Compare various international credit cards and understand how they can be used for global travel, purchases, and rewards.
Here are some of the best credit cards for international travel available on Bajaj Markets that could make your trips abroad more convenient, rewarding, and globally accepted.
| Card Name | Joining Fee | Reward Rate | Forex Markup | Lounge Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
₹4,999
|
Strong rewards on international and select spends |
1.99%
|
6 international lounge visits per year with Priority Pass |
|
|
₹3,500
|
4 reward points per ₹100 on foreign transactions |
3.50%
|
Complimentary Priority Pass membership with 2 international lounge visits annually, plus 4 domestic airport lounge visits per quarter subject to spend eligibility |
|
|
₹2,999
|
Regular rewards on everyday and travel spends |
Not specified in the details provided
|
4 international lounge visits per year with Priority Pass, plus 8 domestic airport lounge visits per year |
|
AU Small Finance Bank Vetta Credit Card |
₹2,999
|
Reward points on spends with travel-friendly redemptions |
2.99% |
1 international lounge visit per calendar quarter with Priority Pass |
|
₹2,000
|
4 reward points per ₹100 on international spends |
3.50%
|
2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter and 8 railway lounge visits per year |
Disclaimer: Card benefits, lounge access counts, foreign-exchange markups, insurance limits, etc. are provided by issuers and their eligibility can change or may depend on spend thresholds or specific variants. Please check each card’s latest Most Important Terms & Conditions (MITC) and the issuer’s fees schedule before applying or relying on benefits while travelling.
SBI Card ELITE is a premium travel-focused card in India with a ₹4,999 joining fee. It offers a low 1.99% foreign-currency markup, 6 international lounge visits per year through Priority Pass, and extra reward points on foreign transactions.
ICICI Bank Sapphiro has a ₹3,500 joining fee and is useful for frequent travelers. It provides a 3.5% forex markup, 4 reward points per ₹100 on foreign transactions, Priority Pass access with 2 international lounge visits per year, and 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter subject to spend eligibility.
SBI Card PRIME comes with a ₹2,999 joining fee and is positioned for regular travel and lifestyle spending. It includes 4 international lounge visits per year with Priority Pass and 8 domestic airport lounge visits annually, along with travel-oriented reward benefits and emergency card support.
AU Small Finance Bank Vetta has a ₹2,999 joining fee and is built for travel-friendly spending. It offers a 2.99% foreign-currency markup, 24×7 concierge support, emergency travel assistance, and 1 international lounge visit per calendar quarter with Priority Pass.
ICICI Bank Rubyx has a ₹2,000 joining fee and suits users who want travel benefits at a lower entry cost. It gives 4 reward points per ₹100 on international spends, a 3.5% forex markup, air-accident insurance cover, concierge services, and lounge access benefits including domestic airport and railway lounge visits.
International credit cards are designed to make overseas travel more convenient, secure, and rewarding. They combine global acceptance with lifestyle perks, making them ideal for frequent travellers. Here are the key benefits and features, including examples from popular cards in India:
These benefits make choosing the best international credit card India essential for travellers who want to balance convenience, rewards, and security while abroad.
Choosing the right international card can depend on your specific needs and financial situation. Here are some factors to consider:
Look for a card that is widely accepted in the countries you plan to visit. Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted worldwide, while American Express may be less widely accepted.
Many cards charge a fee for each transaction made in a foreign currency. Look for credit cards with no foreign transaction fees or low forex markup to save money on overseas purchases.
Consider a card that offers rewards or benefits that are useful for your international travel needs, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, or bonus points for overseas spending.
Depending on the type of card you are looking for, you may need a good credit score to qualify. Check your credit score and research card options that fit within your score range.
Some international cards may charge an annual fee. Determine if the benefits of the card outweigh the cost of the fee.
Look for a card with good customer service and support, especially if you plan to use the card abroad.
When applying for an international credit card, issuers assess applicants based on standard eligibility requirements. Here are the main factors to consider:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
A minimum income level, as specified by the card issuer, is necessary to qualify for approval.
A credit score of 750 or above is generally preferred to secure approval and favourable terms.
Both salaried and self-employed individuals are eligible to apply, subject to issuer policies.
Meeting these criteria increases your chances of approval for the best international credit card India travellers can rely on for overseas convenience and rewards.
Applicants must provide a valid identity document such as a PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, or Passport.
A recent utility bill (electricity, water, or telephone) or a Ration Card can be submitted to confirm residential details.
Salaried applicants are required to submit their latest salary slips for the past 2–3 months along with Form 16.
Self-employed applicants need to provide their Income Tax Returns (ITR) with income computation and recent bank statements to verify income stability.
Disclaimer: Eligibility criteria and required documents mentioned above can vary from one issuer to another. Please understand the terms and conditions before applying for a credit card.
To apply for an international credit card, you can follow these steps:
Begin by comparing available international credit cards on Bajaj Finserv Markets (BFM). Review features such as lounge access, forex markup, rewards, and insurance benefits.
Verify age, income, employment type, and credit score requirements. Most issuers prefer applicants with a credit score of 750 or above.
Complete the application form by entering details such as PAN, Aadhaar, income information, and PIN code. Ensure accuracy to avoid rejection.
Submit scanned copies of required documents like passport, PAN card, Aadhaar card, proof of address, and income proof.
Once submitted, the issuer will review your application. Approval may take a few days to a few weeks depending on verification.
Here’s a comparison of some of the top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees (also called credit cards with no international fees) available in India. These cards are designed to help travellers save on forex charges while offering premium perks.
Sources: Issuer MITC documents and product disclosures.
These cards eliminate forex markup, making them ideal for frequent travellers. Depending on your lifestyle, you can choose between premium luxury cards like HDFC Infinia or Axis Reserve, or budget-friendly options like RBL World Safari and Niyo SBM.
When travelling abroad, using your credit card wisely ensures both convenience and security. Here are some essential tips:
Enable International Transactions via your bank’s app or SMS before departure.
Inform Your Bank about your travel plans to avoid transaction declines.
Use Chip+PIN instead of swiping for added security.
Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion — always pay in local currency to save fees.
Choose Cards with No Forex Markup to minimise charges on international spends.
Monitor Transactions regularly through mobile banking for fraud detection.
By following these practices, you can maximise convenience, reduce costs, and keep your finances secure while travelling internationally.
Several premium cards in India provide international lounge access through Priority Pass or similar programs. Examples include SBI Card Elite (6 complimentary visits per year), ICICI Bank Sapphiro (2 complimentary visits annually), SBI Card PRIME (4 visits per year), and AU Vetta Credit Card (1 visit per quarter). These cards are ideal for travellers seeking comfort and convenience abroad.
Yes, you can withdraw cash from ATMs overseas using an international credit card. The transaction is treated as a cash advance, which may attract higher interest rates and fees. It’s advisable to check your issuer’s charges before withdrawing cash abroad.
The best travel credit cards for frequent international travellers include options like HDFC Infinia, RBL World Safari, and Axis Reserve, which offer low or zero forex markup, global lounge access, and travel insurance. These features make them highly suitable for regular overseas trips.
If you want to select the best international credit card, you may explore the Credit Card category on Bajaj Markets. Go through the list of available cards to acquire more information about foreign transaction fees, international services, and additional features. Once you locate a card that meets your requirements, validate your credit card eligibility and click on ‘Apply’ to begin the application process.
Yes, as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), you can apply for a credit card from a bank in India that is suitable for international travel. However, the approval and eligibility criteria may vary from bank to bank, so it's best to research the specific requirements of the bank you are interested in applying to.
Using a credit card internationally can be a convenient way to make purchases and payments while travelling. When travelling internationally, utilising your credit card instead of cash offers both security and convenience. With each transaction, you'll accumulate points that can be saved and later used towards additional travel adventures. Additionally, your purchases may be eligible for purchase protection, providing added reassurance.
It is better to choose a card that charges no foreign-transaction fee and applies a low forex mark-up. The card should work on global networks like Visa and Mastercard, and include travel benefits like complimentary travel insurance or lounge access. Compare issuer fee schedules, ATM withdrawal charges and travel perks to select the card that matches your itinerary and spending profile.
Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted across 200+ countries and at millions of merchants and ATMs worldwide, though acceptance varies by merchant and region. It can be better to carry a backup payment option and some local cash because small vendors or remote locations may accept only cash.
Issuers usually charge a foreign-currency mark-up or forex transaction fee, typically in the range of about 1.5%–3.5% of the transaction. ATM cash withdrawals incur separate cash-advance and withdrawal charges. Check your card’s updated fee schedule for exact percentages and flat charges before travelling.
Yes, many international cards award reward points, miles or cashback on overseas spends, with some cards offering enhanced rewards for travel or foreign-currency transactions. Review the rewards earning rates, redemption rules and any exclusions to assess real value.
Yes, the card network and issuer may convert the local currency transaction into INR (or the billing currency) and apply any associated conversion and mark-up fees. So, transactions in different currencies settle correctly on your statement. It may be wiser to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion, where the merchant offers to bill in INR, because the merchant rate can be less favourable than the card network’s conversion.
Many premium international cards include complimentary travel insurance (medical emergency cover, trip delay/cancellation, lost baggage. Plus, they can come with travel perks like airport lounge access and concierge services, although benefits vary widely by card tier and issuer. Verify the cover limits, exclusions and claim process in the card terms before relying on the insurance.
You can use your issuer’s mobile app or internet banking to check and enable international/forex usage and usage limits (POS, ATM, e-commerce, etc.) Some issuers also allow temporary travel activation and provide step-by-step activation guides in their help centre.
PayPal and similar global payment apps accept most major Visa and Mastercard credit cards for linking, IF the issuing bank permits international and online transactions. Add the card under the app’s payment methods and complete any verification steps. If linking fails, you can confirm the billing address and ask the card issuer whether international/online use is enabled.
The foreign transaction fee on credit cards in India is typically between 1.5% and 3.5% of the transaction amount, charged as forex markup. This applies whenever you make a credit card international transaction in a foreign currency.
Most Visa and Mastercard credit cards can be used internationally, but you must enable international usage via your bank’s mobile app or SMS service before travelling. Without activation, overseas transactions may be declined.
Some of the best international credit cards in India with zero forex markup include IDFC Mayura, HDFC Infinia, and RBL World Safari. These are popular credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for frequent travellers.