For frequent travellers, having an airline credit card is like having a special privilege that provides various complimentary benefits throughout their trip. Exclusively designed for air travellers, airline credit cards come with many useful features and benefits including complimentary air miles, discounts at hotels, dining and others, free airport lounge visits, etc.
Let’s have a look at the common benefits offered by airline credit cards.
Earn air miles: All the airline related transactions done using an airline credit card will earn air miles which can be redeemed for purchasing tickets on both domestic and international airlines.
Bonus miles: It could be as a welcome gift or a renewal gift, credit card issuers typically offer bonus miles within a few days of card issuance. The miles can be encashed in the form of airline tickets during your next travel.
Accelerated miles: What’s more fun than earning more reward points. With the accelerated miles programme, some credit cards offer accelerated miles on certain transactions. Make sure you’re aware of the transactions eligible for accelerated rewards to make the most of the programme.
Airport lounge access: Sit back and relax in the airport lounges in times of delayed flights with the complimentary lounge visits offered by airline credit cards. The access is limited to select airports in India and in abroad. Cardholders need to display their credit cards at the eligible airport lounges and can enjoy the refreshments, internet facility and amenities offered by the lounges.
Fuel surcharge waiver: Of the other benefits offered by airline credit cards, fuel surcharge waiver is something useful even for less frequent travellers. Every time, you purchase fuel using an airline credit card, the fuel surcharge, which is typically charged on all card transactions at fuel stations, will be waived. Cardholders can thus enjoy fuel savings using an airline credit card.
Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
This card is one of the most popular airline credit cards because it offers complimentary air travel. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card offers air miles, which cardholders can redeem for hotel bookings, car rentals and flight bookings. It also provides them with free access to selected airport lounges.
Fee Charges of Citi PremierMiles Credit Card:
Annual Fee – Rs.3,000. This fee is waived off for Citi Priority customers
Interest Rate – Between 37.2% p.a. and 42% p.a.
Features and Benefits of Citi PremierMiles Credit Card:
Cardholders will receive 10,000 Miles on their first spend. To earn these miles they have to spend a minimum of Rs.1,000 within 60 days from the date of issue of the airline credit card
Cardholders will receive 3,000 Miles on renewal
The card offers 10 Miles for every Rs.100 cardholders spend on any airline transactions and on spends made at any of the bank’s online merchant partners. It offers 10 Miles for every Rs.100 that cardholders spend on the website of Premier Miles. The card offers 4 Miles for every Rs.100 they spend on other transactions. The Miles will never expire
Cardholders can redeem miles to book tickets of more than 100 airlines (domestic and international)
Cardholders can transfer their miles to the bank’s airline and hotel partners. They will receive 1 Frequent Flyer Mile for every 2 Miles transferred to Delta Airlines, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Malaysia Airline, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Air India and Qatar Airways
Customers can apply for this airline credit card online
When Frequent Flyer Program (FFP) members of any airline book a ticket using this card, they will earn FFP Miles plus 10 Miles for every Rs.100 they spend on purchasing it
Air India SBI Signature Credit Card
This airline credit card is known for offering attractive benefits and features. Features and benefits of Air India SBI Signature Credit Card includes Reward Points, complimentary Priority Pass Program membership, lost card liability, balance transfer on EMI facility, Easy Bill Pay facility, etc.
Fee & Charges of SBI Air India Signature Credit Card
Annual Fee – Rs.4,999
Renewal Fee – Rs.4,999
Features and Benefits of SBI Air India Signature Credit Card:
Avail 20,000 reward points as welcome gift and 5,000 reward points as renewal gift.
Receive complimentary Air India Frequent Flyer Program membership
Earn 20 Reward Points on every Rs.100 that you spend on booking Air India flight tickets and 4 Reward Points on every Rs.100 that you spend using the card
Earn up to 1,00,000 bonus Reward Points in a year. 1 Reward Point is equal to 1 Air India air mile
Get Rs.1 Lakhs worth complimentary lost card liability cover
Enjoy fuel surcharge waiver of 2.5%
Get add-on cards for family members.
Convert transactions worth Rs.2,500 and above into EMI using Flexipay feature
Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card
This airline credit card upgrades your travel experience to a new level. The Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card has multiple features and benefits to offer like reward points, lost card liability, cash anywhere at any time, add-on cards, Easy Bill Pay facility, etc.
Fee & Charges of SBI Air India Platinum Credit Card
Annual Fee – Rs.1,499
Renewal Fee – Rs.1,499
Features and Benefits of SBI Air India Platinum Credit Card
Avail 5,000 reward points as welcome gift and 2,000 reward points as renewal gift
Receive complimentary Air India Frequent Flyer Program membership
Earn 10 Reward Points on every Rs.100 that you spend on booking Air India flight tickets and 2 Reward Points on every Rs.100 that you spend using the card. 1 Reward Point is equal to 1 Air India air mile
Enjoy fuel surcharge waiver of 2.5%
Get Rs.1 Lakhs worth complimentary lost card liability cover
Convert transactions worth Rs.2,500 and above into EMI using Flexi-pay feature
This card offers Balance Transfer facility on EMI
Axis Bank MY Wings Credit Card
The airline credit card offered by Axis Bank allows people to plan their travel smartly. Axis Bank MY Wings Credit Card is an EMV chip card that has special airline, road and railway offers for customers.
Fee & Charges of Axis Bank MY Wings Credit Card:
Joining Fee – Rs.1,200
Annual Fee for 1st year – Nil
Annual Fee from 2nd year – Rs.500
Features and Benefits of Axis Bank MY Wings Credit Card:
Avail 2 base fare free flights tickets and holiday and hotel vouchers worth Rs.10,000
It offers 4 points on every Rs.200 that cardholders spend using it. It offers 100 points on the first transaction
Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access at selected airport lounges
The airline credit card offers cashback on domestic flight ticket bookings, bus ticket bookings, car rentals and railway ticket bookings
Cardholders can convert transactions worth Rs.2,500 and above into EMI
Avail fuel surcharge waiver when you use this card at any fuel station in India
IndusInd Bank Jet Airways Voyage American Express Credit Card
IndusInd Bank and Jet Airways have partnered to make travel an amazing experience for the customers. Through IndusInd Bank Jet Airways Voyage American Express Credit Card, they provide attractive benefits and features to the customers when they use it to make purchases.
Features and Benefits of IndusInd Bank Jet Airways Voyage American Express Card
Earn 6 JPMiles on every Rs.100 that you spend on the Jet Airways website on weekdays and earn 8 JPMiles on weekends
Earn 3 JPMiles on every Rs.100 that you spend on other spends on weekdays and earn 4 JPMiles on weekends
Enjoy special entertainment offers such as free movie tickets
Enjoy special benefits from American Express such as American Express Connect, American Express ezeClick and American Express EPAY
Enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges
IndusInd Bank Jet Airways Voyage Visa Credit Card
IndusInd Bank and Jet Airways have partnered to make travel an amazing experience for the customers. Through IndusInd Bank Jet Airways Voyage Visa Credit Card, they provide attractive benefits and features to the customers when they use it to make purchases.
Features and Benefits:
Earn 4 JPMiles on every Rs.100 that you spend on the Jet Airways website on weekdays and earn 6 JPMiles on weekends
Earn 2 JPMiles on every Rs.100 that you spend on other spends on weekdays and earn 3 JPMiles on weekends
Enjoy special entertainment offers such as free movie tickets.
Enjoy special benefits from Visa
Standard Chartered Emirates World Credit Card
Standard Chartered Bank and Emirates have partnered to offer this airline credit card. Standard Chartered Emirates World Credit Card is popular for the multiple rewards it offers and cardholders can avail benefits on not just Emirates, but all its partner airlines as well.
Fee & Charges of Standard Chartered Emirates World Credit Card
Annual Fee – Rs.3,000
Features and Benefits of Standard Chartered Emirates World Credit Card
Avail 4,000 Skywards Miles when you enrol for this card and earn 4,000 Skywards miles when you pay the annual fee every year
Enjoy complimentary access to over 30 domestic airport lounges
Earn 4 Skywards Miles on every Rs.150 you spend within India and earn 6 Skywards Miles on every Rs.150 that you spend abroad
Avail 5% cashback on purchases that you make in duty free stores
Enjoy golf benefits such as complimentary access to courses and Starwood Gold membership
Avail 20% cashback (Maximum – Rs.600) every month on Uber rides
Avail up to Rs.10 Million worth air accident insurance coverage
How To Apply For Airline Credit Cards Online?
Two channels through which one can apply for airline credit cards online include applying through bank’s website and through authoritative third party platforms such as BankBazaar. Below instructions will help you know the online application process for airline credit cards.
Apply through bank’s website: Many banks accept online application for airline credit cards. You can visit the bank’s website and check for the availability of the feature. If you find ‘Apply’ button on the airline credit card page, you can follow the steps mentioned below to apply for the credit card.
Steps to apply for airline credit cards online
Visit the official website of the bank
Choose an airline credit card that matches your requirement
Click on ‘Apply’ button to visit the online application page
On the application page, enter all the required information in the designated fields
Double check the entered information before submitting the application.
On successful submission of the application, the system will generate an application reference number, which should be recorded for all future references.
Once the bank receives the application, it reviews the same and if your profile becomes eligible for the applied card, you will receive a call in 3-4 working days. The further application process will be informed to you over a phone call or through an e-mail.
Banks typically take 7-10 days to process a credit card application. If you have any queries meanwhile, you can use the application reference number to track your credit card application status online.
Apply through BankBazaar website: BankBazaar is an authorised third party financial service provider. By partnering with more than 50 banks, the company offers a comprehensive platform to shop, compare and apply for financial products including credit cards, all under one umbrella. If you’re confused about choosing a credit card, you can visit the website, go through the various credit cards listed on the site, choose the one that suits your needs and apply for it on the same platform. Mentioned below is the process to apply for an airline credit card through BankBazaar.
Steps to apply for an airline credit card through BankBazaar
Go to bankbazaar.com
From the main menu, select ‘Credit Cards’
The credit card page will display list of airline credit cards. You can choose one based on your travel needs
Beside the shortlisted card, you can find ‘Check Eligibility’ option. Click on the same and check your eligibility by providing the required details
If your profile is eligible for the chosen card, you will be taken to online application page, where you need to fill all the required details and click on ‘Submit’
On successful submission of the application, the screen will display an ‘Application ID’, which should be retained for all future queries
BankBazaar also offers ‘Track Application’ feature through which you can check your credit card application status online.
Each credit card issuer sets a different eligibility criteria based on the card and applicant type. Mentioned below is the basic eligibility required to apply for an airline credit card.
Applicant should be an Indian citizen
Salaried or self-employed professional or self-employed business-holder
Should have a decent credit history (Not applicable for first time borrowers)
Minimum age of the applicant should be 21 years and maximum age is 60 years
Documents Required To Apply For Airline Credit Cards
The required documents to apply for an airline credit card varies from one bank to another. Some basic documents required by many banks are mentioned below.
Copy of identity proof such as Aadhaar card, passport, etc.
Copy of PAN card
Two months salary slips or IT Returns
Copy of address proof document such as Voter’s ID, Aadhaar, driving licence, electricity bill, passport, etc., whichever holds your current address
What Kind Of Rewards Points Can Be Earned On Airline Credit Cards?
Airline credit cards are much helpful for those who travel often and are globetrotters. These cards besides providing regular credit card benefits provide exclusive features related to air travel. Complimentary lounge access to both domestic and international airports, priority check-in, extra baggage allowance and lot more.
Another interesting feature offered by airline credit cards is the reward points programme. Unlike the reward points programme on regular credit card, the reward points offered on airline credit cards will be accrued in the form of air miles. Each airline offer different air miles. For Instance, Jet Airways offers JPMiles, SpiceJet offers AirMiles, etc. The accrued air miles can be redeemed for flight bookings, to transfer seats from economy class to business class, and lot more.
Earning more air miles is also easy on airline credit cards as the card issuer offers accelerated rewards on specific spends that could help the cardholder to earn more air miles in less time.
FAQs on Airlines Credit Card
What is the annual fee of Citi PremierMiles Credit Card?
The annual fee for Citi PremierMiles Credit Card is Rs.3,000.
Which airlines can I transfer my Flyer Miles to with Citi PremierMiles Credit Card?
With Citi PremierMiles Credit Card, you can transfer your Flyer Miles to Cathay Pacific, Delta Airlines, Malaysia Airline, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Air India, Qatar Airways and also, Etihad Airways.
Is there any renewal fee I need to pay for SBI Air India Signature Credit Card?
Yes, you have to pay a renewal fee of Rs.4,999 for the SBI Air India Signature Credit Card.
Do I get any fuel surcharge waiver with the SBI Air India Platinum Credit Card?
Yes, you get a fuel surcharge waiver of 2.5%.
Is there any travel credit card where there is no renewal fee?
Yes, you do not have to pay any renewal fee for the Axis Bank MY Wings Credit Card.
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This is AXIS Bank privilege credit card and i applied this card with other channel. I am getting credit card statement through soft copy. Its a travel card i am using for airline ticket booking and also i am getting discount in airline, its very useful.
In SBI, they have upgraded my credit card into SBI prime card 1 year before. In this card, i get a benefits of Trident hotel membership, VISTARA club membership, airlines other than this i get a reward points on purchasing a groceries and booking a hotel. The credit limit is very low because just 2 months only, they have increased upto Rs. 96000. They have charged me a annual fee of Rs. 3000 but they will provide vouchers from 6 brand which is selected by the customer. When i opt for EMI, interest rate is quite high.
I am having a Jet privilege card in HDFC hence I get an offers and discounts on Flight ticket booking. 5 years ago, I bought this credit card when their sales executive approached me. They gave me a limit of Rs. 75,000 and they were ready to increase the limit but i have rejected the same. I cannot convert my purchase into EMI anyway its okay for me.
From HDFC, I am having a Jet privilege credit card, they are offering time to time insta cash loan and jumbo loan. When i got the card in the year of 2013, the limit was only Rs. 50000 and now they have increased upto Rs. 3 lakhs and they have recently given a call to enhance the limit upto Rs. 3.91 lakhs and i have accepted the same. I'm using the EMI conversion facility for last 7 years.
Its been 2 years, i have been using HDFC credit card. They have provided me a Jet privilege card with the credit limit of Rs. 72000. There is no annual fee on this card. I haven't checked any benefits. Interest rates are nominal. I have converted my purchase into EMI and these charges are competitive.
I am using AXIS Bank credit card more than 3 months. This is a life time free card but they given a less credit limit of Rs. 30k. I applied this card directly through app after that they approached me on time. Mostly i use this card for house hold needs, groceries some time shopping, flight ticket offer from vistara and also getting fuel surcharges.
I have SBI credit card which was taken through Bank directly.There are fuel benefits as well as movie ticket offers .I am getting vistara membership,criden hotel membership as well.There was no difficulties faced on using this credit card.I am satisfied with the service so far.
I am holding Axis bank vistara credit card for the past 1 year. Credit limit is good Rs. 1,33,000 and i get a lots of benefits on this card. I can make the payment easily & immediately. Credit limit is good and need to increase the limit. They are sending the statements on time. Annual charges for this card is Rs. 1500 and no fee wavier. Customer service was good. I am using this card for domestic flight ticket booking and getting low reward points.
I am using HDFC jet privilege credit card for past 3 years. I have a credit limit of 1.5L which is sufficient. It is a life time free credit card. I use to get offer on flight bookings. I will get 1 mile points on I spend of Rs.100 for fuel and electricity bill payment . For the other purchase I get 5 points on Rs.1000.
I have applied for HDFC Bank credit card which was taken through bank directly.This was a chargeable card and having flight ticket booking offers since am not air travel which is not required. I have cash back offers and reward points also. I am satisfied with the usage of jet privilege credit card.
I am using HDFC jet privilege credit card for past 5 years. The annual fee is around Rs.499. The cash back offer is high but their Miles point cannot be converted into cash anyway we can use for purchasing online or can use for flight tickets booking. Customer service need to be improved because no proper response now a days. Before one year it was very good.
I am using HDFC Jet Privilege credit card since 4-5 years. Normally this card has a annual charges, so i linked my salary account in this account so it comes as a free card. I am using this card for all purpose and the limit was Rs.1.50 lakhs. Customer service are good and i am getting good rewards so i have used that jet Privilege to redeem.
HDFC Jet privilege card is my first credit card and still am using it without facing any problem. Once i called them to update my mail id and they were helpful.They are giving jet points and airport launch facilities which am not using it because maximum i do use for shopping and other purchase.
From Axis bank, i am having a Vistara bank card hence i get the travel benefits. If i want to go through online, i can redeem the points for buying the air tickets. Lots of benefits are there. Every quarter, they are giving 2 business class air tickets which i can use for international also. Before 3 years ago, i have started using this Axis bank credit card.
I am using SBI prime credit card, I'm getting rewards points, lounge access, vistara membership, movie ticket offer, petrol surcharge, shopping. The annual fee of Rs. 2999, if i spend 1.5lakhs within 6 months fee will be waived off. They given a credit limit of 98k if they increase i will be more happy.
More than 3 years, since i'm using the Axis bank credit card. Its a vistara card which is a premium one hence i get lots of very good benefits. Once in a three months Vistara flight tickets are free if i spend Rs. 90000 in 3 months. I'm quite happy with the limit given to me. Overall, i'm satisfied with the services.
ICICI Bank is a very good bank and i have two cards. One is free credit card and other one is chargeable card. This is jet airways sapphiro card and the annual charge for this card is Rs. 5000. I am getting free one way air ticket. I am very happy with the service and the credit limit was Rs. 2,50,000.
I hold a HDFC Jet privilege credit card for past 1 year. I get notification on time via both email and message. From the date of bill generation they provided 20 days of time for bill payment, I opted for the EMI conversion but the interest rate is high around 13 to 14%. Annual charges are applied on this card.
I am using HDFC jet card for past 5 to 6 years. I use this card for normal expense. I will get jet mails points and I can use this points for flight ticket booking. I have 40000 jet miles points. Credit limit is sufficient. Usually rate of Interest is high in HDFC card.
I am having a vistara platinum credit card from Axis bank and its a premium and privilege card hence i get the flight ticket on a economical rate and i get club vistara points which i can redeem for booking flight tickets. I use this card for almost 2 years.
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