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The top international travel credit cards in India in 2026 are dependent on criteria such as foreign exchange transaction fees, airport lounge access, travel perks, hotel perks, among others. The use of a 0% foreign exchange markup may lower the additional expenses on foreign transactions, and a premium card may provide the user with either airport lounge access, travel perks, or hotel perks, among others. The different benefits vary greatly depending on the card and may also depend on eligibility and terms of the program. Understanding these may allow one to determine which card is best suited based on personal expenditure and travel needs.
Key Takeaways
A travel credit card India refers to a credit card that can be utilised for an eligible transaction outside of India or even an online transaction from foreign merchants. Almost all credit cards have an option to use them for international purposes, although the charges and travel benefits may be different for various cards.
The first important charge that should be looked at is the foreign exchange or forex markup charge. This is basically a charge applied to foreign currency transactions and added to the amount of the converted transaction.
Also, the travellers should be concerned about international airport lounge access, travel rewards, hotel benefits, insurance, and any other privileges offered by the card.
Using a suitable credit card for overseas transactions can offer several benefits. The exact benefits depend on the card and its current terms.
Foreign currency exchange fees may increase the cost associated with the purchase of products overseas. The use of a credit card with a low foreign exchange fee or none at all may minimise the extra cost incurred from foreign currency transactions. The Scapia Federal Credit Card.
A foreign currency exchange fee of 0% doesn’t imply that every transaction in a foreign currency will be free of extra cost.
Access to airport lounges is useful for international travel when a traveller is required to make a long stopover or catch an early flight. Certain premium credit cards offer free access to international airport lounges either directly or through lounge membership programs.
The IDFC FIRST Bank says that the FIRST Private offers complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges on a 'terms and conditions' basis. ICICI Bank also claims that the Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card offers complimentary international airport lounge access via Priority Pass.
Access to the international lounges offered by the card does not necessarily mean unlimited access. One needs to review the number of permitted visits and other terms before using them.
Certain credit cards award reward points or miles from their eligible travel spending. Reward points can be used for making travel reservations, redeeming goods, gift vouchers, or transferring points to other loyalty programs based on the credit card offered.
For example, HDFC Infinia cardholders can avail themselves of a 3-night stay while paying for only 2 nights at participating ITC hotels, subject to applicable terms. The card also provides unlimited complimentary access to participating global airport lounges for primary and add-on cardholders.
Travelers need to consider the reward points' redemption value rather than the reward earning rate only.
The following table highlights some credit cards that can be considered for international travel in 2026. The cards are not ranked, as the suitable option depends on individual spending patterns, eligibility and the benefits a traveller actually needs.
2% for Infinia Metal Edition
*T&C Apply
Fees and benefits can vary by card variant, customer offer, and revised issuer terms. Applicable taxes are extra where applicable.
1. HDFC Infinia Credit Card
HDFC Infinia Credit Card's Metal Edition is subject to a joining/annual membership fee of ₹12,500, which can be waived if the eligible annual spend exceeds ₹10,00,000. According to its current MITC, it has a 2% foreign currency transaction fee. Travel privileges comprise access to airport lounges and SmartBuy travel redemptions, among others.
2. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card has a joining and annual fee of ₹12,499. The bank offers complimentary access to international airport lounges using Priority Pass for both primary and supplementary cardholders.
3. Axis Magnus for Burgundy Credit Card
Magnus for Burgundy Credit Card can be applied for by eligible Burgundy Private customers. Axis Bank states that the card is associated with a joining fee and an annual fee of ₹30,000 and has an annual fee waiver for eligible annual spend of ₹30 lakh.
4. YES BANK Marquee Credit Card
YES BANK Marquee has a 1% foreign currency conversion fee. YES BANK Marquee also provides travel rewards and lounge facilities. There is a different 1% DCC fee for eligible transactions when such transactions are settled in Indian rupees.
5. IDFC FIRST Private Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST Private card comes with a 0% forex markup and free domestic and international lounge access, subject to terms. Selected travel insurance rewards are also included in the card.
6. Scapia Federal Credit Card
The Scapia Federal Credit Card does not have any joining or annual fees and has 0% foreign currency markup. Free lounge access is provided based on programme terms.
7. ixigo AU Credit Card
The ixigo AU Credit Card comes with travel benefits and 0% forex markup. The updated reward scheme does not include reward points on international transactions.
The decision about which international travel credit card to use is based on the foreign exchange fees, access to lounges, perks, fees, and other factors depending on personal needs. Different cards vary with regard to the advantages they offer, who can apply for them, and how they can be used.
Yes, some issuers offer the facility to activate or deactivate international transactions through banking applications or otherwise. It would be best if you verified from your credit card issuer's controls before embarking on international travel.
Yes, you can use your international-enabled credit card to make eligible transactions with overseas merchants. However, such transactions will be subjected to applicable costs by the issuing authority.
Dynamic currency conversion means that the overseas merchant or ATM is able to convert a transaction to Indian Rupees, instead of the currency of the country where the purchase is being made.
If there is an option, making payment in local currency usually gives the card company or issuing entity the power to do the conversion from one currency to another. In case you choose INR through DCC, it will have its own conversion rate.
The answer is yes, transactions may be declined owing to various reasons such as security measures, merchant rules, use in foreign countries, and transaction limits.
You must immediately block your card by reaching out to the issuer and reporting it. The card issuer will inform you about the procedure for replacement.
No, cash withdrawals will be subject to additional cash advance fees and finance charges as per the terms of the card. Fees for foreign currency conversion may be charged to eligible international cash withdrawal transactions.
Some supplementary cardholders are eligible for certain privileges, which can vary depending on the card and its program policies.
Make sure that the currencies, amounts, rates of conversion, and any fees involved match those indicated on the statement. If there seems to be a mismatch with the conversion rules specified by the issuing company, get in touch with the card issuer.
Travellers should save all relevant documents about transactions such as receipts or bookings, especially concerning large expenses.
