Burn or Earn? The 2025 Credit Card Strategy Every Indian Traveler Must Know!

🛬💳Planning your big international getaway in 2025 or early 2026? If you're scratching your head about whether to burn those precious points or keep stacking them at eye-popping 18-40% returns, you're not alone!In this episode of The Great Indian Points and Miles Show, we bring four real-world experts who’ve been there, done that, and now spill their best secrets on how to squeeze maximum value from your credit cards. From round-the-world trips booked entirely on points to the smartest mixed redemption opportunties, we've got your back for smarter travel in 2025.Meet Your Travel Buddies:1⃣ Dhimant: Our Cathay Pacific guru who spots award availability faster than you say "free upgrade."2⃣ Ameya: The double-dip maestro and the ultimate Air India card insider.3⃣ Devansh: Strategy consultant by day, points-and-miles ninja by night, straight out of Bangalore.4⃣ Aadil: Your host & dost who believes in one life - live it large and naturally gravitates towards Emirates & Singapore Airlines! Episode Highlights You'll Love:✈️ Burn vs. Earn: How to strategically decide🏨 Proven mixed redemption tactics (that actually work)💳 Best starter credit cards in India for 2025 (Hint: Premium isn’t always the way!)🌍 Booking epic round-the-world trips using Indian credit cards🎯 Real-life case study: How just 120K ANA miles secured 6 business class flightsTop Redemption Tips Discussed:✅ Amex MR: Instant transfers to Cathay Pacific and Marriott sweet spots✅ HDFC Infinia: Domestic flights via SmartBuy and Singapore Airlines transfers✅ Axis Edge Rewards: Unlock Accor stays and JAL rewards✅ Marriott Bonvoy: ANA round-the-world redemption tipsPro-Tips to Bookmark:❌ Avoid speculative transfers—Hear how just 15K points could cost you dearly in Vietnam.✅ Start with a single program (Avios is beginner-friendly!)✅ Experience beats theoretical value every time—Convenience over CPP!✅ Mixed strategies = Ultimate travel flexibilityBest Beginner Credit Cards for 2025:💳 HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card (Lifetime Free + SmartBuy perks): https://tinyurl.com/ycjhbrde💳 HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card (Instant free night): https://tinyurl.com/23t5efcx💳 IndusInd Avios Credit Card (20K bonus to start): https://tinyurl.com/25cnyx95💳 Axis Atlas Credit Card (Great if you snag approval!): https://tinyurl.com/5954t76eInsider Regional Recomendations:✈️ Finnair Avios for weekend stays at Scandic hotels🏨 British Airways Avios Hotels: Score 20% back🏩 Turkish Airlines transit hotels: Free luxury layovers🛎️ Exclusive heritage experiences money can't buyReady to dive in? Comment below and let us know:💳 Which card are you applying for next?🛫 What’s your dream destination?🛩️ When do you plan to fly?Subscribe and never miss a travel hack again! 🔔 Timestamps:00:00 – The Big 2025 Dilemma: To Burn or To Earn?02:18 – Meet the Experts & Their Favorite Redemptions05:55 – Strategic Decision-Making: Burn vs. Earn Framework12:12 – Planning Ahead: Optimal Booking Windows17:21 – Best Uses for Popular Credit Card Programs23:05 – Epic Redemption Story: 19 Unforgettable Days at the Pullman, Maldives30:09 – Round-the-World Magic: Turning 120K Miles into 6 Flights42:44 – Game-Changing Mixed Redemption Strategies47:21 – Real Stories: Finland, Vietnam & Beyond53:52 – Beginner-Friendly Cards You Must Get in 2025Disclaimer: Credit card perks and partners can change often. Always double-check the latest terms before booking! Some of the credit card links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and apply, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.#CreditCards #PointsAndMiles #TravelHacks #TravelIndia #HDFC #AmexIndia #AxisBank #BusinessClass #TravelSmart #IndianTravelers #2025TravelGoals