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5 Best Travel Credit Cards in India (2025)

5 Best Travel Credit Cards in India (2025)

May 20, 2025

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.

What Is Forex Markup?

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.

Lets see a quick comparison

Credit CardForex MarkupAnnual FeeLounge AccessBest For
Niyo Global (SBM)0%₹0NoInternational students, freelancers
IDFC FIRST Wealth1.5%₹08 visits/yearFrequent travelers
RBL World Safari Card0%₹3,0002 intl/yearLeisure & business trips
HDFC Regalia2%₹2,5006 intl + 12 domesticBalanced lifestyle card
IndusInd Legend Credit Card1.8%₹3,0001/monthFrequent fliers & premium users

Niyo Global Card (SBM) – True 0% Forex Fee

  • 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

IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card – All-Rounder with Low Forex

  • 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

RBL World Safari Card – India’s First Zero Forex Credit Card

  • 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

HDFC Regalia Credit Card – Premium Experience, Low Fee

  • 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

IndusInd Legend Credit Card

  • 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

 How to Save More on International Spending

  1. Use 0% forex cards like Niyo or RBL Safari
  2. Pay in the local currency, never “convert to INR” at PoS
  3. Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at terminals
  4. Pre-load travel wallets (like Niyo) before trips

Best Travel Card by Need

You are…Best Card
Paying in USD for software/adsIDFC FIRST Wealth or Niyo Global
Flying internationally 2–4 times/yearRBL World Safari
Want perks + rewards + low forexHDFC Regalia
Want true 0% forex markup with no annual feeNiyo Global Card

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