Best Credit Cards For International Travel
Last Updated : Dec. 21, 2024, 11:25 a.m.
There are many people who travel abroad frequently either officially or even for vacations. International travel as we all know is quite expensive and we must utilize all possible avenues to cut down on costs. Credit cards enable individuals to save bucks on flight bookings, hotel stays, lounges etc. Not only that, they also provide premium perks through complimentary memberships, milestone and welcome bonuses, accelerated rewards on international spends and a lot more to make our travel comfortable and memorable. Let us now read about some of the best credit cards for international travel in India in 2025
Top Credit Cards for International Travel in India in 2025
Several banks have come together to strengthen the credit card segment. As we all are aware of the fact how the traveling industry is booming especially after the COVID Pandemic. Moreover, if you love international trips and you are a frequent flyer then you can look over these Best Airlines Credit Cards in India .
Credit card | Key benefits | Joining fee | Annual fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rs. 4,999 | Rs. 4,999 | |
| Rs. 12,500 | Rs. 12,500 | |
| Rs. 1499 | Rs. 1499 | |
RBL World Safari Credit Card |
| Rs. 3000 | Rs. 3000 |
Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card |
| Rs. 350 | Rs. 350 |
| Rs. 3500 | Rs. 3500 | |
YES Bank Marquee Credit Card |
| Rs. 2500 | Rs. 2500 |
AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card |
| Rs. 4,999 | Rs. 4,999 |
How to Choose the Best Credit Cards for International Travel?
- Rewards: Evaluate the rewards structure of the card and make sure it aligns with your spending habits. For instance, If you are a frequent flyer, then look for a card with a reward program that gives importance to airline or hotel partnerships.
- Budget friendly: Look for cards which have no or very low foreign transaction fees. This can help you save on your international expenses. Transparency in forex rates, global ATM fee reimbursement, and cashback programs that help to cut down on travel costs are things to look for in an international travel card.
- Lounge access: As an international traveler, you may have to use lounges to rest. So, it is ideal to choose a card that offers a good number of international lounge visits in several countries.
- Travel insurance: Ensure that the travel insurance coverage is enough for your needs.
What are the transaction fees and charges on Credit Cards?
Most debit and credit cards charge a fee every time you buy something abroad. These fees are usually around 3% of the purchase price. But some debit cards and credit cards don’t charge these fees. So, it is recommended to go through the charges before you decide to get a particular credit card. Below are the types of charges applicable to international credit cards. There are basically three types of charges involved:
- Foreign Currency Conversion fee – The credit card you own is an Indian credit card with Indian Rupees in it. When you use this card abroad, you will be charged a foreign currency conversion fee as well. Visa and MasterCard automatically charge a 1.5-3% fee on foreign currency exchange and anything in excess of it is generally a small margin of profit for the bank.
- Foreign Transaction Charge – Irrespective of the currency, transaction amount, or cash withdrawal, providers (SBI, ICICI, HDFC, BOB, PNB etc.) charge a foreign transaction Charge, which makes up for around 2.5 -3.5% figure of the total transaction amount.
- Cash Advance Fee – Just like cash advances are chargeable within the country, there is an additional fee for withdrawing money overseas via a Credit Card. For each withdrawal, you can incur an additional fee of 1-4% along with the standard cash withdrawal rate for your Credit Card, together with the international cash withdrawal fee. So, don’t do it until and unless it’s an emergency.
How to select a perfect International Credit Card?
The charges you will be paying on withdrawal and using a credit card are obviosuly not welcomed. But, you always have the choice to check the fees and charges before you get them. The information on transaction charges and cash advance is available with the issuing bank like SBI, ICICI etc. You can contact their customer care department to find out about the same before packing your bags.
Why should you use Credit Cards abroad?
Even though using a credit card abroad for shopping and withdrawal may be expensive, it is still recommended. Read below the reason behind this.
- Credit cards give you complimentary lounge access.
- Low foreign currency mark-up fee.
- Free bonus points on annual transactions.
- Insurance cover for accidental death during air travel.
- Redeem reward points for flight bookings.
- Hotels generally ask you to deposit your credit card as a security deposit.
- If your credit card gets lost abroad, most credit card providers limit your liability which is not available for lost debit cards.
With the above information on some of the best credit cards for international travel, you might have got the idea how can you choose the most suitable one for yourself.
Conclusion
Credit cards are useful for a variety of purposes, including travel, shopping, lifestyle benefits, and more. They are specifically designed to meet customer demand. Furthermore, the features of the above-mentioned Best Credit Cards for International Travel are making a difference. To meet the needs of a broader audience, the bank has been updating them. As a result, if you enjoy traveling, give them a shot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
