Mastercard vs RuPay: Which payment network is best for travel?

Trying to choose the best travel credit card before your next big trip? You may find yourself navigating a complex landscape of options from different card networks.

A comparison that frequently comes up is Mastercard vs RuPay. Each network has unique advantages, especially for those who travel often, whether within India or internationally. If you're unsure which would be the most rewarding travel companion, here's a detailed comparison to help you decide — and a reason why you might not have to pick just one.

What are Mastercard and RuPay, and how are they different?
 

Both Mastercard and RuPay are payment networks that enable your credit card transactions. While Mastercard is a global brand with a presence in over 200 countries, RuPay is India’s indigenous card network developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Their differences lie in reach, features, and user experience, especially when it comes to travel.

Mastercard: Your international travel companion
 

Mastercard is widely recognised for its strong international acceptance and a wide array of premium privileges. For frequent flyers and global wanderers, here are some of its standout travel benefits:

1. Global acceptance
 

One of the reasons that makes Mastercard travel credit cards the best is their global acceptance in over 200 countries, so whether you're shopping in Paris or dining in New York, your card will always be accepted.

2. Luxury lifestyle perks
 

Get access to Mastercard World privileges like discounts across fine-dining restaurants, complimentary golf rounds, and global experiences.

3. Travel insurance and protection
 

Many Mastercard credit cards include travel insurance coverage, including accident and flight protection.

For anyone planning frequent international trips, Mastercard offers a reliable and luxurious payment experience.

RuPay: Perfect for domestic travel and everyday convenience
 

RuPay is fast becoming a go-to option for Indian travellers, especially for its local spending convenience and seamless integration with UPI. Here’s what makes RuPay credit cards, best for travel on the domestic front:

1. Attractive cashback and offers
 

From flight bookings to dining, RuPay cards offer exclusive cashback, discounts, and merchant deals tailored to Indian consumers.

2. UPI integration
 

One of the reasons RuPay travel credit cards are considered the best is their ability to link to UPI apps, making it possible to scan and pay at over 60 million merchants across India.

3. Wide acceptance
 

With growing popularity, RuPay cards are now accepted at nearly all major domestic retail and online outlets.

If most of your travel involves hopping between Indian cities, RuPay offers unbeatable convenience and travel savings.

Mastercard vs. RuPay for Indian travellers: What matters more?
 

The right network for you depends on your travel patterns:

1. For international explorers
 

Mastercard’s unmatched global reach and international travel benefits make it a clear choice.

2. For domestic jet-setters
 

RuPay’s integration with UPI and localised offers makes it ideal for short-haul flights, everyday purchases, and savings on flight booking.

But what if your travel is a mix of both? Why limit yourself to one network when you can have the benefits of both?

Get the best of both worlds with the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card
 

For Indian travellers who demand a credit card that works hard at home and abroad, the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Dual Credit Card offers a unique solution. It provides two cards linked to a single account— one on the Mastercard World platform and the other on RuPay — so you never have to compromise.

Here’s why this dual-card system makes it one of the best travel credit cards available:

1. Unmatched Rewards and Savings
 

• Earn IndiGo BluChips: Earn rewards on every transaction. Get up to 22 IndiGo BluChips per ₹100 on the IndiGo website/app, 3 per ₹100 on other expenses, and 0.5 per ₹100 on utilities, rent, and fuel.
• Milestone bonuses: Earn 5,000 IndiGo BluChips vouchers each time you cross spend milestones of ₹2 lakh, ₹5 lakh, ₹8 lakh, ₹10 lakh, and ₹12 lakh in a year.
• Joining benefits: Receive a 5,000 IndiGo BluChips voucher and a complimentary meal voucher on paying the joining fee. Additionally, get a 3000 IndiGo BluChips voucher on ₹1 lakh spends in the first 90 days.
• Renewal benefit: Get a 5,000 IndiGo BluChips voucher and a complimentary meal voucher.
• Redeem with ease: Use your IndiGo BluChips for your next IndiGo flight.

2. Premium Travel and Lifestyle Benefits
 

• Global power, local convenience: Use the Mastercard for smooth transactions abroad and the RuPay card for UPI payments and local offers across India.
• Low forex markup: Save on international spending with a low foreign exchange markup of just 1.49%.
• Mastercard World privileges: Enjoy four complimentary golf rounds and 12 golf lessons annually, exclusive discounts at over 350 fine-dining restaurants, and a complimentary one-year Little Emperors membership worth £200.
• Comprehensive insurance: Travel with peace of mind thanks to comprehensive travel insurance of up to USD 1200, an Air Accident Cover of ₹1 crore, a Personal Accident Cover of ₹10 lakh, and a Lost Card Liability cover of ₹50,000.

3. Trust and Accessibility
 

• Secured and unsecured options: Apply online for either the unsecured card or a secured card against a fixed deposit, based on your eligibility.
• A trusted brand: IDFC FIRST Bank has been ranked among the World’s Best Banks 2025 by Forbes and Statista, giving you confidence in your choice.

Ready to enjoy global perks and local rewards with one powerful card? Apply for the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card today!