Top Airline Credit Cards in India for 2019: Compare Rewards & Perks

Last Updated: 17th Jan 2019

There are several types of credit cards for travelers. This article focuses exclusively on co-branded airline miles credit cards tied to airline loyalty programs in India.

At present, only a few Indian airlines offer compelling miles redemption options through co-branded credit cards. Indigo may introduce a program later, but that was uncertain at the time of the last update.

Below are the main airlines with card-linked loyalty programs in India and an approximate valuation of each mile/point based on typical redemption outcomes:

• Jet Airways – JetPrivilege (1 JP Mile ≈ 1 INR)
• Air India – Flying Returns (1 AI Mile ≈ 0.50 INR)
• Air Vistara – Club Vistara (1 CV Point ≈ 0.75 INR)

Note: Mile and point values vary widely depending on how effectively you redeem them. The values above reflect typical achievable redemption value at the time of writing. Below is a selection of some of India’s best airline co-branded credit cards with approximate reward rates and key features.

Best Airline Miles Co-branded Credit Cards

1. Axis Vistara Infinite

Axis Bank Vistara Infinite is among the most rewarding airline credit cards in India. In addition to a welcome voucher, the card can earn up to three business-class vouchers annually depending on your spending. The effective reward rate can be very high—often quoted between 10% and 15%—if you maximize the vouchers and benefits.

Axis and Vistara integration typically posts points and vouchers promptly, making it faster to accumulate and redeem benefits. Redemptions are straightforward when you plan ahead and use vouchers smartly.

• Reward Rate: 10%–15%
• Joining Fee: Rs. 10,000 + GST (includes 1 business-class voucher on joining)

2. HDFC Diners Jet

The HDFC Diners Jet card stands out because it can earn both JPMiles and tier points on everyday spending. That means you can accelerate progress toward elite status without flying as often.

One drawback is that this card is a Diners Club product rather than Visa or Mastercard. Diners Club acceptance is not universal, so it’s wise to keep a widely accepted backup card for some merchants.

• JPMiles Earn Rate: ~5.3%
• Joining Fee: Rs. 10,000 + GST (first year free for select accounts)

3. Amex Jet Privilege

The American Express Jet Privilege card offers access to proprietary Amex lounges in Delhi and Mumbai, unlimited or tiered domestic lounge access depending on the variant, and additional hotel and lifestyle perks. It’s a well-rounded card for those who value lounge access and Amex’s service network.

• JPMiles Earn Rate: ~5.3%
• Joining Fee: Rs. 5,000 + GST

4. ICICI Jet Sapphiro

The ICICI Jet Sapphiro card is an American Express product that performs well on international spends, offering a higher earn rate for overseas transactions. It also includes perks like complimentary airport spa access and targeted Amex offers on ICICI-issued cards.

This card is most valuable for cardholders with moderate annual spend (it’s especially competitive for spend under the card’s advertised caps).

• JPMiles Earn Rate: ~5% (domestic) – ~7% (international)
• Joining Fee: Rs. 5,000 + GST (promotions may vary)

5. SBI Air India Signature

Although Air India may not be every traveler’s first choice, the SBI Air India Signature card provides value by giving access to Star Alliance partner benefits and miles that can be used across the alliance, including carriers like Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines.

The card’s earn rate can vary, and it becomes more valuable if you fly routes covered by Air India or Star Alliance partners.

• AI Miles Earn Rate: ~5% (typical) – up to 10% (in special cases)
• Joining Fee: Rs. 4,999 + GST

6. HDFC Jet World/Signature

The HDFC Jet Privilege World/Signature card is often available with low or no joining fee through many bank account offers, making it an accessible way to start earning JPMiles. Historically it included more generous lounge access benefits, though those have been reduced in some versions.

Note: Voucher redemptions on Jet can be challenging and may require planning a few weeks to a month in advance. Miles redemptions are manageable with some planning.

• JPMiles Earn Rate: ~4%
• Joining Fee: Rs. 2,500 + GST (often free for many accounts)

Bottomline

Airline co-branded credit cards are mainly useful for frequent flyers who concentrate travel on a specific airline. These cards deliver their best value when you regularly redeem for premium cabins or other high-value awards. Many miles go unused because cardholders don’t plan redemptions, so getting the most from an airline card requires discipline and familiarity with award availability and rules.

Consider these factors when choosing an airline card: your frequency of travel, spending patterns, and how well the airline’s network connects from your home city. For example, a Vistara-focused card is only worthwhile if Vistara serves routes convenient to you.

If you travel infrequently and across multiple airlines, a general travel reward credit card that issues flexible points may deliver better overall value than an airline-specific card.

Choose a card based on your travel frequency, typical spending, and route connectivity. If you already use an airline co-branded card, consider how you can maximize value by timing redemptions, using vouchers, and stacking card benefits.

Which airline co-branded credit card do you use and how do you get the most value from it? Share your experiences in the comments where available.