5 Reasons Travel Credit Cards are Best for Travelling

Did you know that in the first three months of 2024, 97 million passengers travelled through Indian airports for both international and domestic trips? With such a boom in travel, having the right tools that can enhance every aspect of your journey is crucial. One of the most useful tools you should have is a travel credit card.

If you are still not using a travel credit card, you are most likely missing out on incredible benefits that could completely transform your travel experience. Whether you are flying for business, planning that once-in-a-lifetime holiday, or going on a spontaneous road trip, a travel credit card is a must-have in your financial toolkit. 

What is a travel credit card exactly?

A travel credit card, in simple words, offers various travel-related benefits and rewards. It works like any other credit card, allowing you to make purchases now and pay later. However, its primary focus is on offering specialised rewards and features centred around travel expenses. 

For example, the IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card is one such option that offers world-class privileges, such as:

• Rewards on travel, shopping, and dining categories
• Welcome gifts upon joining
• Complimentary movie tickets, once per month
• Fuel surcharge waiver at fuel outlets
• Discounted forex markup rate of 1.8%
• Non-expiry reward points 
• Access to select luxurious airport lounges in India 

Apply for the IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card online and get started today! Provide your basic details, select from the best offers available, and get your card without even visiting the bank.

5 benefits of using a travel credit card when travelling

Look at the 5 top reasons a credit card for travel is a must-have for your next trip.

1. Complimentary access to airport lounges

One of the most luxurious benefits of travel credit cards is the complimentary access to airport lounges. You can bypass the hustle and bustle of the noisy terminals and enjoy the luxury of a quiet lounge with free Wi-Fi, food, beverages, workstations, and sometimes even sleeping pods.

Take the IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card, for example. This premium credit card offers you access to various airport lounges worldwide through the complimentary ‘Priority Pass’ membership. With this benefit, you can relax in luxury at some of the best lounges across major airports across the globe. 

This benefit becomes highly valuable during long layovers or delayed flights. Instead of stressing in a busy terminal, you can rest in a lounge and be more productive.

2. Travel insurance

Nobody expects interruptions when travelling, but travel can be unpredictable. Flights get delayed, luggage goes missing, and unexpected medical emergencies can occur. That's where travel insurance offered by credit cards can save the day. For instance, the IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card comes with comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for:

• Lost baggage: ₹1,00,000
• Delayed baggage: ₹25,000
• Loss of passport: ₹50,000
• Lost ticket: ₹25,000
• Missed connection: ₹25,000

Also, the 24/7 assistance ensures you are never alone in dealing with travel unpredictability. 

Besides travel insurance, the IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card comes with a host of other benefits that can help you save more on your travels. It is a UPI-enabled credit card, allowing you to make seamless payments and earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 transaction done through UPI. 

3. Premium privileges for travelling

When you choose a premium travel credit card, such as the IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card, the concierge services make your travel experience luxurious and highly personalised. Here is how:

• Pre-trip assistance: Need advice on where to stay or what to do in a new city? Call for assistance and get information on travel destinations, weather, important landmarks, modes of transport, etc. 
• Hotel reservations: Want to book a luxury suite or a last-minute hotel? The concierge service can manage the arrangements to ensure you have a pleasurable and comfortable stay. 
• Event bookings: Whether you want to attend a football match or catch a theatre show, the concierge can secure those high-demanding tickets for you.  
• Flowers and gifts: Need to send flowers or gifts while on the move? The concierge can handle this as well, ensuring everything is taken care of smoothly.
• Access to special events: Looking to attend special events like workshops or seminars by renowned personalities? The concierge will give you the needed details and make reservations for you (whenever possible). 

These credit card privileges save you time and add convenience to your travel experience, all with just a quick call or email.

4. Discounted foreign currency mark-up

Using your regular credit card outside India can incur hefty foreign currency mark-up fees, often as high as 3-4% on every transaction. While this may not seem like much at first, as you pay for hotels, meals, and shopping, these fees quickly add up. A better solution is opting for travel credit cards that offer discounted foreign currency mark-ups (usually up to 1.8%).

These reduced charges let you save on every international purchase and stretch your travel budget further. You can use your credit card as you normally would and avoid the hassle of carrying large amounts of foreign currency or dealing with unfavourable exchange rates at local money changers.

5. Lucrative rewards and perks

The best travel credit card will also offer you rewards on every transaction. Whether you are buying flight tickets, staying at a hotel, dining out, or simply making daily purchases, each transaction helps you collect reward points. For example, with IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card, you enjoy:

• Weekday spends: 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent
• Weekend spends: 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent 

You can even earn 4,000 bonus points if you spend ₹6,00,000 or more within the 1st year of your credit card issuance. You have the flexibility to redeem these points in a way that suits you best. Some options include: 

• Gift vouchers at IndusMoments
• Pay with rewards for selected services and products
• Redeem against partner miles
• Convert into cash credit and use them to pay off your card balance

Your points, your choice — spend them your way!

Key takeaways

Travel credit cards offer a world of exclusive privileges and convenience to enhance every aspect of your travel experience. These include free airport lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, concierge services, auto assistance for road trips, discounted foreign currency mark-ups, and reward points. Some credit card issuers even offer special perks, like welcome gifts, bonus points on reaching spending thresholds, and priority customer service.

So, next time you plan a trip, consider using a travel credit card for maximum savings, top-notch security, and, most importantly, convenience.