Which Card is Best for International Travel for Indians?
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“Which card is best for international travel?” – A question every traveller has asked themselves. Well, to help you shortlist, here is the list of cards that can rely on for a seamless trip abroad:
- Niyo SBM Secured International Credit Card
- DCB Niyo International Debit Card
- RBL World Safari Credit Card
- SBI Card Elite
- HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
- AU Bank Zenith Credit Card
- InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card
Stuck staring at a declined transaction notification while you’re halfway across the world? Been there!
Navigating international travel can be exciting, but high forex charges can quickly put a damper on your adventure. Choosing the right card for your trip abroad is crucial to save money, unlock valuable benefits, and ensure a smooth payment experience throughout your travels.
Let’s dive into the world of cards and get you the best credit card for international travel from India so you can finally answer the question, “Which card is best for international travel for me?”!
Which card is best for international travel from India
This SBM Niyo Card automatically converts your Indian rupees to the local currency for seamless international transactions. It’s accepted in over 180 countries so you can ditch the worry about payments abroad.
You can also earn up to 7% annual interest on the fixed deposit linked to your card which makes it the best credit card for travelling abroad.
The card is packed with features for a smooth experience:
- No forex fees: Zero forex markup* on all international transactions
- Relax at ease: Free lounge access# at airports outside India when you spend INR 50,000 in international transactions
- Global acceptance: Load money in INR, use in 180+ countries and 130+ currencies
- Get reward points: Earn 1% cashback as Niyo Coins
- Get your card for free, fast: Card delivery in 2-3 days
- Secure and convenient: Make contactless payments with Tap and Pay, and easily lock/unlock your card or manage spending limits.
- Top up your card in a snap: Add funds in rupees using UPI, NEFT, IMPS, or RTGS – all for free.
- Zero TCS: Tax Collected at Source is not applicable on any international transaction made with this card.
- Rewards & offers: Earn and redeem Niyo Coins on referrals and in-app travel services like visa bookings
How to get a Niyo SBM secured credit card
Download Niyo app: Use your Aadhaar Number, PAN, and Indian passport to create an account on the Niyo app. Once your SBM Bank account is activated on the Niyo app, you’ll be eligible to order your physical card.
Initial funding: A one-time deposit of INR 5,000 is required to activate your account.
Book a fixed deposit: Create an FD of a minimum of INR 5,000 to order your credit card. This will be your credit card limit. You can later make additional FDs to increase your limit.
Your card arrives in 3-5 days: Once you order your card, it will be delivered to your registered address.
*VISA exchange rates apply | #T&C apply
Some of the DCB Niyo card benefits are:
- No forex Ffees: Zero forex markup* on all international transactions
- Relax in style: Free lounge access# at airports outside India when you spend INR 50,000 in international transactions
- Effortless transactions: Make international purchases with ease at stores or online
- Global ATM access: Need cash? Withdraw funds from ATMs around the world.
- UPI cashback: Grab cashback up to INR 7500/financial year# on transactions INR 500 or above
- Rewards & offers: Earn and redeem Niyo Coins on referrals and in-app travel services like visa bookings
How to get a DCB Niyo debit card
Download Niyo app: Use your Aadhaar Number, PAN, and Indian passport to create an account on the Niyo app. Once your DCB Bank account is activated on the Niyo app, you’ll be eligible to order your physical card.
Your card arrives in 3-5 days: Once you order your card, it will be delivered to your registered address.
3. RBL World Safari Credit Card
This card stands out for its zero forex markup fee, making it a great option to avoid conversion charges on international transactions. It also offers a decent reward program with 5 Travel Points for every INR 100 spent on travel and 2 Travel Points on all other transactions. You get complimentary lounge access at major domestic airports and exclusive discounts on travel bookings.
4. SBI Card Elite
5. HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
6. AU Bank Zenith Credit Card
7. InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card:
This card is a good option for frequent flyers who want to collect miles with a specific airline program. It allows you to earn InterMiles on all your spending, which can be redeemed for flight tickets and hotel stays with partner airlines and hotels. You also get complimentary airport lounge access in India and select international airports, travel insurance, and global ATM fee reimbursement. However, the annual fee is on the higher side. If you’re a frequent flyer, this could be the best international travel credit card in India for you.
Factors to consider when choosing a travel credit card for international adventures
Let’s help you sort through the options and find the perfect card to become your international travel companion.
Some key factors to consider are:
1. Watch out for transaction fees
- Foreign transaction fees: These are charges levied by your card issuer for using your card internationally for purchases or withdrawals. It ranges from 2-3% per transaction abroad. Look for cards that offer “no foreign transaction fees” to save on these extra costs.
- Forex markup fees: This is the additional charge imposed by the payment processor (VISA, Mastercard, etc.) to convert a transaction from one currency to another. It is usually 1% of the transaction amount. While some cards advertise a “no foreign transaction fee,” they might still add a markup to the exchange rate. Opt for cards with transparent foreign exchange rates to avoid hidden fees.
Many card issuers don’t mention these charges separately, instead call it just the foreign transaction fees.
2. Check reward programs
Cards for international travel often entice you with rewards programs that incentivise spending. Here are two main categories:
- Travel-specific rewards: These programs reward you with points or miles specifically for travel purchases like flights and hotels. If you’re a frequent flyer or love exploring new destinations, a card with a travel-specific rewards program can help you accumulate points toward future adventures.
- Cashback programs:These cards offer a percentage of your spending back in cash. While potentially less exciting than travel points, cashback can be a great way to offset travel costs in general. Consider your travel style and decide which program best suits your needs.
3. Don’t compromise on travel benefits
Many cards for international travel go beyond just rewards, offering perks that can make your international experience smoother. Here are some valuable benefits to look for:
- Airport lounge access: Imagine escaping the pre-flight bustle and unwinding in a comfortable lounge with complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi. Certain cards offer complimentary access to airport lounges, making your travel days more relaxing.
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance can provide peace of mind by covering unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Look for cards that offer built-in travel insurance, potentially saving you the cost of purchasing separate coverage.
- Global ATM withdrawal fees: Withdrawing cash from ATMs abroad can be convenient, but some cards charge hefty fees for this service. Choose a card that offers global ATM fee reimbursement or has a network of partner ATMs with fee-free withdrawals.
4. Lastly, consider the Annual Fees
Some travel cards come with an annual fee, while others are free. Cards with higher annual fees often offer more premium rewards and benefits. Carefully weigh the annual fee against the value you get from the card’s features. If you’re an occasional traveller, a no-fee card with basic benefits might be sufficient.
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and find the international credit or debit card that perfectly complements your international travel style and budget.
Remember, the best card is the one that maximizes your rewards and benefits while keeping your costs in check.
Choosing the right card for your international travel
Finding the right card boils down to your travel personality and budget:
Frequent flyer: Prioritize travel-specific rewards programs with airline or hotel partnerships. Airport lounge access can also be a game-changer.
Budget traveller: Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees, transparent forex rates, and global ATM fee reimbursement. Cashback programs can also help offset travel costs.
Occasional adventurer: A free card with basic travel benefits like travel insurance might suffice.
Alternative Options: Consider travel debit cards with competitive exchange rates and fee-free ATM withdrawals abroad. These can be a good complement to your credit card strategy.
Remember, the ideal card maximises rewards and benefits while minimising your costs. So explore, compare, and choose the perfect travel companion for your next adventure!
Key Takeaways
Equipping yourself with the best card for foreign transactions can be the difference between a seamless adventure and a financially frustrating experience. With this list of credit cards that can be used internationally, we hope you have a great trip abroad!
P.S: Note the following before your trip:
- Notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid blocked transactions.
- Understand your card’s chip and PIN requirements.
- Be aware of daily withdrawal limits.
- Consider carrying a backup credit card (different network) in case of emergencies.
- Always choose to pay/withdraw in the local currency (not INR) when the POS/ATM prompts and avoid paying DCC charges
With this blog, we hope to have answered the question: “Which card is best for international travel?”!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two main culprits: foreign transaction fees (charged for using your card issuer) and forex markup fees (the difference between the exchange rate your bank uses and the actual rate). Look for cards with “no foreign transaction fees” and transparent currency conversion (forex) rates.
This depends on your travel style. If you’re a frequent flyer, travel-specific rewards programs with airline or hotel partnerships can be highly valuable. Cashback programs offer flexibility and can help offset general travel costs. With Niyo’s International Credit Card, you earn 1% cashback as Niyo Coins that you can redeem later on in-app purchases.
Absolutely! Airport lounge access, travel insurance, and global ATM fee reimbursement are valuable perks offered by many travel credit cards. Niyo offers all of these benefits, along with 1% cashback as Niyo Coins on domestic spends made with the Niyo SBM credit card.
The “best” card depends on your travel habits. For frequent flyers, consider airline co-branded cards like Air India SBI Signature for bonus miles. If you value flexibility, look for cards with high travel-related reward rates like InterMiles HDFC Signature.
For budget travellers, prioritize cards with zero foreign transaction fees like RBL World Safari.
While traditional credit cards offer various travel benefits, navigating fees and annual charges can be complicated. Here’s why Niyo stands out for international transactions:
- Zero forex markup: Save (up to 5%) on those hidden charges that creep up with credit cards.
- Transparent exchange rates: No surprises! You get the real-time VISA exchange rate, ensuring you get the most value for your money.
- Global ATM access: Need cash on the go? Withdraw funds from ATMs worldwide without any interest (don’t forget to pay off your credit card bill on time though!), a common pain point with credit cards.
Niyo simplifies international transactions, focusing on savings and convenience. It’s like having a hassle-free travel companion in your pocket!
