Explore the top credit cards in India for international travel with zero foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and more. Here’s an in-depth guide to the top 10 credit cards for international travelers in 2024, thoughtfully curated to highlight cards that offer no foreign transaction fees and their various benefits, eligibility criteria, and essential application information. Discover the best credit cards for international travel from India.
Why Opt for a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees?
When traveling abroad or making online purchases from foreign merchants, foreign transaction fees can significantly impact your budget. Typically ranging from 2% to 3%, these fees include charges imposed by the card network (like Visa or Mastercard) and the issuing bank. By choosing a credit card that waives these fees, you can save a considerable amount on every transaction, making it an essential choice for frequent travelers seeking to enhance their spending power abroad.
Top 10 International Travel Credit Cards in India with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024
1. HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + GST
Key Features: This card has zero cross-currency markup fees, facilitating smoother transactions abroad. Cardholders gain complimentary access to select Indian airport lounges, benefit from comprehensive insurance for lost baggage and essential documents, and enjoy the convenience of online card blocking alongside the security of backup card availability.
Best For: Travelers who prioritize global acceptance and wish to avoid additional currency conversion charges.
2. Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card
Joining Fee: Nil (exclusive invite only)
Key Features: This elite card offers no foreign transaction fees and provides a significantly elevated credit limit. Enjoy luxurious concierge services, complimentary memberships for exclusive dining and entertainment offers, comprehensive travel insurance, and access to premium airport lounges worldwide.
Best For: Premium travelers who can secure an invitation and wish to experience unparalleled benefits.
3. Ixigo AU Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹999 + GST
Key Features: Upon joining, cardholders are rewarded with 1,000 reward points and a ₹1,000 Ixigo money voucher. With zero foreign transaction fees and access to more than 1,300 airport lounges globally, this card is a valuable companion for frequent travelers.
Best For: Those who regularly book travel through Ixigo and want to accumulate rewards on flights, trains, and hotel reservations.
4. Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹40,000 + GST
Key Features: This premium card offers a complimentary business-class ticket and grants Club Vistara Gold status. Additional perks include hotel vouchers, movie tickets, travel insurance coverage, and no foreign transaction fees.
Best For: Travelers with a penchant for luxury, looking for exclusive lounge access and high-value rewards.
5. IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹5,999 + GST
Key Features: Designed for the modern shopper, this card provides impressive reward points on online shopping, travel bookings, and celebrations while eliminating foreign transaction fees and offering fuel surcharge waivers.
Best For: Avid online shoppers and international travelers who frequently purchase abroad.
6. RBL World Safari Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
Key Features: With this card, international travelers can enjoy zero foreign transaction fees, a welcome voucher of ₹3,000, and complimentary lounge access. Additionally, it supports multiple currencies, making it a convenient choice for globe-trotters.
Best For: Travelers who desire the freedom of a card with no fees on foreign transactions and robust global support.
7. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹350 + GST
Key Features: This affordable card offers 10% to 20% discounts on bookings through EaseMyTrip. It carries no foreign transaction fees and offers 10X reward points on travel bookings, making it a practical choice for frequent travelers.
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who utilize EaseMyTrip and want to maximize savings on travel expenses.
8. YES FIRST Preferred Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹999 + GST
Key Features: This card offers no foreign transaction fees and complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges. Additional benefits include golf privileges, making it an appealing option for frequent travelers.
Best For: Those looking for a seamless travel experience with luxurious benefits without the burden of extra fees.
9. SBI ELITE Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹4,999 + GST
Key Features: Designed for the frequent flyer, this card offers 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent, complimentary memberships to exclusive services, and no foreign transaction fees.
Best For: Regular travelers seeking premium benefits across domestic and international transactions.
10. Niyo Global Card
Joining Fee: None
Key Features: A unique offering, this card has no foreign transaction fees, operates as a zero-balance account, and includes a multi-currency wallet. With easy reloads via the Niyo app, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer a flexible, fee-free payment solution abroad.
Best For: Travelers seeking a versatile, zero-fee card that functions as a prepaid travel wallet.
Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison of the top 10 credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, considering the annual fee, travel benefits, reward rates, and ideal user profile to help you choose the best card for your travel and spending needs.
| Credit Card | Joining Fee | Foreign Transaction Fees | Travel Benefits | Rewards Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus | ₹1,000 + GST | None | Complimentary lounge access, insurance for lost baggage and cash, online card blocking, backup card option | Standard points on travel and purchases | Frequent international travelers |
| Axis Bank Burgundy Private | Nil (invite-only) | None | Premium benefits like concierge service, fuel surcharge waivers, lifestyle memberships | High reward points on spends | High-spending premium travelers |
| Ixigo AU Credit Card | ₹999 + GST | None | 1,300+ airport lounges, fuel surcharge waiver, exclusive offers on travel bookings via Ixigo | Points redeemable on Ixigo and purchases | Regular domestic and international travelers |
| Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer | ₹40,000 + GST | None | Club Vistara Gold status, airport lounge access, business class ticket, complimentary movie tickets | Points for daily and travel purchases | Vistara members with high annual spends |
| IDFC FIRST Mayura | ₹5,999 + GST | None | Airport lounge access, higher reward rates on specific purchases | High points on select spending categories | Online shoppers and big transaction spenders |
| RBL World Safari | ₹3,000 + GST | None | Lounge access, multi-currency support, welcome voucher | Rewards for frequent travel and dining | Frequent overseas travelers and shoppers |
| Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip | ₹350 + GST | None | 10-20% off on EaseMyTrip, priority rewards on travel expenses | 10X points on travel spend | Budget travelers using EaseMyTrip |
| YES FIRST Preferred | ₹999 + GST | None | Golf privileges, access to domestic/international lounges | Standard points on purchases | Lifestyle enthusiasts who enjoy travel rewards |
| SBI ELITE | ₹4,999 + GST | None | Lounge access, complimentary premium memberships, global concierge | Rewards on lifestyle and travel spend | Frequent flyers looking for elite services |
| Niyo Global Card | None | None | Multi-currency wallet, zero-balance, easy reload via app, lounge access | Not a traditional credit card, prepaid | Flexible spending without foreign fees |
Documents Required for Applying for an International Travel Credit Cards in India
When you set out to apply for a travel credit card, gathering several key documents will support your application, and helping the credit card issuer verify your identity, address, and financial capability is essential. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically need to provide:
– Proof of Identity: As a critical first step, you must submit documentation confirming your identity. Accepted forms include a valid passport, a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, an Aadhaar card, or a driving license. These documents are a solid foundation, ensuring the credit card issuer can recognize you confidently.
– Proof of Address: To establish your current residence, you can present utility bills, your Aadhaar card, or a voter ID card, which should prominently display your name and address. This verification step is essential to ensure your credit card reaches the correct location and helps prevent fraud.
– Income Proof: To demonstrate your financial stability and ability to manage credit responsibly, you may be required to submit recent salary slips, income tax returns (ITR), or bank statements that reflect your regular income deposits. This information helps the issuer assess your creditworthiness and ensure you can handle your financial commitments.
– Photograph: Some credit card issuers may ask for a recent passport-size photograph to be used for identification on your credit card. This personal touch can help your card feel uniquely yours.
How to Apply for an International Travel Credit Cards in India
Thanks to modern technology, navigating the application process for a travel credit card has always been challenging. You can typically complete your application in a few straightforward steps:
1. Online Application: Start by visiting the official website of the credit card issuer you’re interested in. Browse their offerings for a travel credit card that aligns with your travel aspirations and needs. Once you’ve selected your ideal card, complete an online application form with your personal, professional, and contact details, ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Verification: After submitting your application, the next step involves uploading the necessary documents for thorough identity and income verification. This verification process is crucial, as it protects the issuer from fraud and assesses your eligibility for the card.
3. Approval & Card Issuance: Once your documents have been verified and your application is approved, you’ll receive a notification from the bank. Following this approval, your travel credit card will be issued and mailed to your registered address, allowing you to embark on your travels with your new financial tool.
Alternatively, you can visit financial marketplaces that offer a convenient way to compare various travel credit cards. This method can help you evaluate multiple options in one place, ensuring you find the card that best fits your travel lifestyle and financial goals.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Travel Credit Card
Before making a final decision on which travel credit card to apply for, it’s essential to reflect on several important factors that can significantly impact your travel experience:
– Annual Fees & Rewards: Take the time to weigh the annual fees associated with the card against the rewards and benefits that it offers. Some cards might incur higher fees but come packed with extensive perks, while others may charge lower fees but offer more limited benefits. Make sure the value you gain justifies any costs.
– Foreign Transaction Fees: If your travels frequently take you overseas or you plan on making international purchases, look for a card that either waives or substantially reduces foreign transaction fees. This feature can save you considerable money when abroad.
– Lounge Access & Other Perks: Many premium travel credit cards come with enticing benefits, such as complimentary access to airport lounges, which can enhance your travel experience with comfort and relaxation. Additionally, perks like travel insurance, priority boarding, or discounts on hotel stays can be valuable.
– Interest Rates: It’s essential to scrutinize the interest rates tied to the card, especially if you anticipate carrying a balance from month to month. Higher interest rates can lead to significant long-term costs, so understanding how to manage your payments effectively is crucial.
– Rewards Program: Investigate the card’s rewards program. Look for competitive reward rates and flexible redemption options that maximize your spending on flights, hotel accommodations, or other travel-related expenses.
FAQs
Q. Do all travel credit cards have no foreign transaction fees?
A. Not all travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, so verifying this feature before applying is essential to avoid unexpected charges during your travels.
Q. What happens if I lose my travel credit card abroad?
A. Most trustworthy credit card issuers offer global assistance services. If your card is lost or stolen, you can contact them to block it and arrange a replacement, making it easier to maintain access to your funds while traveling. For instance, cards like the HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus allow convenient online card blocking for added security.
Q. How are rewards redeemed on travel credit cards?
A. The rewards you accumulate with travel credit cards can be redeemed in various exciting ways. You may use your points or cash back to book flights, secure hotel stays, or participate in exclusive travel experiences. Additionally, these rewards can often be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs, offering even more options to tailor your travel experiences to your preferences.
Q. Can I use a prepaid travel card instead of a credit card?
A. Absolutely! Prepaid travel cards such as the Niyo Global Card offer a fantastic alternative. They typically allow for easy reloading and often come with no foreign transaction fees, making them a convenient and budget-friendly option for travelers looking to manage their spending while exploring new destinations.
Q. Will using a travel credit card impact my credit score?
A. Yes, responsibly using a travel credit card can significantly affect your credit score. Timely payments and maintaining a low balance can enhance your credit score, while missed payments could negatively affect it. Therefore, meeting your payment obligations is vital for maintaining a healthy credit profile and securing favorable terms for future financial opportunities.
