Travelling abroad should be a stress-free journey, and with the right choices, you can travel in comfort and style. To enjoy a luxurious travel experience, you should carry the best Forex cards with international lounge access. They offer other benefits like complimentary insurance coverage and hassle-free services at competitive prices.
In this blog, we will explore the best forex cards with international lounge access, along with their features, benefits, and tips to enhance your travel. Without further delay, let’s get started!
Table of contents
What are Forex Cards?
Forex cards are prepaid travel cards loaded with foreign currencies, designed to simplify international transactions. The best Forex cards with international lounge access combine convenience, security, and premium perks like lounge access, making them ideal for frequent travellers, students, and professionals.
Key Features of Forex Cards
- Global Usability: Accepted at millions of Visa/Mastercard merchants, ATMs, and online platforms worldwide.
- Enhanced Security: Chip-and-PIN technology reduces theft risks compared to cash.
- Premium Benefits: The best Forex cards with international lounge access offer complimentary lounge visits, insurance, and 24/7 support.
- Reload Flexibility: Top up funds easily via apps or online banking.
Why Opt for the Best Forex Cards With International Lounge Access?
International travel involves managing multiple currencies, exchange rate fluctuations, and cash safety concerns. The best Forex cards with international lounge access address these challenges by offering fixed rates, secure payments, and access to exclusive airport lounges for a comfortable travel experience.
Benefits of Forex Cards:
- Insurance and Assistance: Many Forex cards come with complimentary insurance against loss or theft and 24/7 global assistance.
- Secure Transactions: Forex cards come with chip and PIN technology, minimizing the risk of theft compared to carrying cash.
- Fixed Exchange Rates: With a Forex card, you lock in the exchange rate at the time of loading, protecting you from currency fluctuations during your travels.
- Global Acceptance: Use it at millions of locations worldwide, including ATMs, shops, and restaurants.
- Reloadable: You can easily reload the card when you run out of balance.
Also Read: Want to plan your budget wisely against exchange rate fluctuations? Learn all about locking exchange rates with currency hedging for students.
The Best Forex Cards With International Lounge Access
Choosing the best Forex cards with international lounge access provides a quieter and more comfortable environment compared to crowded airport terminals. Many Forex cards like SBI Card Elite, HDFC Regalia Forex card, ICICI Saphhiro Forex card, Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip card, etc., come with complimentary access to airport lounges.
Below are the best Forex cards with international lounge access. Choosing them can enhance your travel experience. Let’s take an overview of them one by one!
ICICI Sapphiro Forex Prepaid Card
ICICI Sapphiro is another best Forex cards with international lounge access. You get 2 complimentary visits to international lounges. To avail of the experience, you are required to verify using your mobile number on the DreamFolks app.
- You have to then enter your membership ID and PIN shared with your kit, and then submit. You can now browse the services and enter the name of the airport.
- The international lounge access on the ICICI Forex card is valid for a maximum of 1 year.
- For additional lounge access above 2 complimentary visits, you need to pay an extra charge of USD 27.
- Besides, you get a free international SIM card for travel abroad and Uber discount vouchers worth UNR 1,000.
Also Read: Check out this blog on ICICI student Forex card and explore the benefits that can be availed by international students when planning to study abroad.
SBI Elite Card
The SBI Elite Card is among the best Forex cards with international lounge access, offering extensive lounge benefits and competitive fees. Holders of the SBI Elite Card can enjoy 6 complimentary visits to international airport lounges each year. This equates to a maximum of 2 visits per quarter outside India.
You get access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide with their complimentary Priority Pass membership. This enhances the overall travel experience and lets you relax in comfortable environments during layovers.
- You are also eligible for 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge access every quarter in India.
- The card has a competitive foreign exchange markup fee of 1.99%, making it cost-effective for international transactions.
- Besides lounge access, the SBI Elite Card offers a welcome gift voucher worth INR 5,000, bonus reward points, and various travel and lifestyle rewards.
Here’s the list of lounges applicable for domestic airport lounges by using the SBI Elite Card.
| City | Lounge | Terminal |
| Ahmedabad | Plaza Premium | International |
| Banglore | TFS | Domestic and International |
| Chennai | TFS | Domestic, International, and International New |
| Goa | TFS | Domestic |
| Hyderabad | Plaza Premium | Domestic and International |
| Kolkata | Travel Club (TFS) | Domestic and International |
| Mumbai | TFS | Domestic T2 and Domestic T1C |
| Mumbai | Good Times | Domestic T1B |
| Mumbai | Clipper | International |
| New Delhi | Plaza Premium | Domestic T1D, Domestic T3, Domestic T2, International T3 (L-04), International T3 (L-03) |
| Pune | Bird Lounge | Domestic |
Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Card
The Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip card is another card that is one of the best Forex cards, with international lounge access. It offers international lounge access at hundreds of lounges worldwide. You also get discounts on hotel bookings through EaseMyTrip and an annual fee waiver on spending.
- Cardholders can avail of 2 complimentary lounge visits per month when they spend over INR 20,000 in that month, which is beneficial for frequent travellers.
- The card features a competitive forex markup fee of 2% on overseas transactions, making it economical for international spending.
- Besides lounge access, the Standard Chartered Forex card includes rewards on travel expenditures, cashback on duty-free shopping, and discounts on flight tickets purchased through specific platforms.
HDFC Regalia Forex Card
The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card ranks among the best Forex cards with international lounge access, offering zero markup fees and lounge perks. These Forex cards can be loaded in US Dollars. It is specially designed for international travellers and students, offering airport lounge access.
- You get 1 complimentary lounge access per quarter until the validity of the card at 9 select international airports in India.
- The HDFC Forex card allows you to enjoy a comfortable waiting area before your flight, enhancing your travel experience.
Here’s the list of select lounges in India to avail HDFC Forex card international lounge access-
| Airport Name | City | Outlet Name & Terminal |
| Calicut Airport | Calicut | Bird Lounge at T1 |
| Chennai International Airpot | Chennai | Travel Club Lounge at T2 departure |
| Cochin International Airport | Chochin | Earth Lounge at T3 departure |
| Rajiv Gandhi International Airport | Hyderabad | Encalm Lounge at T1 departure |
| Kannur International Airport | Kannur | Pearl Lounge at T1 departure |
| Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport | Kolkata | Travel Club Lounge at T2 departure |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport | Mumbai | Loyalty Louge at T2 |
| Indira Gandhi International Airport | New Delhi | Encalm Lounge at T3 departure |
| Trivandrum International Airport | Thiruvananthapuram | The Lounge at Main Terminal |
Other benefits of the HDFC Regalia Forex card include zero markup charges on cross-currency conversion, insurance coverage up to INR 5 lakhs, a contactless tap and pay facility, and multiple reloading options.
Also Read: Read all about Zero Forex Markup Credit cards and explore the best credit cards for a budget-friendly trip abroad.
HDFC Multi-currency Platinum Forex Card
HDFC Multi-currency Platinum ForexPlus Chip Card is the top forex card with international lounge access, offering exciting complimentary lounge access at international airports in India. All those who avail themselves of this card can access the lounge until the card’s validity.
- The HDFC Platinum Forex Card offers 2 complimentary lounge visits per quarter.
- This Multi Currency Forex Card supports multiple currencies and offers competitive forex markup fees and travel insurance benefits.
- To avail of the benefits, you need to authorise the Forex card on the electronic terminals at a lounge.
- The card will be issued by paying a fee of INR 500 + GST per card.
- One of the best offers on this card is that students get a complimentary ISIC card, which is a globally recognised student ID card. This card offers exclusive discounts in 1,50,000 outlets internationally, making it one of the best Forex cards for students studying abroad.
MakeMyTrip HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card
The last one on the list of best Forex cards with international lounge access is the MakeMyTrip Cash Card in partnership with HDFC Bank. This card offers a wide range of benefits apart from complimentary lounge access at international airports.
- With MMTBLACK Membership, you can earn up to INR 25,000 My Cash on your travel spends.
- You get discounts on flights, hotels, and holiday packages.
- You can reload the card in 22 different currencies and protect yourself from foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
- The card can be availed at no cost when booking your international trips with MakeMyTrip.
Niyo Global Forex Card
The Niyo Global Forex card offers zero forex markup on transactions. It can be used in 150+ countries and 130+ currencies. It is one of the best Forex cards with international lounge access at select international terminals.
- On spending INR 50,000 using a Single Niyo card outside India, you can avail of one complimentary lounge access per quarter at international airports.
- You cannot use the card for airports within India.
- The lounge pass is valid for 30 days from the date of generation.
- You can enjoy complimentary meals, comfortable seating, high-speed wi-fi, and a lot more.
Also Read: Check out this detailed guide on how to use Forex Cards and what the steps are to follow to get one.
BookMyForex Zero Markup Forex Card
Another best Forex card with international lounge access is the BookMyForex card. The card offers complimentary lounge visits per quarter at international airports in India. This is perfect for multi-currency travel with no hidden fees and It can be used until the card’s expiry.
- It offers zero forex markup on interbank rates.
- There are no issuance or reloading fees.
- The card can be loaded in up to 14 foreign currencies and managed via the BookMyForex app for easy expense management.
How to Maximise Your Forex Card Experience?
To get the most out of the best Forex cards with international lounge access, follow these actionable tips for cost savings and convenience.
- Load Destination Currency: Preload the primary currency to avoid cross-currency charges.
- Monitor Spending: Use mobile apps to track expenses and reload funds.
- Prioritize Large Transactions: The best Forex cards with international lounge access offer better rates for big purchases.
- Verify Lounge Access: Check lounge terms (e.g., Priority Pass or DreamFolks) before travel.
- Carry Backup Cash: Keep minimal cash for small transactions.
This was all about the best Forex cards with international lounge access. These cards can drastically improve your travel experience, especially if you are a study abroad aspirant or a frequent traveller.
The cards we’ve reviewed offer not only security and convenience but also exclusive access to airport lounges, saving you time and ensuring comfort during long waits.
Choose the Forex card that best fits your needs, whether you’re looking for minimal fees, rewards on travel spending, or lounge access privileges. Make your next international trip stress-free by opting for one of these best Forex cards for 2025.
FAQs
The best Forex cards with international lounge access include the SBI Elite Card, ICICI Sapphiro Forex Prepaid Card, HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card, Niyo Global Card, and BookMyForex Zero Markup Card. These cards provide complimentary lounge visits at international airports, enhancing your travel experience.
The SBI Elite Card stands out among the best Forex cards with international lounge access, offering 6 complimentary visits per year (max 2 per quarter) at over 1,000 lounges worldwide via Priority Pass, paired with premium travel benefits. Source: SBI official website, June 2025.
Yes, the ICICI Sapphiro Forex Prepaid Card, one of the best Forex cards with international lounge access, provides 2 complimentary lounge visits per year at select international airports via DreamFolks (USD 27 per additional visit).
No, the Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card does not provide international lounge access. For lounge privileges, consider the best Forex cards with international lounge access, like the SBI Elite Card or Niyo Global Card.
No, the IndusInd Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card does not offer international lounge access. Instead, explore the best Forex cards with international lounge access, such as the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus or ICICI Sapphiro, for lounge benefits.
Yes, the Niyo Global Card and BookMyForex Zero Markup Card, both among the best Forex cards with international lounge access, offer zero forex markup fees on transactions, saving you on international spending.
Absolutely, the best Forex cards with international lounge access, like the SBI Elite, ICICI Sapphiro, and HDFC Regalia ForexPlus, are accepted at millions of Visa/Mastercard merchants worldwide for online and in-store shopping and payments. Source: Bank websites, June 2025.
Yes, cards like the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus and ICICI Sapphiro, considered among the best Forex cards with international lounge access, include complimentary insurance for loss or theft, ensuring peace of mind during travel. Source: HDFC and ICICI Bank official websites, June 2025.
To know more about forex, education loans, the best bank accounts for students banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your study abroad experience.
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