Best Travel Cards in India – 2024 Edition

Summary/Meta desc: Discover the best travel cards in India for 2024! From zero forex markup to exclusive international travel perks, explore our top picks of credit and forex travel cards that enhance your overseas travel experience. 

Traveling internationally is an amazing experience, but managing finances abroad can be challenging. The right travel card can simplify your travels, offering benefits like the best exchange rates and low foreign transaction fees. In this blog, we will explore the best travel cards available in India for 2024, including both international credit travel cards and forex travel cards. 

Our Ranking Criteria for Choosing the Top 5 Travel Cards in India

Before diving into our top 5 travel cards, let’s go over the key criteria we used for ranking them. We evaluated each card based on the following factors:

1. Exchange rate

2. Issuance/joining fees

3. Other applicable fees (annual, inactivity, etc.)

4. Expense management

5. Reward points 

6. Complimentary lounge access

7. Travel deals/discounts

8. Any additional benefits 

Top 8 Travel Cards in India for 2024

The travel cards listed below are some of the best options available in India for 2024, catering to different travel needs and preferences. For your convenience, we have evaluated and rated each card to help you choose the best card for international travel.

1. BookMyForex Travel Card

The BookMyForex True Zero Markup Card is a multi-currency travel card that offers genuine zero markup rates, giving you the exact interbank/mid-market rates, the most transparent rates you can find on Google. This card surpasses regular travel credit cards by allowing you to load up to 14 different foreign currencies, enabling you to travel like a local.

Key Benefits:

1. Zero markup on live interbank rates

2. Zero issuance/annual/reload/unload fees

3. Instant reload and unload option

4. Seamless card management via BookMyForex App

Other Features:

1. Global Acceptance: The card can be used in over 150 countries at millions of merchants, online stores, and ATMs.

2. Zero Rate Fluctuations: Once loaded, the card offers a fixed rate with no fluctuations, distinguishing it from regular credit cards.

3. Instant Card Reload: Instantly reload your card through the BookMyForex App, ensuring you always have access to funds.

4. Credit Limit and Interest Charges: As a prepaid card, no interest or late payment charges are incurred.

5. Travel Benefits: Enjoy travel insurance coverage, a free international SIM, and exclusive travel discounts.

6. Expense Management: Track and manage your expenses easily with the BookMyForex App. 

7. Withdrawal Limit: The card allows for a limit of USD 7500 or equivalent for POS/Ecommerce/Cash Advance, and USD 1000 or equivalent for ATM Cash Withdrawal.

8. Security Features: Equipped with chip-and-PIN technology for secure transactions, and offers quick replacements for lost or stolen cards.

Rating: 4.8/5

Verdict: The BookMyForex True Zero Markup Card is hands down one of the best travel cards available. It offers zero forex markup and supports 14 foreign currencies, which is an exceptional benefit for international travelers. With no reload or annual fees, global acceptance, and smooth card management via the app, this card offers great value and flexibility, making it the top choice for frequent travelers.

2. HDFC Infinia Credit Card

The HDFC Infinia Credit Card is a high-end, premium lifestyle credit card offering great privileges across travel, dining, and lifestyle categories. However, the card comes with a hefty joining and annual fee of ₹12,500 + GST, making it accessible primarily to high-income individuals, and those with substantial spending best utilize its benefits. Additionally, while the card does offer a reduced foreign exchange markup, it still imposes a 2% fee on international transactions.

Key Benefits:

1. High reward points

2. Concierge services

3. Airport lounges access

Other Features:

1. Flexible Credit Limit: Benefit from a high credit limit based on your profile, allowing you to make high-value transactions effortlessly.

2. Low Foreign Currency Markup Fee: Enjoy a reduced forex markup of 2% on international spends, compared to standard credit cards.

3. Interest-Free Credit Period: Up to 50 days of interest-free credit on purchases, as long as dues are paid in full by the due date.

4. Complimentary Lounge Access: Unlimited lounge access to leading domestic and international lounges through Priority Pass and other networks.

5. Unlimited Reward Points: Earn up to 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent, with no upper limit on the points you can accumulate.

6. Travel Insurance Coverage: Complimentary travel insurance for lost baggage, flight delays, and medical emergencies.

7. HDFC Bank NetBanking and Mobile Banking App: Track your expenses, set limits, and view detailed transaction history in real-time through the HDFC app.

Rating: 4.6/5

Verdict: The HDFC Infinia Credit Card has impressive rewards on travel, dining, and lifestyle purchases, along with lounge access and premium concierge services. It’s perfect for high spenders and frequent travelers, but the high annual fee and foreign transaction markup make it less attractive for casual users or those looking to avoid extra charges abroad.

3. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card

The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card offers a range of rewards, especially suited for frequent international travelers. However, the card has a high joining fee, and its foreign exchange markup fee is 2%, which may feel restrictive for travelers who prefer zero-markup cards for international spending. The reward miles can only be fully realized if you spend extensively on travel-related expenses, which may limit its appeal.

Key Benefits:

1. Global acceptance

2. Reward points on every spend

3. Complimentary lounge access

4. Exclusive hotel and flight discounts

Other Features:

1. Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: The card charges a 2% markup fee on foreign currency transactions, which is competitive but still higher than zero-markup travel cards.

2. Flexible Reward Redemption: Redeem earned points for flight bookings, hotel stays, or transfers to partner airlines, allowing flexibility in how rewards are used.

3. Complimentary Insurance Coverage: Enjoy travel insurance benefits, including lost baggage and travel delays, enhancing travel security.

4. Joining Fee: The Atlas Credit Card has a joining fee of ₹5,000 + GST.

5. Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + GST annually, which can be waived if annual spends exceeds a specific threshold (typically around ₹7.5 lakh).

6. Lounge Access: Complimentary Priority Pass membership with access to select lounges globally, enhancing travel comfort.

7. Fuel Surcharge Waiver: The card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all fuel stations in India for transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000, adding savings on fuel expenses.

8. Comprehensive Concierge Services: Access 24×7 concierge services for assistance with travel bookings, dining reservations, event tickets, and more. 

9. Dining Benefits: Access exclusive discounts and offers at select high-end restaurants, including tie-ups with luxury dining establishments abroad

Rating: 4.3/5

Verdict: The Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card offers solid rewards on travel and dining and provides exclusive travel perks like airport lounge access and priority check-in. However, its foreign transaction markup of around 2% and relatively high joining fee might make it a less favorable option for those seeking lower costs on international spends.

4. ICICI Bank Forex Travel Card

The ICICI Bank Forex Travel Card is a multi-currency prepaid travel card that simplifies spending abroad by allowing users to load multiple foreign currencies at once. However, the ICICI Forex Travel Card charges a markup fee on currency conversion, and its use is limited to loaded currencies. Additionally, users do incur reloading fees and ATM withdrawal fees, which may add up depending on the frequency of use.

Key Benefits:

1. Multiple currency options

2. Zero rate fluctuations

3. Emergency cash assistance

4. Insurance coverage

Other Features:

1. Forex Markup Fee: Charges a forex markup of around 3.5% on transactions in non-loaded currencies, which, may be high for users seeking zero-forex rates.

2. Insurance Coverage: Complimentary insurance coverage includes protection against lost/stolen card misuse, baggage loss, personal accidents, and even missed flights.

3. Easy Reload Options: Reloading the card is quick and easy via ICICI’s internet banking or mobile app, ensuring uninterrupted access to funds when needed.

4. Discounts on Partnered Travel Bookings: Access exclusive discounts on flight bookings, hotel stays, and car rentals with select ICICI Bank travel partners.

5. Issuance Fee: Typically around ₹500, the card’s issuance fee is affordable, though other variants may have a higher fee.

6. Reload Fee: A nominal reload fee applies each time the card is topped up with additional currency, typically ranging from ₹50 to ₹100 per reload.

7. ATM Withdrawal Fee: For cash withdrawals in non-loaded currencies, an ATM fee may apply, which varies based on the currency and country.

8. Replacement Fee: In case of a lost or damaged card, a nominal fee is charged for replacement, though emergency card delivery may be facilitated for an additional cost.

Rating: 4.3/5

Verdict: The ICICI Forex Travel Card is ideal for international travelers with zero forex markup and the ability to lock exchange rates. It supports multiple currencies, making it convenient for global travel. However, reload fees and ATM withdrawal charges could add up, making it less desirable for users who need frequent reloading or large withdrawals. 

5. Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card

With options like the Standard Chartered Ultimate Card and Manhattan Platinum Card, Standard Chartered caters to diverse spending preferences. While the card offer great rewards, cashback, and privileges, it comes with a high annual fee. Additionally, the bank’s foreign exchange markup of around 3.5% on international transactions is high, which may not suit travelers looking for lower forex fees.

Key Benefits

1. Worldwide acceptance

2. Airport lounge access

3. Discounted dining program

4. Comprehensive travel insurance

Other Features:

1. Rewards points: Earn rewards on dining, fuel, and travel transactions with various cards, with Ultimate and Platinum Rewards cards.

2. Cashback Benefits: Get cashback on essential spends such as fuel, utility bills, and phone recharges, ideal for everyday use.

3. Flexible EMI Conversion: Convert high-value purchases into easy monthly installments (EMIs) directly through the Standard Chartered app, allowing flexibility for large expenses.

4. High Credit Limit for Premium Cards: High-end cards like the Ultimate offer generous credit limits, suitable for big spenders who frequently travel and make high-value purchases.

5. Joining and Annual Fees: The joining fee for Standard Chartered cards varies by type, with the Ultimate Card typically around ₹5,000 + GST and the Manhattan Platinum around ₹999 + GST. 

6. Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: Standard Chartered credit cards carry a forex markup of 3.5% on international transactions, which can add up for frequent travelers.

7. Interest Rate: Standard Chartered applies an interest rate on revolving credit, which can vary but typically starts around 3.49% per month on unpaid balances.

8. Air Miles on Spend: The Ultimate Card offers air miles redemption, allowing cardholders to accumulate miles for international flights.

9. Discounted Hotel Bookings and Flight Tickets: Avail discounts and exclusive offers on partnered hotels and flight bookings, helping cardholders save on travel expenses.

Rating: 4.1/5

Verdict: The Standard Chartered Credit Card offers rewards on daily spending and travel benefits, but the 3.5% foreign exchange markup and higher joining fees limit its appeal for frequent international travelers. While its lounge access and dining benefits are a plus, users seeking more cost-effective international transactions might want to look at alternatives.

6. HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card

The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card is a multi-currency forex card designed for international travelers. This prepaid card, which can be loaded with up to 22 foreign currencies, locks in exchange rates before traveling and avoid fluctuating rates. However, while it offers numerous travel benefits and global acceptance, the card does have issuance and reloading fees.

Key Benefits:

1. Zero forex markup

2. Zero rate fluctuations

3. Insurance coverage

4. Real-time expense tracking

Other Features:

1. Global Acceptance: The card can be used at over a million merchants and ATMs in more than 200 countries.

2. Exclusive Insurance Coverage: Enjoy complimentary travel insurance that includes coverage for accidental death, loss of baggage, loss of passport, and more.

3. Contactless Payments: Equipped with Visa payWave technology, allowing faster and safer transactions at contactless-enabled terminals.

4. Fixed Exchange Rate: Once the card is loaded, the currency exchange rate is locked, shielding you from forex rate fluctuations during your trip.

5. Reloading via NetBanking: Reload the card through HDFC NetBanking or mobile banking, ensuring you have access to funds as needed.

6. ATM Withdrawal Fee: While there are no forex markup fees, ATM withdrawals incur a fee, which varies depending on the transaction currency.

7. Issuance Fee: The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card typically has an issuance fee of ₹500 + GST, which is still affordable as compared to other travel cards.

8. Reload Fee: A small fee is applied each time the card is reloaded, usually around ₹75 + GST.

9. Lounge Access: The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card offers complimentary lounge access to select international airports.

10. Assistance Services: Cardholders have access to a 24×7 global customer assistance service, which can assist in reporting lost cards and arranging for emergency funds.

Rating: 4.0/5

Verdict: The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card offers zero forex markup and secure international transactions with the ability to lock exchange rates, making it a great option for frequent international travelers. However, reload fees and ATM withdrawal charges can make it less convenient for users who need frequent access to funds, limiting its overall value compared to cards with fewer charges.

7. Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

Offering generous reward points on Air India ticket bookings, lounge access, and exclusive travel benefits, the card is ideal for those who regularly fly with the airline and want to accumulate reward points. However, the card’s high annual fee and limited points accrual rate on non-Air India spending can be a drawback for users. Additionally, the foreign exchange markup fee of 3.5% on international transactions.

Key Benefits:

1. Welcome and renewal bonus

2. Reward Points on Air India bookings

3. Complimentary lounge access

4. Priority check-in & additional baggage allowance

Other Features:

1. Concierge Services: 24×7 global concierge services to assist with travel planning, reservations, and other special requests, enhancing convenience while traveling.

2. Flexible EMI Conversion: Convert high-value transactions into easy monthly installments through the SBI card portal, allowing financial flexibility for larger purchases.

3. Joining Fee: The card has a joining fee of ₹4,999 + GST, which is offset by the welcome bonus for frequent Air India travelers.

4. Annual Renewal Fee: The annual fee is ₹4,999 + GST, with 5,000 reward points offered on renewal to encourage continued usage.

5. Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: A 3.5% forex markup applies to international transactions, which may not be ideal for those who frequently use their card abroad.

6. Interest Rate: The standard finance charge is around 3.35% per month on unpaid balances, similar to other premium credit cards.

7. Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes travel insurance that covers lost baggage, delayed flights, and accidents, providing peace of mind during trips.

8. Discounts on Hotel Bookings: Get exclusive discounts on hotel bookings and travel packages through SBI’s partnered travel portals, helping cardholders save on accommodation.

9. Reward Points on International Spends: Earn 10 reward points for every ₹100 spent on international purchases, allowing you to accumulate points on global transactions.

10. Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions between ₹500 and ₹4,000, saving you up to ₹250 per month on fuel purchases.

Rating: 3.9/5

Verdict: The Air India SBI Signature Credit Card is ideal only for Air India loyalists, offering good rewards on Air India bookings and travel perks such as priority check-in and additional baggage allowance. However, the high annual fee and foreign exchange markup of 3.5% may not make it the best option for those who don’t travel frequently with Air India or who prefer lower-cost foreign transactions. 

8. SBI Prime Credit Card 

With reward points on everyday expenses, milestone benefits, and complimentary lounge access, the card is ideal for users seeking well-rounded rewards without a high annual fee. However, its 3.5% foreign exchange markup on international transactions may not make it the best choice for frequent overseas travelers. Additionally, while the reward structure covers many categories, it may not be as lucrative for users who prefer rewards on specific categories, like luxury shopping or frequent flying.

Key Benefits:

1. Reward points on daily spending

2. Lounge access

3. Annual fee waiver

4. Worldwide acceptance

Other Features:

1. Welcome Gift: Receive a ₹3,000 e-gift voucher from select brands upon joining, offering instant value for new cardholders.

2. Milestone Benefits: Earn up to 20,000 bonus reward points per year by meeting specific annual spending thresholds, with additional rewards on quarterly spending of ₹50,000 or more.

3. Utility Bill Payment Rewards: Earn reward points on utility bill payments made through the card, making it convenient to earn while paying recurring expenses.

4. Concierge Services: Access 24×7 concierge services to help with reservations, travel assistance, and gift delivery, adding convenience for busy users.

5. Joining Fee: The SBI Prime Credit Card has a joining fee of ₹2,999 + GST, which is offset by the welcome voucher, adding upfront value for cardholders.

6. Annual Fee: The annual renewal fee is also ₹2,999 + GST, with a waiver on spending ₹3 lakh or more in a year.

7. Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: A 3.5% markup on foreign transactions applies, which may be limiting for frequent international travelers.

8. Interest Rate: Standard finance charges apply on revolving credit, typically around 3.35% per month (or 40.2% annually).

9. Club Vistara Membership: Cardholders receive a complimentary Silver membership with Club Vistara, which includes priority check-in, additional baggage allowance, and other benefits with Vistara Airlines.

10. Exclusive Hotel and Lifestyle Discounts: Get discounts on hotel bookings, spa treatments, and select retail outlets through partnerships with travel and lifestyle brands.

Rating: 3.8/5

Verdict: The SBI Prime Credit Card has a 3.5% foreign exchange markup and relatively modest travel perks, which makes it less ideal for frequent international travelers. While it offers good value for regular domestic usage and a decent rewards program, its higher fees and international transaction charges may limit its appeal for those who prioritize foreign travel benefits.