How to Earn Travel Rewards with Credit Cards from Indian Banks Jyoti Thakur, March 1, 2025February 25, 2025 Traveling can be expensive, but with the right credit card, you can save a lot on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Many Indian banks offer credit cards that let you earn travel rewards with credit cards through everyday purchases. By using these cards wisely, you can collect points and redeem them for free flights, hotel stays, and more. This guide will help you understand how to earn and use these rewards to make your travel more affordable. Ways to Maximize Travel Rewards with Indian Bank Credit Cards Using credit cards for travel rewards can be simple if you know how to make the most of them. Here are some effective ways to earn travel rewards with credit cards from Indian banks: Choose the Right Travel Credit Card The first step is to pick a card that suits your travel habits. Some cards offer points on flight bookings, hotel reservations, and even daily expenses like groceries. For example, cards from HDFC Bank, SBI, and Axis Bank have special travel reward programs. Choosing a card that matches your spending style will help you earn travel rewards with credit cards faster. Use Your Credit Card for Everyday Spending One of the best ways to earn travel rewards with credit cards is to use them for your regular expenses. Pay for groceries, fuel, dining, and utility bills with your travel credit card. These small purchases can quickly add up and help you collect more points. Just make sure to pay off your bills on time to avoid interest charges. Book Flights and Hotels through Partner Platforms Many Indian banks partner with travel websites like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and Cleartrip. Booking through these platforms using your credit card can give you extra points. For instance, some cards offer double or triple points when you book flights or hotels through their partnered sites. This is an easy way to earn travel rewards with credit cards without spending more than you need to. Make Use of Welcome and Milestone Benefits Most travel credit cards offer welcome bonuses when you sign up and meet a spending target within the first few months. Additionally, banks provide milestone rewards when you spend a certain amount annually. These bonuses are a great way to earn travel rewards with credit cards early on and can significantly boost your points balance. Pay Attention to Special Offers and Promotions Banks often run promotions that offer extra points on certain purchases or during festive seasons. Keeping an eye on these deals can help you earn travel rewards with credit cards more quickly. For example, booking your travel during a sale or using your card for a partner store can fetch you additional points. Redeem Points Wisely for Maximum Value Collecting points is only part of the process; redeeming them smartly is just as important. Use your accumulated points for flight bookings, hotel stays, and travel vouchers. Some cards also allow you to transfer points to frequent flyer programs. To get the best value, compare redemption options before using your points. Pay for Group Expenses and Get Reimbursed If you’re dining out with friends or booking travel for a group, offer to pay with your card and collect the money from others later. This simple trick can help you earn travel rewards with credit cards faster since you’ll be paying for a larger amount and gaining more points. Link Your Card with Airline Loyalty Programs Many Indian bank credit cards let you transfer reward points to airline loyalty programs like Air India Flying Returns or Club Vistara. By linking your card to these programs, you can earn travel rewards with credit cards and enjoy benefits like free upgrades and priority check-ins. Set Up Automatic Payments for Recurring Bills Setting up auto-pay for your phone, electricity, and internet bills using your credit card is another easy way to accumulate points. These monthly expenses, when charged to your card, can help you steadily earn travel rewards with credit cards over time. Avoid Cash Withdrawals and Late Payments While using your card for purchases helps you earn points, withdrawing cash from an ATM does not. Also, paying your credit card bill late can lead to penalties and interest, reducing the value of the rewards you’ve earned. Always use your card responsibly to make the most of the travel rewards. Tips to Earn Travel Rewards with Credit Cards Faster If you want to boost your rewards even more, keep these simple tips in mind: Consolidate Spending: Use one or two travel credit cards instead of spreading expenses across multiple cards. Stay Updated: Subscribe to newsletters or check the bank’s website to stay informed about special offers. Use Add-on Cards: Family members can help you earn points faster when you get them an add-on card linked to your account. Pay in Full: Always clear your credit card bill before the due date to avoid paying extra charges. Why Choose Travel Rewards with Credit Cards? Travel rewards can save you money and make trips more enjoyable. Whether you’re traveling for business or vacation, these rewards can cover flights, hotel stays, and even car rentals. Plus, you may get added perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and discounts on travel bookings. Earning travel rewards with credit cards is a smart way to turn your everyday spending into valuable travel benefits. Also Read:- How to Monitor Your Credit Card for Suspicious Activity Conclusion Earning travel rewards with credit cards from Indian banks is a simple way to make your travels more affordable. By using your card for everyday expenses, booking through partner sites, and taking advantage of special offers, you can accumulate points quickly. Just remember to use your card responsibly and redeem your points wisely. With these steps, you can enjoy discounted flights, free hotel stays, and many more travel perks. Credit Card Blogs and Reviews Travel