The prospect of going on an international vacation is thrilling. If you possess an international credit card, it only adds to the fun. Credit cards come with benefits such as complimentary lounge access, low forex markup fees, and dining and shopping discounts. While on a trip, these benefits come as a godsend, especially while traveling to a foreign destination. So, if you have a long bucket list of travel destinations, this article will give you a lowdown on the best credit cards for international travel and how you can save your hard earned money while pursuing your travel dreams.

Why opt for International Travel Credit Cards?

Credit cards are a widely accepted form of payment around the world. International travel credit cards offer many benefits such as low forex markup fees, complimentary lounge access, club memberships, rewards, etc. A few terms may seem like financial jargon. Here’s what they mean, and how they benefit you during an international trip.

Forex Markup Fee: Forex markup fees are charges that banks levy for international transactions. Look for international credit cards from banks that charge less forex markup fees.

Complimentary Lounge Access: The duration of international flights can range from four hours to 22 hours. They involve stop-overs at one or multiple airports, depending on the destination. Free access to an airport lounge provides the much-needed respite to ease the long travel hours. Most international travel credit cards offer free lounge access. This is the best way to save money on food when you are in between flights.

Club Memberships: Among the rewards offered by credit companies, membership to elite clubs opens up a whole new avenue for international travel credit card holders.

Rewards:  International travel credit cards offer rewards in the form of miles and discounts. These rewards help you get that seat upgrade or a few nights of stay at your favourite five-star hotel, without you spending anything for them.

Let’s look at some of the international travel credit cards of 2024 that have stood out.

Best Travel Credit Cards 2024: Top 10 International Travel Credit Cards in India

Best Travel Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

If you are looking for an international travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees, the following credit cards fit the bill.

IDFC First Wow! International Travel Credit Card

Charges & Fees

  • No foreign transaction fee.
  • No joining fees.
  • No annual maintenance charges.
  • Credit cards are issued against a fixed deposit of a minimum of INR 10,000.
  • The FD incurs an interest rate of 7.25% per annum.

Eligibility

  • Anyone can apply for this travel credit card.
  • Eligibility is not based on a person’s credit score history.
  • It is a lifetime-free credit card.

Benefits

  • Complimentary access to all international/domestic airport lounges. 
  • Get discounts on tickets/hotel stays on online travel aggregator platforms like EaseMyTrip, Yatra, MakeMyTrip, TravelXp, etc.
  • Food discounts at notable restaurants and hotel chains around the world and online food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy.

HDFC Regalia Forex Plus Credit Card

Charges and Fees

  • Joining fees of INR 1000 plus GST are applicable.
  • Reloading charges of INR 75+GST are applicable when reloading the credit card.
  • For transactions done in USD, the charges are levied as per the bank’s policies.
  • No forex markup is charged for cross-currency transactions.

Benefits

  • No Forex markup charges.
  • Complementary access to airport lounges around the world.

Credit cards with low FOREX markup fees

While many co-branded credit cards offer low Forex markup fees, the following cards ace the game.

SBI Elite Credit Card

Fees & other charges

  • Joining Fees: Rs 4,999 plus taxes
  • Annual Maintenance Charges: Rs. 4,999 plus taxes

Benefits

  • A Low Forex markup of 1.9%
  • Complimentary movie tickets of up to INR 6,000
  • Complementary international/domestic airport lounge access.
  • Earn rewards points on grocery, shopping, and dining experiences with affiliate brands.

HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition

Fees and Charges

Joining Fee/Annual renewal charges: INR 12500 plus applicable taxes per annum.

Eligibility: This is an invite-only credit card.

Benefits & Features

– Low Forex markup of 2%.

– Zero liability in case of loss of card. Terms and conditions apply.

– complimentary international/domestic airport lounge access.

– complimentary buffet passes at notable five-star hotels across

– Interest-free credit period for up to 50 days from the date of purchase.

 Travel Rewards Credit Cards

All international travel credit cards offer travel rewards. The following travel rewards credit cards stand out.

Axis Atlas Credit Card

Fees & charges:

  • A Standard joining fee of INR 5000
  • Annual fees of INR 5000
  • Cash withdrawal: 2.5% of the withdrawn amount.

Travel Rewards:

  • Obtain 2500 EDGE miles upon transacting within the first 37 days of card issuance.
  • Avail of 5 EDGE miles on travel and 2 EDGE miles on shopping.
  • The Miles transfer program in which the earned miles can be transferred to any affiliate hotel for a five-star stay or shopping is beneficial, especially during an international trip.
  • Free domestic/international airport lounge access for primary card holders and their accompanying guests.
  • Avail of a 25% discount on dining at affiliate dining joints via EazyDiner.

Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card

Fees & Charges 

  • Joining fees INR 350
  • Renewal fees INR 350

Benefits

  • 10% discount on all domestic/international flight bookings made on EaseMyTrip.
  • 20% discount on hotel bookings made through EaseMyTrip.
  • Complimentary lounge access in both domestic and international airports. The number of times one can access depends upon the lending bank’s terms and conditions.

Conclusion

With companies opening up to remote work, it has become easier for hodophiles to pursue their passion for travelling while not giving up on their careers. Having an international travel credit card can be a boon for such people. Credit cards when used mindfully can be used for your benefit. The ones listed above are some of the best in each category. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and apply for one that suits your profile the most.

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