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Credit Cards for International Travel in 2024

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People who frequently travel abroad can save a significant amount using the right international travel credit card. Benefits like complimentary international lounge access, a low forex markup fee, accelerated reward earning on international spends, and general savings on flights and hotel bookings can help travellers save a lot on their trips. Though almost all credit cards now come with worldwide acceptance, choosing one specifically to cover international spends can be tricky. Below is a list of the best credit cards for international travel that can help you save significantly on your travel spends.

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Updated: 16-12-2024 09:01:26 AM

Best Credit Cards for Overseas Travel (December 2024)

HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition

infinia-credit-card
4/5

Joining fee: ₹12500

Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹12500

Unlimited airport lounge access for primary and add-on members

10x reward points on travel and shopping spends on Smartbuy

Travel
Lounge Access
Reward Points
Check Eligibility

Product Details

  • 1 RP = 1 Air Mile or Rs. 1 for travel bookings, Apple products and Tanishq vouchers purchased via SmartBuy
  • Invite-only card with Club Marriott membership and 12,500 reward points on card activation & renewal
  • 5 reward points on every Rs. 150 spent, including spends on insurance, utilities and education​
  • Access to unlimited golf coaching in India & golf games across the world with 2% forex mark-up fee
  • Book 3 nights stay at participating ITC hotels and pay for 2 with 1+1 complimentary weekend buffet
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ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

emeralde-private-metal-credit-card
4/5

Joining fee: ₹12499

Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹12499

Taj Epicure & EazyDiner Prime memberships

Unlimited airport lounge visits

Travel
Reward Points
Check Eligibility

Product Details

  • Rs. 3,000 EaseMyTrip vouchers on reaching each annual spending milestone of Rs. 4 Lakh and Rs. 8 Lakh
  • Unlimited golf lessons or rounds every month on creating a Golftripz account
  • EazyDiner membership, up to 50% off on dining in India & Dubai; 2,000 EazyPoints on joining
  • Buy 1 ticket and get up to Rs. 750 off on the 2nd ticket on BookMyShow bookings, twice a month
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver of up to Rs. 1,000 per month on fuel transactions below Rs. 4,000
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YES Bank Marquee Credit Card

marquee-credit-card
4/5

Joining fee: ₹9999

Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹4999

36 YES Rewardz Points per Rs. 200 spent online & 18 on offline spends

Up to 24 domestic & unlimited international airport lounge visits per year

Travel
Reward Points
Check Eligibility

Product Details

  • 1% forex mark-up fee
  • Up to 12 complimentary golf lessons in a year & 4 green fee waivers at select golf courses in India
  • 60,000 and 20,000 YES Rewardz Points on joining and renewal fee payments respectively
  • B1G1 offer with up to Rs. 800 off per BookMyShow movie ticket with max. 3 free tickets per month
  • Min. 15% off on dining via Dining Fiesta program
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SBI Elite Credit Card

sbi-elite-credit-card
3.5/5

Joining fee: ₹4999

Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹4999

5X reward points on dining, grocery and departmental store spends

Complimentary Priority Pass membership

Lounge Access
Movies
Reward Points
Check Eligibility

Product Details

  • 2 reward points per Rs. 100 spent on other categories
  • Up to 50,000 bonus reward points as milestone benefits
  • 6 complimentary international lounge access in a year; 1.99% forex mark-up fee
  • Up to 8 complimentary domestic lounge access per year, 2 per quarter
  • Free movie tickets worth Rs. 6,000 in a year
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AU Zenith+ Credit Card

zenith-plus-credit-card
3.5/5

Joining fee: ₹4999

Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹4999

2X reward points on travel, dining and international spends

16 complimentary international and domestic lounge access every year

Travel
Reward Points
Online Shopping
Check Eligibility

Product Details

  • 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 on retail spends
  • 1,000 reward points on Rs. 75,000 monthly retail spends & Taj Epicure membership on Rs. 12 Lakh annual retail spends
  • 16 complimentary international lounge visits in a year using Priority Pass & 16 complimentary domestic airport lounge access every year
  • 16 complimentary B1G1 movie/event tickets from BookMyShow in a year
  • International travel benefits with a low forex markup fee of 0.99% and 4 end-to-end VIP airport check-in services per year
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HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

hdfc-regalia-gold-credit-card
4/5

Joining fee: ₹2500

Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹2500

5X reward points on Nykaa, Myntra, Marks & Spencer and Reliance Digital

4 reward points per Rs. 150 across all retail spends

Travel
Shopping
Reward Points
Check Eligibility

Product Details

  • Complimentary Swiggy One & MMT Black Elite Memberships
  • Gift voucher worth Rs. 2,500 on the payment of joining fee
  • 6 complimentary international lounge visits & 12 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year
  • Marks & Spencer, Reliance Digital, Myntra or Marriott vouchers worth Rs. 1,500 on Rs. 1.5 Lakh quarterly spends
  • Flight vouchers worth Rs. 5,000 on annual spends of Rs. 5 Lakh
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Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card

easemytrip-credit-card
3.5/5

Joining fee: ₹350

Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹350

20% discount on domestic & international hotel bookings via EaseMyTrip

10% discount on domestic & international flight bookings via EaseMyTrip

Travel
Co-branded
Check Eligibility

Product Details

  • Save up to Rs. 5,000 on domestic hotel bookings and Rs. 10,000 on international hotel bookings via EaseMyTrip
  • Save up to Rs. 1,000 on domestic flight bookings and Rs. 5,000 on international flight bookings via EaseMyTrip
  • Flat Rs. 125 off on bus ticket bookings via EaseMyTrip
  • 10 reward points per Rs. 100 spent at standalone airline/hotel websites, mobile apps or outlets
  • 1 complimentary domestic lounge visit per quarter & 2 complimentary international lounge visits per year
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IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card

idfc-first-wealth-credit-card
3.5/5

Joining fee: ₹0

Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹0

Up to 10x rewards on every spend

Up to 8 international & 8 domestic airport lounge & spa access in a year

Travel
Reward Points
Check Eligibility

Product Details

  • Low forex mark-up of 1.5%
  • Buy 1 get 1 offer with up to Rs. 250 off twice a month on movie tickets on Paytm app
  • Up to 20% off at partner restaurants & up to 15% off at select health & wellness outlets
  • Complimentary golf round per Rs. 20,000 monthly spends, up to 2 rounds/month
  • Complimentary airport meet & greet, airport transfers, concierge, & premium benefits at select luxury hotels
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Video: Best Credit Cards for International Travel in 2024

Note: Details mentioned in the video have been sourced from the issuer’s website as of August 2024. For updated information, refer to this page.

Top 8 International Travel Credit Cards in 2024

Here is a list of the best credit cards in India for international travel, along with their key features and benefits:

1. HDFC Infinia Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 12,500

  • Complimentary membership to Club Marriott and exclusive dining benefits at ITC Hotels
  • Unlimited international and domestic lounge access for primary and add-on cardholders
  • Comparatively low forex mark-up fee of 2%
  • 5 reward points per Rs. 150 spent across all categories
  • 10X rewards on SmartBuy spends (including travel bookings)
  • Use reward points to make travel bookings via SmartBuy Platform or convert into Air Miles in 1:1 ratio
  • Exclusive concierge service for travel booking assistance, dining referral, golf course referral and more

Suggested Read: Best Super Premium Credit Cards in India | Check Eligibility for Top Credit Cards

Why is this card suitable for international travel?

One of the best premium credit cards in India, HDFC Infinia makes a worthy addition to an international traveller’s wallet owing to its low forex mark-up fee, unlimited international lounge visits and the option to convert reward points into air miles in 1:1 ratio.
The earning rate on the card is also good, which allows travellers to spend more, earn more and then utilize the earned rewards to save on their next trips. However, this is an invite-only card that is offered to select customers of HDFC Bank. So, if you are not eligible for Infinia and want to avail similar benefits, you can apply for the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card.

2. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 12,500

  • Complimentary Taj Epicure Membership for the first year
  • Unlimited complimentary international and domestic lounge access
  • Refund of up to Rs. 12,000 in a year on 2 air travel or hotel booking cancellations
  • Low forex mark-up fee of 2%
  • 6 reward points per Rs. 200 spent across all categories including insurance, utilities and government transactions
  • Reward redemption in 1:1 ratio
  • 6,000 EaseMyTrip flight vouchers on reaching annual spends of Rs. 8 Lakh
  • Unlimited golf games and lessons
  • Concierge service with 24×7 assistance

Suggested Read: Best Travel Credit Cards in India | Check Eligibility for Top Credit Cards

Why is this card suitable for international travel?

ICICI Emeralde Private is a suitable choice for those who frequently travel abroad as they can avail free international lounge access as many times as they want.
The forex mark-up fee on most credit cards is 3.5% but Emeralde Private charges only 2%, which makes foreign spends cheaper for the users. EaseMyTrip vouchers as milestone benefits, flight and hotel booking cancellation cover and concierge services add to the benefits.

3. YES Marquee Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 9,999 | Annual Fee: Rs. 4,999

  • Unlimited international lounge visit for primary and add-on users
  • 24 domestic lounge visits in a year for primary and add-on users
  • 8 complimentary domestic or international lounge visits in a year for guests
  • Low forex mark-up fee of 1%
  • 60,000 reward points as welcome benefits (worth Rs. 15,000)
  • 36 reward points per Rs. 200 on online spends
  • 18 reward points per Rs. 200 on offline spends
  • 10 reward points per Rs. 200 on wallet loading, rental, utility bill, insurance and other government payments
  • 1 reward point = Rs. 0.25

Suggested Read: Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access | Check Eligibility for Top Credit Cards

Why is this card suitable for international travel?

This premium credit card from YES Bank helps international travellers save on their spends made in foreign currency, with a low forex mark-up fee of only 1%.
Moreover, the card provides unlimited international lounge visits for primary as well as add-on users along with up to 8 free guest visits. This makes foreign travels quite convenient.

4. SBI Elite Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 4,999

  • Low foreign currency mark-up fee of 1.99%
  • 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every quarter in India
  • Complimentary membership to the Priority Pass Program worth $99
  • 6 complimentary international airport lounge visits per calendar year (Max. 2 per quarter)
  • Complimentary Club Vistara membership
  • Welcome benefits worth Rs. 5,000
  • 5X reward points on grocery, departmental stores and dining
  • 2 reward points per Rs. 100 across all other spends
  • Up to 50,000 bonus reward points worth Rs. 12,500 as milestone benefit

Suggested Read: Best Credit Cards for Reward Points | Check Eligibility for Top Credit Cards

Why is this card suitable for international travel?

SBI Elite Credit Card is a suitable option if you frequently travel abroad. One of the main reasons for this is its low forex mark-up fee, which allows you to save more on your transactions made in foreign currency.
Apart from general benefits, this credit card also offers international lounge access which is an added advantage if you frequently travel abroad. The complimentary membership of Club Vistara also allows you to enhance your savings on travel bookings.

5. AU Zenith+ Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 4,999

  • Low forex mark-up fee of 0.99%
  • 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on travel, dining, and international spends
  • 1 reward point per Rs. 100 on retail spends across all merchant categories
  • 16 complimentary international airport lounge access every year using Priority Pass
  • 16 complimentary domestic airport lounge access every year
  • End-to-end airport VIP check-in with 4 complimentary services per year
  • Complimentary Taj Epicure membership on minimum net retail spends of Rs. 12 Lakh in a year

Suggested Read: Best Dining Credit Cards in India | Check Eligibility for Top Credit Cards

Why is this suitable for international travel?

AU Zenith+ Credit Card is designed for frequent travellers and heavy spenders. One of the major benefits that make this card suitable for international use is the comparatively low forex markup fee of 0.99%, which is usually offered with super premium cards.
Besides this, the card also offers 16 complimentary international lounge access per year with Priority Pass. In addition to the travel benefits, complimentary Taj Epicure Membership worth Rs. 25,000 is a great addition as a milestone benefit for Taj loyalists. Overall, this is a decent credit card for international travel due to its benefits like higher rewards on international spends, low forex markup, lounge access and other travel benefits.

6. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 2,500

  • Low forex mark-up fee of 2%
  • Up to 6 complimentary international lounge visits per calendar year using Priority Pass
  • 12 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits in a year
  • Flight vouchers worth Rs. 10,000 annual spends of Rs. 7.5 Lakh
  • Complimentary Club Vistara Silver and MMT Black Elite Memberships
  • Gift voucher worth Rs. 2,500 on the payment of joining fee
  • 20 reward points per Rs. 150 spent at Nykaa, Myntra, Marks & Spencer and Reliance Digital
  • 4 reward points per Rs. 150 spent across other categories
  • Vouchers worth Rs. 1,500 from Marks and Spencer, Reliance Digital, Myntra or Marriott on spending Rs. 1.5 Lakh in a quarter

Suggested Read: Best Credit Cards for Shopping | Check Eligibility for Top Credit Cards

Why is this suitable for international travel?

HDFC Regalia Gold is an all-rounder credit card with a good reward rate, complimentary memberships on activation, international and domestic airport lounge access, and free flight vouchers as milestone benefits.
For those who often travel internationally, this card can be quite helpful as it offers a low forex mark-up benefit, good frequency of international lounge access and free flight vouchers as milestone benefit.

7. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: Rs. 350

  • 20% instant discount on domestic and international hotel bookings through EaseMyTrip*
  • 10% instant discount on domestic and international flight bookings through EaseMyTrip*
  • 1 complimentary domestic lounge visit per quarter
  • 2 complimentary international lounge visits per year through Priority Pass

Suggested Read: Best Co-branded Credit Cards in India | Check Eligibility for Top Credit Cards

Why is this suitable for international travel?

Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card is a great option if you frequently travel and make bookings via EaseMyTrip. The best part is that it offers an instant discount, whereas most of the credit cards offer rewards with the brand they have collaborated.
Also, there are no restrictions on minimum spending to avail discount on hotel or flight bookings. This credit card is the right match if you want to earn benefits on your travel bookings (both international and domestic) and do not want the hassle of earning and redeeming reward points.

8. IDFC First Wealth Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: Nil

  • Low forex mark-up fee of 1.5%
  • Comprehensive travel insurance and air accident cover
  • 2 complimentary domestic airport spas & lounges visits per quarter and 2 complimentary international airport lounge visits on spending Rs. 20,000 in the previous month
  • 3X reward points on spends of up to Rs. 20,000 per month
  • 10X reward points on incremental spends above Rs. 20,000 per month
  • Interest-free cash withdrawal anywhere in the world*
  • Discounts on airport fast track immigration service at over 450 destinations worldwide

*Cash advance fee of only Rs. 250 per transaction.

Suggested Read: Best Cashback Credit Cards in India | Check Eligibility for Top Credit Cards

Why is this suitable for international travel?

IDFC First Wealth Credit Card is a good match if you love to travel abroad. This credit card offers various benefits, such as low forex mark-up fee, complimentary international lounge access, exclusive airport services, interest-free cash withdrawal and travel insurance.
Usually, such benefits are provided by high annual fee credit cards, whereas, IDFC First Wealth Credit Card offers these benefits without any annual fee. Hence, choosing this credit card for international use can be a sensible decision.

Benefits of Using International Travel Credit Card
FAQs on International Travel Credit Cards

Benefits of Using International Travel Credit Card

Here are some of the benefits that you can avail with best credit cards for international travel:

Low Forex Markup Fee

Good credit cards for international travel often charge a low forex markup fee as compared to other cards, typically ranging between 0% to 2%, comparatively lower than the standard rate of 3.5%.
With the right credit card, you can significantly enhance your savings by taking advantage of lower forex markup fee. For instance, RBL World Safari charges a forex markup fee of 0%, making it a great option for international use.

Higher Rewards on International Transactions

Certain credit cards offer higher rewards specifically tailored for international transactions, a feature typically absent in standard credit cards. Take, for instance, AU Zenith+ Card, which offers 2X points on travel and international spends, along with 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent on other categories.
Opting for a card that offers higher rewards for international transactions can significantly elevate your travel experience and maximize reward benefits.

Complimentary Lounge Access

Complimentary lounge access is a benefit that is offered not only on travel-specific cards but also on general cards. However, travel credit cards typically offer a higher frequency or unlimited lounge visits for primary and add-on users.
The number of visits varies from card to card, and usually, only premium cards with high annual fees offer unlimited lounge access. Frequent travellers can save significantly on their travels through these benefits.

Additional Travel Perks         

In addition to the low forex markup fee and reward benefits, top international travel credit cards also allow you to avail additional perks like free memberships, complimentary holiday vouchers, airport pickups, travel assistance, and much more to enhance your overall travel experience. While these benefits might not solely decide the choice of a travel card, they undeniably allow you to enhance your savings and the overall value of the card.

Check the 25 best credit cards in 2024 across other categories from top card providers in India.

FAQs on International Travel Credit Cards

1. Which is the best credit card for international travel?

There are numerous cards available in the market that are suitable for international travel. While any credit card allows international transactions, certain ones offer lower forex markup fees or extra perks for such transactions, enabling savings during shopping abroad.
Some of the best credit cards for international travel are IDFC First Wealth, HDFC Diners Club Privilege, SBI Aurum, and more. The selection among these cards entirely depends on your spending habits and travel preferences.

2. How can I apply for a credit card for international travel?

Major credit card issuers offer international credit cards. You can compare & apply for a credit card for international travel online by visiting the respective card issuer’s official website or offline by visiting the nearest branch of the bank. However, before applying for a card, you must check the eligibility requirements and other terms & conditions to avoid credit card application rejection.

3. What is the best credit card in India for international travel?

Most of the credit cards can be used for international travel or overseas transactions. You can book international flights or hotels with most of the credit cards, as per the card issuer’s policy.
You can also enable or disable the international usage of your credit card by logging in to the respective card issuer’s net banking portal.

4. Which is the best credit card for international transactions?

Every time you make a foreign currency transaction, a forex markup fee is levied on your credit card, which is typically 3.5% of the transacted amount.
Nevertheless, super premium cards such as RBL World Safari, AU Zenith+, IndusInd Legend, ICICI Emeralde, etc., come with a lower forex markup fee. Among the best credit cards for international travel, some charge a forex markup fee ranging from 0% to 2%, enabling potential savings.

5. Which is the best credit card for international travel without an annual fee?

Most credit cards for international travel are premium; hence, they come with a joining and annual fee. However, some cards offer an annual fee waiver on achieving a certain spending milestone.
Individuals who frequently travel can make the most out of international cards by achieving these spending milestones and availing annual fee waiver.

6. Which Indian credit card can be used internationally?

Major credit card issuers offer credit cards that can be used internationally. You can ask your card issuer to confirm whether you can use your card for international transactions.
However, you can make international bookings without any additional charges. But card issuers charge a forex markup fee when you use your credit card for overseas transactions.

7. I am a Non-Resident Indian (NRI). Can I apply for a credit card for international travel from a bank in India?

Yes, most of the bank allows you to apply for a credit card for international travel even if you are an NRI. However, the eligibility criteria for NRIs may vary from those applicable to Indian residents.
Additionally, the approval of your card application is completely at the discretion of the bank.

8. How do I know if my credit card is international?

On receiving your credit card, you can ask your card issuer whether you can use your credit card for international transactions. Usually, Visa and Mastercards are accepted internationally.
However, being a domestic payment network, cardholders can use RuPay credit cards only for domestic transactions.

9. Which is the best credit card for international lounge access?

The majority of credit cards provide international lounge access through Priority Pass Membership. Yet, for frequent travellers, having a credit card that offers a higher number of international lounge visits can be beneficial. In these instances, super-premium cards like ICICI Emeralde, HDFC Diners Club Black, and others offer unlimited international lounge access annually.

10. What documents are required to apply for best international credit cards?

To apply for a credit card for international travel, you are required to submit income and address proof. However, if you’re an NRI, you might be asked to provide additional documents based on the bank’s eligibility criteria.

11. Is there a credit limit on purchases made in foreign currencies?

There is no separate credit limit on credit cards that is specifically assigned for foreign currency transactions. Your overall credit limit, covering both domestic and foreign currency transactions, is what you can use for such transactions.

Quick Read: Foreign Transaction Fee On Credit Cards

12. Which is the best credit card for overseas travel for students?

Card issuers typically do not offer premium or standard credit cards to students, as a stable income source is typically required for application approval. However, there are select cards offered by issuers like Kotak, IDFC, ICICI, etc., that offer credit cards to students with basic benefits.
Most of these cards are secured cards that are offered against a collateral, such as a fixed deposit. You can apply for student cards like IDFC First WOW Credit Card, SBI Student Plus Advantage Credit Card, ICICI Bank Student Forex Prepaid Card, and more.

Suggested Read: Student Credit Cards in India

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