Best Fee-Free Credit Cards for International Travel from India
Updated On Dec 15, 2023
Picture yourself relaxing on a beach in Bali or exploring historic sites in Egypt. Planning an international holiday is exciting, but don't let hefty credit card fees dampen your enthusiasm.
Carrying wads of cash overseas has safety concerns and conversion charges, no matter how movie-like it looks and sounds. The smarter way to manage expenses abroad is using a credit card designed for fee-free international usage.
This comprehensive guide will help you find India's perfect travel credit card. Let's get started!
Why You Need Credit Cards Without Foreign Transaction Fees
When swiping your regular credit card internationally, you're likely paying a foreign transaction fee between 2-3% on every overseas purchase. This really adds up to significant expenses like flights, hotels, tours, shopping, and more.
Avoid these unnecessary charges by getting a travel credit card tailored for going abroad by leading Indian banks. The best credit cards for saving on international transactions offer some commonly expected benefits:
- No foreign transaction fee - You won't pay any extra percentage charges on foreign or online purchases.
- Rewards - Earn accelerated reward points or cashback specifically on international travel spends.
- Premium benefits - Perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, hotel discounts, and concierge services.
- Low/no annual fees - Most travel cards have annual fees waived off or relatively low compared to benefits.
- Smooth payments - Chip-enabled cards with a contactless pay facility for easy transactions abroad
Armed with the right credit card, you can travel the world and swipe stress-free without worrying about foreign currency markups. Now let's look at the top international travel cards from major Indian banks so that choosing fee-free credit cards doesn’t seem like an uphill task!
Best Fee-Free Credit Cards for Overseas Travel from India
Here are the most rewarding credit cards offered by leading banks in India that do NOT charge any foreign transaction fees:
- HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
The HDFC Regalia credit card is a premium travel and lifestyle card aimed at frequent flyers. You get:
- Welcome gift of 20,000 reward points
- Four reward points per ₹150 spent, including overseas
- Unlimited lounge access at airports in India and worldwide
- Insurance coverage for travel delays, lost cards, and emergency medical
- Exclusive deals on dining, hotels, and holiday packages
- Complimentary airport transfers twice a month
- No foreign transaction fee on international swipes
- ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card
The Sapphiro card by ICICI Bank also offers a host of travel benefits:
- Welcome gift vouchers worth ₹10,000 from luxury brands
- Two reward points per ₹100 spent globally
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel payments
- Complimentary lounge access at airports in India
- Insurance coverage for lost cards, fraud protection, and travel delays
- Flexible redemptions for flights, hotels, gift cards and more
- Zero foreign transaction fee for international payments
- Axis Bank Neo Credit Card
The Neo Credit Card by Axis Bank is an efficient travel companion:
- 20% welcome gift voucher up to ₹2,000 from partners
- Two reward points per ₹150 spent on dining, travel, and international
- Domestic airport lounge access twice per quarter
- Up to 15% discount on domestic hotels
- Insurance for lost cards and fraudulent transactions
- No foreign transaction fee on overseas spending
- SBI Elite Credit Card
The SBI Elite credit card equips you for global travel:
- Welcome benefit of 20,000 reward points
- Two reward points per ₹100 spent on international purchases
- Unlimited lounge access at domestic airports
- Insurance coverage for lost cards, travel delays, and medical emergencies
- Simpler redemptions for statement credits and a rewards catalogue
- Zero foreign transaction fee for global acceptance
- Citi Prestige Credit Card
With the Citi Prestige Credit Card, you get premium travel privileges:
- One reward point for every ₹100 spent domestically and internationally
- Unlimited complimentary access to airport lounges in India
- Free luxury limousine service for airport transfers
- Travel insurance covers loss of baggage, delays and more
- Concierge service for booking tickets, hotels, and making reservations
- Global acceptance without any foreign transaction fee
- American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
The American Express Platinum Card is packed with top-tier benefits:
- Five reward points for every ₹100 spent on flights, hotels, and dining
- Unlimited complimentary access to domestic and global airport lounges
- Premium hotel benefits like room upgrades and late check-outs
- Comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies, delays, and loss of baggage
- Global Assist Hotline for emergency services when travelling
- No foreign transaction fee on any overseas payments
How to Pick the Best Credit Card for International Trips
With many excellent credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to pick from, here are crucial factors to consider when choosing one tailor-made for frequent international getaways:
Reward Points and Redemption
Look for cards that allow you to earn and redeem points faster for travel expenses. Find flexible options to redeem for flights, hotels, entertainment, shopping, and more.
Welcome and Renewal Benefits
Opt for cards that offer lucrative sign-up bonuses, anniversary gifts, and renewal vouchers for more significant savings right through your membership.
Lounge Access
Cards with unlimited, complimentary access to domestic and international lounges add comfort and luxury to transit time.
Insurance Coverage
Robust insurance for emergencies, delays, baggage loss, etc, provides a safety net when travelling overseas. In case your credit card doesn’t cover travel insurance or the coverage amount is lower, it’s recommended to buy an extensive international travel insurance plan for you and other travellers.
In case your credit card provider doesn’t give you travel insurance coverage, you can always buy a travel insurance cover from InsuranceDekho. Travel Insurance is one of an essential element to have while you are travelling outside India.
Annual Fees
While premium travel cards have fees, benefits, and rewards should outweigh costs. Consider fee waivers or savings on annual charges.
Payment Facility
Chip-enabled cards with contactless pay allow smoother transactions abroad. Look for NFC QR code payment features.
Doing thorough research to find the right fit as per your travel habits, budget, and needs is worthwhile. With the perfect fee-free credit card, you can save substantially on foreign holidays!
Smart Tips to Avoid Charges on International Trips
Follow these tips to maximise saving on international transactions on your next adventure:
- Inform your bank before travel so your card works smoothly abroad and is not declined for usage spikes.
- Withdraw cash from destination ATMs to get the best foreign exchange rates and avoid conversion fees.
- Carry an additional credit/debit card as backup in case your primary card is lost/stolen.
- Check the contactless payment facility on your card to tap and pay seamlessly for small purchases.
- Use airport lounges available on your credit card to relax before flights.
- Leverage concierge services to get assistance planning your trip, reservations, etc.
- Buy travel insurance to protect against any delays, emergencies, or baggage issues.
With the right credit card in your wallet, you can travel the world freely without worrying about foreign transaction fees. Spend smartly overseas and bring home cherished memories instead of hefty credit card bills!
FAQs: Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Q: Why should I consider a card with no foreign transaction fees?
A: If you frequently travel abroad or shop from international websites, this feature can save you significant money in the long run.
Q: Are all overseas transactions fee-free with such cards?
A: While the foreign transaction fee is waived, you might still incur other charges like cash withdrawal fees at international ATMs. Always check the card's terms and conditions.
Q: How does currency conversion work without this fee?
A: The currency is converted based on the exchange rate of the transaction day. Without the foreign transaction fee, you'll only pay the converted amount.
Q: Is the exchange rate competitive?
A: Most banks use the rates set by major card networks like Visa or MasterCard, which are quite competitive. However, comparing the rates on the day of the transaction is always good.
Q: Can I get this benefit on my existing card?
A: Not all cards offer this feature. You should apply for a specific card that offers no foreign transaction fees or check with your bank about upgrading.
Q: Are there any other perks with such cards?
A: Absolutely! Many cards tailored for international use offer additional benefits like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and bonus reward points for overseas spending.
Q: Will I be charged if I withdraw cash from an ATM abroad?
A: While you might avoid the foreign transaction fee, ATMs might charge a withdrawal fee. It's essential to check beforehand.
Q: Are there annual fees associated with such cards?
A: Some cards might have annual fees, while others might waive it off if you spend a certain amount annually. Make sure to check the card's fee structure.