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 – November 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 | Joining Fees | Lifetime Free | Annual Fee | Travel Rewards |
| Jupiter Edge UPI Credit Card | NIL | Yes | NIL | The international credit card is UPI-enabled |
| Yatra SBI Credit Card | 499 | No | 499 |
For overseas travels, cardholders can avail themselves of Rs.1000 vouchers For booking international air tickets, an instant discount of Rs.4000, is available that can be availed at a minimum transaction of Rs.40,000 |
| SBI Elite Credit Card | 4,999 | No | 4,999 | 6 complimentary international lounge access in a year |
| ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card | 12,500 | No | 12,500 | Unlimited complimentary international and domestic lounge access |
| AU Zenith+ Credit Card | 4,999 | No | 4,999 | 16 complimentary international airport lounge access every year using Priority Pass |
| HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition | 12,500 | No | 12,500 | Unlimited airport lounge access for primary and add-on members |
| AU Ixigo Credit Card | NIL | Yes | NIL | 10% discount on flight Bookings up to Rs. 1,000 once per month |
| YES Bank Marquee Credit Card | 9,999 | No | 4,999 | Up to 24 unlimited international airport lounge visits per year |
| IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card | NIL | Yes | NIL | Up to 8 international airport lounge & spa access in a year |
| RBL World Safari Credit Card | 3,000 | No | 3,000 | 8 complimentary international lounge visits via Priority Pass Membership |
| HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card | 2,500 | No | 2,500 | Up to 6 complimentary international lounge visits per calendar year using Priority Pass |
| Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card | 12,500 | No | 12,500 | Priority Pass and 8 additional guest visits per year can be availed by the cardholder |
| American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card | 3,500 | No | 5,000 | Spend ₹4 lakh in a year to receive a Taj Stay voucher worth ₹10,000 |
| Uni NX Wave Credit Card | NIL | Yes | NIL | Zero Forex Markup. |
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
Joining Fees
NIL
Lifetime Free
Yes
Annual Fee
NIL
Travel Rewards
The international credit card is UPI-enabled
2. Yatra SBI Credit Card
Joining Fees
499
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
499
Travel Rewards
For overseas travels, cardholders can avail themselves of Rs.1000 vouchers
For booking international air tickets, an instant discount of Rs.4000, is available that can be availed at a minimum transaction of Rs.40,000
3. SBI Elite Credit Card
Joining Fees
4,999
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
4,999
Travel Rewards
6 complimentary international lounge access in a year
4. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
Joining Fees
12,500
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
12,500
Travel Rewards
Unlimited complimentary international and domestic lounge access
5. AU Zenith+ Credit Card
Joining Fees
4,999
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
4,999
Travel Rewards
16 complimentary international airport lounge access every year using Priority Pass
6. HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition
Joining Fees
12,500
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
12,500
Travel Rewards
Unlimited airport lounge access for primary and add-on members
7. AU Ixigo Credit Card
Joining Fees
NIL
Lifetime Free
Yes
Annual Fee
NIL
Travel Rewards
10% discount on flight Bookings up to Rs. 1,000 once per month
8. YES Bank Marquee Credit Cardd
Joining Fees
9,999
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
4,999
Travel Rewards
Up to 24 unlimited international airport lounge visits per year
9. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
Joining Fees
NIL
Lifetime Free
Yes
Annual Fee
NIL
Travel Rewards
Up to 8 international airport lounge & spa access in a year
10. RBL World Safari Credit Card
Joining Fees
3,000
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
3,000
Travel Rewards
8 complimentary international lounge visits via Priority Pass Membership
11. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
Joining Fees
2,500
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
2,500
Travel Rewards
Up to 6 complimentary international lounge visits per calendar year using Priority Pass
12. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Joining Fees
12,500
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
12,500
Travel Rewards
Priority Pass and 8 additional guest visits per year can be availed by the cardholder
13. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Joining Fees
3,500
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
5,000
Travel Rewards
Spend ₹4 lakh in a year to receive a Taj Stay voucher worth ₹10,000
14. Uni NX Wave Credit Card
Joining Fees
NIL
Lifetime Free
Yes
Annual Fee
NIL
Travel Rewards
Zero Forex Markup.
How to Apply for an International Credit Card
The application process of applying for an international credit card looks something like this:
-
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.
-
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.
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Submit Documents
Ensure you read all the required documents from your end so you can effortlessly just submit them online without any hassles.
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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.
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Approval and Dispatch
Once the verification is successful, the issuer will approve your international credit card and dispatch it to your address.
-
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.
-
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
Explore the world without breaking the bank.
Get 2% cashback on flights, hotels, and more with Edge CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card on Jupiter
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