If you’re a frequent international traveller who doesn’t like carrying cash, you’ve probably relied on a regular credit card or forex card for expenses abroad. Here’s the problem: every time you swipe an Indian credit card abroad, or pay in a foreign currency online (USD, EUR, etc.), banks charge a forex markup fee — usually between 2.5% and 3.5%. Some cards reduce this significantly or waive it entirely, saving you real money on international spending, subscriptions (Netflix, Canva), and shopping (Amazon US, Apple Store).
This post focuses specifically on forex markup — for a broader comparison of travel card benefits like lounge access and rewards, see our main travel credit cards guide, or if you’re just starting your career, our guide for entry-level salaried professionals.
It’s the fee banks charge when converting your INR payment to a foreign currency. For example, if you book a $100 flight at ₹83 = $1, your card gets billed ₹8,300 plus the forex markup (say 3.5%) — around ₹8,600 or more. Using a low-forex card avoids this extra charge entirely.
| 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 |
Best for: Students, digital nomads, and freelancers paying in USD/EUR frequently.
Best for: High-value spenders, smart travelers, business owners.
Best for: Frequent global travelers who spend abroad directly.
Best for: Mid-tier travelers who want full-service benefits alongside a lower forex fee.
Best for: Those traveling on weekends or mixing business and leisure trips.
| 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 |
Just starting your career and want a travel card that fits a smaller salary? See our guide to travel cards for entry-level professionals. Want the full picture beyond just forex fees — lounge access, rewards, and premium perks? Check our complete travel credit cards comparison.
