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Top 5 Travel & Shopping Credit Cards for India: A 2026 Preview

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. pping-credit-cards-for-india-a-2026-preview.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, January 1st 2026 at 17:12 GMT by Goodreturns

Navigating Rewards: A Look at India's Top 5 Travel & Shopping Credit Cards for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, the competition amongst credit card issuers in India is intensifying. Consumers are increasingly savvy about maximizing rewards and benefits, leading banks to offer a wider range of specialized cards catering to specific spending habits – particularly travel and shopping. Goodreturns.in recently published an article highlighting five standout travel and shopping credit cards available in India, aiming to help consumers choose the best option for their individual needs. This article summarizes those recommendations, providing insights into each card's strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user profile.

The Landscape: Understanding Travel & Shopping Credit Cards

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what these cards offer. Travel credit cards typically reward spending on flights, hotels, dining, and other travel-related expenses with points or miles that can be redeemed for future travel. Shopping cards, conversely, prioritize rewards on retail purchases, often offering bonus points at specific stores or categories like online shopping and department stores. The best cards usually combine elements of both, although the emphasis will vary. A key factor to consider is the annual fee; higher fees often correlate with more lucrative rewards and enhanced benefits, but only if you spend enough to justify the cost.

The Top 5 Cards According to Goodreturns.in (as of late 2023/early 2024):

1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card: This card consistently ranks high due to its balanced approach. It offers a good rewards rate on both shopping and travel, along with complimentary airport lounge access (limited) and insurance benefits. The article highlights the "Reward Points" program where users earn 2 reward points for every ₹150 spent at department stores, online retailers, airline shops, railway ticket booking portals, and hotels. For all other categories, it is 1 reward point per ₹150 spent. A significant advantage is its relatively lower annual fee compared to some competitors. However, the article notes that redemption values for points can vary depending on the redemption channel. Ideal User: Frequent shoppers and travelers who appreciate a solid rewards program without an exorbitant annual fee.

2. Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card: This card is explicitly geared towards frequent flyers with Vistara Airlines. It offers accelerated miles accumulation on Vistara flights, along with benefits like complimentary flight upgrades (subject to availability) and priority boarding. The article emphasizes the "Vistara Miles" program which provides a significant advantage for loyal customers of this airline. It also includes airport lounge access and travel insurance. However, the annual fee is considerably higher than the HDFC Regalia Gold, making it less suitable for those who don't frequently fly with Vistara. Ideal User: Loyal Vistara flyers seeking enhanced travel experiences and rewards specifically tied to that airline.

3. ICICI Bank SmartSelect Credit Card: This card distinguishes itself through its "Brandocity" feature, offering exclusive discounts and deals at a wide range of partner brands across various categories including fashion, electronics, and dining. The article points out the flexibility in choosing reward multipliers – users can select their preferred spending category to earn higher rewards (up to 10x). The annual fee is moderate, but requires maintaining a minimum spend threshold. Ideal User: Consumers who appreciate discounts and deals at partner brands and are comfortable managing a minimum spend requirement.

4. Kotak Mahindra Aura Gold Credit Card: This card boasts a high reward rate on all purchases, making it attractive to those with diverse spending habits. It offers both reward points and cashback options for redemption, providing flexibility in how users utilize their benefits. The article highlights the "Surprise Element" – occasional bonus rewards or discounts offered randomly. However, the annual fee is relatively higher than some other cards on the list, requiring a decent level of spending to justify it. Ideal User: Individuals who spend across various categories and prefer a high reward rate with flexible redemption options.

5. American Express Platinum Travel Card: This card represents the premium end of the spectrum. It offers a comprehensive suite of travel benefits including extensive airport lounge access (both domestic and international), hotel privileges, concierge services, and generous welcome bonuses. The article emphasizes its focus on luxury travel experiences. However, it comes with a significantly higher annual fee, making it suitable only for high-spending individuals who actively utilize the premium benefits. Ideal User: Affluent travelers seeking a luxurious travel experience with extensive perks and willing to pay a substantial annual fee.

Key Considerations & Potential Drawbacks:

The Goodreturns article consistently emphasizes several crucial factors beyond just reward rates:

• Redemption Values: The value of points or miles can vary significantly depending on how they're redeemed (e.g., flight bookings vs. merchandise). Careful comparison is essential.
• Annual Fees & Spend Requirements: High annual fees are only worthwhile if you spend enough to offset them and utilize the associated benefits. Minimum spending requirements to waive fees or earn bonus rewards should also be considered.
• Interest Rates: Credit card interest rates can be high, so it's crucial to pay your balance in full each month to avoid accruing debt.
• Hidden Charges: Be aware of potential charges for things like cash withdrawals or foreign transaction fees.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right travel and shopping credit card is a personal decision based on individual spending habits and priorities. The five cards highlighted by Goodreturns.in offer diverse options catering to different user profiles, from budget-conscious shoppers to luxury travelers. Thoroughly evaluating the benefits, drawbacks, and associated costs of each card before applying is crucial to maximizing rewards and ensuring financial well-being in 2026 and beyond. Remember that terms and conditions change frequently; always review the latest details on the bank’s official website before making a decision.