Best Credit Card for International Travel from India

I have used credit cards for 20 years now, and for the last 8 of those I have not paid for a flight, a hotel night, a forex markup or a lounge entry. That is not because I travel less — it is because I carry the right cards. If you fly abroad even once a year, the wrong card quietly costs you 3.5% on every swipe plus ₹2,000+ for every lounge visit. The right card erases both. In this guide I rank the best credit card for international travel from India across premium, mid-range and free options, so you can pick one that actually fits how you travel.

Quick Answer: Top 10 Cards Ranked

If you just want the list, here it is. I have ordered them from best overall for a frequent traveller to best for a budget student. For the full reasoning, keep reading below the table.

Rank	Card	Best For	Annual Fee
1	HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card	Premium travellers wanting unlimited lounge access and high reward value	₹12,500
2	Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card	Frequent flyers who want strong miles without a very high fee	₹5,000
3	IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card	Zero forex seekers who also want lounge access and cancellation cover	₹5,999
4	Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card	Budget travellers who want zero forex and a lifetime free card	Nil
5	YES BANK Marquee Credit Card	High spenders wanting low forex and unlimited lounges at a lower premium	₹4,999
6	ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card	Luxury travellers who value lounges, hotel memberships and cancellation cover	₹12,499
7	HSBC TravelOne Credit Card	Travel-focused rewards and discounts without an ultra-high fee	₹4,999
8	Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card	High-spend frequent travellers who can unlock unlimited lounge access	₹12,500
9	RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card	Zero forex and travel rewards at a lower fee	₹3,000
10	Niyo Global Credit Card	Budget backpackers and first-time travellers wanting zero forex	Nil

1. HDFC Infinia — Invite-only premium, unlimited lounges, 2% forex. 2. Axis Atlas — Great miles rate, 12 lounge visits, 3.5% forex. 3. IDFC Mayura — Zero forex, 16 lounge visits, cancellation cover. 4. Scapia — Lifetime free, zero forex, app rewards. 5. YES Marquee — 1% forex, unlimited lounges. 6. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal — Unlimited lounges, Taj Epicure, 2% forex. 7. HSBC TravelOne — Solid rewards, 3% forex, moderate fee. 8. Axis Magnus — Unlimited lounges, 2% forex, high spend needed. 9. RBL World Safari — Zero forex, 5 pts/₹100 on travel, ₹3,000 fee. 10. Niyo Global — Free secured card, zero forex, app-first.

Now let me break down each card, who it is for, and its one honest drawback. If you already know your travel style, take the 2-minute quiz and skip straight to your match.

Best Premium Cards for Unlimited Lounge Access and Rewards

These are the heavy hitters. If you travel internationally multiple times a year and can tolerate a five-figure annual fee or a high spend requirement, one of these will make every trip measurably cheaper and far more comfortable.

1. HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card — The Overall Best for Frequent Premium Travellers

There is a reason Infinia stays at the top of every serious traveller’s wallet. It gives you unlimited international and domestic lounge access for both you and your add-on cardholder, a 2% forex markup, and 5 reward points per ₹150 spent. Points convert to air miles at a 1:1 ratio, which means a ₹1.5 lakh spend can return roughly 5,000 air miles — often worth more than the ₹12,500 annual fee if you redeem smartly. The catch: it is invite-only. You cannot just apply; the bank picks you based on income, existing relationship and credit profile. If you qualify, it is almost always the best card for international travel from India at this price point.

Annual fee: ₹12,500, waived on ₹10 lakh annual spend.
Forex markup: 2%.
Drawback: Invite-only; if you are not offered it, you cannot get it.

You can read the full feature list on our HDFC Infinia Credit Card page.

5. YES BANK Marquee Credit Card — The Lowest Forex Fee Among Premium Cards

If you want premium lounge access but hate paying 2% forex, YES Marquee is your answer. Its forex markup is just 1% — the lowest among true premium cards in India. You get unlimited international lounge visits for primary and add-on cardholders, plus 8 guest visits a year. The joining fee is ₹9,999 and the annual fee ₹4,999 (often waived at ₹10 lakh spend). Reward rates are workable but not class-leading: 36 points per ₹200 online. Still, if you spend ₹5–10 lakh abroad a year, that 1% forex difference alone saves ₹10,000–20,000 versus a standard 2% card.

Annual fee: ₹4,999 (joining ₹9,999), waived on ₹10 lakh spend.
Forex markup: 1%.
Drawback: Reward points are best redeemed for travel; the joining fee is high if you don’t get the waiver.

See all features on the YES Bank Marquee Credit Card page.

6. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card — Luxury Hotel Memberships and Unlimited Lounges

The Emeralde Private Metal is ICICI’s answer to Infinia. You get unlimited international lounge access, a 2% forex markup, a Taj Epicure membership (which typically costs ₹20,000+ and gives you free nights and dining discounts), and up to ₹12,000 refund on trip cancellations. The annual fee is ₹12,499, usually not waived. It is also largely invite or very high income based — our estimate is ₹2.5 lakh+ monthly income. If you stay at Taj properties or want that extra hotel perk, this card pulls ahead of Infinia.

Annual fee: ₹12,499, waived on ₹10 lakh spend (though not always offered).
Forex markup: 2%.
Drawback: Strict eligibility; if you don’t use Taj Epicure, you are paying for a benefit you may not need.

More details on the ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card page.

8. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card — For High Spenders Who Can Unlock Unlimited Lounges

Magnus used to be the hottest premium card in India, and it still works for a specific kind of user. It offers unlimited domestic and international lounge access, a 2% forex markup, and 5X rewards on Travel EDGE. But the real value kicks in only if you spend over ₹1.5 lakh a month — above that you earn 35 EDGE points per ₹200, which is an exceptional rate. The annual fee is ₹12,500, and it is waived at ₹25 lakh annual spend (many users had it as part of Burgundy private banking with different terms). If you are a genuine high spender, it is worth a look; if not, the fee eats you alive.

Annual fee: ₹12,500, waived on ₹25 lakh spend.
Forex markup: 2%.
Drawback: Its value collapsed for moderate spenders after the 2023 devaluation; you need heavy monthly spends to make it worthwhile.

Read the current feature list on the Axis Magnus Credit Card page.

Best Mid-Range Cards for Frequent Travellers

These cards balance a reasonable annual fee (₹3,000–₹6,000) with solid travel benefits. They are the sweet spot for most working professionals who take 2–4 international trips a year.

2. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card — The Strongest Miles Earner for the Fee

Atlas is my top recommendation for someone who flies often but does not want to pay ₹12,000+ a year. You earn 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on travel spends (capped at ₹2 lakh/month) and 2 miles per ₹100 on everything else. Miles transfer to airline and hotel partners at a 1:2 ratio, which means an effective return of up to 10% on travel spends if you redeem well. You also get up to 12 international lounge visits a year. The annual fee is ₹5,000, and the forex markup is 3.5% — not great, but if you use a zero-forex card for spending abroad and this card for bookings, you get the best of both.

Annual fee: ₹5,000.
Forex markup: 3.5%.
Drawback: High forex markup means you should not use it for spending in foreign currency; pair it with a zero-forex card.

See the full earning structure on our Axis Atlas Credit Card page.

3. IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card — Zero Forex with Lounge and Cancellation Cover

Mayura is the best zero-forex card that also treats you like a premium customer. There is no forex markup at all, so every international swipe is charged at the base Visa/Mastercard rate. You get up to 16 international lounge visits a year (4 per quarter, with a ₹20,000 spend in the previous month), flight/hotel cancellation cover up to ₹50,000, and up to 20% bonus rewards on travel bookings via the IDFC app. The annual fee is ₹5,999, which is easily recovered if you spend ₹2–3 lakh abroad a year. This is the card I recommend to most salaried travellers who want simplicity.

Annual fee: ₹5,999.
Forex markup: 0%.
Drawback: Lounge access requires a ₹20,000 spend in the previous month, so it is not automatic; rewards must be redeemed in the IDFC app.

More on the IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card page.

7. HSBC TravelOne Credit Card — Travel-Focused Rewards at a Moderate Fee

TravelOne is a quiet performer. You earn 4 reward points per ₹100 on flights, travel aggregators and forex spends, and 2 points per ₹100 elsewhere with no cap. Points transfer instantly to airline miles and hotel points, which gives flexibility. The card also offers up to 12% savings on travel bookings via HSBC’s rewards marketplace. The annual fee is ₹4,999, waived on ₹8 lakh annual spend. Forex markup is 3% — average but not terrible. If you book flights and hotels regularly and want a low-hassle points card, this is underrated.

Annual fee: ₹4,999, waived on ₹8 lakh spend.
Forex markup: 3%.
Drawback: Forex markup is not great; the travel booking portal can be clunky.

Check the full details on the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card page.

9. RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card — The Lowest Fee Zero Forex Card

If you want zero forex but do not want to pay ₹6,000 for Mayura, World Safari is your next best. It has a 0% forex markup and earns 5 reward points per ₹100 on travel spends. The annual fee is just ₹3,000. You do not get the lounge visits or cancellation cover of Mayura, and reward redemption is less transparent, but for pure forex savings it is excellent. The card also comes with basic travel insurance and some domestic lounge access (though terms vary).

Annual fee: ₹3,000.
Forex markup: 0%.
Drawback: Lounge benefits are not clearly defined; customer support can be average.

See the latest feature set on the RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card page.

Best Free Cards for Zero Forex and Budget Travel

If you are a student, a first-time traveller, or someone who takes one trip abroad every two years, paying a ₹5,000 annual fee makes no sense. These two cards give you zero forex with no annual fee, and that is often all you need.

4. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card — Lifetime Free with Zero Forex and App Rewards

Scapia is a lifetime free card with zero forex markup and a genuinely good mobile app. You earn 20% back in Scapia coins on travel spends made through the app (flights, hotels, activities). The card is issued by Federal Bank, and the digital-first experience is smooth. There is no annual fee, no joining fee, and no minimum income requirement that is prohibitively high. The catch is that rewards are locked to the Scapia app, so you must book through it to maximise value. But for a free card, it is hard to beat.

Annual fee: Nil.
Forex markup: 0%.
Drawback: Rewards only within the Scapia app; the card may not be available to everyone yet.

10. Niyo Global Credit Card — Best for Backpackers and First-Timers

Niyo Global is a fintech card backed by a fixed deposit with SBM Bank or DCB Bank. It is lifetime free, has zero forex markup, and supports spending in 130+ currencies. Because it is secured, you can get it even with no credit score or a low income — perfect for students or first-time international travellers. The app is clean, and you can load money in INR before your trip. The downside is you need to lock a fixed deposit, and the issuer bank may change. But if you want a no-nonsense zero forex card without a credit history, this is the simplest option.

Annual fee: Nil (but requires a fixed deposit).
Forex markup: 0%.
Drawback: Your money is locked in an FD; it does not help you build a credit score like an unsecured card.

Which Card for Which Profile?

Not everyone needs a premium card. Here is how I would pick based on who you are and how you travel.

• Frequent international traveller (business or leisure, 4+ trips a year): HDFC Infinia if you can get it. Otherwise YES Marquee for the 1% forex and unlimited lounges, or Axis Atlas if you want miles and can pair it with a zero forex card.
• Occasional overseas traveller (1–2 trips a year): IDFC FIRST Mayura is the best all-rounder — zero forex, lounge access, and cancellation cover at a mid fee. If you want to pay no fee, Scapia is the best free zero forex card.
• Student or first-time international traveller: Niyo Global or Scapia. Both are free, zero forex, and require minimal paperwork. Niyo’s secured model means approval is almost guaranteed with a fixed deposit.
• Premium spender who wants luxury perks: HDFC Infinia or ICICI Emeralde Private Metal. Both give unlimited lounges for you and your family, plus hotel memberships and strong reward value. If you stay at Taj often, pick ICICI.
• Salaried or self-employed earning moderate to high income: Axis Atlas or HSBC TravelOne. Both have fees around ₹5,000 that are easy to recover with travel spends, and they offer flexible points transfer to airlines and hotels.

My personal rule after two decades of using these cards: always carry one zero forex card for spending abroad, and one premium card for lounge access and big-ticket travel bookings. That combination saves me the most money and hassle. If you are unsure which two to pick, take our quiz and I will narrow it down for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best card can cost you money if you use it wrong. These are the five mistakes I see repeated most often.

• Chasing zero forex and ignoring lounge value: A zero forex card that lacks lounge access means you will pay ₹2,000–3,000 per lounge visit. If you visit two lounges per trip, that is ₹6,000 per trip you could have avoided with a card like Mayura or Atlas.
• Not checking Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When a foreign merchant or ATM offers to charge you in INR instead of local currency, always say no. DCC rates are 3–7% worse than your card’s network rate, even on a zero forex card.
• Assuming all premium cards have low forex: Axis Atlas has a 3.5% markup — higher than some free cards. Always check the specific card’s forex fee before you swipe abroad.
• Ignoring reward expiry and fee waiver conditions: Many airline miles expire in 24–36 months if unused. Annual fee waivers often require ₹5–10 lakh spends. If you won’t hit those spends, a lower-fee card is better.
• Using only one card for everything: A card strong on flight bookings may be weak on foreign spends. Carry two: one for zero forex swipes, one for travel bookings and lounge access.

If you want to see how the top cards stack up side by side, use our comparison tool — it is easier than scrolling through individual bank pages.

FAQs

Which credit card has zero forex markup for international travel from India?

Several cards offer zero forex markup: IDFC FIRST Mayura, RBL World Safari, Federal Scapia, and Niyo Global. Among these, Mayura adds lounge access and cancellation cover for a ₹5,999 fee, while Scapia and Niyo are free but with fewer travel perks.

Is HDFC Infinia the best card for international travel?

For most frequent premium travellers, yes. It combines unlimited lounge access for you and your add-on, a 2% forex markup, and a solid 5 reward points per ₹150 with 1:1 air mile conversion. The only real downside is that it is invite-only, so you cannot simply apply.

Can I use a free credit card for international lounge access?

Free cards rarely include international lounge access without a catch. Some, like Scapia or Niyo Global, offer no lounge benefit at all. If you want lounge access on a budget, consider a mid-range card like IDFC Mayura (₹5,999 fee, 16 visits) or Axis Atlas (₹5,000 fee, 12 visits).

What is the difference between a travel credit card and a forex card?

A travel credit card is an unsecured credit line that earns rewards and offers travel benefits like lounge access and insurance. A forex card is a prepaid card you load with foreign currency; it has no credit line, earns no rewards, but often has zero markup and fixed exchange rates. For most travellers, a good travel credit card with low or zero forex is more valuable.

How can I avoid forex markup fees when travelling abroad?

Use a card with 0% or 1% forex markup for all foreign currency transactions. Always choose to be charged in the local currency (never INR) at POS terminals to avoid dynamic currency conversion. And carry a backup card in case one is not accepted.

Remember, card fees, forex markups and benefits change often. Always confirm the latest terms on the bank’s website before applying.

I have tested dozens of cards over two decades, and the truth is there is no single best card for everyone — only the best card for how you travel. That is exactly why I built CardBuddy: answer a few simple questions, and we match you with the one card that fits your spending, income and travel style. Find the card made for you in 2 minutes. If you want to dig deeper into our methodology, you can also read our detailed guide on the 10 best international travel cards or our roundup of zero forex markup cards.