If you are a frequent traveller and you dont like to carry cash with you , you always depend on a international credit card or a forex card for your expense .Every time you swipe your Indian credit card abroad or pay in a foreign currency online (USD, EUR, etc.), banks charge you a forex markup fee — usually between 2.5% to 3.5%. Some credit cards reduce that significantly or waive it entirely saving you thousands . Let us see the best travel credit card which can offer value for ,
Flights
Hotel bookings
Amazon US, Apple Store, Canva, Netflix, etc.
It’s the fee charged by banks when converting your INR payments to a foreign currency. For example:
If you book a $100 flight and the exchange rate is ₹83 = $1
Your card is billed ₹8,300 + forex markup (say 3.5%) = ₹8,600+
By using a low-forex card, you avoid these extra charges.
Credit Card | Forex Markup | Annual Fee | Lounge Access | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Niyo Global (SBM) | 0% | ₹0 | No | International students, freelancers |
IDFC FIRST Wealth | 1.5% | ₹0 | 8 visits/year | Frequent travelers |
RBL World Safari Card | 0% | ₹3,000 | 2 intl/year | Leisure & business trips |
HDFC Regalia | 2% | ₹2,500 | 6 intl + 12 domestic | Balanced lifestyle card |
IndusInd Legend Credit Card | 1.8% | ₹3,000 | 1/month | Frequent fliers & premium users |
It is Backed by SBM Bank
There is No annual fee, no hidden markup
It works as a prepaid forex debit card
But there is no lounge access or reward points
Best For:
Students, digital nomads, freelancers paying in USD/EUR frequently
Has forex markup: 1.5%
There is no annual fee for life
You will get 4 domestic + 4 international lounge visits/year
And your reward points never expire
Best for :
High-value spenders, smart travelers, business owners
True 0% forex markup (not prepaid)
With ₹3,000 as annual fee (waived on ₹3L spend)
You will get travel insurance, lost card liability cover
With 2 complimentary international lounge visits/year
Best For:
Frequent global travelers who spend abroad directly
Forex fee: 2% (lower than standard 3.5%)
Extensive travel portal and lounge perks
Travel insurance and concierge services
Reward points easily convertible for travel bookings
Ideal For:
Mid-tier travelers who want full-service benefits
Forex markup: 1.8%
Free domestic lounge visits (1/month)
Accelerated rewards on weekends
Concierge service, movie offers
Best For:
Those traveling on weekends or business/leisure mixes
You are… | Best Card |
---|---|
Paying in USD for software/ads | IDFC FIRST Wealth or Niyo Global |
Flying internationally 2–4 times/year | RBL World Safari |
Want perks + rewards + low forex | HDFC Regalia |
Want true 0% forex markup with no annual fee | Niyo Global Card |