How to pick a travel credit card that maximises your savings?

Every traveller needs the right companion—not just for the journey but for managing expenses along the way. Flights, hotels, dining, and international purchases can add up quickly, turning a dream trip into a financial burden. That’s where a travel credit card comes into play. More than just a payment tool, it’s a partner that helps you save, earn rewards, and enjoy exclusive perks.

But with so many options, how do you choose the best travel credit card? Some focus on lounge access, others on forex savings or travel insurance. The key is finding one that fits your travel style, ensuring you get the most value from every trip. Let’s explore how to make the right choice.

Identifying your traveller profile
 

Every traveller has different priorities. The best credit card for international travel depends on your needs, whether it's luxury perks, savings, or maximising reward points.

Here are the different types of traveller and their priorities –

1. Business traveller – Needs a seamless travel experience with easy lounge access and flexible spending options to manage expenses efficiently.
2. Leisure traveller – Prefers generous rewards, lounge access, and forex savings to make vacations smoother and more enjoyable.
3. Budget traveller – Focuses on saving money through cashback, low forex markup, and minimal annual fees to keep travel costs in check.
4. Luxury traveller – Looks for premium services like airport lounge access and high reward rates for exclusive travel experiences.

Understanding your style first will help you find the best credit card for international travel, ensuring you get the right perks without unnecessary costs.

Key benefits to look for in a travel credit card
 

The right credit card for international travel does more than just cover expenses—it enhances every trip by reducing costs and providing exclusive privileges. Whether you're looking for free flights, hotel perks, or seamless foreign transactions, certain benefits can make all the difference.

1. Lounge access – Escape the crowds with complimentary airport lounge access, which offers comfort and refreshments during layovers or flight delays.
2. Zero forex markup – Avoid paying extra on international transactions with a card that removes foreign currency conversion fees, making every purchase cost-efficient.
3. Reward points – Earn points on travel bookings, dining, and everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or statement credits.
4. Travel insurance – Get financial protection for trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies abroad, ensuring peace of mind while travelling.

A well-chosen credit card for international travel turns routine expenses into advantages, making every trip more rewarding and stress-free.

Understanding spending habits and reward structures
 

A travel credit card is most valuable when it rewards your spending in the right categories. By choosing a card that aligns with your expenses, you can maximise rewards and savings on every trip.

1. Flights and travel bookings – If you frequently book flights, hotels, or train tickets, look for a card that offers reward points that can be redeemed on travel expenses.
2. Foreign transactions – If you spend abroad, a zero forex markup card ensures cost-effective purchases while allowing you to earn points on international spending.
3. Everyday expenses – Some cards offer travel-friendly rewards on regular purchases like groceries, fuel, and shopping, ensuring you earn benefits even when not travelling.

Be mindful of hidden fees
 

Even the best credit card for overseas travel can come with hidden costs that reduce its value. Understanding these fees can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and get the most out of your card.

1. Annual fees – Some cards offer premium travel perks but charge high annual fees. Ensure the benefits outweigh the cost, or look for cards with lifetime-free options.
2. Foreign transaction fees – Many credit cards charge 2-3% on every international purchase. A zero forex markup card eliminates these charges, making overseas spending more affordable.
3. Point redemption restrictions – Not all reward points have equal value. Check for blackout dates, conversion rates, and expiration policies to avoid losing earned benefits.
4. Inactivity fees – Some travel credit cards require a minimum annual spend. You may be charged a non-usage fee or lose certain perks if you don't meet this requirement.

Travel credit card compatibility test
 

Different travellers have different priorities when it comes to using a travel credit card. The table below helps match key credit card benefits with traveller profiles.

(✔ indicates that a particular benefit is valuable for that traveller type, while ✘ means it’s less relevant.)

Why these selections?

• Business and luxury travellers maximise all benefits due to their frequent trips and value for convenience
• Leisure travellers also benefit from most perks
• Budget travellers focus on cost-saving features like reward points, forex fee waivers, and ATM withdrawals, while insurance and trip cancellation cover may be less relevant unless they’re frequent travellers
• Lounge access is useful for all profiles since it helps reduce airport expenses and improves comfort during long layovers

This checklist makes it easier to compare travel credit card features and identify the ones that best align with your travel style.

Introducing the Mayura Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank
 

The Mayura Credit Card is a premium travel credit card designed to elevate travel experiences with high-value rewards, seamless spending, and exclusive benefits. From zero forex markup to comprehensive travel insurance, it ensures that every trip is both rewarding and stress-free.

Premium travel benefits include –

1. Zero forex markup – Save on every international transaction with 0% forex markup, making global spending effortless and cost-effective.
2. Lounge and spa access – Enjoy four complimentary visits per quarter to domestic airport lounges, four visits per quarter to international airport lounges, and four visits per quarter to domestic railway lounges. A guest visit per quarter is also included for Indian airport lounges.
3. Trip cancellation and travel insurance – Get ₹50,000 trip cancellation coverage for non-refundable flights and hotel bookings. Additional travel insurance worth up to $1,200 covers luggage loss, flight delays, and other travel disruptions.
4. Interest-free global ATM withdrawals – Withdraw cash internationally with no interest charges for up to 45 days. A one-time ₹199 (+GST) per ATM withdrawal fee applies, but that’s a small price for the security and flexibility of accessing cash abroad without travelling with it.
5. Earn more with rewards – Get 10X reward points on spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and 5X reward points on spends up to ₹20,000 per statement cycle, helping you maximise travel benefits.

With its combination of cost-saving features and exclusive travel privileges, the Mayura Credit Card stands out as a top travel credit card, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience for frequent travellers.

Pro tips to maximise travel credit card benefits

The best card for international travel isn’t just about features—it’s about how you use it. Applying smart strategies ensures you get maximum value from your chosen travel credit card and turn everyday spending into travel perks.

1. Stack rewards with airline and hotel loyalty programs – Many travel credit cards multiply points on higher spends. Linking your card with a frequent flyer or hotel loyalty program helps accumulate both card rewards and membership perks for added savings.
2. Redeem points wisely – Travel rewards have the highest value when used for flights, upgrades, or hotel stays rather than cashback or merchandise. Choosing a card with flexible redemption options can significantly reduce travel costs.
3. Use lounge access for savings – Airport and railway lounge access helps reduce food and seating costs, making a travel credit card’s perks more practical.
4. Leverage zero forex markup – Always pay in local currency to get the best rates. Cards with 0% forex markup, like the Mayura Credit Card, eliminate unnecessary conversion fees.
5. Avoid ATM withdrawals unless necessary – Most credit cards charge fees and interest on cash withdrawals, making them an expensive option. Using a card like the Mayura Credit Card ensures fewer charges on ATM withdrawals in case of emergency.

A travel credit card is only as rewarding as you make it. Using the right strategies, you can turn everyday spending into valuable travel benefits.

Conclusion
 

Finding the best travel credit card isn’t just about getting flashy perks—it’s about choosing one that fits your travel habits, spending patterns, and lifestyle. The right card provides valuable benefits like interest-free ATM withdrawals, lounge access, and forex savings, making every trip smoother and more rewarding.

The Mayura Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank is an excellent choice for travellers who want premium benefits, zero forex markup, and generous rewards. Its extensive travel perks ensure a seamless and cost-effective experience for frequent travellers.

Apply for the Mayura Credit Card today and unlock exclusive travel perks!