Best Travel Credit Card in India: Scapia vs Niyo vs Others – Which One Should You Choose?

Comparison of Scapia and Niyo travel credit cards showing forex benefits and lounge access

If you travel even once or twice a year, the right credit card can be based on Best travel credit card India is:

  • Save you thousands on forex charges
  • Give free airport lounge access
  • Offer travel rewards and discounts
  • Make international spending stress-free

But not all “travel cards” are equal.

In this guide, we compare Scapia, Niyo, and other popular travel credit cards, and explain why Scapia stands out for most travellers.


Scapia Credit Card: Built for Modern Travellers

What Makes Scapia Different?

Scapia is designed specifically for frequent travellers and international spenders who want simplicity and savings.

Key Benefits of Scapia

✔ Zero Forex Markup
Most credit cards charge 3–3.5% on international spends.
Scapia charges 0% forex markup, which is a huge advantage.

✔ Unlimited Domestic Airport Lounge Access
Available with minimum quarterly spend — ideal for regular flyers.

✔ No Annual or Joining Fees
No hidden costs. No pressure to “recover” fees.

✔ Rewards Optimised for Travel
Earn Scapia coins that can be redeemed for:

  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Travel bookings

✔ Visa Signature Global Acceptance
Widely accepted internationally, with better security and support.


Niyo Card: Best for Beginners and Students

What Niyo Does Well

Niyo is popular among:

  • Students
  • First-time international travellers
  • People who want a prepaid or debit-style solution

Pros of Niyo

  • Zero or low forex markup
  • Easy account opening
  • Works well as a travel debit card
  • Good budgeting control

Limitations of Niyo

  • Limited or no credit-based rewards
  • Lounge access is limited or paid
  • Not ideal for high spenders
  • Lower reward value compared to Scapia

Best for: Occasional travellers who want simplicity, not rewards.


Other Popular Travel Credit Cards (Quick Overview)

HDFC Regalia / Diners Club

  • Good rewards and lounges
  • High annual fees
  • Forex markup applies

Axis Atlas / Magnus

  • Excellent travel rewards
  • High spend requirements
  • Not beginner-friendly

SBI Air India / Vistara Cards

  • Airline-specific benefits
  • Limited flexibility
  • Not ideal for non-loyal flyers

These cards work well only if you meet high spending thresholds.


Scapia vs Niyo vs Others: Quick Comparison

FeatureScapiaNiyoOther Travel Cards
Forex Markup0%0% / Low2–3.5%
Annual Fees₹0₹0₹3k–₹10k+
Lounge AccessUnlimited (conditions)LimitedYes (fee-linked)
RewardsTravel-focusedMinimalComplex
Best ForFrequent travellersBeginnersHigh spenders

Why Scapia Is the Best Travel Credit Card for Most People

1. You Save Real Money on Every International Spend

Zero forex markup alone can save ₹3,000–₹7,000 per trip.


2. No Annual Fee Pressure

You don’t need to “justify” owning the card.


3. Simple, Transparent Rewards

No confusing tiers, no expiry stress.


4. Ideal Balance of Credit + Travel Perks

Scapia combines:

  • Credit card benefits
  • Travel-first features
  • Clean digital experience

Who Should Definitely Get Scapia?

You should strongly consider Scapia if:

  • You travel internationally at least once a year
  • You use airport lounges
  • You want a no-fee travel credit card
  • You hate complex reward systems
  • You want a single card for domestic + international use

When Niyo or Others Make More Sense

Choose Niyo if:

  • You’re a student or first-time traveller
  • You want a prepaid-style card
  • You don’t care about rewards

Choose premium travel cards if:

  • You spend ₹8–15 lakh+ annually
  • You want luxury hotel or airline status benefits

Final Verdict

Best travel credit card India If your goal is:

  • Zero forex fees
  • Free lounges
  • No annual charges
  • Straightforward travel rewards

👉 Scapia offers the best value-for-money travel credit card experience in India right now.

Niyo is good for beginners.
Premium cards are great for heavy spenders.
But for most travellers, Scapia hits the sweet spot.

Also read our article on –Scapia vs Niyo Credit Card (2025): Features, Rewards, Fees & Best Choice

#TravelCreditCard #ScapiaCard #NiyoCard
#BestCreditCardIndia #ZeroForexCard #TravelRewards #AirportLoungeAccess
#InternationalTravel #CreditCardComparison #SmartSpending