Travel is now about more than just the journey—it’s about maximizing comfort, earning rewards, and saving money at every step. The right travel credit card can help you unlock lounge access, enjoy booking discounts, and collect points, all while reducing your travel expenses.
You don’t have to pay high fees for these benefits. In India, several lifetime free and low annual fee travel credit cards can deliver standout rewards and lounge access.
Here are the 7 best travel credit cards in 2026 that give maximum value with low or zero annual charges, carefully explained in simple words for easy understanding.
Why Choose a Travel Credit Card?
A travel credit card helps you:
- Save money on flight and hotel bookings.
- Earn reward points on every spend.
- Get free airport lounge access.
- Enjoy travel benefits at a low cost.
- Travel comfortably without paying high card fees.
7 Best Lifetime Free & Low Fee Travel Credit Cards in India
1. IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card (Lifetime Free)
This card is popular among frequent travelers who want premium benefits without paying annual fees. Also, you can check the IDFC WOW Platinum Credit Card.
Travel Benefits:
- Complimentary domestic airport lounge access
- Reward points on travel spends
- Zero forex markup (limited offers)
- No joining or annual fee
2. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card (Lifetime Free)
Though known for shopping rewards, this card is also useful for travel bookings via Amazon.
Travel Benefits:
- Reward cashback on flight bookings
- No joining or annual fee
- Accepted widely for online travel payments
3. Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card (Low Fee)
A stylish lifestyle card with travel and lounge benefits at a very low cost.
Travel Benefits:
- Domestic airport lounge access
- Discounts on travel platforms
- Easy reward redemption
4. HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card (Low Fee)
A beginner-friendly card with basic travel benefits and low charges.
Travel Benefits:
- Reward points on travel spends
- Easy redemption against travel bookings
- Fee waiver on spending milestone
5. ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card (Lifetime Free)
A simple, no-fee card with steady benefits.
Travel Benefits:
- Reward points on flight bookings
- No joining or annual fee
- Ideal as a backup travel card
6. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card (Low Fee)
Good for online travel booking lovers, especially on partner platforms.
Travel Benefits:
- Bonus rewards on online travel portals
- Domestic lounge access (select offers)
- Milestone-based fee reversal
7. OneCard Credit Card (Lifetime Free)
A modern metal credit card with strong lifestyle and travel perks.
Travel Benefits:
- Airport lounge access via app offers
- Reward points on travel and dining
- No joining or annual fee
Top 7 Travel Credit Cards Comparison Table
| Credit Cards | Joining Fee | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Best For |
| IDFC FIRST Select | ₹0 | ₹0 | Yes (Domestic) | Premium free benefits |
| Amazon Pay ICICI | ₹0 | ₹0 | No | Flight booking cashback |
| Axis My Zone | ₹500 | ₹500 | Yes | Budget lifestyle travel |
| HDFC MoneyBack+ | ₹500 | ₹500 | Limited | Beginners |
| ICICI Platinum | ₹0 | ₹0 | No | Lifetime free users |
| SBI SimplyCLICK | ₹499 | ₹499 | Limited | Online travel rewards |
| OneCard | ₹0 | ₹0 | Yes (Offers) | App-based travel perks |
Fees may be reversed or waived on annual spending as per the bank’s terms.
How to Choose the Right Travel Credit Card?
Before applying, consider:
- How often do you travel
- Whether lounge access matters to you
- Your spending pattern
- Joining & annual fee vs benefits
- Reward redemption ease
If you travel occasionally, lifetime free cards are best. Frequent travelers may prefer low-fee cards with lounge access.
Also Read: 4 Disadvantages of Credit Cards You Should Know
Conclusion
You don’t need an expensive premium card to enjoy travel rewards. These 7 lifetime free and low-fee travel credit cards offer the perfect balance of rewards, lounge access, and low cost.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, 24hrLoan helps you find the best travel credit card that fits your budget and lifestyle—smartly and safely.