Skip to content

Best first travel credit cards in October 2026

HSBC TravelOne comes first: it is worth ₹9,400 a year at ₹30,000 a month after the fee.

Verified 692 sources

₹ a year at your monthly spend

The top 3

HSBC TravelOne credit card

HSBC TravelOne

HSBC

₹9,400₹36,000₹92,000₹1,64,000₹2,60,000 a year at the spend you picked

Keep Reward rate 4%–8%

IndusInd Tiger credit card

IndusInd Tiger

IndusInd Bank

₹8,400₹38,000₹92,000₹2,00,000₹3,00,000 a year at the spend you picked

Keep Reward rate 1%–6%

Scapia (Federal Bank) credit card

Scapia (Federal Bank)

Federal Bank

₹7,200₹18,000₹36,000₹72,000₹1,20,000 a year at the spend you picked

Keep Reward rate 2%–4%

The full ranking

262 cards, best first. Ranked by what each is worth a year at ₹30,000 a month, on the card’s everyday rate, after the fee. Bonus categories count; vouchers count at half. How we rank

First travel card: ranks 1 to 25
Card₹ a yearFee
1. HSBC TravelOneHSBC · 2.61% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹9,400 ₹36,000 ₹92,000 ₹1,64,000 ₹2,60,000 ₹4,999 fee
2. IndusInd TigerIndusInd Bank · 2.33% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹8,400 ₹38,000 ₹92,000 ₹2,00,000 ₹3,00,000 ₹0 fee, lifetime free
3. Scapia (Federal Bank)Federal Bank · 2.00% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹7,200 ₹18,000 ₹36,000 ₹72,000 ₹1,20,000 ₹0 fee, lifetime free
4. Scapia (Axis Bank)Axis Bank · 2.00% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹7,200 ₹18,000 ₹36,000 ₹72,000 ₹1,20,000 ₹0 fee, lifetime free
5. HDFC Regalia GoldHDFC Bank · 0.94% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,300 a year ₹3,400 ₹30,700 ₹45,300 ₹74,700 ₹1,13,800 ₹2,500 fee
6. Standard Chartered UltimateStandard Chartered · 1.94% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹7,000 ₹25,000 ₹54,900 ₹1,14,900 ₹1,94,800 ₹5,000 fee
7. HSBC PlatinumHSBC · 1.33% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,400 a year ₹4,800 ₹12,000 ₹24,000 ₹48,000 ₹80,000 ₹0 fee, lifetime free
8. Marriott Bonvoy HDFC BankHDFC Bank · 1.92% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹6,900 ₹25,500 ₹39,000 ₹39,000 ₹39,000 ₹3,000 fee
9. Kotak Air+ PrimeKotak Mahindra Bank · 1.17% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,600 a year ₹4,200 ₹18,000 ₹36,000 ₹72,000 ₹1,20,000 ₹3,000 fee
10. Kotak Air+Kotak Mahindra Bank · 1.17% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,600 a year ₹4,200 ₹18,000 ₹36,000 ₹72,000 ₹1,20,000 ₹3,000 fee
11. IndiGo IDFC FIRST Dual Credit CardIDFC FIRST Bank · 1.50% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹5,400 ₹18,500 ₹37,000 ₹64,000 ₹1,00,000 ₹4,999 fee
12. Axis Miles & More WorldAxis Bank · 1.86% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹6,700 ₹17,500 ₹35,500 ₹71,500 ₹1,19,500 ₹3,500 fee
13. Equitas Selfe Credit CardEquitas Small Finance Bank · 0.70% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹4,000 a year ₹2,500 ₹6,300 ₹12,600 ₹25,200 ₹42,000 ₹1,000 fee
14. BOBCARD EternaBOBCARD (Bank of Baroda) · 0.75% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,700 a year ₹2,700 ₹11,800 ₹18,500 ₹32,000 ₹50,000 ₹0 joining + ₹2,499/yr
15. Axis HorizonAxis Bank · 1.58% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹5,700 ₹16,500 ₹34,500 ₹70,500 ₹1,18,500 ₹3,000 fee
16. DBS Spark 5 Credit CardDBS Bank India · 1.56% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹5,600 ₹11,000 ₹11,000 ₹11,000 ₹11,000 ₹499 fee
17. ixigo AUAU Small Finance Bank · 4.03% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app ₹14,500 ₹21,300 ₹32,500 ₹55,000 ₹70,000 ₹0 fee, lifetime free
18. DBS Spark 10 Credit CardDBS Bank India · 1.78% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹6,400 ₹11,800 ₹17,800 ₹17,800 ₹17,800 ₹999 fee
19. SBI Card PRIMESBI Card · 1.61% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹5,800 ₹15,500 ₹20,000 ₹29,000 ₹41,000 ₹2,999 fee
20. Axis Bank Privilege EasyAxis Bank · 1.69% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹6,100 ₹13,000 ₹22,000 ₹40,000 ₹64,000 ₹1,500 fee
21. RBL Platinum Maxima PlusRBL Bank · 1.19% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year ₹4,300 ₹9,500 ₹14,000 ₹23,000 ₹35,000 ₹2,500 fee
22. BOBCARD Etihad GuestBOBCARD (Bank of Baroda) · 1.83% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend ₹6,600 ₹32,000 ₹41,000 ₹59,000 ₹83,000 ₹2,500 fee
23. LIC IDFC FIRST SelectIDFC FIRST Bank · 1.00% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year ₹3,600 ₹9,000 ₹18,000 ₹36,000 ₹60,000 ₹0 fee, lifetime free
24. IDFC FIRST WOW! BlackIDFC FIRST Bank · 0.67% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,600 a year ₹2,400 ₹6,000 ₹12,000 ₹24,000 ₹40,100 ₹750 fee
25. Edge+ CSB Bank RuPay Credit CardCSB Bank / Jupiter (Amica Financial Technologies) · 1.00% net of fee at ₹30,000/mo spend · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year ₹3,600 ₹9,000 ₹18,000 ₹36,000 ₹60,000 ₹999 joining
Ranks 26 to 262 237 cards
  1. CUB SalarySe Level UP Virtual ₹4,800
  2. CUB SalarySe Level UP ₹4,800
  3. BOBCARD Etihad Guest Premium ₹2,200
  4. HSBC RuPay Platinum ₹4,800
  5. Kotak Zen Signature ₹4,900
  6. BOBCARD Tiara ₹2,700 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,700 a year
  7. Bandhan Bank Ignite Credit Card ₹5,400
  8. IndiGo IDFC FIRST Secured ₹2,900
  9. HDFC Diners Club Privilege ₹3,600 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,200 a year
  10. BOBCARD Uni GoldX ₹3,600
  11. PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo ₹0 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹4,300 a year
  12. Kotak Air ₹3,600 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  13. DBS Spark 20 Credit Card ₹3,600
  14. IndusInd Legend ₹2,900
  15. LIC Axis Bank Signature ₹3,400
  16. BPCL SBI Card OCTANE ₹2,900 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,400 a year
  17. IndiGo Kotak Premium Credit Card ₹2,600
  18. IndianOil Axis Bank Premium ₹2,400 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  19. KrisFlyer SBI Card ₹4,300
  20. Equitas PowerMiles ₹400 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,600 a year
  21. LIC IDFC FIRST Classic ₹2,200 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  22. PNB Kiwi ₹1,800 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,800 a year
  23. BOBCARD Premier (FD Backed) ₹1,800 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,800 a year
  24. Union Bank RuPay Select ₹3,600
  25. BOBCARD Premier ₹1,800 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,800 a year
  26. Union Sparsh ₹3,600
  27. Union Bank UNICORN ₹5,100
  28. IDBI Bank Euphoria World ₹3,100
  29. IDFC FIRST HPCL Power+ ₹1,800 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,600 a year
  30. IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card ₹5,600 · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  31. Standard Chartered Rewards ₹3,200
  32. RBL Platinum Maxima ₹2,300 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  33. IDBI Bank Royale Signature ₹3,100
  34. IDFC FIRST Select ₹1,400 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,700 a year
  35. IDFC FIRST Millennia ₹1,400 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,700 a year
  36. IDFC FIRST Classic ₹1,400 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,700 a year
  37. IDFC FIRST Wealth ₹1,400 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,700 a year
  38. IDFC FIRST Ashva ₹3,400
  39. TVS Credit RBL Bank Gold ₹3,800
  40. Bandhan Bank Flare Credit Card ₹2,000
  41. YES Bank Zagg Credit Card ₹2,700
  42. AU Bank NOMO Credit Card ₹2,800
  43. HPCL ENERGIE BOBCARD ₹1,200 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,600 a year
  44. Union JCB Wellness ₹2,900
  45. IDFC FIRST WOW! ₹1,800
  46. Union JCB Health ₹3,300
  47. MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank ₹3,600
  48. Aditya Birla Capital AU Pro ₹1,800
  49. AU Laksya Credit Card ₹1,800
  50. Paytm AU Credit Card ₹1,800
  51. IDFC FIRST HPCL Power ₹1,200 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  52. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium ₹600 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,700 a year
  53. IDBI Bank Winnings ₹2,400
  54. IDFC FIRST Diamond Reserve ₹200 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,800 a year
  55. Equitas PowerMiles Secured ₹400 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,600 a year
  56. Edge CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card ₹1,400
  57. IndianOil Easy Axis Bank ₹700 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  58. SimplyCLICK SBI Card ₹900 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,200 a year
  59. HDFC Bank PIXEL Times Credit Card (Rush) ₹900 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,200 a year
  60. RBL World Safari ₹1,300
  61. SBI Card ELITE −₹700 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  62. CheQ AU Credit Card ₹1,800
  63. MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum ₹2,800 · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  64. Kotak NRI Royale Signature ₹800
  65. Axis Bank SELECT ₹1,600
  66. CUB CSK Master World −₹400
  67. CUB SRH Master World −₹400
  68. Shoppers Stop Black HDFC Bank −₹900 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,200 a year
  69. Niyo Global SBM Credit Card ₹0 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  70. HDFC Bank PIXEL Times Credit Card (Move) ₹900
  71. Federal Bank Imperio ₹1,800
  72. SBI Card MILES PRIME ₹600
  73. Federal Bank Celesta ₹900
  74. RBL World Safari Lite ₹300
  75. Indian Overseas Bank RuPay Platinum ₹900
  76. Indian Overseas Bank RuPay Select ₹900
  77. IRCTC SBI Card Premier ₹2,900 · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  78. Federal Bank Signet ₹500
  79. IRCTC SBI Platinum Card ₹2,900 · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  80. IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card ₹3,300 · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  81. Dhanlaxmi Bank RuPay Dhan Vriddhi ₹400
  82. Dhanlaxmi Bank RuPay Dhan Samriddhi ₹400
  83. Kotak White −₹1,000 · Ranked lower: includes ₹2,000 in vouchers
  84. SBI Card MILES ELITE −₹1,400
  85. EazyDiner IndusInd Signature −₹1,600
  86. AU Bank Traverse Credit Card (NRI) −₹3,200
  87. SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage Black ₹6,400
  88. Samsung Axis Bank Signature ₹3,600 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,600 a year
  89. YES Bank RESERV ₹5,400 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  90. RBL Platinum Edge ₹5,600
  91. IndiGo Axis Bank Premium Credit Card ₹3,600 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  92. SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage ₹5,000
  93. IDFC FIRST SWYP ₹3,500 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,500 a year
  94. Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Sapphiro ₹4,400
  95. Axis Bank REWARDS ₹4,800
  96. IndiGo SBI Card ELITE ₹4,100 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  97. IndiGo Kotak Credit Card ₹4,100
  98. Landmark Rewards SBI Card SELECT ₹3,300 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  99. IndiGo SBI Card ₹2,800
  100. Axis Bank Privilege ₹4,100 · Ranked lower: includes ₹2,000 in vouchers
  101. YES Bank ELITE+ ₹2,700
  102. ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver ₹1,800 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,300 a year
  103. YES Bank BYOC (Rewards) ₹3,000
  104. IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card ₹2,800
  105. Landmark Rewards SBI Card PRIME −₹1,200 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,500 a year
  106. IRCTC BOBCARD ₹1,500 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  107. ICICI Bank Expressions ₹2,700
  108. YES Essence ₹1,800
  109. SBI Card PULSE ₹1,800
  110. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip ₹1,800
  111. Kotak League Platinum ₹3,000
  112. Axis Bank Platinum ₹2,200
  113. Reliance SBI Card PRIME ₹10,600 · Ranked lower: includes ₹8,800 in vouchers
  114. Axis Bank My Zone ₹1,100 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,200 a year
  115. ICICI Bank Coral ₹2,600
  116. ICICI Bank Coral against FD ₹2,600
  117. YES Bank SELECT ₹1,800
  118. SBI Card MILES ₹300
  119. Axis Bank NEO ₹100 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,000 a year
  120. RBL Icon −₹700 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,300 a year
  121. RBL Platinum LifeEasy ₹1,000 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,400 a year
  122. IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card ₹700 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  123. YES Bank Wellness Plus ₹1,200
  124. Union Bank DIVAA ICON ₹1,800
  125. ICICI Bank NRI Coral ₹1,800
  126. Apollo SBI Card SELECT ₹1,600
  127. ICICI Bank Rubyx ₹2,600
  128. ICICI Bank Rubyx against FD ₹2,600
  129. RBL Bank Blockbuster ₹400 · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,000 a year
  130. Axis Bank Pride Platinum ₹1,400
  131. IndusInd Platinum Aura Edge ₹700
  132. Bandhan Bank Sparks Credit Card ₹900
  133. Axis Bank My Zone Easy ₹900
  134. PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno ₹0
  135. Adani One ICICI Bank Platinum ₹3,600 · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  136. Axis Bank Titanium Smart Traveller ₹700
  137. Titan SBI Card ₹5,400 · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  138. RBL Bank Patanjali Swarn −₹600
  139. Adani One ICICI Bank Signature ₹400 · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  140. AU Ananta ₹3,100
  141. AU Vetta ₹2,800
  142. Axis Bank My Wings ₹900
  143. AU Zenith+ −₹4,100
  144. Air India SBI Signature Card ₹14,400 · Closed to new applicants
  145. Air India SBI Platinum Card ₹22,700 · Closed to new applicants
  146. Kotak Infinite ₹16,800 · Closed to new applicants
  147. Amex Membership Rewards Card ₹15,600 · Issuing paused
  148. Axis Atlas ₹14,400 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,200 a year
  149. Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card ₹10,800 · Closed to new applicants
  150. HSBC Advance Platinum ₹4,800 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹3,800 a year
  151. Scapia (BOBCARD) ₹7,200 · Not confirmed on sale
  152. Amex SmartEarn ₹5,100 · Issuing paused · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹3,200 a year
  153. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card ₹7,200 · Closed to new applicants
  154. HDFC Bank Diners Club Miles ₹7,200 · Closed to new applicants
  155. Club Vistara SBI Card PRIME ₹7,200 · Closed to new applicants
  156. Club Vistara IDFC FIRST ₹5,800 · Closed to new applicants
  157. Diners Club International British Airways ₹6,000 · Closed to new applicants
  158. Pine Labs HDFC Bank Pro ₹4,800 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,300 a year
  159. Club Vistara SBI Card ₹5,400 · Closed to new applicants
  160. HSBC Smart Value ₹3,600 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,200 a year
  161. Shaurya Select SBI Card ₹3,800 · Not confirmed on sale
  162. HDFC Harley-Davidson Diners Club ₹4,800 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,300 a year
  163. Deutsche Bank Miles & More Platinum ₹5,200 · Closed to new applicants
  164. IndusInd Bank Miles & More Platinum ₹5,200 · Closed to new applicants
  165. Edge+ CSB Bank Mastercard Credit Card ₹3,600 · Not confirmed on sale · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  166. Amex Gold Charge ₹5,100 · Issuing paused
  167. Paytm SBI Card SELECT ₹3,600 · Not confirmed on sale · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,200 a year
  168. Etihad Guest SBI Card ₹3,600 · Closed to new applicants
  169. RBL World Plus ₹1,800 · Not confirmed on sale · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹3,200 a year
  170. KVB SBI Signature Card ₹1,800 · Not confirmed on sale · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  171. Etihad Guest SBI Premier Card ₹2,200 · Closed to new applicants
  172. HDFC Regalia ₹3,600 · Closed to new applicants
  173. Bajaj Finserv DBS 10X Signature SuperCard ₹4,200 · Closed to new applicants
  174. IndusInd Iconia Amex ₹4,000 · Closed to new applicants
  175. British Airways ICICI Bank Classic ₹3,700 · Closed to new applicants
  176. Amex MakeMyTrip Credit Card ₹7,300 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked lower: includes ₹7,000 in vouchers
  177. YES Bank anQ Phi ₹1,800 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹2,300 a year
  178. HDFC Bank Superia ₹3,800 · Closed to new applicants
  179. Axis Bank Signature ₹3,600 · Closed to new applicants
  180. Standard Chartered Emirates World ₹3,500 · Closed to new applicants
  181. Paytm SBI Card ₹3,100 · Not confirmed on sale
  182. Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card ₹3,600 · Closed to new applicants
  183. Bajaj Finserv DBS 7X SuperCard ₹3,500 · Closed to new applicants
  184. HDFC Regalia Activ ₹3,600 · Closed to new applicants
  185. PNB LUXURA Metal (Visa Infinite) ₹1,600 · Not confirmed on sale · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  186. YES First Preferred ₹3,600 · Closed to new applicants
  187. RBL World Prime ₹3,800 · Not confirmed on sale
  188. Bajaj Finserv DBS 7X Plus SuperCard ₹3,000 · Closed to new applicants
  189. RBL World Max ₹3,300 · Not confirmed on sale · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,300 a year
  190. PNB Zaggle Twin ₹3,000 · Not confirmed on sale
  191. Yatra Barclaycard Platinum ₹2,900 · Closed to new applicants
  192. Pine Labs HDFC Bank ₹1,200 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,700 a year
  193. Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank CA SuperCard ₹3,900 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked lower: includes ₹3,000 in vouchers
  194. Poonawalla Fincorp IndusInd eLITE RuPay ₹1,400 · Closed to new applicants
  195. Bajaj Finserv DBS 5X Plus SuperCard ₹2,600 · Closed to new applicants
  196. PNB Parakram ₹2,400 · Not confirmed on sale
  197. IOB SalarySe Rise UP ₹1,400 · Not confirmed on sale · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  198. MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature ₹3,400 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  199. Bajaj Finserv DBS 10X Plus SuperCard ₹2,200 · Closed to new applicants
  200. Doctor's SBI Card ₹900 · Not confirmed on sale
  201. RBL IGU NHS Golf World Card ₹2,800 · Closed to new applicants
  202. SpiceJet SBI Card ₹900 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,400 a year
  203. Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Rubyx ₹2,200 · Closed to new applicants
  204. Best Price Save Max HDFC Bank ₹1,400 · Closed to new applicants
  205. Kotak Royale Signature ₹1,200 · Closed to new applicants
  206. RBL India Startup Club World ₹800 · Closed to new applicants
  207. Edge Federal Bank Visa Credit Card ₹1,400 · Closed to new applicants
  208. SimplyCLICK Advantage SBI Card ₹900 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,200 a year
  209. Chennai Super Kings ICICI Bank ₹1,800 · Closed to new applicants
  210. Kotak Veer Select ₹1,400 · Closed to new applicants
  211. Taj Epicure Diners Club ₹400 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,300 a year
  212. Canara Bank Select / World / Signature ₹1,800 · Not confirmed on sale
  213. Canara Bank Platinum ₹1,800 · Not confirmed on sale
  214. PNB Premium Metal LUXURA ₹400 · Not confirmed on sale
  215. Kotak Privy League Signature ₹1,100 · Closed to new applicants
  216. RBL Bank Black ₹800 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,000 a year
  217. HDFC Bank Diners Club Rewardz ₹1,600 · Closed to new applicants
  218. Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Doctor's SuperCard ₹1,900 · Closed to new applicants
  219. Kotak Mojo Platinum ₹900 · Closed to new applicants
  220. PNB SALARY RuPay Select ₹1,200 · Not confirmed on sale
  221. PNB RuPay Millennial ₹1,200 · Not confirmed on sale
  222. RBL Platinum Cricket ₹800 · Closed to new applicants
  223. OneCard Metal ₹700 · Issuing paused
  224. RBL Freedom SuperCard ₹900 · Closed to new applicants
  225. PNB SALARY RuPay Platinum ₹900 · Not confirmed on sale
  226. PNB BLISS ₹900 · Not confirmed on sale
  227. IndusInd Bank Gold Credit Card ₹900 · Closed to new applicants
  228. PNB EMT RuPay Platinum ₹900 · Not confirmed on sale
  229. KVB SBI Platinum Card −₹1,200 · Not confirmed on sale · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  230. South Indian Bank SBI Platinum Card −₹1,200 · Not confirmed on sale · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
  231. PNB Patanjali RuPay Platinum ₹400 · Not confirmed on sale
  232. PNB RuPay Platinum ₹400 · Not confirmed on sale
  233. PNB Patanjali RuPay Select ₹500 · Not confirmed on sale
  234. PNB RuPay Select ₹500 · Not confirmed on sale
  235. Amex Platinum Travel −₹1,400 · Issuing paused
  236. RBL Bank Practo Plus Credit Card ₹1,200 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked lower: includes points worth full value only in one app
  237. Samsung Axis Bank Infinite −₹1,400 · Closed to new applicants · Ranked higher: its bonus category adds ₹1,100 a year
Filtered out — and why 102 cards

Invite / relationship gate — you can’t just apply (37): DBS Altitude , Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite , Amazon Pay ICICI Bank , RBL iGlobe , RBL Signature Banking , RBL Aspire Banking , PhonePe SBI Card SELECT BLACK , CRED IndusInd Bank RuPay Credit Card , Axis Bank Freecharge Plus , Axis Bank Freecharge , RBL BankBazaar SaveMax Pro , HDFC Bank UPI RuPay , PhonePe SBI Card PURPLE , SimplySAVE UPI SBI Card , Utkarsh Eternal Credit Card , Utkarsh Rhodium Credit Card , Utkarsh SmartGen Credit Card , ICAI Exclusive BOBCARD , ICSI Diamond BOBCARD , CMA One BOBCARD , Varunah Premium BOBCARD , Varunah Plus BOBCARD , Varunah BOBCARD , Indian Army YODDHA BOBCARD , Assam Rifles SENTINEL BOBCARD , Coast Guard RAKSHAMAH BOBCARD , BOBCARD VIKRAM , PRAGATI BOBCARD (RRB) , PM SVANidhi BOBCARD , AU Xcite Ultra Credit Card , AU Xcite Ace Credit Card , AU Xcite Credit Card , Dhi CUB Visa Signature , Nainital Bank RENAISSANCE BOBCARD , UJJIVAN SFB Platinum BOBCARD , UJJIVAN SFB Elite BOBCARD , RBL Bank QuickPay .

₹12,500/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (5): HDFC Infinia Metal , Axis Magnus , IDFC FIRST Gaj , RBL Nova , Kotak White Reserve .

₹10,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (5): HDFC Diners Club Black Metal , Emirates Skywards ICICI Bank Emeralde , RBL Bank Shoppers Stop Black , Amex Platinum Reserve , HDFC Bank Diners Club Black (non-metal) .

Issued to one profession only — you can’t just apply (5): AU CA Metal , AU CS , Axis Bank Pride Signature , ICICI Bank Parakram , ICICI Bank Parakram Select .

₹20,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (3): Axis Olympus , ICICI Times Black , DBS Vantage .

₹9,999/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (3): KrisFlyer SBI Card APEX , Bandhan Bank Lumina Credit Card , SBI AURUM .

₹12,499/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (2): ICICI Emeralde Private Metal , Union Bank NEXTERIA .

₹50,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (2): Axis Bank Reserve , RBL Lumière .

₹7,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (2): RBL Insignia Preferred Banking World Card , British Airways ICICI Bank Premium .

₹6,500 joining, then ₹3,500/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (2): ICICI Sapphiro , ICICI Bank NRI Sapphiro .

₹0/yr · ₹10,000 joining (one-time) — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (2): IndusInd Bank Nexxt Credit Card , IndusInd Platinum RuPay .

₹75,000 joining, then ₹10,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (2): IndusInd Indulge , IndusInd Crest .

₹7,500 joining, then ₹4,500/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (2): Deutsche Bank Miles & More Signature , IndusInd Bank Miles & More Signature .

₹30,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Axis Magnus for Burgundy .

₹1,00,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Axis Burgundy Private .

₹12,000 joining, then ₹20,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): HSBC Premier (Metal) .

₹50,000 joining, then ₹25,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): IDFC FIRST Private .

₹5,999/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): IDFC FIRST Mayura .

₹15,000 joining, then ₹25,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Standard Chartered Beyond .

₹10,000 joining, then ₹4,500/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Axis Miles & More World Select .

₹25,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): IndusInd PIONEER Private .

₹9,999 joining, then ₹4,999/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): YES Bank Marquee .

₹2,75,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): HSBC Privé .

₹5,00,000 joining, then ₹3,00,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Axis Bank PRIMUS .

₹1,10,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): HSBC Taj .

₹10,000 joining, then ₹5,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): IndusInd Avios Visa Infinite .

₹30,000 joining, then ₹10,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Indus Solitaire .

₹20,000 joining, then ₹10,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): YES Private Prime .

₹50,000 joining, then ₹10,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): YES Private .

₹0 joining, then ₹25,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Kotak Solitaire .

₹6,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): RBL World Safari Plus .

₹12,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): ICICI Bank Emeralde .

₹0/yr · ₹50,000 joining (one-time) — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): IndusInd Pioneer Legacy .

₹7,999/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): AU Zenith .

₹0/yr · ₹15,000 joining (one-time) — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): IndusInd Pinnacle World .

₹25,000 joining, then ₹5,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): IndusInd Celesta .

₹29,999/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): KVB Eternis Credit Card .

₹1,00,000 joining, then ₹25,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): IndusInd Pioneer Heritage .

₹1,75,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): 1838 Reserve ICICI Bank Credit Card .

₹66,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Amex Platinum Charge .

₹9,000 joining, then ₹7,500/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): PNB LUXURA Metal (RuPay) .

₹4,995 joining, then ₹6,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Standard Chartered Platinum Elite .

₹5,000 joining, then ₹10,000/yr — over the ₹5,000 first-card cap (1): Jet Airways Amex Platinum .

How we rank

Eligibility is computed, not curated: what you hand over to GET the card — its annual fee, or the joining charge where it levies one — is ₹5,000 or under, so is the annual fee it bills from year two, and the card's own fine print mentions no invite, banking-relationship or profession gate. The figure is net annual value at a ₹30,000-a-month spend — real earn tiers, milestones, monthly bonuses and fee waivers at our house ₹/point — the same net-annual-value number the card pages and the calculator show. The order uses the same figures with these corrections, so a card cannot lead on money a reader rarely collects: fixed rupee vouchers count at half their face value, while a free night paid in the card’s own points counts in full, like any other points; points that are only worth their full value inside one app count at what they fetch anywhere else; a reward tier the issuer calls promotional does not count, and a base rate the issuer time-boxes counts only at the rate it publishes for afterwards, or not at all; each card’s published bonus category counts on a realistic share of spend; a card offered only by invitation from the bank’s own clients, or only to one profession, never ranks first, and below ₹1 lakh a month stays out of the top five; and a card the bank keeps only above a yearly spend it publishes ranks below every card without that bar when your spend falls short of it. Only cards that file as travel cards are in the field — lounge access, points that reach an airline or hotel, a travel co-brand, a travel accelerator or a low forex markup; a cashback card is ranked on the cashback board. Welcome bonuses and first-year fee offers are excluded: we rank the card you'll hold in year two.

The records behind this board — the card records this ranks and the house valuations their points are priced at — carry re-verification dates from 1 Jun 2026 to 26 Oct 2026; the ranking is recomputed from them on every build.

Every figure comes from each card's own published fee and earn rate. How we value cards.

Questions

What is the best first travel credit card in India?

HSBC TravelOne. At a ₹30,000-a-month spend it nets ₹9,400 a year after its fee (₹4,999/yr) — first among cards you can walk in and get — ₹5,000 or less to join and to renew, with no invite and no banking-relationship gate. 168 cards you can apply for today clear those rules — the table also lists 94 more for existing holders only (61 closed, 5 paused, 28 of unpublished availability); the 102 that don't are listed with the reason.

How many cards are in this first travel card ranking?

262 of the 990 Indian personal cards we track are ranked here. 102 are listed unranked with the computed reason — filtered out — and why — because a card we can't rank honestly gets named, not hidden. A further 339 are carried but not valued at all — 51 with no annual fee any issuer document states, 241 whose issuer has not published how the card earns, 47 with neither — because scoring an unknown as ₹0 is a claim, not a gap. Business and corporate cards are ranked apart from these: 70 priced ones sit on /cards/best/business, because pricing an MSME card against a personal wallet answers a question nobody asked.

How up to date is this list?

The records behind this board — the card records this ranks and the house valuations their points are priced at — carry re-verification dates from 1 Jun 2026 to 26 Oct 2026; the ranking is recomputed from them on every build. Nothing on this page is typed by hand: the podium, the table and the numbers in this answer are all recomputed from those records every time the site builds, so a devaluation moves the ranking the day we log it.

Which first travel credit card in India has no annual fee?

45 of the 262 ranked here are lifetime free. The best on net ₹/yr at ₹30,000/mo is IndusInd Tiger at ₹8,400. This board's call, HSBC TravelOne, costs ₹4,999/yr and reaches ₹9,400 — that gap is what the fee buys.

Is HSBC TravelOne better than IndusInd Tiger?

On what this board ranks — net ₹/yr at ₹30,000/mo — yes: ₹9,400 against ₹8,400. That is the whole claim, and a narrow one. IndusInd Tiger takes our lifetime free and air india miles boards instead. No card wins overall: 24 boards, 24 questions.