Travelling abroad is exciting, but international spending can quickly become expensive if you are not careful with your payment methods. Many regular credit cards charge a forex markup of 3% to 4% on every international transaction. This means that a simple swipe for shopping, dining, sightseeing or even cab rides can silently add thousands to your bill.
Thankfully, several Indian banks now offer zero forex markup credit cards, allowing you to spend abroad without unnecessary charges. These cards are becoming increasingly popular among students, business travellers, holidaymakers, and frequent flyers looking to save money and enjoy a smooth experience overseas.
Here is a simple breakdown of the 9 best zero forex credit cards in India that can make your international travel more cost-effective and convenient.
1) IDFC FIRST Bank Wow Credit Card
The IDFC First Wow Credit Card is one of the most popular zero forex cards in India. It lets you make international purchases without paying any extra currency markup fees. Since it runs on the global VISA Infinite network, you can use it almost anywhere in the world. The card is backed by a fixed deposit, which makes approval easy even for first-time credit card users.
Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, an Indian resident with a valid address, and keeping a minimum fixed deposit of ₹20,000 when applying. This is a great option for travellers who want a simple, safe, and reliable card without worrying about interest charges or complicated fees.
2) HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card
HDFC’s Regalia ForexPlus Card is designed purely for foreign travel. It works like a prepaid forex card loaded in US Dollars and comes with zero cross-currency markup. Since it’s USD-based, you can use it across countries without worrying about exchange rate shocks.
The card comes with chip and PIN protection, travel insurance coverage, and no markup fees. If you load at least USD 1,000, the card’s issuance fee is also waived. For travellers who want a dedicated forex solution from a trusted bank, this is a solid pick.
3) RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card
The RBL World Safari Card is one of India’s first credit cards built specifically for international travellers. It charges a 0% forex markup fee, giving you straight 4% savings on all foreign transactions. The annual fee is ₹3,000, but you immediately get a MakeMyTrip voucher worth ₹3,000 as a welcome benefit.
You earn travel points on your spending, which can be redeemed for hotels and flights. Whether it’s food, shopping, commuting, or booking experiences abroad, this card makes every payment rewarding and cost-effective.
4) Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card
The Axis Burgundy Private Credit Card is built for high-net-worth travellers who want full flexibility and zero forex charges. You can withdraw cash without extra fees, enjoy interest-free usage until your due date, and even increase your credit limit temporarily during international trips.
The card also rewards you generously with 15 EDGE Reward points for every ₹200 spent. If you want luxury, flexibility, and seamless global acceptance, this card checks all boxes.
5) Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card
The Club Vistara Explorer Card from IndusInd Bank is known for luxury travel benefits, premium airport privileges, and exclusive rewards. However, due to the merger of Vistara with Air India, this card is undergoing a transition and the existing benefits are applicable only until 31 March 2025 for customers who have received official communication.
If you already have this card, you can continue enjoying its travel perks for now, but new applicants should stay updated about the revised benefits. While not a pure zero-forex product, it remains a premium travel card for select users.
6) Ixigo AU Credit Card
The Ixigo AU Credit Card is a lifetime-free travel credit card offered in partnership with AU Small Finance Bank. It is designed for travellers who frequently book flights, buses, and hotels online. The card comes in both RuPay and Visa variants and offers reward points on every transaction, including spends made on Ixigo.
For travellers who want savings on bookings along with a smooth digital onboarding experience, this one is a practical option.
7) Federal Bank Scapia Co-Branded Credit Card
The Federal Scapia Credit Card is a young and vibrant product aimed at millennials who love travel. The onboarding is fully digital through the Scapia app, and you get your virtual card instantly. Most everyday purchases earn you travel coins that can later be redeemed for trips, flights, or hotels.
This is a zero-forex, travel-first card that converts your daily expenses into exciting rewards. It’s one of the most user-friendly cards for young travellers.
8) Niyo Global Zero Forex Card
Niyo Global Cards are extremely popular among students and travellers heading to Europe, the US, or Southeast Asia. With zero forex markup, the card gives you the exact VISA exchange rate with no hidden charges.
Niyo also offers doorstep KYC through its Niyo Express service, where a representative visits your home and hands over the card instantly. You can use it for international purchases, ATM withdrawals, and even regular spending within India.
9) IDFC FIRST Bank Mayura Credit Card
The IDFC Mayura Credit Card is a premium offering packed with lifestyle and travel benefits. You get discounts on 300+ brands, movie benefits, complimentary lounge access, and much more. The joining fee is ₹5,999 plus GST, with the same amount as the annual fee from the second year onward.
While it is not a lifetime-free card, it is loaded with premium privileges and is suitable for frequent travellers who want luxury, savings, and seamless global usage.
Final Thoughts
Zero forex markup credit cards can save you thousands of rupees on every foreign trip. Whether you’re a student heading abroad, a family planning a vacation, or a business traveller hopping between cities, choosing the right card makes your journey smoother and cheaper. With so many great zero forex options available today, travelling internationally has never been more budget-friendly.
