Many travelers focus on credit cards for airport lounge access, but several debit cards also provide complimentary entry to domestic lounges in India. Mastercard debit cards, in particular, have a broad lounge access program. Visa and RuPay also offer affiliated lounges, though currently Mastercard tends to be the most widely accepted for such benefits. Limited … Read more

Image: Taj Hotels Perched on six acres of landscaped grounds on Kralsangri hill, Taj Dal View Srinagar offers sweeping views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains. This five-star Taj property is widely regarded as one of the finest places to stay in Srinagar, often called “Paradise on Earth” for its dramatic setting and attentive … Read more

A family trip to Mahabalipuram had been on our list for a long time. When I discovered the newly rebranded Four Points by Sheraton in Mahabalipuram, I decided this would be our base and waited for the right moment to visit. That opportunity arrived when Trujet ran a sale with one-way fares around Rs.500. I … Read more

As it does each year, American Express India launched a targeted Diwali spend-linked offer for 2021. Cardholders could earn gift vouchers worth up to Rs.70,000 depending on their spending tier. Below is a clear summary of the variants, timelines and what to expect from the promotion. The promotion is straightforward: spend a specified amount during … Read more

The need for liquidity is at an all-time high and many consumers are experiencing a “cash crunch.” To help address this, CRED has launched RentPay, a service that lets members pay rent by transferring funds directly to their landlord using a credit card or UPI. Below is a clear guide to what RentPay offers and … Read more

After a modest reception for the limited Shop Small campaign in India, American Express India has launched a generous Rs. 12,500 cashback promotion for select Platinum Charge Card holders. The new offer is similar in nature to the larger Rs. 18,000 cashback promotion introduced a few months earlier, but with a narrower cap and targeted … Read more

Premium Economy is a relatively new offering from Vistara in India, positioned between Economy and Business class. The Axis Vistara Signature Credit Card makes flying Premium Economy effectively free for many users by combining milestone vouchers with Club Vistara (CV) points. Below is a clear, streamlined guide to what the card offers and how to … Read more

Standard Chartered Bank has introduced the SC Smart, an entry-level credit card aimed at Indian consumers. This new card is distinct from the earlier SC DigiSmart product the bank launched a few years ago. It’s worth noting that Standard Chartered markets cards with the same name in other countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia, where … Read more

Borgos Resort, Kaziranga (Pic: Google) While planning a stay near Kaziranga National Park I was choosing between three premium properties: Borgos, Iora and the more expensive Diphlu. Borgos and Iora felt similar, though Iora seemed smaller and likely less crowded. I was about to book Iora, but a film shoot had reserved the entire property, … Read more

ICICI Bank has long targeted automobile enthusiasts with niche credit card offerings. After years of issuing Ferrari-branded cards, the bank has launched the Accelero Credit Card, a product aimed at car lovers that delivers benefits usable within India without needing to travel abroad. Below is a clear, concise guide to the newly launched ICICI Bank … Read more