When planning a trip, most travellers focus on flight fares and hotel deals. However, your credit card may already offer travel perks that you might be unaware of, which could significantly reduce costs and elevate comfort. From zero forex markup and airport lounge access to trip cancellation cover and bonus travel rewards, the right card can transform the way you travel.
Understanding these features helps you extract far greater value than simply earning points on bookings.
Luxury in design and travel value
Premium metal cards, such as the Mayura credit card and Ashva credit card, combine premium design with exceptional travel privileges. Crafted with a robust metal finish and regal aesthetics, these cards reflect elegance while delivering tangible benefits.
The Mayura credit card offers zero forex markup on all international transactions, global transactions cost-efficient. It provides 4 complimentary international lounge visits per quarter, 4 domestic lounge visits with one guest per quarter, and 4 railway lounge accesses per quarter, subject to spending ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month. Travellers also receive trip cancellation cover up to ₹50,000 per policy year (up to ₹25,000 each for flight and hotel cancellations, with a maximum of 2 claims per year) and comprehensive travel insurance up to USD 1,200. On rewards, you earn up to 10X points on incremental spends above ₹20,000 and birthdays, 5X points below ₹20,000, plus 50X bonus points on hotel bookings and 30X points on flights through Rewards Gallery in the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app. With 1 Reward Point worth ₹0.50 on travel bookings, the redemption value becomes highly attractive.
Similarly, the Ashva credit card offers a low 1% forex markup, along with 2 international lounge visits per quarter, 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter, and 4 railway lounge visits per quarter on eligible spends. It provides trip cancellation reimbursement up to ₹25,000 twice a year and travel insurance coverage up to USD 1,200. Offers accelerated rewards on eligible spends, including travel bookings, with 10X and 5X standard rewards, and 50X/30X bonus rewards, on hotels and flights, respectively.
Premium travel without annual fees
Not all travel-focused cards require heavy fees. The FIRST Wealth credit card, a lifetime-free offering, blends premium travel privileges with strong rewards. It provides 10X reward points on incremental spends above ₹20,000 and birthdays, 3X on spends below ₹20,000, and accelerated rewards on categories such as rent and education. Cardholders enjoy 1 complimentary domestic lounge visit and 1 global lounge visit per quarter, on qualifying spends, along with railway lounge access and trip cancellation cover up to ₹10,000 annually. The 1.5% forex markup ensures competitive international usage, while bonus rewards on travel bookings enhance redemption value.
If you are specifically looking for a lounge access card that balances travel perks with zero joining fees, FIRST Wealth presents a compelling option.
Secured travel benefits for everyone
Travel privileges are no longer limited to premium credit cards. The FIRST WOW! credit card is a lifetime-free secured card issued against a fixed deposit of a minimum of ₹20,000, offering a credit limit of at least 100% of the FD value. It requires no income proof or credit check, making it accessible to new-to-credit users. Despite being secured, it offers zero forex markup, global acceptance via Visa Infinite, up to 4X never-expiring reward points, and interest-free ATM withdrawals until the due date (with a nominal ₹199 + GST fee per transaction). Meanwhile, your FD earns interest, combining savings with credit access.
For more enhanced travel value and premium value, the FIRST WOW! Black credit card delivers zero forex markup, 4 complimentary airport lounge accesses every, and trip cancellation cover up to ₹10,000 annually. It also offers 50 bonus reward points on travel bookings, where 1 RP equals ₹0.50 on travel redemptions. Additional benefits, such as 1% fuel surcharge waiver, ₹25,000 lost card liability protection, and roadside assistance worth ₹1,399, provide security beyond travel.
Benefits, reward structures, FD rates and access limits mentioned above are subject to applicable terms and may change over time. Actual eligibility and availability can vary by card variant and usage. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Unlocking the full potential
Before you apply for credit card, carefully compare key travel features such as forex charges, lounge benefits, insurance coverage, and reward multipliers on travel bookings. These features often remain underutilised simply because cardholders are unaware of them.
Conclusion
A well-chosen credit card does far more than facilitate payments; it enhances your travel experience. From seamless & premium airport lounges and zero forex markups, to safe bookings and accelerated travel rewards, these benefits can elevate every journey.
Whether you prefer the metal elegance of Mayura and Ashva, the lifetime-free privileges of FIRST Wealth, the secured accessibility of FIRST WOW!, or the enhanced benefits of FIRST WOW Black, understanding these overlooked travel perks allows you to travel smarter, safer, and with greater comfort.
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