Flight Redemptions Surpass Cashback in India's Credit Card Rewards
Alexandra
The Rise of Flight Redemptions in India’s Credit Card Market
In 2025, a notable trend has emerged within the Indian credit card rewards ecosystem: flight redemptions have overtaken traditional cashback options as the most favored way for users to redeem points. Data collected from over 110,000 users and more than 500,000 credit cards reveal that 32 percent of all credit card reward point redemptions were directed toward airline tickets or frequent flyer mile transfers.
This shift suggests an evolving consumer mindset, as travellers look to offset the climbing costs of air travel by using their rewards in ways that yield higher value. Instead of opting for simple cashback, Indians are increasingly leveraging loyalty programmes linked to flights, thereby maximizing the return on their spending.
Cost Efficiency and Enhanced Travel Experiences
When analysed, the points redeemed for travel bookings showed an impressive average reward value of 15.6 percent per ₹100 spent, making travel the highest-yield rewards category. Overall reward efficiency had risen dramatically to 7 percent in 2025, compared to 2.2 percent the previous year.
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Interestingly, users aged between 30 and 35 displayed the greatest financial savvy, with an average optimisation rate of 11 percent. Urban hubs like Pune, Bengaluru, and Gurugram led in reward efficiency, while tier-2 cities such as Ranchi, Jaipur, and Hyderabad experienced rapid gains as well, illustrating a spread of awareness and usage beyond the major metros.
Beyond Economy: Aspirational Travel Redemptions
The user data doesn’t just point to basic travel redemptions; there is growing engagement in premium travel experiences. Redemptions for business-class seats, long-haul flights, and luxury hotel stays have surged, pointing toward a trend where travellers actively use reward points to upgrade their journeys rather than simply reduce costs.
However, despite the boom in flight-related redeeming activity, several premium ancillary benefits tied to credit cards remain vastly underused, with less than 1 percent of eligible users tapping into amenities like complimentary airport spa services or unlimited lounge accesses on a regular basis.
Historical Context: Growing Travel and Credit Card Engagement in India
The rise of flight redemptions cannot be considered in isolation but as a result of broader economic and social evolutions. The Indian travel market has witnessed steady and rapid growth over recent decades, underpinned by larger middle-class populations and improved civil aviation infrastructure.
The introduction of liberalised foreign exchange rules and increased credit card penetration have empowered more travellers to explore both domestic and international destinations. The Reserve Bank of India reported a near 20 percent year-on-year rise in monthly credit card spending, reaching an impressive ₹2.14 lakh crore as of October 2025.
Alongside these factors, loyalty programmes such as frequent flyer schemes have become a cornerstone in airline marketing, turning points into valuable assets that enhance customer loyalty and upgrade travel experiences. Consumers learn to treat reward points as a strategic financial resource rather than a simple perk.
A Snapshot of Indian Travel Behaviour
| Demographic/Location | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Age group 30-35 | Highest reward optimization, averaging 11% |
| Metro Cities (Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram) | Leading in reward redemption efficiency |
| Tier-2 Cities (Ranchi, Jaipur, Hyderabad) | Fastest growth in reward optimization |
Future Outlook: What This Means for Travel and Leisure
The shifting preferences toward redeeming credit card rewards for flights reflects maturing consumer sophistication and a growing desire for elevated travel experiences. As international travel demand continues to rebound post-pandemic and airfares hover at relatively high levels, flight redemptions are poised to maintain their lead over cashback options.
This trend holds special significance for the boating and sailing industry. Destinations accessible by air, especially those with vibrant marine resorts and marinas, are likely to see increased visitor influxes as travellers stretch their reward points toward more luxurious or extended getaways, including yacht charters, sailing excursions, and beachside retreats.
In addition, increasing financial savvy among younger travellers might lead to greater integration of loyalty programs not only with airlines but also with maritime activities, such as boat rentals, superyacht experiences, and water-based adventures.
Challenges and Opportunities for Card Issuers and Loyalty Platforms
- Simplifying Redemption: Making the process of redeeming for flights and associated travel benefits more straightforward could widen adoption.
- Education and Awareness: More initiatives are needed to inform users about ancillary benefits, such as airport lounges and spa accesses, to maximize card value.
- Customization of Offers: Tuning loyalty offers catering to travel-driven consumers may enhance engagement and satisfaction.
Summary and Final Thoughts
The Indian credit card market in 2025 is witnessing a fundamental transformation in how rewards are redeemed. Flight redemptions, at 32 percent of total points used, have overtaken cashback, indicating a more strategic and value-oriented approach by consumers who are keen to counterbalance rising travel costs and enhance their journeys.
Travel-related rewards offer significantly higher returns, particularly among young professionals and users from expanding urban and tier-2 markets. The growing interest in premium travel experiences suggests that consumers perceive loyalty points as a ticket not just to affordable travel, but to upgraded and aspirational vacations.
Given India's fast-growing travel market and the correlation between air travel and marine destinations worldwide, this trend could spur increased interest in yacht and boat charters, beach holidays, and ocean-based activities. With smarter reward strategies, consumers can transform their travel experiences, blending flights with exciting adventures on the water, be it leisurely yacht rentals or sunset cruises across scenic marinas.
For those inspired by this evolving landscape of travel rewards and who enjoy exploring coastal destinations or tranquil lake escapes, GetBoat.com stands out as an international marketplace offering a diverse selection of yachts and sailing boats for rent to suit every taste and budget. Whether planning a getaway involving sea breezes or inland water adventures, this platform connects travellers seamlessly to the best boating experiences around the globe.
