In today’s globalized world, international travel has become more frequent — whether for business, leisure, education, or family visits. For Indian travellers, having the right credit card for international travel can bring massive benefits: foreign exchange savings, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and reward points on overseas spends.
But not all credit cards are created equal. Some charge high forex markups, others lack travel benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we list the best international travel credit cards in India for 2025, comparing their key features, fees, and rewards to help you pick the one that suits your travel lifestyle.
✈️ Why You Need a Travel Credit Card for International Use
When traveling abroad, using a regular credit card may incur hidden charges such as:
- Foreign Currency Mark-up Fees (usually 3-3.5%)
- International ATM Withdrawal Charges
- Dynamic Currency Conversion Loss
That’s why dedicated international travel credit cards are better, offering:
- Low or zero forex mark-up
- Global lounge access
- Complimentary travel insurance
- Hotel and flight discounts
- Emergency card replacement worldwide
✅ Quick Overview: Top 7 Travel Credit Cards (2025)
| Credit Card | Forex Mark-up Fee | Annual Fee | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Infinia Metal | 2% | ₹12,500 | Unlimited lounge, low forex mark-up |
| Axis Atlas Credit Card | 2% | ₹5,000 | Air miles, global lounge, milestone rewards |
| SBI Elite Credit Card | 1.99% | ₹4,999 | Club Vistara points, Priority Pass |
| American Express Platinum | 3.5% | ₹60,000 | Concierge, Taj vouchers, global assistance |
| ICICI Emeralde Credit Card | 1.5% | ₹12,000 | Zero forex markup (international version) |
| RBL World Safari Card | 0% | ₹3,000 | No forex mark-up, lounge access, travel insurance |
| IDFC Wealth Credit Card | 1.5% | Free | International lounge access, no joining fee |
🏆 Best Credit Cards for International Travel in India – Detailed Review
1. HDFC Infinia Credit Card (Metal Edition)
This is India’s premium invite-only card, packed with luxury and travel benefits.
Key Features:
- Forex Mark-up Fee: 2%
- Lounge Access: Unlimited international and domestic
- Travel Insurance: Up to ₹3 crore air accident coverage
- Annual Fee: ₹12,500 (waived on spends over ₹10L)
Why It’s Great for Travel:
- Concierge services for global travel bookings
- High reward conversion rate (3.3%)
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership
Best For: Frequent international travellers seeking premium services.
2. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
This is a reward-based travel credit card, offering air miles and luxury lounge access.
Key Features:
- Forex Mark-up Fee: 2%
- Welcome Benefit: 5,000 Edge Miles
- Lounge Access: Up to 18 visits/year (international + domestic)
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000
Why It’s Great for Travel:
- Miles can be redeemed across 20+ airline/hotel partners
- Tier-based program (Silver, Gold, Platinum) for increased benefits
- Travel insurance cover for flight delays/loss
Best For: Travellers who prefer flexibility in redeeming rewards for flights or hotels.
3. SBI Elite Credit Card
SBI Elite is a value-packed card with generous travel and lifestyle rewards.
Key Features:
- Forex Mark-up Fee: 1.99%
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 (reversible on spends > ₹10L)
- Lounge Access: 6 international visits via Priority Pass
- Free Club Vistara Silver Membership
Why It’s Great for Travel:
- Complimentary international lounge visits
- Great domestic travel & shopping offers
- Air accident insurance cover
Best For: Balanced travellers looking for both domestic and international perks.
4. American Express Platinum Charge Card
A luxury card offering premium international services and elite global partnerships.
Key Features:
- Forex Mark-up Fee: 3.5%
- Lounge Access: Unlimited access to Amex Global Lounge Collection
- Concierge: 24×7 concierge for travel bookings
- Annual Fee: ₹60,000 + GST
Why It’s Great for Travel:
- Free stays with Taj, Oberoi, Marriott
- Personal travel concierge
- Access to Centurion & Delta Sky Clubs
Best For: Luxury travellers who value exclusivity, service, and high-end experiences.
5. ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card (International Variant)
ICICI’s high-end credit card with optional zero forex markup variant.
Key Features:
- Forex Mark-up Fee: 0% (on international variant)
- Annual Fee: ₹12,000 (monthly ₹1,000 model also available)
- Airport Lounge: Unlimited international and spa access
- Golf Access: 4 rounds/month at top courses
Why It’s Great for Travel:
- Relaxation benefits at domestic airports
- Exclusive lifestyle concierge
- Complimentary travel insurance
Best For: Regular overseas travellers who prefer hassle-free global usage with zero forex markup.
6. RBL World Safari Credit Card
India’s first card with 0% forex markup, made specifically for travel enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Forex Mark-up Fee: 0%
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000
- Lounge Access: 2 international visits per year
- Travel Insurance: ₹50 lakh coverage for medical emergencies
Why It’s Great for Travel:
- Big savings on foreign currency transactions
- Annual travel voucher of ₹3,000
- Access to TripAssist concierge
Best For: Budget-conscious travellers who frequently shop abroad.
7. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
A zero-fee lifestyle and travel credit card with great international travel support.
Key Features:
- Forex Mark-up Fee: 1.5%
- Annual Fee: Free for life
- Lounge Access: 4 international & 4 domestic visits/year
- Travel Insurance: Available on request
Why It’s Great for Travel:
- No joining/annual fees
- Roadside assistance, lost card liability coverage
- Complimentary travel concierge service
Best For: First-time international travellers or frequent flyers who want zero annual charges.
📊 Comparison Table – Key Travel Credit Card Benefits
| Card | Forex Fee | Lounge Access | Travel Insurance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Infinia | 2% | Unlimited Intl + Dom | Up to ₹3 crore | Luxury frequent flyers |
| Axis Atlas | 2% | 18 visits/year | Flight & loss cover | Miles enthusiasts |
| SBI Elite | 1.99% | 6 Intl + Dom lounges | Flight delay/loss | Balanced travel rewards |
| Amex Platinum | 3.5% | Unlimited global | Concierge-led cover | Premium luxury experiences |
| ICICI Emeralde (Int’l) | 0% | Unlimited Intl + Spa | Yes | Forex-free luxury travellers |
| RBL Safari | 0% | 2 Intl/year | ₹50 lakh medical cover | Budget international users |
| IDFC Wealth | 1.5% | 4 Intl + 4 Dom | Available on request | Zero-fee frequent travellers |
🛂 How to Choose the Right Credit Card for International Travel
Here are 7 key factors to help you choose the perfect card:
- Low Forex Mark-up Fee – Prefer cards with ≤2% or 0%
- Global Lounge Access – Crucial for long-haul flyers
- Travel Insurance – Must-have for overseas medical emergencies
- Annual Fees vs Benefits – High fees are justified if benefits exceed cost
- Reward Redemption Options – Choose cards with miles/points flexibility
- Concierge Services – Great for booking and managing international travel
- Customer Support – Check for 24×7 international helpline availability
✈️ Pro Tips to Maximize Benefits
- Notify the bank before traveling abroad to avoid transaction blocks
- Use credit cards for hotel bookings and airline tickets to earn bonus rewards
- Avoid DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) — always pay in local currency
- Set travel alerts and transaction limits using the mobile app
- Convert reward points into air miles for maximum value
📌 Final Thoughts
The best credit card for international travel in India depends on your personal travel style, budget, and expectations. If you want unlimited luxury, go for HDFC Infinia or Amex Platinum. For no forex fees, the RBL Safari or ICICI Emeralde International is unbeatable. On the other hand, Axis Atlas and SBI Elite strike a great balance between rewards and affordability.
Before you apply, make sure you meet the income eligibility criteria, check your credit score, and understand the reward redemption process.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which Indian credit card has zero forex mark-up for international use?
RBL World Safari and ICICI Emeralde (International Variant) offer 0% forex markup.
Q2. Can I use my Indian credit card abroad?
Yes. Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards issued in India are accepted globally. However, forex charges may apply.
Q3. Which credit card offers international airport lounge access?
Cards like HDFC Infinia, Axis Atlas, SBI Elite, and Amex Platinum provide lounge access via Priority Pass or similar programs.
Q4. Can I redeem credit card points for air tickets?
Yes, most travel cards allow conversion to air miles or direct flight bookings through partner portals.
Q5. Is a passport required to apply for an international travel credit card?
No. But KYC documents like PAN, Aadhaar, and income proof are mandatory.