If you travel by flight frequently, a good airline credit card can not only make your travel comfortable but also give you many benefits that you don’t get by booking tickets normally. These cards are usually issued by banks and credit card companies in collaboration with airlines. Their aim is to give you some extra benefits on every booking – such as air miles, free tickets, upgrades or other special facilities.
However, these cards fall in the premium category and also charge joining fees, annual fees, which can be slightly higher than normal credit cards.
What are the benefits of airline credit cards?
In the last few years, the demand for airline and premium credit cards has increased rapidly. Earlier they were known only for airport lounge access, but now these cards are no longer just a means of payment, but have become a kind of travel-lifestyle package.
In today’s era, these cards also offer facilities like fast-track boarding, free seat selection, extra baggage allowance, travel insurance, discount on hotel booking or cab service, international lounge access, even golf course access. Some cards also offer personal concierge service and special offers on international travel.
Also read: 5 best airline credit cards for frequent flyers in June 2025
In fact, now these cards are no longer just a status symbol for those who spend big money. Banks and card companies are designing them in such a way that every savvy traveler can take full advantage of rewards and savings from them. In the digital age, you can earn miles on every expense, which can later be used for ticket booking or upgrade.
If you travel by flight only once or twice a year, then the expense of such a card will not be beneficial for you. Because the annual fee charged on them can start from Rs 3,000 and go up to Rs 10,000 or even more. And if you don’t use rewards or miles, these benefits will go to waste.
So before buying any card, understand your travel habits and choose an airline credit card wisely. Below we are giving information about the top airline cards for June 2025 which are especially beneficial for frequent flyers.
1. 6E Rewards XL Indigo HDFC Credit Card
Fee: Rs 1,500 (joining and renewal)
Key benefits:
Rewards on IndiGo spends:
- 5 6E rewards per Rs 100 (on bookings through IndiGo website or app)
Rewards on other spends:
- 3 rewards per Rs 100 on grocery, dining and entertainment
- 2 rewards per Rs 100 on other spends
Lounge facility:
- 8 free domestic lounge visits in a year (2 times every quarter)
Welcome benefits:
- Free flight ticket voucher worth Rs 3,000
- Rs 1,099 6E Prime Add-On (Priority Check-in, Seat Selection and Free Meals)
2. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card
Annual/Renewal Fee: Rs 4,999
Key benefits:
Lounge facility:
- 8 times a year Free Domestic Visa Lounge Access (2 times every quarter)
Rewards on Air India tickets:
- 10 reward points per Rs 100 spent (on bookings through Air India website, app or office)
Welcome gift:
Anniversary benefit:
- 5,000 reward points on renewal every year
Bonus rewards:
- Up to 1 lakh bonus points on yearly spend Earning opportunity
Air Miles conversion:
- Facility to convert 10,000 points to Air India Miles
3. Axis Bank ATLAS Credit Card
Joining/Annual Fee: Rs 5,000
Key benefits:
Rewards on airline bookings:
- 5 EDGE Miles per Rs 100 on direct airline bookings (website, counter, helpline)
Domestic airport lounge access:
- 18 free domestic lounge visits on spending Rs 50,000 in the last 3 months
International lounge access:
- Unlimited international lounge visits through Priority Pass
- 8 free guest visits in a year
Welcome offer:
- 37 days from the date of issuance of card 2,500 EDGE Miles on first transaction within a day
Miles conversion:
- EDGE Miles can be converted with many domestic and international airlines
Conclusion:
If you are a frequent flyer and want to make every trip affordable, comfortable and exclusive, airline credit cards can be a smart choice for you. All you need to do is understand your travel needs and spending habits so that by choosing the right card, you can enjoy miles, rewards and many benefits to the fullest.
