Best Credit Cards for International Travel from India: Top Picks for 2025
Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating experience, but when it comes to making payments, choosing the right credit card is essential to ensure convenience, security, and rewards. For Indian travelers, a credit card designed for international travel offers various benefits like lower forex markup fees, travel perks, and exclusive rewards. Here’s a guide to the best credit cards for international travel from India in 2025.
1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
Why It’s Great for International Travel:
The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card is one of the top choices for international travelers, offering a premium experience with great benefits. It comes with:
• Low Foreign Currency Markup Fee: With a markup fee of just 2%, it helps save on foreign transaction charges.
• Travel Benefits: Complimentary airport lounge access, priority check-in, and concierge services.
• Reward Points: Earn 4 reward points per ₹150 spent on international transactions.
Annual Fee: ₹2,500
Best For: Frequent flyers and those who prefer premium travel benefits.
Apply Now for HDFC Regalia Credit Card
2. SBI Card Elite
Why It’s Great for International Travel:
The SBI Card Elite provides excellent travel-related perks, making it one of the best options for international travelers. Features include:
• Foreign Currency Markup: 1.99% foreign exchange markup fee, which is lower than many other cards.
• Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide.
• Welcome Benefits: Free domestic and international airport lounge access, and milestone benefits.
Annual Fee: ₹4,999
Best For: Luxury travelers and those looking for exclusive rewards.
3. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
Why It’s Great for International Travel:
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card is a premium card designed to cater to high-end travel needs, providing a wide range of travel benefits:
• Lower Forex Markup Fees: Just 3.5% markup for international transactions.
• Airline Lounge Access: Unlimited complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
• Rewards Program: Earn up to 6 ICICI reward points for every ₹100 spent internationally.
Annual Fee: ₹3,500
Best For: Travelers looking for a luxurious experience and an extensive rewards program.
Apply Now for ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Why It’s Great for International Travel:
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card offers one of the best international travel experiences with a variety of perks for those who frequently travel abroad:
• Low Foreign Currency Markup: 3.5% forex markup fee.
• Welcome Benefits: 5,000 Membership Rewards points as a welcome gift.
• Travel Perks: Complimentary lounge access, priority check-ins, and special discounts at hotels worldwide.
Annual Fee: ₹5,900
Best For: Frequent flyers who value the rewards and perks that come with American Express cards.
Apply Now for American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
5. Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card
Why It’s Great for International Travel:
Axis Bank’s Privilege Credit Card comes with a good balance of rewards and low-cost travel benefits. It’s perfect for those looking to travel overseas without incurring high fees.
• Forex Markup Fees: 3.5% markup on international transactions.
• Lounge Access: Unlimited complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide.
• Reward Points: Earn 6 points for every ₹200 spent on international purchases.
Annual Fee: ₹1,500
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers looking for great perks at a reasonable cost.
Apply Now for Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card
6. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
Why It’s Great for International Travel:
If you’re a frequent flyer, the Citi PremierMiles Credit Card is an excellent choice to earn miles on international travel:
• Reward Points: Earn 10 miles for every ₹100 spent on international purchases.
• Low Forex Markup Fee: 3.5% on international transactions.
• Travel Benefits: Complimentary miles transfer to leading airlines, airport lounge access, and travel insurance coverage.
Annual Fee: ₹3,000
Best For: Frequent flyers who want to convert their credit card spend into miles.
Apply Now for Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
Key Features to Look For in a Travel Credit Card:
• Foreign Currency Markup Fee: Opt for a card with a low forex markup fee, usually between 1.99% to 3.5%.
• Airport Lounge Access: Many credit cards offer complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
• Reward Programs: Look for cards offering miles or points for international purchases, which can be redeemed for travel-related rewards.
• Travel Insurance: Coverage for trip delays, lost baggage, and emergency medical expenses can save you a lot of trouble when traveling abroad.
• Concierge Services: Premium cards often offer concierge services to assist with travel bookings, reservations, and more.
Conclusion
Selecting the right credit card for international travel depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize lower forex fees, travel perks, or rewards. Cards like HDFC Regalia, SBI Elite, and American Express Platinum Travel stand out for their robust features. By choosing a card that aligns with your travel habits, you can make your international trips smoother and more rewarding.
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Start planning your next international trip with the best credit cards from India and maximize your travel experience in 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About Credit Cards for International Travel from India
1. What is a Forex Markup Fee?
Forex markup fee is a charge that credit card issuers levy on international transactions. This fee is typically a percentage of the transaction value and is applied when you make purchases in foreign currencies. The lower the forex markup fee, the cheaper it will be for you to spend abroad.
2. Which Credit Card Has the Lowest Forex Markup Fee?
Among the popular travel credit cards in India, the SBI Card Elite stands out with a forex markup fee of just 1.99%, which is one of the lowest available. Other cards, like the HDFC Regalia Credit Card, also offer competitive forex fees (around 2%).
3. Can I Use My Indian Credit Card for International Transactions?
Yes, you can use your Indian credit card for international transactions. However, ensure that your card is enabled for international usage. Most credit cards allow international payments by default, but it’s advisable to check with your bank before traveling abroad.
4. What are the Benefits of Using a Credit Card for International Travel?
Using a credit card for international travel offers several benefits:
• Security: Credit cards are more secure than carrying large amounts of cash, especially in case of theft or loss.
• Rewards: Many travel credit cards offer rewards, miles, or points for international spending, which can be redeemed for travel perks.
• Travel Insurance: Some credit cards provide coverage for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergencies when used for travel-related purchases.
• Foreign Currency Conversion: Credit cards offer competitive exchange rates when making payments abroad.
5. What is the Best Credit Card for Frequent Flyers?
If you are a frequent flyer, credit cards like the Citi PremierMiles Credit Card and ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card are excellent choices. They offer substantial miles on international purchases, which can be transferred to partner airlines for free flights or upgrades.
6. Do Credit Cards Charge Fees for International Purchases?
Yes, credit cards usually charge a forex markup fee for international transactions. The fee varies depending on the credit card issuer and can range between 2% to 3.5% of the transaction amount. It’s important to compare the fees before selecting the card that suits your travel needs.
7. How Can I Avoid Extra Charges on International Transactions?
To avoid extra charges:
• Choose a card with a low forex markup fee.
• Look for cards that offer reward points or miles for international purchases.
• Make sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
• Use cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access or other travel perks.
8. What Should I Do if My Credit Card Gets Lost While Traveling?
If your credit card is lost or stolen while traveling, immediately contact the credit card issuer’s customer service. Most banks provide 24/7 emergency assistance for blocking the card and issuing a replacement. Some issuers also offer emergency cash services to help you during your trip.
9. Are There Any Hidden Fees Associated with Travel Credit Cards?
While many travel credit cards offer fantastic benefits, always read the fine print. Some cards charge high annual fees, late payment fees, or foreign currency conversion charges. Make sure to account for all potential costs before applying.
10. Can I Earn Reward Points or Miles for International Purchases?
Yes, many travel credit cards allow you to earn reward points or miles on international purchases. Cards like American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and HDFC Regalia offer substantial points for spending abroad, which can be redeemed for travel tickets, upgrades, or other rewards.
11. Do I Need to Notify My Bank Before Traveling Internationally?
It’s advisable to notify your bank or credit card issuer about your international travel plans. This will prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity, which could lead to a temporary block while you’re abroad.
12. Can I Use My Indian Credit Card in All Countries?
Yes, Indian credit cards are generally accepted worldwide in countries where major international payment networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted. However, some countries may have limited access to certain networks, so it’s good to carry an alternative payment method as well.
These FAQs should help you better understand how to make the most of your credit card while traveling internationally. Always check the specific terms and conditions with your credit card issuer before your trip to ensure a hassle-free experience abroad!