September 24, 2025 · 13 mins read
Santosh Kumar
If you travel frequently, it is a good idea to get a credit card that offers lounge access, discounts on hotel and flight bookings, etc. Additionally, you may compare cards according to their annual fee and welcome bonus. Access to airport lounges, reward points on travel, and earnings with air miles and partner benefits are some of the perks associated with a travel credit card.
By using these travel cards, you can receive numerous cashback offers, discounts, rewards, and travel vouchers. Take a look at some of the top credit cards that can be used abroad to facilitate smooth and hassle-free travel.
The SBM Zet Credit Card is a wise choice for Indians seeking a budget-friendly international travel credit card in 2025. It offers no annual fees, easy access, and competitive travel discounts. The card allows for smooth usage abroad, accepts international payments, and earns rewards and cashback on spending which adds to the ease of travel, either for leisure or business.
Annual Fee: Nil (Lifetime Free).
Features and Benefits:
The following are some of the key features and benefits of the SBM Zet Credit Card:
1: Globally accepted, so you may quickly and easily complete transactions abroad.
2: Travel discounts included as part of the welcome benefits, great for flight, hotel, and transport bookings.
3: Offers cashback and rewards on purchases every day, for both online and in-person spend.
4: Low foreign curency markup fee (roughly 2.49%) will make transacting feasibly cheaper compared to many entry-level cards.
5: No joining or annual fees make this card budget friendly for travelers who do not want to pay for value.
6: 24/7 customer support; any issues while you are away will be promptly addressed.
7: Convenient repayment options are available via mobile banking apps and online.
The SBM Zet Credit Card offers affordability, usability and global presence, ranking it as one of the best credit cards to use internationally for travel in 2025.
From free foreign transactions and zero joining fees to unlimited domestic lounge access and 24/7 customer service, Scapia Federal Bank credit card is one of the ideal options as an international travel credit card. It ensures instant in-app repayment facility along with access to global airlines and more than five lakh stays.
Annual fee: Nil (no joining fee)
Features and Benefits:
The following are some of the key features and benefits of Scapia Federal Bank credit card:
1: For both online and offline transactions, the cardholders will earn 10% of the spending
2: For travel bookings made through the Scapia mobile app, cardholders can earn Scapia Coins valued at 20% of the spend
3: For flights and hotel bookings through the Scapia app, Scapia coins can be redeemed instantly
4: Cost-effective option for global spending, as no additional fees or markups for international transactions
5: No joining or annual fees are charged
6: Ensures 24/7 customer assistance
7: Repayment can be done through the Scapia application
8: Access to global airlines is provided through the card or loyalty program
9: With a minimum spend of Rs . 5000 in the previous month, the domestic lounge can be accessed by the cardholders.
Also Read: Virtual RuPay Cards: Using UPI without Bank Account
For frequent foreign travelers, the RBL Banks World Safari credit card is one of the ideal options for them as it offers zero forex and saves 4.00% on international transactions. The card also comes with additional benefits, such as travel insurance, complimentary airport lounge access, and other travel benefits.
Annual fee and joining fee: Rs . 3000 plus GST
Features and Benefits:
The following are the key benefits and features of the RBL Banks World Safari Credit Card:
1: Zero forex charged on international transactions
2: On spending every Rs . 100 on all your purchases, two travel points can be earned
3: On every Rs . 100 spent on travel, five travel points can be earned
4: A MakeMyTrip voucher worth Rs . 3,000 will be offered as a welcome gift
5: On annual spends of Rs. 2.5 lakh, 10,000 travel points will be offered
6: On an annual spending of Rs . 5 lakh, 15,000 travel points will be offered
7: On purchases of Rs . 7.50 lakh in a year from brands, including Amazon, Taj Experiences, Croma, Myntra, and Makemytrip, cardholders will get an additional gift card of Rs . 10,000
Also Read: How to Transfer Money From Phonepe Wallet to Bank Account
These cards are designed for students and individuals traveling abroad and come with zero forex mark-up charges for currency conversion and other benefits.
Annual fee and joining fee: Nil
Features and Benefits
The following are the features and benefits of the IDFC Wow Credit Card:
1: Complimentary roadside assistance
2: No documentation for card issuance
3: On every transaction, cardholders can earn 4X rewards
4: Various offers can be availed across 300 merchants
5: Personal Accident Cover and Lost Card Liability Cover of Rs . 2 lakh and Rs . 25,000, respectively
6: Discounts of 20% and 15% at the partner restaurant and health and wellness, respectively
7: Fuel surcharge waiver of 1.00%, up to Rs . 200 per month at all fuel stations across India
8: Ensures flexible redemption options
9: With a minimum requirement of Rs . 10,000, cardholders will get an interest rate of 7.25% on the Fixed Deposit linked to the card.
Also Read: Which Credit Card Offers Fuel Cashback in India?
Joining Fee: Rs. 12,499 plus Applicable Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 12,499 plus Applicable Taxes
Features and Benefits
1: Complimentary Taj Epicure Membership for the first year
2: Unlimited complimentary international and domestic lounge access
3: Refund of up to Rs. 12,000 in a year on 2 air travel or hotel booking cancellations
4: Low forex markup fee of 2%
5: 6X rewards on flights/vouchers and 12X rewards on hotel bookings through iShop
6: 6 reward points per Rs. 200 spent
7: EaseMyTrip vouchers worth Rs. 3,000 each on reaching the annual spending milestones of Rs. 4 Lakh and Rs. 8 Lakh
8: Unlimited golf games and lessons every year
ICICI Emerald Private is a suitable choice for those who frequently travel abroad, as they can avail themselves of free international lounge access as many times as they want. The forex markup fee on most credit cards is 3.5%, but Emerald Private charges only 2%, which makes foreign spending cheaper for cardholders. Additionally, EaseMyTrip vouchers as milestone benefits, flight & hotel booking cancellation cover, and concierge services add to the benefits. Overall, this credit card is a rewarding option for consumers who spend significantly on travel and lifestyle categories.
Also Read: Low Interest Credit Cards in India: Best Options
Joining Fee: Rs. 30,000 plus Applicable Taxes
Annual Fee: Rs. 30,000 plus Applicable Taxes
1: Up to 60 EDGE reward points per Rs. 200 spent on the Travel EDGE portal
2: Redeem rewards against partner airline or hotel loyalty points at a 5:4 ratio
3: Unlimited complimentary international lounge visits through Priority Pass
4: Unlimited visits to select domestic airport lounges on spending Rs. 50,000 in the previous 3 months
5: 4 additional guest visits each to international & domestic lounges every year
6: Low forex markup fee of 2%
7: 4 complimentary airport meet & greet services in a year
8: Any one voucher worth Rs. 5,000 from Luxe gift card, The Postcard Hotels gift voucher, or Yatra gift voucher
9: Up to 35 EDGE reward points per Rs. 200 spent
Axis Magnus for Burgundy Credit Card is exclusively designed for Axis Bank's Burgundy clients. Cardholders can earn accelerated rewards on travel spends and redeem them against partner airlines or hotel loyalty points at a 5:4 ratio. Besides this, other benefits like unlimited lounge visits with free guest visits, low forex markup fees, complimentary meet & greet services, and travel vouchers enhance the card's overall value for frequent travellers. However, consumers who are not eligible for the Magnus for Burgundy Credit Card can consider applying for the Axis Magnus Credit Card with similar travel benefits at a lower annual fee.
Also Read: Best Credit Card for Domestic Travel
This international credit card ensures low forex fees and comes with multiple gift vouchers, reward points on transactions, lounge access, and many more features that make your international transactions seamless.
Annual fee: Rs . 2,500
Features and Benefits:
The following are the features and benefits of the HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card:
1: The card charges low forex markup fees of 2.00%
2: On card activation, cardholders will receive MMT Black Elite membership, Club Vistara Silver membership, and a gift voucher worth Rs . 2,500
3: At both International & domestic terminals in India, the card offers 12 complimentary lounge access.
4: On completing four retail transactions on the card, cardholders will receive six complimentary lounge access outside India via Priority Pass Membership.
5: On spending Rs . 150, including utilities, education, and insurance, four reward points will be earned.
6: On spending Rs . 150 at Marks & Spencer, Nykaa, Myntra, and Reliance Digital, 20 reward points will be awarded.
7: On spending Rs. 1.5 Lakh in a quarter, a milestone benefit worth Rs . 1,500 will be offered
8: On spending Rs . 4 lakh in a year, the annual fee will be waived off
9: On spending Rs . 5 Lakh and Rs . 7.50 lakh in a year, a flight voucher of Rs . 5000 and an additional voucher worth Rs . 5000 will be offered
Also Read: What is Virtual Credit Cards & Physical Cards
This invite-only international credit card comes at a high annual fee but offers high reward points on activation, along with multiple other benefits at a low forex markup fee.
Annual fee: Rs . 12,500
Features and Benefits:
The following are the features and benefits of the HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card:
1: On spending Rs. 10 Lakh in a year, the renewal fee is waived off
2: The card offers a forex markup fee of 2.00%
3: For the first year, the card offers a Complimentary Club Marriott membership
4: On activation of the card, 12,500 bonus reward points are offered
5: For Primary and Add-on members, the cardholder can avail themselves of unlimited airport lounge access across the globe
6: For every Rs . 150 spent, the card offers five reward points
7: On payment of the card renewal fee, 12,500 reward points are offered as a bonus
8: On travel and shopping spends at Smartbuy, cardholders will earn 10X reward points
9: Cardholders can avail themselves of unlimited complimentary golf games at selected courses across the world and leading courses across India.
10: Flight and hotel bookings via Smartbuy, Apple products, and Tanishq vouchers, and for air mile conversion can be availed by redeeming reward points in a 1:1 ratio.
11: At participating ITC hotels, cardholders can experience complimentary nights and buffet.
Also Read: Rent Payment Through Credit Card Without Charges
The majority of credit cards let you make purchases internationally. On the other hand, some credit cards allow you to save more on your spending and provide advantages for overseas transactions. The following factors need to be taken into account when selecting the best international credit card:
1: The card should be accepted at a variety of international online and offline outlets.
2: In comparison to regular credit cards, you might want to apply for a credit card with no or low forex markup fees.
3: It is a good idea to select a credit card that provides discounts on flight and hotel bookings if you are a frequent traveller.
4: Choose a credit card that provides access to international lounges in numerous countries.
If you travel frequently, it is a good idea to get a credit card that offers lounge access, discounts on hotel and flight bookings, etc. Additionally, you may compare cards according to their annual fee and welcome bonus. Access to airport lounges, reward points on travel, and earnings with air miles and partner benefits are some of the perks associated with a travel credit card. By using these travel cards, you can receive numerous cashback offers, discounts, rewards, and travel vouchers. Take a look at some of the top credit cards that can be used abroad to facilitate smooth and hassle-free travel.
Also Read: Best Credit Cards for Shopping at Amazon & Flipkart
You can apply for a credit card for international travel online by visiting the said bank's official website, where you can click on the 'Apply Now' button, fill out the application form, and submit the documents to complete the application process. You can also visit the nearest bank branch along with all the documents to apply for a credit card.
Some banks do not charge an annual fee if you are able to make a minimum annual spend using your credit card.
Whether you can apply for a credit card for international travel from an Indian bank as an NRI is completely at the discretion of the bank. However, there are banks in India, such as Axis Bank, that do allow NRIs to apply for their credit card for international travel.
There is no credit limit on credit cards that is exclusive to foreign currency transactions. There is a general credit limit, which includes both domestic and foreign currency transactions.
There isn't a credit card that is completely free for foreign transactions because almost all of them have a foreign exchange markup fee. However, certain credit cards have reduced foreign exchange markup fees.
Build and Maintain a 750+ Credit Score
