International travel is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifestyle choice for many Indians. Whether you’re a business professional, a frequent flyer, or a travel enthusiast, having the best international travel credit card from an Indian bank can elevate your journey with benefits like zero forex markup, airport lounge access, travel insurance, and reward points on foreign spends.
In this article, we explore the top international travel credit cards offered by leading Indian banks in 2025. This comprehensive guide will help you compare, evaluate, and choose the best travel card based on your needs.
✈️ Why Choose a Travel Credit Card for International Use?
Before diving into the list, let’s understand why a dedicated travel credit card makes sense:
✅ Key Benefits:
- Low/Zero Forex Markup Charges
- Complimentary Global Lounge Access
- Free Travel Insurance Coverage
- Reward Points or Airmiles on Foreign Transactions
- Global Acceptance with Visa/Mastercard/AmEx networks
Common Features to Consider:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Forex Markup | Typically ranges from 0% to 3.5%. Lower is better. |
| Lounge Access | Domestic & International airport lounges via Priority Pass or DreamFolks. |
| Airmile Conversion | Points convertible to air miles of popular airlines. |
| Travel Insurance | Covers lost baggage, trip cancellation, accidents abroad. |
| Concierge Services | 24/7 travel assistance, hotel booking, reservations. |
🏆 Best International Travel Credit Cards from Indian Banks in 2025
Here’s a curated list of the top travel credit cards for international usage, including their key features, benefits, and charges.
1. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
A premium card ideal for frequent travelers and lifestyle seekers.
Key Features:
- Forex Markup: 2%
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 (waived on ₹3 lakh spend)
- Complimentary Priority Pass Membership
- 6 international airport lounge visits/year
- Air accident insurance up to ₹1 crore
Why Choose:
Great balance between travel perks and lifestyle rewards. Accepted globally.
2. SBI Card Elite
A high-end lifestyle and travel card from India’s largest public bank.
Key Features:
- Forex Markup: 1.99%
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999
- Complimentary Priority Pass with 6 international lounge visits
- Free Club Vistara Silver membership
- Complimentary Trident Privilege Red Tier membership
Why Choose:
Ideal for Vistara frequent flyers and business travelers.
3. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Tailored for heavy travelers with airmile conversion and loyalty tiers.
Key Features:
- Forex Markup: 2%
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000
- Earn Edge Miles redeemable for flights/hotels
- Complimentary airport lounge access (international + domestic)
- Travel insurance and concierge services
Why Choose:
Best suited for those who want a mile-based reward structure.
4. ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card
An ultra-premium card with global travel benefits.
Key Features:
- Forex Markup: 1.5%
- Annual Fee: ₹12,000 (monthly plan available)
- Unlimited international and domestic lounge access
- Complimentary golf sessions worldwide
- Travel insurance & emergency overseas support
Why Choose:
Best for luxury global travelers and high-net-worth individuals.
5. Yes Bank First Exclusive Credit Card
Great for global shopping and lounge access.
Key Features:
- Forex Markup: 1.75%
- Annual Fee: ₹999 (First year free)
- Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access
- 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on international spending
- Travel insurance cover and concierge service
Why Choose:
Low cost with premium features for budget international travelers.
6. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card
A reliable travel and lifestyle companion.
Key Features:
- Forex Markup: 1.8%
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500
- Complimentary Priority Pass with 2 free international lounge visits/month
- Roadside assistance and concierge services
- Free movie tickets & lifestyle vouchers
Why Choose:
A travel-friendly card with good lifestyle tie-ups and offers.
7. Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card
A luxury lifestyle card with strong travel benefits.
Key Features:
- Forex Markup: 2%
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000
- Priority Pass with unlimited international lounge access
- Travel insurance & concierge services
- 5 reward points per ₹150 (redeemable for flights, hotels)
Why Choose:
Excellent for jetsetters who also spend big on dining and lifestyle.
📊 Comparison Table: Best Travel Credit Cards (2025)
| Card Name | Forex Markup | Lounge Access | Annual Fee | Travel Insurance | Reward Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Regalia | 2% | 6 Intl lounges | ₹2,500 | Yes | 4/₹150 |
| SBI Elite | 1.99% | 6 Intl lounges | ₹4,999 | Yes | 2/₹100 |
| Axis Atlas | 2% | Unlimited | ₹5,000 | Yes | Edge Miles |
| ICICI Emeralde | 1.5% | Unlimited | ₹12,000 | Yes | 4/₹100 |
| Yes First Exclusive | 1.75% | Unlimited | ₹999 | Yes | 10/₹100 (Intl) |
| IndusInd Legend | 1.8% | 2/mth Intl | ₹3,500 | Yes | 1/₹100 |
| SC Ultimate | 2% | Unlimited | ₹5,000 | Yes | 5/₹150 |
🔍 How to Choose the Best International Travel Credit Card?
With so many options, how do you choose the right one?
🔑 Factors to Consider:
- Travel Frequency: Frequent fliers benefit more from unlimited lounge access and airmile rewards.
- Spending Habits: Choose cards that offer maximum rewards on foreign or travel-related spends.
- Fee vs Benefits: Higher annual fees are justified only if you maximize the benefits.
- Forex Markup Charges: Go for cards with 0–2% markup to save on international transactions.
- Airline & Hotel Tie-Ups: Look for loyalty rewards with your preferred airline or hotel chains.
- Insurance Coverage: Ensure the card offers sufficient protection during international trips.
💡 Pro Tips for Using Travel Credit Cards Abroad
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Enable international usage | Must be activated in mobile/net banking before use abroad |
| Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion | Always choose to pay in the local currency |
| Check forex charges | Even 1% difference in markup adds up |
| Notify bank of travel plans | Prevents fraud alerts or card blocks |
| Use cards with travel insurance | Especially important during lost baggage or trip cancellations |
🌍 Are Forex Cards Better than Travel Credit Cards?
A common question is whether forex cards are better for travel. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Forex Card | Travel Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Preloaded Forex | Yes | No |
| Forex Markup | Nil (locked rate) | 1–3.5% |
| Lounge Access | Limited/None | Extensive |
| Credit Facility | No | Yes |
| Reward Points | No | Yes |
| Insurance | Minimal | Comprehensive |
| Global Acceptance | Moderate | High |
Conclusion: Travel credit cards offer better flexibility, rewards, and luxury benefits, while forex cards are better for students or budget travelers with a fixed itinerary.
📝 Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who travels abroad frequently—whether for leisure, business, or family—investing in a top international travel credit card from an Indian bank is a smart move. It not only saves you money on forex charges but also upgrades your travel experience with perks like lounge access, insurance, concierge services, and valuable rewards.
Choose a card based on your spend pattern, travel frequency, and lifestyle preferences. And remember, the best card is one that complements your real travel needs.
🔎 FAQs on International Travel Credit Cards
Q1: Which Indian credit card has zero forex markup?
Few premium cards offer 0% markup temporarily via offers, but most have 1.5–3.5% standard charges. Look for Axis Burgundy Private or Niyo Global Cards for zero-forex options (T&C apply).
Q2: Is it safe to use Indian credit cards abroad?
Yes. Most Indian cards use chip & PIN with OTP, and fraud monitoring ensures safety. Always activate international usage before traveling.
Q3: How can I avoid international transaction fees?
Use cards with low forex markup and avoid dynamic currency conversion at merchants.
Q4: Which credit card gives free international lounge access?
Cards like HDFC Regalia, SBI Elite, and ICICI Emeralde offer complimentary Priority Pass or DreamFolks lounge access worldwide.