The fastest way to waste credit card points is redeeming them for cashback or home appliances. If you want to extract the maximum value (often 2x to 4x higher) from your HDFC, Axis, or SBI credit cards, you need to transfer those points to airline frequent flyer programs.
In 2026, booking free domestic flights across India is easier than ever. Here is the ultimate blueprint to flying IndiGo and Air India without paying base fares.
1. Hacking IndiGo Flights (6E Rewards)
IndiGo is India’s largest carrier, but they don’t have a traditional “air miles” program. Instead, they use 6E Rewards, where points act like direct cash against the ticket price. However, the real secret is using bank portals.
The HDFC SmartBuy Strategy
If you hold a premium HDFC Card (Infinia, Diners Club Black, or Regalia Gold), you shouldn’t transfer points to IndiGo. Instead, book the IndiGo flight directly on the HDFC SmartBuy portal.
- Infinia / DCB: 1 Reward Point = ₹1 for flight bookings.
- Regalia Gold: 1 Reward Point = ₹0.50.
- You can pay up to 70% of the flight ticket using just points.
2. Maximizing Air India (Flying Returns)
Air India’s revamped frequent flyer program (Maharaja Club / Flying Returns) is now one of the most lucrative in Asia. Because Air India is part of the Star Alliance, your points here hold immense value.
The Axis Bank Atlas & SBI Strategy
Axis Bank and SBI have the strongest ties to Air India.
- Axis Atlas: You earn “Edge Miles.” These miles can be transferred to Air India Flying Returns at a 1:2 ratio. This means 1 Edge Mile gives you 2 Air India miles.
- SBI Air India Signature: A co-branded card that deposits Air India miles directly into your account every time you swipe. You even get 20,000 bonus miles just for paying the annual fee.
Best Credit Cards for Indian Flights (2026)
| Credit Card | Best Airline Partner | Approx. Value per Point |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC Infinia | IndiGo / Vistara | ₹1.00 (via SmartBuy) |
| Axis Bank Atlas | Air India | High (1:2 Transfer Ratio) |
| SBI Air India Signature | Air India | Direct Miles Earned |
| Kotak IndiGo Ka-ching | IndiGo | Up to 3% back in 6E Rewards |
How to Start Redeeming
- Consolidate: Stop using 5 different cards. Put all your spending on the card that aligns with your preferred airline.
- Check Inventory: Airlines release limited “award seats.” Search for your route on Air India’s website and select “Pay with Points” to check availability before transferring bank points.
- Transfer & Book: Log into your bank portal, transfer the points to your airline loyalty ID (takes 24-48 hours usually), and book your “free” flight!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can book IndiGo flights directly through the HDFC SmartBuy portal using your reward points, often at a 1 Point = ₹1 value depending on your specific HDFC card variant (like Infinia or Diners Club Black).
The SBI Air India Signature Card and Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card are currently the top choices in 2026. Axis Atlas allows direct transfer of Edge Miles to Air India Flying Returns at a highly lucrative ratio.
Yes. When redeeming air miles directly with an airline’s loyalty program, the miles cover the base fare, but you must pay the statutory airport taxes and security fees out of pocket.