International Credit Card

Below are the key benefits for the five popular credit cards and the key perks they offer for international travel: 

1. SBI Card Elite

The SBI Card ELITE is a premium lifestyle credit card designed for frequent travellers and high-spending individuals. It combines travel privileges like international lounge access and low forex markup with exclusive benefits on dining, movies, and rewards. 

• Low Forex Markup: Foreign-currency transactions carry a low foreign-currency mark-up of 1.99%. 
• International Lounge Access (Priority Pass): Complimentary Priority Pass membership (access to 1,000+ lounges worldwide) with 6 complimentary international lounge visits per calendar year (max 2 per quarter). 
• Reward on International Spends: Earn extra reward points on international transactions. 
• Travel-friendly Services: Emergency card replacement worldwide and concierge services; travel-related insurance elements historically included. 

2. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card is a premium dual-card offering that brings together travel convenience and lifestyle privileges. It provides complimentary airport lounge access, travel vouchers, concierge support, and comprehensive rewards for both domestic and international users. 

• Low Forex Markup: Foreign-currency transactions carry a 3.5% forex mark-up on the card. 
• International Lounge Access: Complimentary Priority Pass membership and access to 1,400+ lounges in 145+ countries, with 2 complimentary international lounge accesses per year. 
• Reward on International Spends: Earn 4 points per ₹100 on international transactions, with higher earn rates on travel & lifestyle categories. 
• Travel Insurance & Emergency Services: Air-accident insurance cover (up to ₹3 Crores) when card and ticket usage conditions are met, plus 24×7 concierge and travel assistance. 

3. SBI Card PRIME

The SBI Card PRIME is a versatile credit card that blends value and premium benefits for everyday and travel use. It offers international and domestic lounge access, milestone rewards, and partner privileges tailored for frequent travellers. 

• International Priority Pass: 4 complimentary visits per year to Priority Pass lounges outside India (max 2 per quarter). 
• Domestic Lounge Visits: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year. 
• Travel Conveniences: Emergency card replacement worldwide, global acceptance and cash access at global ATMs — useful when you’re abroad. 
• Travel Insurance / Partner Benefits: The card includes travel-related covers and travel partner offers, with Club Vistara benefits on specific variants. 

4. AU Small Finance Bank Vetta Credit Card

The AU Bank Vetta Credit Card is a premium lifestyle card offering an ideal mix of travel and daily-use benefits. With global lounge access, travel insurance, and attractive reward programs, it’s designed for customers seeking value and comfort when travelling abroad. 

• International Lounge access: Complimentary lounge access program — Priority Pass access for participating lounges outside India (1 complimentary visit per calendar quarter). 
• Forex / Foreign Transaction Fee: AU publishes a foreign-currency transaction charge of 2.99% on international spends. 
• Concierge & Travel Insurance: 24×7 global concierge assistance and travel-related insurance cover with air accident, card liability, and other travel benefits. 
• Domestic & Railway Lounge Access: Complimentary domestic airport lounge access and railway lounge visits available as per quarterly spend conditions. 

5. ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card

The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card is a dual-card solution that offers a balance of travel, lifestyle, and reward features. It includes complimentary lounge access, travel insurance, and flexible reward redemption options for a seamless experience at home or overseas. 

• Forex markup: Foreign-currency transactions on the card carry a 3.5% forex mark-up. 
• Reward on International Spends: Earn 4 points per ₹100 on international transactions (higher earn on international and select categories). 
• Travel Insurance & Concierge: Comes with air-accident insurance cover (up to ₹1 Crore) (subject to use and T&Cs) and 24×7 concierge services for travel bookings and emergency assistance. 
• Domestic Lounge Access: The Rubyx Credit Card provides lounge access in domestic airports and railway lounge benefits; Priority Pass membership may be available for select variants. 

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. 

Here are some of the key features and benefits of using credit cards for international travel: 

• Wide Acceptance: 

One of the main benefits of these credit cards is their wide acceptance. They can be used at a large number of merchants across the world, including online and offline retailers. 

• Convenience: 

International credit cards offer a convenient way to make payments while travelling abroad. You can use your card to make purchases, withdraw cash, and pay bills without having to carry a lot of cash. 

• Rewards and Discounts: 

Many credit cards for foreign travel come with rewards and discounts such as cashback, travel rewards, and discounts on dining, shopping, and entertainment. 

• Currency Conversion: 

International credit cards allow you to make purchases in different currencies. They automatically convert the transaction into your local currency, saving you the hassle of currency exchange. 

• Emergency Assistance: 

If you lose your international credit card while travelling, many card issuers offer emergency assistance services such as card replacement, cash advances, and emergency travel assistance. 

• Fraud Protection: 

These credit cards come with advanced security features such as fraud monitoring and zero liability protection. This means that you will not be held responsible for any fraudulent transactions made on your card. 

Choosing the right international card can depend on your specific needs and financial situation. Here are some factors to consider:

• Accepted Locations: 

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.

• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Many cards charge a fee for each transaction made in a foreign currency. Look for a card with low or no foreign transaction fees to save money on your travels.

• Rewards and Benefits: 

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.

• Credit Score: 

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.

• Annual Fees: 

Some international cards may charge an annual fee. Determine if the benefits of the card outweigh the cost of the fee.

• Customer Service: 

Look for a card with good customer service and support, especially if you plan to use the card abroad. 

• Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Nationality: The applicant should be an Indian resident or a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), depending on the issuer’s eligibility policy.
• Income Criteria: A minimum income level, as specified by the respective card issuer, is required to qualify.
• Employment: Both salaried and self-employed individuals are generally eligible to apply.
• Credit Score: A credit score of 750 or above is typically preferred for approval and better credit terms. 

• Proof of Identity: Applicants must provide a valid identity document such as a Passport, Aadhaar Card, or PAN Card. 
• Proof of Address: A recent utility bill (electricity, water, or telephone) or a Ration Card can be submitted as proof of residential address. 
• Income Proof for Salaried: Salaried applicants are required to submit their latest salary slips for the past 2–3 months along with Form 16 as proof of income. 
• Income Proof for Self-Employed: Self-employed applicants need to provide their 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:

Step 1: Research Available Credit Cards

Look for credit cards that are available for international applicants. Most major credit card issuers offer international credit cards, but it's important to check eligibility requirements and terms and conditions before applying. 

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

You may need to provide credit card documents such as a valid passport, proof of income, and proof of address. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before applying.

Step 3: Apply for a Credit Card Online

To start now, click on ‘Check Card Offer’ at the top of this page, fill in your basic details, and complete the OTP verification. Enter or verify the details like PAN details, income information, PIN, etc. Choose your card as per your eligibility and complete the application. 

Step 4: Wait for Approval

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the credit card issuer to review your application and decide whether to approve or deny your request. This process can take a few days to a few weeks. 

Step 5: Activate Your Card

If your application is approved, you will receive your credit card in the mail. Follow the instructions provided to activate your card and start using it. 

Note: The application process may vary slightly depending on the specific credit card variant and lender.