The aviation sector in India is witnessing a significant boom, with an increase in both domestic and international air travel. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including the enhanced global connectivity for business, the growing middle class with increased disposable income, and the ever-growing allure of international destinations for vacationers.
As air travel becomes more accessible and popular among Indians, airlines are not just focusing on expanding their routes and hubs but are also innovating in customer engagement strategies. One such innovation is the introduction of co-branded airline credit cards. These cards not only offer rewards on domestic/international air ticket bookings but also provide special privileges that enhance travel, like free airport lounge access.
How to Choose the Best Airline Credit Card?
Brand loyalty is a major factor that will determine your rewards and savings. You should choose an airline credit card from the airline you travel with the most or plan to use frequently.
The following are all the co-branded airline credit cards currently available in India.
3 IndiGo BluChips Per ₹100 Spent On IndiGo Channels. 2 IndiGo BluChips Per ₹100 Spent On Grocery & Dining Categories. 1 IndiGo BluChips Per ₹100 Spent On All Other Eligible Spends
Voucher of 1,200 IndiGo BluChips
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The Axis Bank IndiGo Axis Bank Credit Card is an entry-level co-branded card designed for frequent IndiGo flyers who want to earn BluChips at a low annual fee of ₹799 + GST. It offers 1,200 BluChips as a welcome benefit, earns up to 3 BluChips per ₹100 on IndiGo bookings, 2 on grocery and dining, and 1 on other spends, along with one complimentary domestic lounge visit per quarter. While it does not include international lounge access or insurance benefits, it remains a practical and affordable option for budget-conscious IndiGo travellers.
3 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 on the IndiGo App & Web. 2 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 on Hotel/Lodging & Travel MCCs. 1 IndiGo BluChip/₹100 on All Other Spends
2,500 IndiGo BluChips
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The SBI Card IndiGo SBI Credit Card, launched in partnership with IndiGo, is an affordable co-branded option priced at ₹1,499 + GST that suits regular IndiGo flyers. It offers 2,500 BluChips as a welcome and renewal benefit, earns up to 3 BluChips per ₹100 on IndiGo bookings, provides milestone rewards on annual spends, and includes spend-based domestic lounge access (one visit per quarter on ₹50,000 quarterly spends). While BluChips do not have a fixed value, frequent travellers can extract strong savings on flight bookings through consistent usage.
7 IndiGo BluChips Per ₹100 Spent On IndiGo Channels. 3 IndiGo BluChips Per ₹100 Spent On Grocery & Hotel Categories. 2 IndiGo BluChips Per ₹100 Spent On All Other Eligible Spends
5,000 IndiGo BluChips Voucher + 1 6E Eats Voucher
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The Axis Bank IndiGo Axis Bank Premium Credit Card offers significantly more benefits than the basic variant, though it comes with a higher joining and annual fee. Designed for frequent IndiGo flyers, it provides access to both domestic and international airport lounges, along with movie offers such as buy-one-get-one tickets. In terms of rewards, cardholders earn 7 IndiGo BluChips per ₹100 spent on IndiGo channels, 3 BluChips per ₹100 on grocery and hotel categories, and 2 BluChips per ₹100 on all other eligible spends, making it a more rewarding option for regular travellers.
7 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 on the IndiGo App & Web. 3 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 on Hotel/Lodging & Travel MCCs. 2 IndiGo BluChip/₹100 on All Other Spends
5,000 IndiGo BluChips & 1 6E Eats Voucher
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The SBI Card IndiGo SBI ELITE Credit Card is a premium co-branded card designed for frequent IndiGo flyers. Priced at ₹4,999 + GST, it offers 5,000 BluChips and a 6E Eats voucher as a welcome benefit, accelerated earnings of up to 7 BluChips per ₹100 on IndiGo bookings, complimentary domestic and international lounge access, milestone rewards up to 24,000 BluChips annually, and useful travel insurance covers, making it a strong option for regular travellers who prefer flying IndiGo.
3 Miles/₹100 on Etihad Airways and 1 Mile/₹100 on All Other Domestic and Cross-Border Spends
5,000 + 2,500 (LIMITED TIME OFFER) Etihad Guest Bonus Miles on Spending ₹50,000 Within 60 Days and Silver Tier Status on First Etihad Transaction Within 6 Months
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The BOBCARD Etihad Guest Credit Card is ideal for frequent flyers of Etihad Airways, the national airline of Abu Dhabi, as it offers 3 Etihad Guest Miles per ₹100 spent on Etihad and 1 Mile per ₹100 on all other domestic and international spends. Cardholders also receive airport lounge access benefits, including 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (2 per quarter) and 4 complimentary international lounge visits per year (1 per quarter), making it a well-rounded travel card for Etihad loyalists.
6X Avios/₹200 at Preferred Destinations (POS Only), 5X Avios/₹200 for Spends on Qatar/British Airways Website, 3X Avios/₹200 for Online Spends at Preferred Destinations and 1X Avios/₹200 for Spends on Utilities, Insurance and Government Services
20,000 Bonus Avios
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The IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite Credit Card is great for people who travel a lot, especially if you fly with Qatar Airways or British Airways. When you get the card, you pay ₹10,000 + GST to start and ₹5,000 + GST each year after that. You get 20,000 Avios points as a welcome benefit. You earn more Avios when you spend money on these airlines or at certain places around the world. You also get help at airports, free entry to lounges, and a discount on flights from India with Qatar Airways. There’s good insurance for when you travel. Even though it costs a lot, it’s worth it for people who travel frequently and want to enhance their trips with numerous rewards and services.
6 Miles/₹100 on Etihad Airways and 2 Miles/₹100 on All Other Domestic and Cross-Border Spends
10,000 + 5,000 (LIMITED TIME OFFER) Etihad Guest Bonus Miles on Spending ₹50,000 Within 60 Days, Silver Tier Status on First Transaction, and Upgrade to Gold Tier After an Etihad Transaction Within 6 Months
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The BOBCARD Etihad Guest Premium Credit Card is a travel-focused credit card designed for frequent Etihad flyers. It offers accelerated miles earning on Etihad spends, complimentary Silver and Gold tier upgrades, zero forex markup on international transactions, and generous airport lounge access without any spend-based conditions. With multiple milestone bonuses, cardholders can earn a significant number of Etihad Guest Miles through regular spending.
Up to 22 BluChips/₹100 for Flight Bookings Via the IndiGo Website/App. 0.5 BluChips/₹100 for UPI, Rent, Utility, Insurance, and Wallet Spends, and 3 BluChips/₹100 for Other Eligible Spends
5,000 IndiGo BluChips, Meal Voucher, 3-Month EazyDiner Prime Membership, and Postcard Hotel Voucher Worth ₹3,000 (Paid Variant Only). 3,000 IndiGo BluChips Voucher on Spending ₹1 Lakh Within 90 Days (Both Paid and Secured Variant)
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The IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank is a unique offering, as approved cardholders receive two variants, one Mastercard and one RuPay. It is available with a joining fee of ₹4,999 + GST or against a fixed deposit of ₹1 lakh. Cardholders can earn up to 22 BluChips per ₹100 spent on IndiGo, along with trip cancellation cover up to ₹25,000 for flight and hotel bookings, plus additional travel insurance benefits.
5 KrisFlyer Miles/₹200 Spent on Singapore Airlines Group and 5 KrisFlyer/₹200 Spend Abroad
3,000 KrisFlyer Miles
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The KrisFlyer SBI Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who frequently travel with Singapore Airlines or engage with the broader Singapore Airlines Group, which includes platforms like Pelago, which offer significant advantages for a mid-range credit card. With a joining fee of ₹2,999, cardholders benefit from a welcome bonus of 3,000 KrisFlyer Miles and earn 5 KrisFlyer Miles per ₹200 spent on Singapore Airlines Group transactions and international spends. Additional perks include a complimentary Priority Pass membership, one domestic and four international airport lounge visits annually, and milestone benefits like tier upgrades to KrisFlyer Elite Silver upon spending ₹2.5 lakh.
5 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 Spent on IndiGo; 2 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 Spent on Dining & Entertainment; 1 IndiGo BluChip/₹100 on All Other Categories
Voucher of 2,500 IndiGo BluChips
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The IndiGo Kotak Credit Card is a co-branded travel card by Kotak Mahindra Bank and IndiGo Airlines, aimed at frequent IndiGo flyers. It has a yearly fee of ₹1,500 + GST and offers IndiGo BluChips as rewards, which can be used for flight bookings, seat selection, and add-on services. Users earn more BluChips on IndiGo bookings and dining, and can get extra BluChips through annual spending milestones. However, the card does not offer lounge access or travel insurance, which limits its overall travel benefits. It’s best suited for loyal IndiGo customers looking to save on flight-related expenses.
Maximum 18 Spiceclub points for every Rs. 200 you spend on SpiceJet website and mobile application, 6 Spiceclub points for every Rs. 200 spent on online transactions, and 3 Spiceclub points for every Rs. 200 spent on all other domestic and international transactions.
SpiceJet Flight Voucher Worth ₹1,500
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The SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage Credit Card is an excellent choice for domestic travelers in India, offering a range of benefits tailored to enhance your travel experience. With a joining fee of just ₹750, you receive a ₹1,500 SpiceJet flight voucher upon making two transactions within 30 days of card activation. You earn up to 18 Spiceclub points for every ₹200 spent on SpiceJet’s website or app, with additional points on other transactions like online shopping, dining, and more. The card also provides four complimentary domestic airport lounge visits each year and a complimentary Spiceclub Silver Membership.
Up to 21 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 Spent on IndiGo Flight Bookings. 2 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 for All Other Spends
Voucher of 4,000 IndiGo BluChips and 6E Eats
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The IndiGo Kotak XL Credit Card is a premium co-branded card from Kotak Mahindra Bank and IndiGo Airlines, meant for frequent IndiGo flyers. With a joining and renewal fee of ₹3,000 + GST, it offers welcome and milestone rewards in the form of IndiGo BluChips, which can be used for flight bookings and other IndiGo services. Cardholders can earn up to 21 BluChips per ₹100 on IndiGo bookings, though most of these rewards are part of the BluChips program and not exclusive to the card. It also offers 2 free domestic lounge visits per quarter, but lacks international lounge access and travel insurance.
28 Spiceclub Points on every Rs. 200 spent on SpiceJet mobile app/website, 12 Spiceclub points on online entertainment, food order, & online bill payments, and 6 Spiceclub points on all other transactions.
Get a SpiceJet flight voucher worth Rs. 4,000 and complimentary Spiceclub Gold membership.
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The SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage Black Credit Card should be the go-to choice for loyal SpiceJet customers, offering a rich suite of benefits for its ₹2,000 joining and annual fees. Cardholders receive a welcome package, including a ₹4,000 flight voucher and a complimentary SpiceClub Gold membership, ensuring immediate value exceeds the initial payment. The card’s reward system is tailored for travel enthusiasts, providing 28 Spiceclub Points per ₹200 spent on SpiceJet services, with additional points for various online transactions. Annual perks include up to 8,000 bonus points based on spending milestones, 2,000 renewal bonus points, and eight complimentary domestic lounge accesses each year.
10 KrisFlyer Miles/₹200 Spent on Singapore Airlines Group and 8 KrisFlyer/₹200 Spend Abroad
10,000 KrisFlyer Miles
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The KrisFlyer SBI Card Apex is an elite travel credit card for frequent flyers of the Singapore Airlines Group, offering high rewards and benefits for a premium joining fee of ₹9,999. Cardholders earn 10 KrisFlyer Miles per ₹200 spent with the Singapore Airlines Group, 8 miles for international transactions, and 6 miles for other eligible spends, making it highly rewarding for those who travel or shop extensively with the airline’s ecosystem. Additional perks include a welcome bonus of 10,000 KrisFlyer Miles, a complimentary Priority Pass membership for two years, and both domestic and international lounge access (8 and 2 visits each quarter, respectively). Milestone benefits like tier upgrades to KrisFlyer Elite Gold upon spending ₹7.5 lakh, along with significant insurance coverage, further enhance the card’s value for luxury travelers. However, the lack of renewal benefits and standard forex charges might limit its appeal beyond the first year unless one maximizes the travel and spending benefits offered.
Those who often travel by flight should definitely have a co-branded airline credit card in their wallets.
You should only consider a credit card if you can pay off the card in full each month to avoid interest rates, which can quickly negate any reward benefits.
All major airlines in India have co-branded credit cards with one bank or the other. Below is a brief introduction to various airlines and the credit cards they offer in association with banks.
IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Limited) is the largest airline operating in India. IndiGo is one of the most affordable airlines, offering the best prices for flights across the globe. IndiGo currently offers co-branded credit cards in association with Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC Bank, SBI Card, and Axis Bank.
| Fees | IndiGo Kotak | IndiGo Kotak XL | IndiGo Axis Bank Premium | IndiGo IDFC FIRST |
| Joining/Annual | ₹1,500 + GST | ₹3,000 + GST | ₹5,000 + GST | ₹4,999 + GST |
| Welcome/Renewal Benefit | Voucher of 2,500 IndiGo BluChips | Voucher of 4,000 IndiGo BluChips and a 6E Eats Voucher | 5,000 IndiGo BluChips Voucher + 1 6E Eats Voucher | 5,000 IndiGo BluChips, Meal Voucher, 3-Month EazyDiner Prime Membership, and Postcard Hotel Voucher Worth ₹3,000 (Paid Variant Only). |
Singapore Airlines, often called SIA, flies to eight cities in India, making it one of the top airlines connecting Singapore and India. They have flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, offering both direct and connecting flights to various destinations. SIA is known for its high-quality service, with options like Economy, Business, First Class, and even suites. They work with Air India for a codeshare deal, which means you can book flights on both airlines under one ticket. Singapore Airlines is popular for its comfort and reliability, which makes its co-branded credit card appealing for travelers looking for perks like flight discounts or extra miles.
| Features | KrisFlyer SBI | KrisFlyer SBI Card Apex |
| Joining/Renewal Fee | ₹2,999 + GST | ₹9,999 + GST |
| Sign Up Benefit | 3,000 KrisFlyer Miles | 10,000 KrisFlyer Miles |
| Rewards Rate for Singapore Airlines Bookings | 5 KrisFlyer Miles/₹200 | 10 KrisFlyer Miles/₹200 |
| Domestic Lounge Access | 1 Visit Each Quarter (4 Annually) | 2 Visits Each Quarter (8 Annually) |
Avios is a loyalty program where you earn points. It is called Avios and can be used to book flights, upgrades, or even hotels and car rentals. In India, there is only one Avios co-branded credit card, IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite Credit Card, which lets you earn Avios on your spending. You can choose to earn Avios with either British Airways or Qatar Airways based on your travel preference.
| Features | IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite |
| Joining/Renewal Fee | Joining ₹10,000 + GST. Renewal ₹5,000 + GST |
| Sign Up Benefit | 20,000 Bonus Avios |
| Rewards Rate for Avios Bookings | 6X Avios/₹200 at Preferred Destinations (POS Only), 5X Avios/₹200 for Spends on Qatar/British Airways Website, 3X Avios/₹200 for Online Spends at Preferred Destinations and 1X Avios/₹200 for Spends on Utilities, Insurance and Government Services |
| Domestic Lounge Access | 2 Visits Each Quarter (8 Annually) |
SpiceJet is a well-known low-cost airline in India, flying to over 60 cities within the country and some international destinations. They started flying in 2005 and are based in Gurgaon. SpiceJet offers budget-friendly flights with services like SpiceClub, their frequent flyer program. In partnership with Axis Bank, they’ve introduced a co-branded credit card called SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage, available in two variants. It provides perks like direct entry into SpiceClub tiers, flight vouchers, and lounge access.
| Features | SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage | SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage Black |
| Joining/Renewal Fee | ₹750 + GST | ₹2,000 + GST |
| Sign Up Benefit | SpiceJet Flight Voucher Worth ₹1,500 | SpiceJet Flight Voucher Worth ₹4,000 |
| Rewards Rate for SpiceJet Bookings | 18 SpiceClub Points/₹200 | 28 SpiceClub Points/₹200 |
| Domestic Lounge Access | 1 Visit Each Quarter (4 Annually) | 2 Visits Each Quarter (8 Annually) |
Many people are familiar with co-branded credit cards, including the previously issued Vistara Credit Cards. These cards are not included in our list since they are no longer being issued following the merger of Air India and Vistara. However, there are indications that new Air India co-branded credit cards will be available sometime in 2026.
Credit cards are no longer just for the wealthy or those who frequently make high spends on travel. Nowadays, everyone can benefit from the offers and rewards that credit cards provide. For those who travel by air regularly, a co-branded airline credit card is essential. Meanwhile, occasional flyers should consider getting a low-cost co-branded airline credit card or a travel credit card.
Everyone should be aware of frequent flyer programs and the rewards offered by co-branded credit cards. Regardless of their purpose, whether for business or vacation, these credit cards can help you save more on your expenses.
Airline co-branded credit cards are credit cards issued through a partnership between an airline and a bank or financial institution. Many such cards are available in India, such as IndiGo Kotak, SpiceJet Axis, and KrisFlyer SBI Credit Card series.
If you frequently travel with a specific airline, it’s best to purchase your airline tickets using the co-branded credit card offered by that airline. Most major airlines have their co-branded credit cards. Additionally, there are several generic travel credit cards available, such as the Horizon and Atlas Credit Cards.
Each credit card offers its own benefits and rewards, and the best one for a cardholder depends on their individual needs. For someone who frequently spends on Singapore Airlines, the KrisFlyer SBI Apex card would be the best choice. Conversely, for someone who primarily travels domestically with IndiGo, the IndiGo Kotak card would be more suitable.