Which Banks Allow Travel on EMI in India: A Guide to Smart Vacation Financing

Holmad Updated on January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

Travel has become an essential part of modern life. Whether it’s a well-deserved break, a family vacation, or an adventure abroad, everyone wants to explore without compromising financial stability. However, the cost of flights, hotels, tours, and activities can add up quickly — especially for long vacations or international trips.

Fortunately, several banks and financial institutions in India now offer travel on EMI options, allowing you to enjoy your dream trip today and pay later in manageable instalments. In this blog post, we’ll explore how travel EMI works, which banks allow it, eligibility criteria, benefits, and smart tips to make the most of this facility.

What Is Travel on EMI?

Travel on EMI is a financing solution that enables you to split your travel expenses — such as flight tickets, hotel bookings, holiday packages, and more — into monthly instalments instead of paying the full amount upfront. This option helps you manage cash flow better and plan vacations without burning a hole in your pocket.

Unlike traditional personal loans, travel EMIs may come with lower interest rates, flexible repayment tenors, and minimal documentation.

How Travel EMI Works

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how travel on EMI usually works:

Book Travel Through Partner Platforms or Banks: Many banks partner with travel portals, airlines, and hotels to offer EMI options at checkout.
Choose Your EMI Plan: Select the desired tenor (commonly 3 to 12 months, sometimes up to 24 to 36 months depending on the provider).
Pays Monthly Instalments: The total travel cost gets converted into EMIs with interest or processing fees — you pay this amount monthly.
Enjoy Your Trip Now, Pay Later: You travel immediately and complete payment over the agreed tenure.

Which Banks Allow Travel on EMI in India?

Several major banks in India offer travel on EMI through partnerships with travel platforms or via credit card features. Below are the most popular options:

1. HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank is one of the most common banks offering travel EMIs to its credit cardholders.

HDFC EasyEMI: Convert flight tickets, hotel bookings, and holiday packages into easy monthly instalments.
Available at checkout with partner travel portals like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Yatra, and Cleartrip.
Tenor options ranging from 3 to 12 months.
Minimal processing fees and attractive interest rates for select cards.
HDFC Bank also offers Pre-Approved Travel Loans and tie-ups with travel portals where customers can choose EMI at checkout.

2. ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank offers travel EMI facilities via:

ICICI Cardless EMI: Convert travel expenses into EMIs at partner outlets.
Available on travel portals like Goibibo and MakeMyTrip.
Flexible tenor: 3 to 12 months.
Competitive interest rates on select credit cards.
ICICI also provides dedicated travel loans and dynamic offers with partner airlines and hotel platforms.

3. SBI (State Bank of India)

While SBI doesn’t have a travel-specific branded product, cardholders can convert travel spends into EMIs using:

SBI Easy EMI feature on credit cards.
Eligible spends (minimum amount criteria applies) can be converted into EMIs.
Available through SMS/online banking or at partner portals.
SBI credit card holders also receive travel benefits like lounge access, travel vouchers, and discounted deals — making EMI travel more rewarding.

4. Axis Bank

Axis Bank provides travel EMIs through:

Axis Bank Credit Card EMI Conversion: Convert eligible purchases into EMIs via net banking or SMS banking.
Valid for travel bookings made through partner travel portals.
Tenors usually range from 3 to 12 months.
Interest rates and processing fees vary based on card type.
Axis Bank also offers co-branded travel cards with enhanced rewards on travel spends.

5. Kotak Mahindra Bank

Kotak Bank has travel financing options through:

Kotak Credit Card EMI Conversion: Travel spends above a minimum amount can be converted into EMIs.
Partnerships with travel portals for easier checkout EMI options.
Tenors and interest rates depend on cardholder profile and card type.

6. IndusInd Bank

IndusInd offers:

EMI Conversion on Credit Card Purchases: Convert travel purchases into monthly instalments.
Available for flight, hotel, and tour package spends subject to minimum transaction value.
Flexible tenor options and interest rates based on eligibility.

7. American Express (Amex)

American Express cards allow:

Membership Rewards + Travel EMI Options: Depending on partner travel platforms, Amex cardholders can convert travel spends into EMIs.
Tenors and benefits differ based on card tier.
Amex cards also provide premium travel perks like airport lounge access, travel credits, and insurance.

Other Travel EMI Options

Apart from banks, many fintech players and travel companies offer no-cost EMI or easy EMI plans, including: LazyPay, Simpl, ZestMoney, and PayPal Pay Later. These options can sometimes be used with major travel portals and airlines, providing alternative ways to convert travel expenses into EMIs.

Eligibility Criteria

While exact criteria vary by bank, most travel EMI plans require:

✔ Valid Indian citizenship
✔ Active credit card or banking relationship with the bank
✔ Minimum transaction value (usually ₹3,000+ or specific thresholds)
✔ Good credit history for better interest rates

Benefits of Travel on EMI

Immediate Travel Without Financial Stress: You don’t have to wait to save up; plan your trip now and pay later.
Budget-Friendly Repayment: EMIs make high travel costs manageable by spreading payments.
Reward Points & Travel Perks: Many banks still award reward points on EMI transactions, adding extra value.
Flexible Tenor Choices: Choose the repayment period that suits your budget.

Points to Consider Before Choosing Travel EMI

❌ Interest Rates & Processing Fees: Always check interest rates and processing charges before opting for EMI.
❌ Tenor Limits: Some banks may limit tenors at 6–12 months only.
❌ Credit Score Impact: While EMIs can improve track record, missed payments may lower your credit score.

Tips for Smarter Travel EMI Planning

✔ Book travel during festivals or bank offers to combine discounts with EMI conversion.
✔ Compare interest rates across banks before checkout.
✔ Use travel credit cards with perks like lounge access, insurance & bonus rewards.
✔ Pre-check EMI options at checkout on partner portals.

Travel on EMI is an excellent tool for anyone who wants to explore India or the world without upfront financial pressure. With major Indian banks like HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis Bank, Kotak, IndusInd, and American Express offering flexible options, it’s easier than ever to finance your dream vacation.

Whether it’s a family holiday, honeymoon, backpacking trip, or international adventure, smart use of travel on EMI can help you plan responsibly and travel liberally.