How We Work
- Know which credit cards are most suitable for international travel
- Find out the credit cards with the best welcome benefits
- Explore the credit cards that are available in the lowest annual fee
On SBI's secure website
Devendra Singh Negi,Armaan Joshi
Contributor,Editor
Editorial Note: This content has been independently collected by the Forbes Advisor team and is offered on a non-advised basis. This content is not part of the comparison service provided by RunPath Regulatory Services. Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
International travel is a thrilling adventure, and choosing the best credit card can enhance the rewards even more. One key consideration is the foreign exchange markup, a fee that can add up during transactions abroad. The best credit cards for international travel eliminate this fee, ensuring cost-effective spending.
Moreover, these cards not only save you money but also inculcate the added benefit of rewarding you with valuable points for every purchase. As we explore top credit cards, the focus on eliminating forex markups and maximizing reward points promises a financially savvy and infinitely rewarding travel experience.
Featured Partners
1
SBI Cashback Credit Card
Annual Fees
INR 999 + 18% GST (Renewal Fee Waived on INR 2 Lakh annual spend)
Features
5% Cashback on online* spends with no merchant restrictions
Additional Benefits
1% Cashback on offline* spends, 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver at all petrol pumps in India
On SBI’s secure website
2
Axis Bank Ace Credit Card
Annual Fee
INR 499 waived off on annual spend of INR 2,00,000
Benefits
5% cashback on bill payments, 4 complimentary lounge visits per year
Other Benefits
1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations
On Axis’s secure website
3
SBI SimplyCLICK Card
Annual Fees
INR 499 + GST (Renewal Fee Waived on INR 1 Lakh annual spend)
Welcome benefit
Get Amazon gift card worth INR 500
Additional benefits
10X Reward Points on online spends, 1% fuel surcharge waiver and INR 2000 e-Vouchers for spends of INR 1 lakh+
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- Top Credit Cards For International Travel
- Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card
- Niyo Global International Travel Card
- RBL Bank’s World Safari Credit Card
- IDFC Wow Credit Card
- Comparison of Credit Cards for International Travel
- Methodology For Selecting the Best Credit Cards For International Travels
Top Credit Cards For International Travel
- Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card
- Niyo Global International Travel Card
- RBL Bank’s World Safari Credit Card
- IDFC Wow Credit Card
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Joining Fee
Nil
Annual Fee
Nil
Key Features
Free Forex transactions
Joining Fee
Nil
Annual Fee
Nil
Key Features
Free Forex transactions
Why We Picked It
Introducing the Scapia Credit Card provides unlimited domestic lounge access with just a INR 5,000 minimum spend. It provides 10% Scapia Coins on all eligible spends, and a generous 20% on travel bookings via the Scapia App. Benefit from zero forex markup on international transactions, no joining or annual fees, and 24×7 customer service. Instantly redeem Scapia Coins at a rate of 5 coins = INR 1 for flights and hotels on the Scapia app. With instant in-app repayment and access to global airlines and 5L+ stays.
Features:
- Cardholders earn 10% of their spending as Scapia Coins for both online and offline transactions.
- Scapia Coins valued 20% of the spend are provided for travel bookings made through the Scapia mobile app.
- Scapia Coins can be instantly redeemed for flights and hotel bookings through the Scapia app, with a conversion rate of 5 Scapia Coins = INR 1.
- Zero forex markup on International Transactions: There are no additional fees or markups for international transactions, making it a cost-effective option for global spending.
- Cardholders are not required to pay any joining or annual fees, providing a cost-saving advantage.
- 24×7 customer service: customer support around.
- Users can conveniently make repayments directly through the Scapia app, offering a quick and hassle-free payment process.
- The card or loyalty program provides access to global airlines and over 5 lakh (500,000) stays through the mobile app.
- Cardholders can access domestic lounges (5,000 minimum spend in the previous month).
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Niyo Global International Travel Card
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Joining Fee
Nil
Annual Fee
Nil
Key Features
Free Forex transactions
Joining Fee
Nil
Annual Fee
Nil
Key Features
Free Forex transactions
Why We Picked It
The Niyo Global International Travel Card has a zero forex markup fee, making it a cost-effective choice for international travelers. Additionally, the card’s smooth digital onboarding and immediate activation empower users to effortlessly handle their financial activities, from loading funds to currency conversion and online transactions. While maintaining a balance is advisable, the card’s flexibility is enhanced by the absence of a mandatory minimum balance requirement, further contributing to its overall appeal.
Features:
- No forex markup fees on foreign transactions, load in INR and use in 150+ countries with automatic currency conversion.
- Quick activation for online transactions, with physical card delivery.
- No mandatory balance requirement, INR 10,000 recommended.
- Up to 6.5% interest per annum.
- Load your account with no additional fees via NEFT, IMPS, or RTGS, free fund transfers via NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS
- Contactless payments for convenience.
- Free lounges at major Indian airports.
- In-App Currency Converter: Real-time currency rate information.
- In-App ATM Locator: Find nearby ATMs during travel.
- Real-Time Transaction Tracking: Transactions listed in local currency.
- 0% Commission Mutual Fund Investments
- Curated deals on hotels, flights, and more.
- Meet and Assist Service: Customized travel services.
- 24×7 In-App Support: Access chat support for account assistance.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
RBL Bank’s World Safari Credit Card
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Joining Fee
INR 3,000 + GST
Annual Fee
INR 3,000 + GST
Key Features
Free Forex transactions
Joining Fee
INR 3,000 + GST
Annual Fee
INR 3,000 + GST
Key Features
Free Forex transactions
Why We Picked It
With an economical joining fee, this card presents a compelling option for regular international travelers, offering a 0% foreign currency markup fee. Ideal for those seeking to save up to 4% on all foreign currency transactions, the card extends additional perks such as complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and various other travel benefits.
Features:
- 0% markup on any foreign currency transactions.
- welcome gift of MakeMyTrip voucher worth INR 3,000.
- 2 travel points on spending every INR 100 you spend on all purchases.
- 5 travel points on every INR 100 spent on travel.
- There are no reward points on international purchases.
- 10,000 travel points on annual spends of INR 2.5 lakh.
- 15,000 travel points on annual spending of INR 5 lakh.
- An additional gift card of INR 10,000 on purchases of INR 7.5 lakh in a year from brands, including Taj Experiences, Amazon, Croma, Myntra, and Makemytrip.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
IDFC Wow Credit Card
3.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Joining Fee
Nil
Annual Fee
Nil
Key Features
Free Forex transactions
On IDFC's secure website
Joining Fee
Nil
Annual Fee
Nil
Key Features
Free Forex transactions
Why We Picked It
The Wow Credit Card by IDFC Bank is specifically designed for students and individuals traveling abroad. This card stands out with its unique features, including zero forex mark-up charges for currency conversion and the added benefit of earning reward points on expenditures. To obtain a credit limit and utilize this card, individuals are required to open a fixed deposit account linked to the Wow Credit Card.
Features:
- No documentation required for card issuance.
- 4X rewards on every transaction, enhancing the value of your spends.
- Various offers from over 300 partner merchants, ensuring a wide range of choices.
- No forex mark-up charges, making international transactions more cost-effective.
- Complimentary roadside assistance for added convenience during travel.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India, up to a maximum of INR 200 per month.
- Personal Accident Cover of INR 2,00,000 and a Lost Card Liability Cover of INR 25,000 for added security.
- Up to 20% discount at partner restaurants and up to 15% discount at health and wellness outlets.
- Users get an interest rate of 7.25% on the Fixed Deposit linked to the card, with a minimum requirement of INR 10,000.
- Each reward point holds a value of INR 0.25, allowing for flexible redemption options.
Comparison of Credit Cards for International Travel
| Credit Card | Company – Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Joining Fee | Annual Fee | Key Features | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card |  | 4.2 |  | Nil | Nil | Free Forex transactions | View More | ||
| Niyo Global International Travel Card |  | 4.0 | | Nil | Nil | Free Forex transactions | View More | ||
| RBL Bank’s World Safari Credit Card |  | 4.0 |  | INR 3,000 + GST | INR 3,000 + GST | Free Forex transactions | View More | ||
| IDFC Wow Credit Card |  | 3.5 |  | Nil | Nil | Free Forex transactions | View More |
Methodology For Selecting the Best Credit Cards For International Travels
In curating the list of the best credit cards for international travel featured in this article, a meticulous methodology was employed to ensure that readers receive well-informed and valuable insights. Here’s a glimpse into the approach used:
- Market Research: Conducted extensive research to identify credit cards tailored for international travel, considering features, benefits, and global suitability.
- Forex Markup Assessment: Prioritized cards with minimal or zero forex markups to save readers from unnecessary fees during international transactions.
- Reward Program Analysis: Scrutinized and selected cards with attractive rewards, ensuring a versatile and enhanced travel experience for readers.
- Fee Evaluation: Examined annual fees and additional charges, favoring cards with reasonable or no annual fees to provide cost-effective options.
- Travel Benefits Assessment: Explored supplementary travel benefits such as lounge access and travel insurance, prioritizing cards with comprehensive perks.
- User Feedback Integration: Incorporated real-world user reviews to provide practical perspectives on the effectiveness of the credit cards.
- Expert Opinions Consideration: Integrated expert opinions from reputable sources to ensure a well-rounded evaluation based on industry expertise.
- Global Accessibility Verification: Verified the global acceptance and accessibility of each credit card to ensure practicality for international travelers.
- Tailored Recommendations: Considered specific reader needs, including travel habits and spending patterns, to tailor recommendations accordingly.
- Regular Updates Commitment: Committed to regular updates to ensure readers have access to the latest and most relevant information in the dynamic financial landscape.
Featured Partners
1
SBI Cashback Credit Card
Annual Fees
INR 999 + 18% GST (Renewal Fee Waived on INR 2 Lakh annual spend)
Features
5% Cashback on online* spends with no merchant restrictions
Additional Benefits
1% Cashback on offline* spends, 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver at all petrol pumps in India
On SBI’s secure website
2
Axis Bank Ace Credit Card
Annual Fee
INR 499 waived off on annual spend of INR 2,00,000
Benefits
5% cashback on bill payments, 4 complimentary lounge visits per year
Other Benefits
1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations
On Axis’s secure website
3
SBI SimplyCLICK Card
Annual Fees
INR 499 + GST (Renewal Fee Waived on INR 1 Lakh annual spend)
Welcome benefit
Get Amazon gift card worth INR 500
Additional benefits
10X Reward Points on online spends, 1% fuel surcharge waiver and INR 2000 e-Vouchers for spends of INR 1 lakh+
On SBI’ secure website
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