful where UPI payments are accepted and for everyday merchant payments.
Which credit card is best for domestic flight booking?
Choose based on your booking platform. EaseMyTrip users can compare Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip. MakeMyTrip users can compare MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card. Budget travellers can compare AU ixigo. Frequent flyers can compare Axis Bank ATLAS or premium HDFC cards.
Which credit card is best for international flight booking?
Look for low forex markup, international lounge access, travel insurance, airline transfer partners and strong reward redemption. HDFC Infinia Metal, Axis Bank ATLAS, HSBC TravelOne, American Express Platinum Travel and MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Credit Card can be compared depending on eligibility and booking behaviour.
Can I use a RuPay credit card on UPI to book flights?
Yes, if your RuPay credit card is linked to UPI and the travel platform supports UPI at checkout. You can approve the payment with your UPI PIN. Availability depends on the platform, gateway, issuer and current rules.
Do EMI flight bookings earn Reward Points?
Not always. Many issuers exclude EMI transactions or reverse Reward Points when a booking is converted into EMI. Check the card terms before choosing EMI for flight tickets.
Is airport lounge access always free with travel credit cards?
No. Lounge access may require quarterly spends, active membership, vouchers, card-network validation or specific card variants. Always check current lounge rules before travelling.
Disclaimer: Airlines, loyalty programs, and issuing banks frequently update flight reward structures, air mile conversion ratios (including Axis EDGE Miles, HDFC SmartBuy multipliers, and brand-specific points), and lounge access spending criteria. The analysis and shortlists provided here are for general informational and comparison purposes only and do not serve as formal financial consultation. Complimentary airport lounge access is subject to changing network guidelines and specific quarterly or monthly spending thresholds. Furthermore, RuPay credit cards linked to UPI are restricted exclusively to eligible merchant transactions (P2M) as mandated by NPCI guidelines. Always verify current terms, rewards caps, and fee schedules directly on the partner bank’s or airline’s official portal before making a travel booking or application.
