Did you find this article useful?
With most credit cards, you can collect points as you spend. And with cards focused on travel-related benefits, you can use these reward points on travel essentials like flights and hotels. The more you spend, the more points and rewards you can earn.
Savvy travellers know that getting the most out of their trip starts with finding the best travel credit card for their needs. Not only can this save you money as you plan your travel, but it can also make the journey as exciting as the destination.
Let's look at what you need to know:
What kinds of travel rewards can you get?
Credit card providers will often offer some sort of benefit for every rupee that you spend, depending on the type of card and provider. These can include cashback and points. They may have minimum spending and other requirements, so compare credit cards before applying for one.
Travel credit cards provide perks that can make your journey more comfortable, including:
Find out more about credit card offers.
For instance, the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card offers welcome rewards, extra reward points on travel spending, and instant reward redemption. You can also get airport lounge access and discounts on car hire and other lifestyle products.
Meanwhile, the HSBC Taj Credit Card gives you access to lifestyle privileges such as luxury hotel stays, gourmet dining and bespoke experiences.
If you're looking for the best credit card for international travel, or a travel credit card that fits your needs, here are some things to consider:
Familiarise yourself with how rewards are earned and redeemed and look at the categories that will earn the most reward points, like travel and dining bookings. Also work out where you'll get the most when spending your reward points.
Find a credit card that offers rewards in the categories where you spend the most. If you often buy flights, then a card offering higher points for airline purchases will be more useful to you.
For instance, the TravelOne credit card offers up to double reward points on flight and travel spending, and 15% discounts on certain travel bookings.
Explore: Credit card rewards
Look at how easy it is to redeem your points. Are there limits on redemptions during peak travel periods or on airlines that you prefer?
Make the most of the latest exclusive or special offers linked to your credit card. Keep yourself updated on these specials and use them to get the maximum benefit of using your credit card.
Many credit card providers also offer promotions, especially over festival and holiday periods. Plan your travel to take advantage of these promotions.
There may also be other perks to consider, like sign-up bonuses or discounts.
Credit cards with more rewards and perks often have higher fees. Look closely at the annual fees and charges and decide whether the benefits outweigh the costs. It also helps to find a card with no transaction fees on purchases abroad.
The HSBC Visa Platinum and HSBC RuPay Platinum credit cards have no joining or annual fees, while other products waive the annual fee if you spend more than a set amount.
It can be disappointing to earn points and then not use them before they expire. Remember to keep a close eye on your accumulated reward points balance. This also helps to remind you to make use of them, and how many you have available before you make a booking. Also check the expiry date and find a way to use them before it's too late.
Travel credit cards come with automatic security features to help you stay safe when travelling. For example, you can receive an SMS alert for every transaction. Read up and understand these features before you leave on your trip.
You can only redeem your travel credit card reward points through the HSBC India Mobile Banking app:
Some may wonder whether it's better to use a debit card or credit card when travelling.
Generally, it's cheaper to withdraw cash from an ATM using a debit card. You can also control your spending with a debit card.
A travel credit card can be more useful for bigger purchase amounts, like flights, as you can pay these back over time. You can also earn and spend rewards with a credit card but remember the charges and fees may be higher.
Planning a trip is easier if you have a travel credit card that can help you make your travel dreams come true. Leveraging the various benefits, like discounts on travel and dining bookings, airline miles and cashback, can save you money and enhance your experience. The right travel credit card can be your passport to a world of opportunities.
While there's a bit of research needed to get the most out of your credit card, it will all be worth it when you're unwinding and enjoying your holiday. Happy travels!
Instant reward redemption with an extensive selection of airline and hotel partners.
Did you find this article useful?
This publication has been issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), India, Incorporated in Hong Kong SAR with limited liability, for the information of its customers only. This publication does not constitute tax or investment advice or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe to any product / investment. The information herein is derived from sources believed to be reliable and the concerned Information Provider(s) have duly authorised HSBC to use such information provided by them.
Whilst every care has been taken in compiling the information, HSBC and the concerned Information Provider(s) do not guarantee, or make any representation or warranty and accept no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness and shall not be liable for damages arising out of any person's reliance upon this information or any action taken or not taken as a result of any material contained in the publication. All information is subject to the relevant Act, Rules, Regulations, Policy Statements, etc., of the Income Tax Department and subject to change. Expressions of opinion are those of HSBC and the Information Provider(s) only and are subject to change without notice. HSBC has not independently verified any information provided by the Information Provider(s) or that has been derived from the sources believed to be reliable by HSBC. Opinions expressed herein do not have regard to specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this publication. This document is for circulation in India only. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the prior written permission of HSBC. Any liability is accordingly expressly disclaimed by HSBC, its officers, directors and employees.
