Best Credit Cards for International Travel in 2025

 Best Indian Credit Cards for International Travel in 2025


Best Indian Credit Cards for International Travel in 2025

Traveling abroad has become more accessible, and having the right credit card can make your international trips more seamless. 


Indian credit cards for international travel not only help you manage expenses in a foreign currency but also offer exciting benefits like travel insurance, airport lounge access, reward points, and zero foreign transaction fees. Below is a curated list of the best credit cards for international travel, their key features, and where you can apply.

Here top most rewarding credit card list.


1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card


One of the most popular premium credit cards in India, the HDFC Regalia is a fantastic choice for frequent travelers.


Key Features:

Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: 2% of the transaction amount.

Lounge Access: 12 complimentary domestic and 6 international lounge visits per year.

Reward Points: 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent. Points can be redeemed for flights and hotel bookings.

Travel Insurance: Complimentary air accident cover of ₹1 crore.

Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (waived off if annual spends exceed ₹3 lakh).


Apply Here: HDFC Regalia Credit Card


2. SBI Card Elite


The SBI Elite Card is an excellent premium travel card offering multiple perks for international travelers.


Key Features:

Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: 1.99%.

Welcome Bonus: Complimentary vouchers worth ₹5,000 from luxury brands.

Lounge Access: Complimentary visits to airport lounges under the Priority Pass Program.

Rewards Program: 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent internationally.

Annual Fee: ₹4,999.


Apply Here: SBI Elite Credit Card


3. IndusInd Bank Celesta Credit Card


A super-premium credit card tailored for global travelers with elite benefits.


Key Features:

Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: 2%.

Lounge Access: Unlimited international and domestic lounge visits.

Rewards Program: Earn points on international spends and luxury dining.

Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage, including lost baggage and flight delays.

Annual Fee: ₹50,000.


Apply Here: IndusInd Bank Celesta Credit Card


4. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card


This is a dual card offering excellent travel benefits and global recognition.


Key Features:

Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: 3.5%.

Lounge Access: Complimentary visits to domestic and international lounges through Dreamfolks and Mastercard programs.

Rewards Program: Earn PAYBACK points on international spending.

Travel Insurance: Air accident cover of ₹3 crore.

Annual Fee: ₹6,500.


Apply Here: ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card


5. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card


Axis Magnus is a top choice for frequent flyers seeking luxury travel benefits.


Key Features:

Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: 2%.

Lounge Access: Unlimited complimentary visits to domestic and international lounges.

Rewards Program: Earn EDGE reward points on every spend.

Travel Insurance: Travel protection for flight cancellations, lost baggage, and more.

Annual Fee: ₹10,000.


Apply Here: Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card


Tips for Choosing the Right Credit Card for International Travel

1. Low Forex Markup Fee: Look for a card with 2% or lower fees to minimize international transaction costs.

2. Global Lounge Access: Ensure the card provides complimentary international lounge access.

3. Reward Points: Opt for cards with high rewards for foreign transactions.

4. Travel Insurance: Cards offering robust travel insurance provide added peace of mind.

5. Annual Fee vs Benefits: Evaluate whether the card’s benefits outweigh its annual fee.


 Best  Credit Cards for International Travel in 2025


1. Which Credit Card is Best for Flight Booking in India?


Credit cards tailored for flight bookings often offer benefits like air mile rewards, discounts on tickets, and complimentary lounge access.

HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

Earn up to 15 reward points per ₹150 spent on travel.

Exclusive discounts on flight bookings through the SmartBuy portal.

Complimentary domestic and international lounge access.

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

Earn free Vistara base fare tickets as a joining benefit.

Get up to 4 Club Vistara points per ₹200 spent.

Complimentary lounge access at major airports.

Yatra SBI Credit Card

20% discount on domestic flight bookings on Yatra.com.

Reward points that can be redeemed for tickets or hotel stays.


Best For: Frequent flyers seeking discounts and reward points on air travel.


2. Zero Forex Markup Credit Card


Zero forex markup cards are essential for international travelers as they waive the usual 2–3.5% foreign currency transaction fee.

IndusInd Bank Crest Credit Card

No forex markup on international transactions.

Earn 1 reward point per ₹100 spent internationally.

Niyo Global Card (Credit Card Variant)

0% forex markup with easy online account management.

Comes with travel insurance and global ATM access.

IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card

Zero forex markup and no annual fee.

Up to 10x reward points on international spends.


Best For: Frequent international travelers who want to save on foreign exchange fees.


3. Credit Card with Lowest Foreign Transaction Fee in India


If zero forex markup cards are unavailable, choose cards with minimal forex fees.

SBI Elite Credit Card

Forex markup fee: 1.99%.

10x reward points on international spends.

Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card

Forex markup fee: 2%.

Up to 4x reward points on international spending.

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

Forex markup fee: 2.5%.

Premium travel rewards on foreign spending.


Best For: Travelers seeking significant savings on international transactions.


4. Best Credit Card for International Travel for Students


Students studying or traveling abroad need cards with affordability and ease of use.

SBI Student Plus Advantage Card

Forex markup fee: 2.5%.

Redeem reward points for travel or shopping.

HDFC Multicurrency ForexPlus Card (Prepaid)

No credit score requirement (prepaid).

Locked-in exchange rates protect against currency fluctuations.

ICICI Coral Credit Card for Students

Forex markup fee: 3%.

Complimentary lounge access and travel discounts.


Best For: Students managing limited budgets and frequent international spends.


5. Best Credit Card in India


The best credit card in India depends on your spending habits:

HDFC Regalia Credit Card (Best for Overall Use)

Up to 15,000 reward points as a welcome bonus.

Complimentary lounge access and travel insurance.

SBI Card PRIME (Best for Lifestyle and Travel)

10x reward points on international spends and flight bookings.

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card (Premium Choice)

2x air miles on travel-related expenses.

Exclusive discounts on flights and hotels via Axis Bank partners.


Best For: High-spenders and those seeking travel or luxury benefits.


6. How to Get an International Credit Card in India?


Follow these steps to apply for an international credit card:

1. Check Your Eligibility:

Must be at least 21 years old.

Minimum income requirement varies (₹25,000–₹50,000/month for most cards).

2. Choose the Right Card:

Select a card based on forex markup fees, rewards, and annual charges.

3. Submit Required Documents:

Identity Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, or passport.

Address Proof: Utility bills, rental agreement, or passport.

Income Proof: Salary slips, ITR filings, or bank statements.

4. Apply Online or Offline:

Visit the bank’s website or apply via the nearest branch.

Some banks allow instant digital approvals.

5. Approval and Activation:

Upon approval, activate the card for international transactions through internet banking or the bank app.


Pro Tip: For first-time users, opt for cards with no annual fee and lower spending limits.




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. Which Credit Card is Best for Flight Booking in India?


The HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card and Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card are excellent choices for frequent flyers. They offer air mile rewards, discounts, and complimentary lounge access.


2. What is a Zero Forex Markup Credit Card?


A zero forex markup credit card eliminates the 2–3.5% transaction fee charged for payments in foreign currency. Examples include the IndusInd Bank Crest Credit Card, Niyo Global Card, and IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card.


3. Which Credit Card Has the Lowest Foreign Transaction Fee in India?


Some credit cards offer low forex markup fees instead of zero fees:

SBI Elite Credit Card (1.99% markup).

Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card (2% markup).

American Express Platinum Travel Card (2.5% markup).


4. What is the Best Credit Card for International Travel for Students?


For students, SBI Student Plus Advantage Card and HDFC ForexPlus Prepaid Card are ideal as they provide affordability, ease of use, and options to lock exchange rates for better savings.


5. What is the Best Credit Card in India?

HDFC Regalia Credit Card: Best for all-around use.

SBI Card PRIME: Great for lifestyle and travel benefits.

Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card: Ideal for premium spenders.


6. How Can I Get an International Credit Card in India?


To apply:

1. Check eligibility (age, income, and credit score).

2. Submit documents (ID, address, and income proofs).

3. Apply online or offline through the bank.

4. Activate international usage via the bank’s app or portal.


Pro Tip: Compare forex fees, annual charges, and reward programs before applying.


Would you like me to expand on any particular section or card?





By choosing one of these credit cards, you can maximize savings, enjoy exclusive perks, and ensure hassle-free travel experiences abroad. Always check the card’s terms and conditions and assess your spending pattern before applying. Happy travels!


Bokapatel

This is hameraram bokapatel, I’m enthusiastic to writing content in blogging, technology, stock market, career planning, personal development and more in depth of life.

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