As the summer season approaches, many people start planning their vacations, whether it’s a cool hill station getaway with family or a beach holiday abroad with friends. However, travel can come with a hefty price tag.
But did you know that by using the right credit card, you can save thousands on your trip? Credit cards aren’t just a payment tool; they offer various benefits that can make your travel more affordable and convenient.
Here are five key credit card benefits that can help you save money on your summer travels.
1. Exclusive Travel Deals & Rewards
Many banks provide exclusive deals and rewards through their own travel portals. By booking flights, hotels, and holiday packages via these platforms, you can enjoy significant discounts. For example:
HDFC SmartBuy offers 5X or 10X reward points or cashback.
Axis Travel Edge allows you to convert reward points into discounted travel bookings.
ICICI iShop provides up to a 36% reward rate on partner platforms. Premium credit cardholders often receive even more exclusive travel perks.
2. Concierge Service – Your Personal Travel Assistant
Booking flights, hotels, and car rentals can be time-consuming.
Premium credit cards often offer concierge services, where a dedicated team helps you with travel arrangements, from flight bookings to hotel reservations and car rentals.
They can even assist in redeeming reward points and securing exclusive deals and upgrades, saving you both time and money.
3. Free Travel Insurance for Safety & Savings
Traveling comes with its risks, such as lost baggage, flight cancellations, or medical emergencies.
Many credit cards offer free travel insurance with coverage up to Rs 1 crore, meaning you don’t have to purchase additional travel insurance.
This benefit not only provides financial security but also allows you to travel with peace of mind, knowing you’re covered in case of any unforeseen events.
4. Waived Forex Fees on International Transactions
When traveling abroad, credit cards often charge a forex markup fee of 2-3% on transactions. However, some premium credit cards waive this fee or reduce it to just 1%.
This directly saves you money on every international purchase or payment, making your overseas spending more affordable.
5. Free Airport Lounge Access for a Comfortable Journey
Airport lounges can be expensive, with domestic lounge access costing ₹1,000-₹2,500 and international lounge access costing over ₹3,000.
Many credit cards offer free access to airport lounges, along with Priority Pass membership.
This benefit gives you access to comfortable seating, free meals, Wi-Fi, and other amenities, making your wait at the airport more comfortable and stress-free.
With these credit card benefits, you can make your summer travels not only more enjoyable but also much more budget-friendly.
So, before you pack your bags, make sure you’re taking full advantage of the travel perks offered by your credit card.
