If you’ve ever used your credit card for an overseas purchase, you might have noticed an extra charge – that’s the forex markup. This fee is added by credit card companies to cover the cost of converting your money into foreign currency. For anyone traveling internationally or shopping online from another country, this can be a frustrating extra cost. The good news? More and more credit cards are now offering zero forex markup, meaning you can make transactions abroad without worrying about these additional fees. Let’s take a look at some of the best options in 2025 that help you save while you spend worldwide.
What are Zero Forex Markup Credit Cards?
Zero forex markup cards are credit cards that don’t charge extra fees when you make purchases in a foreign currency. Unlike regular credit cards, which often add a forex markup fee of 2-3% for international transactions, these cards let you shop or travel abroad without those extra costs. This means when you use a zero-forex markup card, you’re only paying for what you buy – no surprise charges for converting your money. It’s a great way to save, especially if you frequently make overseas purchases or travel abroad.
Best Zero Forex Markup Credit Cards in India 2025
Looking for credit cards that save you money on international transactions? Here’s a list of the best zero forex markup credit cards in India for 2025 to help you spend abroad without extra charges.
| Credit Card | Joining Fees | Lifetime Free | Annual Fee |
| IDFC First Wow Credit Card | Zero | Yes | – |
| IDFC Mayura credit card | ₹5,999 +GST | No | ₹5,999 +GST |
| Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card | Zero | Yes | – |
| Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card | ₹50,000 + GST | No | ₹50,000 + GST |
| RBL World Safari Credit Card | ₹3,000 + GST | No | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Ixigo AU Credit Card | Zero | Yes | – |
| Niyo Global SBM Credit Card | Zero | Yes | – |
1. IDFC First Wow Credit Card
Joining Fees
Zero
Lifetime Free
Yes
Annual Fee
–
Other Details & Features
- This is a fixed-deposit (FD)-backed card. Your credit limit is based on the FD you hold with IDFC First Bank, giving you the benefit of a credit card without the usual eligibility criteria.
- Earn up to 3X reward points on UPI spends.
- Increase your credit limit just by increasing your FD amount.
- There’s no forex markup fee, so it’s a good pick for frequent travellers.
- Fee: Rs.199 + GST for Joining Fee, Renewal Fee: Rs.0
2. IDFC Mayura Credit Card
Joining Fees
₹5,999 +GST
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
₹5,999 +GST
Other Details & Features
- The Mayura Credit Card is a premium metal card that provides luxury benefits and rewards. Designed for high spenders, it offers exceptional perks to enhance your travel and lifestyle.
- Get travel cancellation cover up to ₹50,000 per year.
- Fee Waivers: Get benefits like annual fee waiver if your yearly spending crosses ₹8 lakh.
3. Federal Scapia Co-Branded Credit Card
Joining Fees
Zero
Lifetime Free
Yes
Annual Fee
–
Other Details & Features
- The Federal Scapia Co-Branded Credit Card is built with travel lovers in mind, offering perks and rewards that turn everyday expenses into exciting travel experiences. The fully digital onboarding process makes it easy to get started since you can activate your virtual card immediately, with the physical card arriving within 2-5 days.
- You can also manage your card with ease via the Scapia app, setting transaction limits and controlling permissions on the go.
- Fee: No joining or annual fees, making it a great option for those who want maximum value without extra charges.
4. Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card
Joining Fees
₹50,000 + GST
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
₹50,000 + GST
Other Details & Features
- This card is tailored for luxury travellers with a range of high-end privileges, including complimentary concierge services and personalised assistance for booking flights, restaurants, and shopping.
- In addition to travel benefits, the card provides 50 rounds of golf annually and exclusive dining offers through EazyDiner.
- Enjoy fuel surcharge waivers and discounts at top hotels and resorts, including Taj and Oberoi properties.
- Fees: Free for Burgundy Private clients, but if you discontinue this status, an annual fee of ₹50,000 + taxes applies.
5. RBL World Safari Credit Card
Joining Fees
₹3,000 + GST
Lifetime Free
No
Annual Fee
₹3,000 + GST
Other Details & Features
- With an annual fee of ₹3,000, this card is crafted for passionate travellers. The card offers a host of travel benefits, including a welcome MakeMyTrip voucher worth ₹3,000 and the ability to earn bonus reward points as you spend.
- Stay protected during your travels with complimentary travel insurance, covering trip delays, baggage loss, and even dental treatment abroad.
- A dedicated concierge service, travel insurance, and golf privileges make this card ideal for high-spending travellers looking for both luxury and convenience.
6. AU Ixigo Credit Card
Joining Fees
Zero
Lifetime Free
Yes
Annual Fee
–
Other Details & Features
- The Ixigo AU Credit Card is a great travel companion, offering amazing rewards on travel bookings. Choose between RuPay or Visa during the application process and enjoy benefits such as lifetime free membership and waived joining/renewal fees.
- Get 1000 reward points and ₹1000 Ixigo Money on your first transaction within 30 days of card issuance.
- Get up to ₹2 lakh in insurance cover on RuPay cards, and enjoy 24/7 concierge services for travel-related assistance.
- Earn 2 reward points for every ₹200 spent on all online transactions, and 1 point for offline spends. You also get 3 reward points for every ₹200 spent on Ixigo train bookings.
- Get 24/7 concierge services with RuPay cards, making your travel experiences easier.
7. Niyo SBM Bank Credit Card
Joining Fees
Zero
Lifetime Free
Yes
Annual Fee
–
Other Details & Features
- The Niyo SBM Bank Credit Card is perfect for international travellers, offering no forex markup, the best exchange rates, and a host of convenient features for global spending.
- 3 free international ATM withdrawals each month with fee refunds in the form of Niyo Coins.
- The Niyo app allows you to lock and unlock your card, track transactions, and access exclusive travel tools like VAT refunds, lounge locators, and currency converters.
- No hidden charges on foreign transactions, and you won’t have to worry about paying Tax Collected at Source (TCS) for international spends up to ₹7 lakh annually.
- Up to ₹5 lakh in insurance coverage through the DICGC, plus a range of protective features including real-time transaction tracking and customisable card controls.
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Benefits of Using a Zero Forex Markup Credit Cards
Using a zero-forex markup credit card has several great benefits that can make a big difference, especially if you travel often or shop internationally. Let’s take a look at some of them below:
-
Cost Savings
You won’t pay extra fees when making purchases in foreign currencies, which means you can save money every time you buy something abroad. This is a huge plus for frequent travellers.
-
Transparency
You get clear and simple pricing with no hidden charges. What you see is what you pay, so there are no surprises when you get your bill.
-
Convenience
This card makes international travel and online shopping a lot easier. You don’t have to worry about extra costs for foreign transactions, making your experience smoother and stress-free.
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Better Exchange Rates
These cards often give you better exchange rates than traditional credit cards, so you get more value when converting your money, saving you even more.
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Rewards and Cashback
Just like with domestic spending, you can earn rewards or cashback on international purchases. This makes it even more rewarding to use your card when traveling or shopping online from abroad.
-
Security
These cards come with strong security features, ensuring that your transactions are protected, so you can feel safe making purchases, no matter where you are.
Features to Look for While Considering a Credit Card
When choosing the right zero forex markup credit card, here are some important things to consider:
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Competitive Exchange Rates
Look for cards that offer exchange rates that are close to the mid-market rate. This means you won’t lose too much value when converting currencies, helping you save money on international purchases.
-
Rewards & Lounge Access
Some cards come with rewards programs that give you points or perks for spending abroad. Plus, access to airport lounges can make your travel experience more comfortable, especially during long layovers.
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Foreign Transaction Fees
Many credit cards charge extra fees for transactions made in foreign currencies. Make sure the card you pick doesn’t have these hidden charges, or if it does, check if it’s still worth it.
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Wide Acceptance
You’ll want a card that works almost anywhere. Check that it’s widely accepted at both merchants and ATMs around the world, so you’re never left without payment options when you travel.
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Security Features
Look for cards with the latest security measures, like EMV chip technology and 3D Secure authentication. These help protect you from fraud when making transactions, especially abroad.
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Travel Insurance
Some cards offer complimentary travel insurance, which can cover everything from trip cancellations to lost luggage. It’s a nice bonus that can save you money on extra travel coverage.
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Emergency Assistance Services
Having a card that offers 24/7 emergency assistance while you’re traveling is a big plus. Whether it’s for lost cards, medical emergencies, or unexpected travel issues, you’ll have support when you need it most.
-
Annual Fees
Take a look at the card’s annual fee. Sometimes, higher fees come with more benefits, but make sure the perks outweigh the cost. It’s about finding the right balance for your needs.
-
Customer Service
Good customer service is super important, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Make sure the card issuer offers reliable support, especially when you’re dealing with foreign transactions or urgent matters.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What credit cards do not charge a foreign fee?
There are five cards that do not charge a foreign transaction fee. They are the Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card, Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card, RBL World Safari Credit Card, Club Vistara IndusInd Explorer Credit Card, and IDFC First Wow Credit Card.
How do I know if my credit card has foreign transaction fees?
You can check your card’s terms and conditions, including the different kinds of fees it charges, in the factsheet or terms and conditions sheet. You can find this on the card issuer’s website.
What is a 3% foreign transaction fee?
If a credit card is charging a 3% foreign transaction fee, it means your bank will charge an additional 3% from you when billing your credit card dues. For example, if you use Rs 10,000 for a foreign currency transaction, then the bank will charge you an additional Rs 300 for the foreign currency transaction you did using the credit card. Hence, the credit card statement will reflect the amount of Rs 10,300 instead of Rs 10,000.
Can you use Indian credit cards abroad?
Yes, you can! Most Indian credit cards work internationally. Just make sure your card is activated for international transactions. If you're unsure, check with your bank or card provider before you travel.
What is a foreign transaction fee?
A foreign transaction fee is a small charge you pay when you use your credit card abroad. It covers currency conversion and other processing costs. The fee is usually a percentage of the transaction amount.
What are the expenses involved in using a credit card for international spending?
When you use your credit card abroad, you might face a few costs like foreign transaction fees, currency conversion charges, and sometimes dynamic currency conversion fees if you choose to pay in Indian Rupees instead of the local currency.
How is a foreign transaction calculated on an Indian credit card?
When you make a payment in a foreign currency, your credit card provider converts it to Indian Rupees using the current exchange rate. Then, they add any fees, like a foreign transaction fee or currency conversion charges, to the final amount.
What happens when you use an Indian credit card for a foreign transaction?
When you swipe your card or make an online payment in a foreign currency, the amount gets converted to Indian Rupees. You’ll see the converted amount and any added fees on your credit card statement.
Are there any restrictions on using zero forex markup cards?
Zero forex markup cards let you skip currency conversion fees, but there might still be some limitations. For example, you may need to pay an annual fee or ensure the card is activated for international use. Always check the terms and conditions to avoid surprises.
