A Forex card is a true travel partner that simplifies international transactions. You can embark on a hassle-free journey with various benefits like airport lounge access, locked-in exchange rates, insurance coverage, and reloading options. However, with many options available, choosing the best Forex cards for Indian travellers is important. This blog highlights the key features and benefits of the 5 most preferred and highly rated Forex cards to enhance your travel experience.
Table of contents
HDFC Bank Multi-Currency ForexPlus Card
HDFC Forex card is one of the best Forex cards for Indian travellers. It can be loaded in 22 globally accepted currencies, offering ease of payment. All those who use this card are protected against exchange rate fluctuations. It can be used at point-of-sale (POS) terminals in any currency worldwide, valid for 5 years.
- Protection up to INR 5 lakhs against counterfeiting or skimming.
- Insurance coverage of up to INR 2 lakhs for death in road/rail accidents.
- Insurance coverage of up to INR 5 lakhs for death in air accidents.
- Baggage coverage of up to INR 20,000 and transit coverage of up to INR 60,000 in case of loss of cash.
- Passport liss coverage of up to INR 50,000.
Besides, it is one of the best Forex cards with international lounge access. The card is also secured with a Chip and PIN. Any transaction initiated will be authenticated through a PIN. You can use an HDFC Multi-currency card at various online e-commerce platforms and reload it (online as well as offline) when you run out of balance.
If any Indian traveller or international student is stuck while using the card and wants assistance, the bank offers 24/7 assistance and concierge services. This lets you customise your international travel, entertainment, and business experiences smoothly without hassle.
Axis Bank ClubVistara Forex Card
Axis Bank ClubVistara Forex card is one of the best Forex cards for Indian travellers. You can easily carry up to 16 pre-loaded currencies at fixed exchange rates. The card allows you to top-up, check your balance, and pay securely. You can simply apply for the card with minimal documentation by visiting the nearest Axis Bank branch even if you don’t have an account with the bank.
You are entitled to a complimentary Club Vistara Base membership and additional earning opportunities via Club Vistara Points. You earn 500 CV points as a ‘Welcome Bonus’ when you load the Axis Bank ClubVistara Forex card for the first time. Besides, every USD 5 (or equivalent) spent using this card gives you 3 CV points. Check out the other best Axis Bank Forex cards for Indian travellers-
| Axis Bank Forex Cards for International Travel | Features and Benefits |
| Axis Bank Multi-currency Forex Card | – Accepted at more than 10 million ATMs and 80 million merchants -Easy digital reloading and balance enquiry online -Emergency cash assistance is offered |
| Axia Bank World Traveller Card | -Miles and More membership programme is provided -Get 1000 miles on the first reloading and 5 miles for every USD 5 spending |
| Axis Bank Burgundy Multi-currency Forex Card | -6 global ATM transaction fee waivers offered in a year -Fee waivers for card issuance, reloading, and encashment -Digital reloading via Internet and Mobile Banking |
Also Read: Check out this detailed guide on how to use Forex Cards and what are the steps to follow to get one.
IDFC First Bank Multi-currency Forex Travel Card
Another one on the list of best Forex cards for Indian travellers and international students studying abroad is the Multi-currency Forex Travel Card by IDFC First Bank. Multiple currencies can be loaded in a single card which can be availed at zero issuance charges. It has the best-in-class travel insurance coverage, making your tours stress-free. Explore some of the benefits of using this card-
- IDFC Forex Card is globally accepted at VISA merchant establishments, enabling you to use it for shopping and dining experiences.
- Unlike other Forex cards, you can save money on card issuance, loading and reloading.
- The card uses Chip and PIN technology to secure all international transactions.
- Indian travellers and students can earn reward points and offers with every transaction made using this card, along with a free international SIM card.
- The unutilised cash on the card can be easily refunded. Besides, you get a free replacement of the card, if needed.
- You can also transfer funds from one currency wallet to another immediately.
To apply, you can visit the nearest IDFC First Bank branch, fill in the Forex prepaid card application form, attach documents (passport, VISA, and air ticket), and submit the same to the bank representative. Insta cards will be issued immediately and personalised cards will be dispatched to you within 7 business working days.
You can then activate your card online by logging in to the self-care portal using using mobile number or customer ID. Simply click on ‘Activate Card’ and then on ‘Manual Pin Set/ Reset’.
Standard Chartered Multi-Currency Forex Card
Standard Chartered Bank offers the best forex cards for Indian travellers and students with attractive benefits. It can be loaded in up to 20 currencies at competitive exchange rates. You can simply wave your card to make contactless payments. It can be sed at any of the Standard Chartered Bank branch locally or through online banking at international outlets.
- An insurance coverage of up to INR 5 lakhs is provided against misuse of stolen/ lost cards.
- Besides, accidental death insurance of up to INR 50 lakhs and baggage loss coverage of up to INR 1 lakh are also offered.
- You can easily set the transaction limits on your SCB Forex card online.
The good part is that you can also make transactions in any other currency apart from 20 currencies that can be loaded. The card automatically searches for the currency using the bank-defined authorisation order to process the transaction with the balance in it. However, a cross-currency mark-up would be charged against the transaction amount. To avoid these charges, it is ideal to choose zero Forex markup Credit cards.
Also Read: Want to plan your budget wisely against exchange rate fluctuations? Learn all about locking exchange rates with currency hedging for students.
ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card
ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid card is one of the cheapest Forex cards for Indian travellers and the best Forex cards for students. The card offers secured payments at merchant terminals. With the [Card Name], you can carry up to 15 different currencies which can be used in over 200 countries and territories. The table below has the best ICICI Bank Forex cards. You can choose any based on your international travel plans and budget-
| ICICI Forex Cards for Indian travellers | Features and Benefits |
| ICICI Multi-currency Forex Card | -Zero Joining and Annual Fees -Free international SIM -Secured and contactless payments at merchant terminals |
| ICICI Sapphiro Forex Card | -International airport lounge access -Joining benefits worth INR 10,000 and Uber discount vouchers worth INR 1,000 -No mark-up charges on any cross-currency transactions -5% cashback on airline and hotel spending done through the card |
| ICICI Coral Forex Card | -Joining benefits worth INR 3,000 -BookMyShow and Uber vouchers are also available -No annual fees |
| ICICI Student Forex Card | -Joining benefits worth INR 5,000 -ISIC (International Student Identity Card) membership worth INR 999 -Free India and international airport lounge access |
This was all about the 5 best and most-used Forex cards for Indian travellers. These exclusive benefits truly make your international trips a worthy experience. From safe and secure payments, they offer cost-effective options for travellers. This makes foreign currency management super easy and lets you spend effectively.
FAQs on Best Forex Cards for Indian Travellers
The HDFC Bank Multi-currency ForexPlus Card is highly recommended for Indian travellers. It has zero cross-currency charges and complimentary lounge access. Other cards are Axis Bank Forex Card and Standard Chartered Multi-currency Forex card.
The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card, Standard Chartered Forex Card, and ICICI Sapphiro Forex Prepaid Card do not charge cross-currency fees. This makes them ideal for international transactions.
The ICICI Sapphiro Forex Prepaid Card and HDFC Multi-currency Platinum Forex Card offer complimentary international lounge access, providing a comfortable waiting area during layovers.
The BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card has no markup fees, ensuring you get the best exchange rates without additional charges on transactions.
Yes. Many Forex Cards offer complimentary travel insurance, covering various risks such as loss of baggage and personal documents during your travels.
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.
