5 Best Entry-Level Travel Credit Cards for 2025 (₹0 – ₹1,000 Annual Fee)

In recent years, the number of credit cards in India has grown significantly. According to an RBI report, the total number of credit cards more than doubled in five years, reaching 10.80 crore by December 2019.

This highlights how more people are using credit cards for everyday spending, travel, and online shopping.

A good credit card does more than just facilitate payments—it offers cashback, travel perks, shopping discounts, and dining benefits. However, with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

To simplify this, 1 Finance has developed a scoring and ranking model that evaluates credit cards based on their overall value.

In this article, we’ll discuss the 5 best entry-level travel credit cards for 2025, according to our credit card scoring and ranking model!

1. HDFC Diners Club Privilege Card: A Travel and Lifestyle Powerhouse

If you love travelling and enjoying premium lifestyle perks, the HDFC Diners Club Privilege Card is worth considering. This card is designed for frequent travellers who also enjoy dining and entertainment benefits.

Key Highlights:

• Reward Rate: Earn 2.7% reward points on various spending categories, with accelerated earnings (5x points) on Flipkart grocery, Amazon, Swiggy, Zomato, BookMyShow, and travel bookings.
• Travel Perks: 8 complimentary domestic and international lounge visits per year.
• Lifestyle Benefits: Complimentary Swiggy One and Times Prime memberships upon spending ₹75,000 in the first 90 days.
• Milestone Rewards: ₹6,000 worth of vouchers on annual spends of ₹6 lakh.
• Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + GST (waived on spending ₹3 lakh annually).

If your expenses include frequent travel, online shopping, and dining, this card offers a solid mix of rewards and benefits.

2. IndusInd Pioneer Legacy Card: A Lifetime-Free Luxury Card

For those who prefer a credit card with zero annual fees while still enjoying premium perks, the IndusInd Pioneer Legacy Card is an attractive choice.

Key Highlights:

• Reward Rate: 1% base reward points on all purchases, with double rewards on weekends.
• Luxury Benefits: Complimentary Luxe gift card worth ₹5,000, usable at Oberoi hotels and premium brands.
• Golf Privileges: 48 complimentary golf rounds per year.
• Travel Benefits: 8 complimentary international lounge visits per year.
• Annual Fee: Lifetime free.

For individuals who travel occasionally and want a zero-fee credit card with premium perks, this is a strong contender.

3. HDFC Diners Club Miles Card: Ideal for Frequent Travelers

The HDFC Diners Club Miles Card is designed for those who frequently travel and want to maximise their travel rewards.

Key Highlights:

• Reward Rate: Earn 2.7% reward points on everyday spending.
• Travel Perks: Complimentary 6 domestic and 6 international airport lounge visits per year.
• Dining Benefits: Enjoy a 15% discount at premium restaurants.
• Welcome Offer: 1,000 reward points on payment of the annual fee.
• Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + GST (waived on spending ₹1 lakh annually).

For those who travel often and want affordable access to airport lounges with decent reward rates, this card delivers good value.

4. AU LIT (Live it Today) Card: A High-Rewards Card for Online Spenders

The AU LIT (Live it Today) Card is tailored for online shoppers and frequent travellers who prefer higher reward rates on specific categories.

Key Highlights:

• Reward Rate: 10x or 5x reward points on online domestic shopping, plus an additional 5% on groceries, electronics, and dining.
• Cashback Benefits: Up to 5% cashback on milestone spending.
• Travel Benefits: 16 complimentary airport lounge visits per year (domestic and international).
• Entertainment Perks: Free Amazon Prime and Zee5 subscriptions on spending ₹10,000 within 90 days.
• Annual Fee: Lifetime free.

For frequent online shoppers who also enjoy travel perks, this card offers a great mix of high rewards and free benefits.

5. HDFC Millennia Card: A Balanced Choice for Cashback Lovers

If you prefer cashback over reward points, the HDFC Millennia Card is a solid option.

Key Highlights:

• Cashback Rate: 1% cashback on all spending and 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Sony Liv, and BookMyShow.
• Travel Benefits: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (no international lounge access).
• Milestone Benefits: ₹1,000 gift voucher on quarterly spending of ₹1 lakh.
• Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + GST (waived on spending ₹1 lakh annually).

For individuals who frequently shop online and prefer cashback instead of points, this card provides good value.

Each card is designed for different needs, so the best option depends on your spending habits and lifestyle.

Before applying, consider annual fees, rewards, lounge access, and cashback benefits to ensure you maximise value from your credit card.

In-depth comparison of all 5 credit cards:

A credit card should align with your overall finances, not just offers. Talk to our Qualified Financial Advisor to choose the right card for your spending habits and long-term plans.

How do we evaluate credit cards?

Our ranking methodology is built on an unbiased, data-driven approach to evaluate credit cards in India. We begin with in-depth market research to understand the diverse credit card landscape, analysing features and benefits.

Next, we shortlist key evaluation parameters such as spending patterns, rewards, fees, and eligibility. Cards are then categorised based on their primary use—groceries, fuel, dining, luxury, etc.—to align with individual lifestyle needs.

A structured evaluation framework is developed, assigning weighted scores to different parameters, ensuring fair comparisons within each category. Each card undergoes rigorous assessment against this framework to differentiate the best options.

Finally, we continuously monitor the market for updates and new card launches, keeping our rankings accurate and relevant for well-informed decision-making.

To know more, click here: https://1finance.co.in/blog/how-do-we-evaluate-credit-cards-a-comprehensive-evaluation-guide/

What is 1 Finance Score?

The 1 Finance Score is a rating system that evaluates credit cards based on multiple factors and gives each card a score out of 100. It helps you compare cards objectively, making it easier to choose one that fits your needs and lifestyle. The score is based on data-driven, unbiased analysis, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Please note –

1 Finance Pvt. Ltd. operates independently and does not issue/provide credit cards. The information presented herein is intended solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as financial advice. Before making any financial decisions, it’s essential to undertake your own thorough research and analysis. If you’re uncertain about any financial matters, we strongly recommend seeking guidance from an impartial financial advisor.