With the summer holidays ongoing, it’s time to plan that much-needed getaway. Whether you’re jetting off to a tropical paradise or exploring local gems, the right credit card can make your trip even better with savings and perks. Travel-focused credit cards are a hit, offering goodies like free lounge access and hotel memberships. Here are the top nine best credit cards in India for international travel that’ll supercharge your summer travels in India and beyond. Take a look!
SBI Elite Credit Card
The SBI Elite Credit Card is perfect for those who travel abroad and are looking for the best travel credit cards in India 2024. With this card, you can enjoy great benefits: you get 8 free lounge visits at airports in India and 6 at international airports each year. Plus, when you use the card in foreign countries, there’s only a low fee of 1.99%. And as a bonus, you also get free memberships to Club Vistara, Trident Privilege, and Trident Red Tier.
Axis Bank | Axis Miles
Axis Bank’s Miles & More World credit card offers unlimited miles based on your spending, which never expire. You can redeem these miles for various benefits, like flight bookings, upgrades, hotel deals, and shopping. The card also includes complimentary priority pass membership and four free domestic lounge visits per quarter, with a 40% dining discount at partner restaurants. However, there’s a 3.5% forex markup fee on foreign transactions and an annual fee of Rs 3,500 plus taxes. This card is among the best credit cards in India for international travel and is ideal for those seeking travel money cards for their journeys abroad.
IDFC First Wealth Credit Card
The IDFC First Wealth Credit Card is totally free for life. It comes with great perks like a low forex markup fee of just 1.5%, travel insurance, and air accident cover. You also get 16 free visits to airport lounges each year, both in India and abroad. Plus, you can withdraw cash without interest anywhere in the world. This premium card even gives you discounts on fast-track immigration services at over 450 airports worldwide. It’s an excellent option for those seeking the best credit card for international travel for students, and it offers added value when booking international tour packages.
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HDFC Bank’s Infinia Credit Card
This card is considered as the best travel credit card in India, offering unlimited global airport lounge access, priority pass membership, and discounts at restaurants and Marriott hotels. Cardholders receive Rs 3 crore air travel insurance, Rs 50 lakh medical cover, and earn up to 10X points on travel and shopping. There’s a two percent forex markup fee and an annual fee of Rs 10,000 plus taxes. Additionally, you can conveniently buy forex online with this card, making it a comprehensive travel companion.
RBL World Safari Credit Card
The RBL World Safari Credit Card has a special perk: no extra fee for spending in foreign currency. You earn five ‘Travel Points’ for every Rs 100 spent on travel and two ‘Travel Points’ for every Rs 100 spent on anything else. Plus, you get 8 free lounge visits each year at big airports in India and 8 more worldwide with Priority Pass Membership. This card is among the best credit cards for international travel lounge access, providing excellent benefits for frequent travelers, including those who often stay at hotels during their trips.
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ICICI Bank | ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card
ICICI Bank’s Emeralde Private Metal Card gives you unlimited access to airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass membership and extensive travel insurance coverage. You won’t face cancellation charges on travel bookings, including cheap flight tickets, made with this card. For payments in foreign currency, the bank charges a 2% forex markup fee, making it a competitive option for those seeking a credit card with the lowest foreign transaction fee in India. There’s an annual fee of Rs 12,499 plus taxes, but it’s waived if you spend Rs 10 lakh or more on the card each year.
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AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card
The AU Zenith+ Credit Card offers premium perks like luxury brand vouchers, exclusive hotel memberships, and higher rewards. With a low forex markup fee of 0.99%, you earn two reward points for every Rs 100 spent on travel, dining, and international purchases, and one point for every Rs 100 spent at retail outlets. Plus, enjoy 16 complimentary international airport lounge visits and 16 domestic lounge visits each year through Priority Pass membership. This card is among the best credit cards for international transactions, providing exceptional value and benefits for frequent travelers.
HSBC Bank Credit Card
This credit card gives you unlimited free access to lounges worldwide and concierge services. Upon activation, users receive an Epicure membership at Taj hotels and a Taj Experience gift card worth Rs 12,000. Reward points can be converted 1:1 to airmiles with over 20 airlines. For foreign currency transactions, the bank charges a 0.99% forex markup fee, making it one of the best credit cards in India for international travel. Additionally, it’s important to note that this card is widely accepted, being a Visa card. The annual fee is Rs. 20,000 plus taxes.
InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card
The InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card earns you InterMiles with every purchase, which you can use for future bookings. Upon joining, you receive a complimentary InterMiles Silver Membership and 8,000 InterMiles. You also get a free ‘Priority Pass’ membership for 5 international airport lounge visits anually, along with 16 free domestic lounge visits annually through the Visa Lounge Access Programme. This card stands out as one of the best credit cards in India for international travel, offering valuable benefits for frequent flyers in India and abroad.
When it comes to selecting the right credit card for your international travels, it’s essential to consider factors such as lounge access, foreign transaction fees, rewards, and global acceptance. With the plethora of options available, understanding your spending habits and travel preferences can help narrow down the choices to find the perfect fit. Whether you prioritize lounge access, low foreign transaction fees, or earning rewards on your purchases, there’s a credit card tailored to suit your needs. And with the convenience of applying for visa online, obtaining the ideal card for your international adventures has never been easier.
Frequently Asked Questions about best Credit Cards in India
Which card is best for international travel in India?
For international travel in India, seek a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and global acceptance. Popular options like HDFC Regalia, Axis Bank Miles & More and ICICI Emeralde offer perks like lounge access, air miles, and travel insurance, catering to frequent flyers.
Which Indian card is best for international transactions?
Popular debit cards for international transactions include ICICI Bank Sapphiro, SBI Global, HDFC EasyShop Platinum, Axis Bank Burgundy, Yes World, and HSBC Premier Platinum.
Which card is best for international travel?
When comparing travel money cards to credit cards for overseas travel, while credit cards offer larger spending limits, the preferred choice remains the travel money card.
Which is the best travel card for India?
The best travel card for India is the Wise travel money card, as it lets you convert your local currency for spending during your travels to India.
How do I pay abroad without fees?
Credit cards often provide a convenient method for making payments overseas. Numerous major issuers offer credit cards with competitive exchange rates, making them an attractive option for international transactions.
Which bank travel card is the best?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are among the best options for international travel. The former excels in travel benefits, while the latter offers numerous transfer partners for added flexibility.
Which bank has no foreign transaction fee?
Discover® does not impose foreign ATM network or foreign transaction fees; however, its card acceptance may be restricted outside of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean nations. Conversely, customers with an HSBC Premier Checking account enjoy no foreign transaction fees, coupled with access to HSBC’s extensive global ATM network.
What is the disadvantage of a travel money card?
Fees are often linked to specific travel cards. These may encompass charges for card loading and reloading, purchasing, issuance, and cashing out any remaining balances.
Which SBI debit card is best for international travel?
With the SBI Platinum International Debit Card, you have the freedom to access your account anytime and anywhere you need. It enables you to make purchases at merchant establishments, conduct online transactions, and withdraw cash both within India and internationally.
Which credit card is best for flight booking in India?
The Air India SBI Platinum credit card is ideal for frequent travelers, particularly those who favor Air India for their journeys. It provides 15 reward points on Air India expenditures, which can be redeemed for discounted or complimentary tickets in the future.
How do I get an international credit card in India?
To get an international credit card in India, meet eligibility criteria, choose a card with features like no foreign transaction fees, apply online or in person with required documents, wait for approval, activate the card upon receipt, and start using it for global transactions, considering associated fees.
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