Travelling abroad is exciting, but handling money in a new country can be tricky especially with limited cash. That’s where international travel credit cards come in handy. If used smartly, they can help you save money while giving you access to premium benefits and added convenience. Below are some key reasons to consider them, along with top card options to choose from for your next international trip.
Why Opt for a Travel Credit Card?
1. Low Foreign Exchange Markup Fees: When you make purchases abroad using your credit card, banks usually charge a fee to convert the amount into Indian Rupees. This is known as the forex markup fee, typically ranging from 2% to 3%. However, travel-focused credit cards often have much lower fees. Choosing a card with minimal or zero markup can lead to significant savings, especially on big-ticket international expenses.
2. Attractive Rewards and Benefits: Travel credit cards often come with attractive benefits like reward points, airline miles, or cashback on international spending. Many of these cards also offer extra privileges such as complimentary lounge access at global airports, discounts on hotel stays, and priority services. These features can make your journey more comfortable and cost-effective.
3. Insurance Coverage: Many premium travel credit cards offer free travel insurance, which can be a great safety net while abroad. This coverage often includes medical emergencies, personal accident protection, compensation for flight delays or cancellations, and lost baggage. These features provide peace of mind and added security during your trip.
Top Credit Cards for International Travel
1. RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card
- Forex Markup Fee: 0%
- Rewards: 5 reward points per ₹100 spent
- Other Benefits: Priority Pass membership with access to 1400+ lounges and 2 free visits annually
- Why Choose It: Ideal for international travelers seeking zero forex charges and lounge access benefits with a simple rewards system.
2. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card
- Forex Markup Fee: 0%
- Rewards: 10% Scapia Coins on online & offline spends
- Other Benefits: Lifetime free card and unlimited domestic lounge access (limited to monthly expenditure of ₹10,000)
- Why Choose It: Perfect for frequent online shoppers and travelers who want high-value rewards and lounge access with zero forex fees.
3. Ixigo AU Credit Card
- Forex Markup Fee: 0%
- Rewards:
- 10% off on bus bookings (max ₹300/month)
- 10% off on flight bookings (up to ₹1,000/month)
- 10% off on hotel bookings (up to ₹1,000/month) via Ixigo
- Other Benefits: 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400–₹5,000
- Why Choose It: Designed for budget-conscious travelers who frequently use Ixigo for travel bookings and benefit from monthly discounts.
Also read: Can You Lose Money in Mutual Funds? What Every Investor Should Know
4. IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card
- Forex Markup Fee: 0%
- Rewards:
- 1 reward point per ₹150 spent
- 7,500 bonus points on ₹8 lakh annual spend
- 15,000 bonus points on ₹15 lakh annual spend
- Insurance: Reimbursement up to ₹50,000 on flight/hotel cancellations (twice/year)
- Other Benefits:
- Buy 1 get 1 movie ticket (max ₹500) on BookMyShow, twice/month
- Up to 2 golf rounds/month (based on spend)
- Why Choose It: Great for lifestyle users seeking a mix of entertainment, travel cover, and milestone rewards with no forex fee.
5. Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card
- Forex Markup Fee: 0%
- Rewards: Focused on lifestyle perks, not reward points
- Insurance: Not specified, but includes premium concierge and travel services
- Other Benefits:
- 50 complimentary golf rounds annually
- Free EazyDiner Prime membership
- Free Club Marriott, Accor Plus, and Taj Epicure memberships
- Complimentary concierge for 8 airport visits
- Free movie and non-movie tickets via BookMyShow (up to 5 per category)
- Why Choose It: Premium card for high-net-worth individuals who prioritize luxury travel, fine dining, and global privileges.
Conclusion
Selecting the right credit card can make your international travel significantly smoother and financially soothing. Key factors to consider would include the forex markup Cost, reward structure, insurance coverage, and added travel gains.
Written by Roshni Mohinani
