Travelling Overseas? 6 Credit Cards with Zero Foreign Transaction Fees

Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees

Whenever you make a purchase or financial transaction with your international credit card, an additional charge, ranging from 1% to 5%, is added to your transaction statement by your credit card issuer. This is also known as markup cost, and applies to all cross-border financial transactions. This includes shopping, or withdrawing cash through your international credit card or transacting through a foreign ATM.

Let us take an example to understand the calculation of how this charge adds up. If you purchase something worth INR 10,000, and your credit card issuer charges a 3% fees,, the base markup cost will be INR 300, and with an additional GST of 18%, the total payable amount will be INR 354. This means that instead of paying INR 10,000, an amount of INR 10,354 will be deducted from your account.

To avoid paying these unnecessary markup costs, you can opt for forex cards. A forex card with zero markup is even better in such cases. A prepaid forex card allows you to load multiple foreign currencies onto a single digital wallet. You can load the money before setting foot on your international trip and use it to make cashless payments once you reach your destination abroad. You can reload the card as and when needed. Let us look closer at what a zero forex markup credit card India variant offers and how it can benefit you as an international traveller.

What is a Zero Forex Credit Card?

If you are wondering what does zero forex markup means, it is very straightforward. A zero markup credit card or specialised travel card allows you to make international purchases without any added charges on currency conversion. This means you get an exact value per the exchange rate without any inflated rate or an additional charge. By using a secure credit card with zero forex markup, you eliminate the extra 1.5% to 3.5% fee on every foreign transaction.

6 Popular Zero Forex Markup Travel Cards in India (2026)

If you are looking for a competitive no foreign transaction fee credit card in India, here are the top 5 options to consider:

• Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card
• Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card
• HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Credit Card
• IDFC Bank First Wow Credit Card
• RBL World Safari Credit Card
• Scapia Co-branded Credit Card

*Disclaimer: The mentioned cards are arranged alphabetically and in no particular preference order.

Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card

The Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card is an exclusive, invite-only card. It serves as an elite zero markup fee credit card, making it a great choice for high-spending international travelleINR On every INR 200 spent with this card, you earn 15 reward points. Along with serving as a premium credit card with zero forex markup and international lounge access, it offers various luxury benefits like unlimited international lounge access, complimentary memberships.

Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card

This premium Indusind zero forex credit card is an excellent choice for frequent flyers and global travellers as it offers zero markup foreign credit card configuration with zero over-limit fees. It no late payment charges and for every INR 3 lakh spent, you earn a business class ticket voucher. While this travel card is a good choice if you are looking for a no foreign transaction fee credit card, the benefits may be subject to change after its merger with Air India.

HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Credit Card

While searching for a reliable HDFC zero forex markup credit card, this is a premium card ensuring multi-currency conversion smoothly. The HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Credit Card used the PayWave technology for secure payments. You also get various additional benefits along with this travel card.

IDFC Bank First Wow Credit Card

It is among the most accessible entry options when looking for credit cards with zero forex markup. The main highlight of the IDFC First Wow Credit Card is its zero joining fees and true zero forex markup credit card lifetime free model. Since there is no requirement of income proof or existing credit history, this card is a brilliant zero forex credit card lifetime free choice even for students or individuals building up their financial profiles. You must keep in mind that it requires a minimum fixed deposit of INR 20,000. With its credit limit of double the deposit amount, you can easily maximise your spending budget.

RBL World Safari Credit Card

The RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card is another zero forex markup credit card India. This means you can save up to a 3.5% markup fee on international transactions as compared to regular credit cards. Along with a 0% foreign transaction fee, this card offers various travel-related benefits, including a INR 10,000 gift voucher from brands like Taj Experiences, Croma, and Amazon, when you spend INR 7.5 lakh. It also extends perks like 24x7 concierge services, fuel surcharge waiver of up to INR 250 per month, etc.

*Disclaimer: The key benefits for the cards include, but are not limited to, the above-mentioned points, and are subject to terms and conditions.

Scapia Co-branded Credit Card

Powered by partners like Federal Bank and BOBCARD, this digital-first card has become a top choice for frequent flyers Known for its absolute financial transparency, it gives a highly competitive forex credit card along with several travel rewards. These scapia coins can be redeemed against global flight or hotel bookings.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Zero Markup Forex Card

Now that you have gone through some of the top credit cards with zero forex markup, the next question that may pop up in your mind is: how should I decide which zero markup forex credit card to buy? Let us answer this query. Here are certain important criteria to choose the best zero forex cards:

• Always check if your selected card supports the currency for the country you intend to travel to.
• Check for additional costs associated with using a zero markup forex card, like issuance fees, balance inquiry charges, inactivity fees, etc. Choose a card with minimum structural fees.
• Check the security features of the cards, like instant locking/blocking, two-factor authorisation, fraud protection assistance, etc.
• Check the maximum daily limit on usage or withdrawal amount.
• Choose a card which you can easily top up through online services.
• Compare the annual fees and interest rates for your preferred 0 forex markup credit cards.

Difference Between Zero Markup Forex Card Vs International Credit Card

Here are some key differences between a regular international credit card and a zero markup forex card.

What Are The Benefits of Zero Markup Forex Cards?

Now that you know the difference between credit cards with zero forex markup and regular ones, here are some benefits and key features of zero forex markup credit card with international lounge access or a zero forex card a smart choice for international travellers

1. There are no hidden currency conversion charges. You get to save 1-5% of the markup fees on foreign exchange rates.
2. These cards are easy to use as you just have to load money into them and they are ready to be used. You can even top them up anytime online while you are abroad.
3. Like regular credit or debit cards, you can use the zero forex markup credit cards globally across various merchants, online stores, and ATMs.
4. The multi-currency support feature allows you to top up your forex card with various currencies. This is a great option for people who take multi-country trips.
5. Whether you have a zero forex markup debit card or a credit card, these cards come with security features like chip and PIN protection.
6. Many cards also offer additional travel rewards & benefits like lounge access, dining offers, loyalty points, travel insurance, etc.
7. The unused balance of the 0 forex credit card can be easily refunded to your bank account.

Final Verdict

Travelling abroad is no short of an adventure. Money plays a critical role in successfully planning a foreign trip. Hence, you must always strive to minimise your expenses. Finding a no foreign transaction fee credit card with zero forex markup will help you save some costs.

While forex cards with zero charges are a great solution to the hassle of carrying money securely abroad, don’t forget to buy an overseas travel insurance plan to ensure a safe international trip. This will ensure you do not get into financial trouble due to unexpected emergencies or disturbances.