Best Credit Card for International Travel From India (Low Forex, Lounge Access & Miles)

Best Credit Card for International Travel from India in 2026

Planning a trip abroad? The right credit card can make a huge difference. It helps cut down on those sneaky foreign exchange (forex) fees that add up fast, gets you into airport lounges for some comfort during long layovers, racks up rewards like miles or points for future trips, and often throws in travel insurance to cover mishaps like delays or lost bags.

With so many options out there, picking the best credit card for international travel from India in 2026 means focusing on low forex markup, solid perks, and value that matches how often you travel.

In this guide, we'll walk through what really matters when choosing one, compare top picks, dive into detailed reviews of standout cards, highlight zero or low-forex options, and share practical tips to use your card smartly overseas.

Whether you're a frequent flyer chasing miles, a student keeping costs low, or a business traveler needing reliability, there's something here for you.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for International Travel

Finding the perfect card starts with understanding your needs. Here's what to weigh carefully.

Key Factors to Consider

• Foreign currency markup fee: Most cards charge 2–3.5% on international spends—this is extra cost on top of the exchange rate. Look for 0% or under 2% to save noticeably on big trips.
• Reward structure on international spends: Higher points, miles, or cashback on foreign transactions (and travel bookings) can offset costs or fund your next vacation.
• Airport lounge access: Domestic lounges are nice, but international ones (via Priority Pass or direct) matter more abroad. Check visit limits, guest policies, and if add-ons get free entry too.
• Annual/joining fee vs benefits: Premium cards have higher fees but often waive them with spending milestones—make sure the perks justify the cost.
• Travel insurance: Look for coverage on medical emergencies, lost luggage, flight delays/cancellations, and sometimes trip interruptions.
• Acceptance abroad and support: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; Amex can be trickier in some places. Good customer support for lost cards or disputes while traveling is a must.

Who Should Get a Travel Credit Card?

• Frequent flyers: Prioritize airline miles, unlimited lounges, and co-branded perks for upgrades or free flights.
• Occasional tourists and students: Go for low or zero forex markup with minimal fees to avoid extra charges on shopping, dining, or tuition payments.
• Business travellers: Higher limits, comprehensive insurance, global acceptance, and concierge help for seamless trips.

Best Credit Cards for International Travel from India (Quick Comparison)

Here's a snapshot of some strong contenders based on current offerings, great for quick scanning.

Detailed Review of Top International Travel Credit Cards

HDFC Infinia Credit Card – Best For Premium High-Net-Worth Travelers

• This invite-only premium card delivers top-tier luxury for those who spend big.

Key Features

• Forex markup around 2%.
• High reward points on spends, convertible to miles or points.
• Unlimited domestic and international lounge access (Priority Pass for primary and add-ons).
• Welcome bonuses and milestone rewards often include travel vouchers.
• Extensive travel insurance: medical, baggage, delays, and more.

Fees and Charges

• Joining/annual fee around ₹12,500 (waivers possible on high spends).
• Other charges like cash advance or late fees apply as standard.
• Interest rates high if not paid in full.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Unlimited lounges, strong rewards, comprehensive insurance, global acceptance.
• Cons: High fee and income requirement, best for heavy spenders.

Who Should Choose This Card?

• High-income individuals or frequent business/premium leisure travelers who can hit spend thresholds to maximize value and offset the fee.

Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card – Best For Miles and Frequent Flyers

A solid choice if you love collecting and transferring miles.

Key Features

• Forex markup typically around 3.5% (check latest).
• EDGE Miles earned at higher rates on travel categories.
• Multiple international lounge visits via Priority Pass.
• Milestone benefits like travel vouchers.
• Travel insurance coverage for delays, baggage, etc.

Fees and Charges

• Joining/annual around ₹5,000.
• Waivers on milestone spends.
• Standard other fees.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Great for mile transfers to airlines/hotels, lounge access, milestone perks.
• Cons: Higher markup than some, fee if spends not met.

Who Should Choose This Card?

• Frequent flyers who book flights/hotels often and want flexible mile redemptions.

RBL World Safari Credit Card – Best For Zero Forex Savings

Tailored for travelers who hate extra forex charges.

Key Features

• 0% forex markup on all international transactions.
• Rewards on travel spends.
• Complimentary domestic and international lounge visits (Priority Pass).
• Strong travel insurance (up to 1 year coverage in some cases).

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee around ₹3,000.
• Waivers possible.
• Other standard charges.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: True zero forex, good lounges and insurance, travel-focused.
• Cons: Limited reward depth compared to premium cards, acceptance standard.

Who Should Choose This Card?

• Anyone prioritizing forex savings on shopping, dining, or hotels abroad without ultra-high spends.

SBI Card ELITE – Best For Balanced Travel Perks

A reliable mid-premium option with low markup.

Key Features

• Forex markup at 1.99%.
• Rewards convertible to travel vouchers.
• Complimentary lounge visits (domestic and some international).
• Milestone benefits for travel.

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee around ₹4,999.
• Waivers on spends.
• Standard fees.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Low markup for premium, lounges, vouchers, insurance.
• Cons: Not unlimited lounges, fewer international perks.

Who Should Choose This Card?

• Occasional to moderate travelers wanting value without extreme premium costs.

Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card – Best For Budget Zero-Forex Users

Lifetime free with strong travel focus.

Key Features

• 0% forex markup.
• Rewards on travel bookings.
• Some lounge or basic travel perks.
• No annual fee.

Fees and Charges

• Nil joining/annual.
• Minimal other charges.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Zero forex and fee, good for international spends.

• Cons: Fewer luxury perks like unlimited lounges.

Who Should Choose This Card?

• Students, budget travelers, or anyone avoiding fees while traveling abroad.

Low Forex Markup and Zero Forex Credit Cards from India

Forex markup is that extra 1–3.5% banks add to the exchange rate on foreign spends—it hurts on large trips. Zero or low-markup cards eliminate or minimize this, saving hundreds or thousands.

Top zero-forex picks include RBL World Safari, Scapia Federal Bank, IDFC FIRST WOW!, and others like ixigo AU or certain variants. These beat traditional cards for pure international use. For even better rates on multi-currency needs, some pair them with options like Wise (interbank rates, no markup), though that's more a debit-style travel card.

Travel Benefits to Look For (Beyond Forex)

• Lounge access: Aim for international via Priority Pass (unlimited ideal), plus domestic.
• Airline/hotel tie-ups: Co-brands or transfer partners for bonus miles/status.
• Complimentary travel insurance: Medical (high coverage), lost baggage, delays.
• Concierge and emergency services: Card replacement, cash advances abroad.

Best Card by Traveller Type

Best Card for Frequent International Flyers from India

• HDFC Infinia for unlimited lounges and rewards, or Axis Atlas for mile transfers—check detailed sections above.

Best Card for Budget Travellers and Students

• Scapia Federal Bank or IDFC FIRST WOW! for zero forex and no/low fees.

Best Card for Business Travel

• HDFC Infinia or SBI Card ELITE for insurance, high limits, and reliability.

Best No-Forex or Low-Forex Card

• RBL World Safari or Scapia for true zero markup savings.

How to Use Your Credit Card Smartly While Travelling Abroad

Always pay in local currency at checkout, avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) that charges poor rates. Activate international usage and set spend limits via the app before leaving. Pay your full balance monthly to dodge high interest.

Carry a backup card (different network) and note emergency helplines for quick blocking if lost. Enable transaction alerts and check statements regularly to spot issues fast.

Eligibility and Documents Required for International Travel Credit Cards

Premium cards often need high income (₹10–25 lakh+ annually) and good credit scores (750+). Mid-range might start lower. Documents usually include PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, income proof (salary slips/ITR), and bank statements.

Tips for better approval: Keep utilization low, pay bills on time, maintain stable income, and build a relationship with the bank.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article/video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or credit advice. Credit card features, fees, reward structures, forex markup charges, lounge access benefits, and eligibility criteria may change over time based on bank policies and regulatory updates.

Readers and viewers are advised to verify the latest details directly from the official bank websites or authorized representatives before applying for any credit card. Approval of credit cards depends on individual eligibility, income profile, credit score, and bank discretion.

We do not represent or promote any specific bank, financial institution, or product. Always assess your spending habits, repayment capability, and financial goals before choosing a credit card.