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Are you a frequent traveller? Do you enjoy the freedom and change of perspective that travelling provides? Then, have you heard about credit cards for international travel?
What is an International Travel Card?
An International Travel Card is a specialised financial tool designed to facilitate seamless travel experiences for individuals who frequently venture abroad. This card functions similarly to a debit or credit card but is tailored specifically for international use. It allows travellers to make transactions in various currencies without incurring excessive fees or unfavourable exchange rates. Typically, these cards can be loaded with multiple currencies, making it easier for travellers to manage their finances while abroad. By pre-loading the card with funds, users can access their money without the need for frequent currency exchanges or the risks associated with carrying cash.
Best Credit Card for International Travel in 2024
There are several international credit cards in India meant to benefit frequent travellers. We have compiled a list of some of the best ones to date with their annual and renewal fees for your reference:
| Best Credit Card for International Travel | Annual Fee | Renewal Date |
| Jupiter Edge UPI Credit Card | NIL | NIL |
| Yatra SBI Credit Card | 499 + Taxes | 499 + Taxes |
| SBI Elite Credit Card | 4,999 + Taxes | 4,999 + Taxes |
| ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card | 12,499 | 12,499 |
| AU Zenith+ Credit Card | 4,999 + Applicable Taxes | |
| HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition | 12,500 + Applicable Taxes | 12,500 + Applicable Taxes |
| Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card | 350 + GST | 350 + GST |
| YES Bank Marquee Credit Card | 9,999 + Applicable Taxes | 4,999 + Applicable Taxes |
| IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card | Zero | |
| RBL World Safari Credit Card | 3000 + Applicable Taxes | |
| HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card | 2500 + Applicable Taxes | 2500 + Applicable Taxes |
| Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card | Zero | |
| Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card | 12,500 + Applicable Taxes | |
| American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card | 3,500 + Applicable Taxes | 5,000 + Applicable Taxes |
| Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card | 3,000 + Applicable Taxes |
What are the Features of the Best Credit Cards for International Travel?
Below is a list of the best credit cards for international travel:
1. Jupiter Edge UPI Credit Card
As we step into a technology-enabled world that is leaning towards making payments a contactless process, Jupiter comes in with their Edge UPI Credit Card that has multiple key features like:
- The international credit card is UPI-enabled
- Enjoy a LIFETIME-Free Membership with no annual fees, ensuring a budget-friendly option for you
- Receive guaranteed 2% cashback on your shopping, travel, or dining expenses
- Get a guaranteed 0.4% cashback on all other UPI and credit card transactions
- Plus, receive welcome vouchers worth ₹250 from popular brands such as Amazon and Flipkart!
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2. Yatra SBI Credit Card
- For every ₹100 spent across various categories, you earn one reward point
- When purchasing fuel between ₹500 and ₹3,000, cardholders can enjoy a 1.00% waiver on fuel surcharges at any petrol station, capped at ₹100 per month per cardholder
- If you spend ₹90,000 within the current year, you can get the annual membership fee waived
- Upon payment of the joining fee, cardholders receive vouchers worth ₹8,250 for use on Yatra.com
- For travel within India, cardholders can access two vouchers worth ₹500, and for international travel, two vouchers worth ₹1,000
3. SBI Elite Credit Card
- A low foreign currency markup fee of just 1.99%
- Enjoy two complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges each quarter in India
- Get a free membership to the Priority Pass Program, valued at $99
- Receive six complimentary visits to international airport lounges each calendar year (with a maximum of two per quarter)
- Access complimentary memberships to Club Vistara, Trident Privilege, and Trident Red Tier
4. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
- Complimentary Taj Epicure Membership for the first year
- Unlimited access to international and domestic lounges at no cost
- Refund of up to Rs. 12,000 annually on two cancellations for air travel or hotel bookings
- Low foreign exchange markup fee of just 2%
- Reward redemption at a 1:1 ratio
5. AU Zenith+ Credit Card
- Enjoy a low forex markup fee of just 0.99%
- Earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on travel, dining, and international purchases
- Accumulate 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent in retail across all merchant categories
- Access 16 complimentary international airport lounges each year through Priority Pass
- Get 16 free domestic airport lounge visits every year
- Experience hassle-free airport VIP check-in with 4 complimentary services annually
- Receive a complimentary Taj Epicure membership when you spend a minimum of ₹12 Lakh on retail within a year
6. HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition
- Earn 1 Air Mile for every RP spent or ₹1 on travel bookings, Apple products, and Tanishq vouchers via SmartBuy
- Exclusive card includes Club Marriott membership and rewards with 12,500 points upon activation and renewal
- Receive 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent, including insurance, utilities, and education
- Enjoy unlimited golf coaching in India and access to golf games worldwide with a 2% forex mark-up fee
- Book a three-night stay at participating ITC hotels and pay for only two nights with a complimentary weekend buffet for two
7. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card
- Instant 20% discount on domestic and international hotel bookings with EaseMyTrip*
- 10% instant discount on domestic and international flight bookings through EaseMyTrip*
- One complimentary domestic lounge visit per quarter
- Two complimentary international lounge visits each year with a Priority Pass
8. YES Bank Marquee Credit Card
- A forex mark-up fee of 1%
- Enjoy up to 12 free golf lessons annually, along with 4 complimentary green fee waivers at select golf courses across India
- Receive 60,000 YES Rewardz Points upon joining and 20,000 points when renewing your membership
- Take advantage of a Buy One Get One (B1G1) offer with discounts of up to Rs. 800 on BookMyShow movie tickets, with a maximum of 3 free tickets each month
- Get a minimum of 15% off dining experiences through the Dining Fiesta program
9. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
- Low foreign exchange mark-up fee of just 1.5%
- Comprehensive travel insurance and air accident coverage
- Two complimentary visits to domestic airport spas and lounges each quarter
- Two free international airport lounge visits when you spend ₹20,000 in the previous month
- Triple reward points on monthly spending of up to ₹20,000
- Ten times reward points on incremental spending above ₹20,000
- Interest-free cash withdrawals worldwide*
- Discounts on fast-track immigration services at over 450 airports globally
10. RBL World Safari Credit Card
- RBL World Safari Credit Card has a 0% foreign exchange markup fee
- Earn five ‘Travel Points’ for every ₹100 spent on travel
- Earn two ‘Travel Points’ for every ₹100 spent on other transactions
- Enjoy eight complimentary lounge visits at major domestic airports in India
- Access eight free international lounge visits via Priority Pass Membership
11. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
- Enjoy a competitive foreign exchange markup fee of just 2%
- Access up to six free international lounge visits each year with Priority Pass
- Receive 12 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits annually
- Earn flight vouchers valued at ₹10,000 when you spend ₹7.5 lakh in a year
- Get complimentary memberships for Club Vistara Silver and MMT Black Elite
- Receive a gift voucher worth ₹2,500 upon payment of the joining fee
- Accumulate 20 reward points for every ₹150 spent at Nykaa, Myntra, Marks & Spencer, and Reliance Digital
- Earn 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent in other categories
- Redeem vouchers worth ₹1,500 from Marks & Spencer, Reliance Digital, Myntra, or Marriott after spending ₹1.5 lakh in a quarter
12. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card
- No foreign exchange mark-up fees
- Earn 10% Scapia coins on both online and offline purchases
- Get 20% Scapia coins on travel reservations made through the Scapia app
- Redeem your Scapia coins for travel bookings at a rate of 5 Scapia coins for ₹1
- Enjoy unlimited access to domestic lounges with a minimum spend of ₹5,000
13. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
- Competitive foreign exchange mark-up fee of just 2%
- Luxurious gift card for The Postcard Hotels or Yatra voucher worth ₹12,500 upon card activation
- Voucher valid with the first transaction within 30 days of card issuance
- 8 complimentary end-to-end airport concierge services
- Unlimited complimentary international lounge visits with Priority Pass
- 8 additional guest visits per year at no extra cost
14. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
- The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is famous for its travel perks
- Cardholders earn membership rewards points that can be redeemed for travel vouchers
- Access to exclusive airport lounges is included
- Comprehensive travel insurance is provided
- Although it has a higher fee, the extensive benefits make it a top choice for international travellers
15. Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card
- Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card is ideal for flexible travellers
- Earn miles on every purchase
- Redeem miles for flights with any airline
- Low foreign exchange fees
- Complimentary access to airport lounges
- Considered one of the best credit cards for global travel
How to Apply for an International Credit Card
The application process of applying for an international credit card looks something like this:
1. Research
Make sure you compare every bank or credit card issuer that provides an international credit card. This is because several banks offer different benefits and features. Some may suit you, and some may not. Hence, research is necessary.
2. Apply Online
Most credit card issuers have an online website where you can see whether they provide an international credit card. Check the website and apply online for a hassle-free and convenient process.
3. Submit Documents
Ensure you read all the required documents from your end so you can effortlessly just submit them online without any hassles.
4. Verification
Once you submit the much-needed documents, it’s time to verify them. The credit card issuer does this process. They will scan your documents and tally your creditworthiness, based on which they can give you the best international credit card. The verification process may also include a scan of your credit history and CIBIL score.
5. Approval and Dispatch
Once the verification is successful, the issuer will approve your international credit card and dispatch it to your address.
6. Activation
Upon receiving the credit card, you must begin the card activation process. You can do this through their website or app or by calling their helpline.
Documents Required for International Credit Card
Below are some of the documents required to avail of an international credit card:
- Identity proof
- Address proof
- Income proof
- Passport size photographs
Who is Eligible for an International Travel Credit Card?
- Age Requirement: You must be between the ages of 21 and 70 to apply for an international travel credit card.
- Credit Score: You must have a good credit history and a positive credit score, as well as great credit behaviour.
- Income Level: Some international credit card issuers may have set a limit to the minimum income levels you need to apply for their card to assure them of credit repayment.
- Residency Status: You should be a citizen of the country from where you are applying for an international credit card.
Benefits of Using an International Travel Credit Card
An international travel credit card has several benefits, especially if you are a frequent traveller.
1. Minimal Foreign Exchange Markup Fees
Many international travel credit cards offer low or no foreign exchange markup fees, allowing you to save money on every transaction abroad. This can significantly reduce the cost of your purchases, making your travel budget stretch further.
2. Enhanced Rewards on Global Purchases
International travel credit cards often provide higher rewards points or cashback on purchases made outside your home country. This means that while you’re exploring new destinations, you can also earn valuable rewards that can be redeemed for future travel or other perks.
3. Exclusive Lounge Access
With many travel credit cards, cardholders enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide. This privilege allows for a more comfortable travel experience, where you can relax, enjoy refreshments, and catch up on work or entertainment before your flight.
4. Additional Travel Benefits
International travel credit cards frequently come with additional perks like travel insurance, emergency assistance services, and car rental insurance. These benefits can provide peace of mind and added convenience, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Selecting the Best International Travel Credit Card!
When it comes to selecting the best international travel credit card for your travel needs, you need to assess your wants and financial goals. Are you a frequent traveller or an occasional adventurer? Do you usually go on budget-friendly trips? There’s a travel credit card for everyone; you simply need to assess your needs and research until you find the best card that suits you!
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FAQs:
What happens if I don’t pay my credit card bills on time?
The consequences depend on the credit card issuers, but generally, your credit score will take a bad dip. You will further be charged interest rates on every monthly credit card payment due until you repay the full payment, and in severe cases, they may freeze your account.
Can the annual fees on credit cards be waived?
In some cases, depending on the credit card issuer, your annual fees may be waived if you spend a certain amount on your card and regularly pay off card debts on time.
Can I apply for an international travel credit card from a bank in India if I am an NRI?
If you are an NRI willing to get an international credit card from a bank in India, you need to have a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) or Non-Resident External Rupee (NRE) account, as most banks consider this the top eligibility criteria for non-residents.
Is there a credit limit on purchases made in foreign currencies?
Credit cards do not have a distinct credit limit for foreign currency transactions. Instead, your total credit limit applies to all purchases, whether they’re made domestically or internationally.
Which credit cards are free for international transactions?
While no credit card offers entirely free foreign transaction options due to forex markup fees, some cards do have lower fees that make them more affordable for international use.
Which is the best credit card for international travel?
Many credit cards on the market cater specifically to international travel. Although any card can be used for transactions abroad, some options come with lower foreign exchange markup fees or additional benefits that can help you save money while shopping overseas. Choosing the right card ultimately depends on your spending habits and travel style.
Do international travel credit cards come without an annual fee?
Many international travel credit cards are considered premium options, which often means they charge a sign-up and annual fee. However, some cards waive annual fees if you reach a specified spending threshold. For frequent travellers, taking advantage of these spending requirements can maximise the benefits of international cards while avoiding the annual fee.
How do I know if my credit card is international?
Once you receive your credit card, it’s a good idea to check with your card issuer about using it for international purchases. Visa and MasterCard are generally widely accepted around the world. However, keep in mind that RuPay credit cards are primarily designed for domestic use and are typically restricted to transactions within the country.
Which international travel credit card provides international lounge access?
Most international travel credit cards provide this feature. However, for international lounge access, always look for the ones with Priority Pass Membership.
