Your child is embarking on a new adventure in a foreign country. You want them safe, set up, and supported without wasting money on hidden fees. This guide on the best credit cards for Indian students going abroad keeps things calm and practical. Here, you’ll discover which card to pick, how to avoid forex traps, and what to do in emergencies.
What parents should prioritise
- Forex markup: Prefer 0%. Many regular cards add ~3–4% on international transactions; 0% cards avoid that leak.
- International acceptance: Visa/Mastercard for day-one usability.
- Fee structure: Track joining/annual fees and waiver rules.
- Emergency support: Quick card lock, global helplines, travel insurance.
- University payments: Some fee portals add extra charges—compare with a bank transfer before paying.
- Rewards that actually matter abroad: Groceries, transport, flights—avoid India-only partners.
Shortcut: If you want the lowest friction, start with Scapia or RBL World Safari for 0% forex. If your child has no income or credit history, add IDFC FIRST WOW! (secured).
Best Credit Cards for Indian Students Going Abroad: Top 5 Credit Cards
1) Scapia Federal Credit Card (Visa/RuPay) — Annual fee: Lifetime-free
Why we like it
- 0% forex markup on international spends.
- Lifetime-free, travel-centric rewards, strong app controls.
- Visa + RuPay setup (global acceptance + UPI in India).
Best for: Everyday international spending with no surprise fees.
Watch-outs: At card machines, always decline DCC (pay in local currency).
Parent tip: Keep Visa as the default abroad; RuPay is handy when they’re home.
2) RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card— Annual fee: ₹3,000
Why we like it
- 0% forex markup saves ~3–4% compared to typical cards.
- Airport lounge access + travel insurance (lost baggage, passport, delays).
Best for: Students flying 1–2 times a year; parents who value insurance peace-of-mind.
Watch-outs: Lounge visits after the free quota are chargeable.
Parent tip: Save the global helpline and insurer hotline on the phone.
3) IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card (Secured) — Annual fee: Lifetime-free (FD-backed)
Why we like it
- 0% forex markup, no income proof, no credit history needed.
- FD-backed limit helps start a clean credit history in India.
Best for: First credit line for students with thin/no history.
Watch-outs: Requires an FD (starts at ₹20,000).
Parent tip: Set spend alerts and auto-pay in full to build habits.
4) HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card (+ Global Value Program) — Annual fee: ₹2,500–₹2,999 (varies)
Why we like it
- Works almost everywhere abroad — very high acceptance.
- Global Value Program gives 1% cashback on international transactions (up to capped limits), which helps reduce forex impact.
- Lounge access benefits make long travel days calmer.
- Hotel/travel bookings often get smoother dispute support on Regalia vs many new-age cards.
Best for:
Parents who want a reliable, stable, predictable card that works everywhere, especially during travel, hospitals, relocation, and emergencies.
Watch-outs:
- Forex markup is usually ~3.5% + GST → not ideal for daily small spends abroad.
- Capped cashback under GVP — don’t overestimate the savings.
- If your child will use a card every day abroad, use Scapia / WOW! for daily transactions and keep Regalia as a backup & travel card.
Parent tip:
Tell your child:
“Use Scapia/WOW! for groceries & transport.
Keep Regalia for flights, hotels, deposits, emergencies only.”
This avoids bill shock + keeps credit utilisation safe.
5) Zolve Credit Card (for students moving to the US) — No annual fee
Why we like it
- Apply from India, no SSN required initially; start building US credit on day one.
- Works like a local US card (no India-side forex for US living).
Best for: Students headed to the United States for UG/PG.
Watch-outs: Useful mainly after landing; keep a 0% forex Indian card for travel days and initial expenses.
Parent tip: Combo: Scapia/RBL for travel + Zolve for long-term US life.
Best Credit Cards for Indian Students Going Abroad: Side-by-side comparison
| Card | Forex Markup | Annual Fee | Travel/Lounge & Protections | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scapia Federal | 0% | LTF | Travel-centric rewards; app controls | All-round daily use abroad. |
| RBL World Safari | 0% | ₹3,000 | Lounge access; travel insurance | Flights + protection on long trips. |
| IDFC FIRST WOW! (Secured) | 0% | LTF | FD-backed; easy to qualify | First credit line; safe start. |
| HDFC Bank Regalia Gold | ≈3.5% – 1% cashback | Travel days + emergencies | Stable global acceptance + lounge | Hospital, flight, and hotel booking. |
| Zolve (US) | n/a (local USD card) | ₹0 | US credit-building; starter-friendly | Moving to the US: daily life. |
Real-life money savers (quick scenarios)
- Tuition + dorm deposit: Many portals add their own fees. If the fee is ~1–2%, a 0% forex card can still be cheaper than a 3–4% markup card. Compare both before paying.
- Departure day: Use the credit card with lounge access (RBL World Safari) for a calmer send-off, then keep it as the emergency backup abroad.
- Everyday abroad: Scapia/Niyo for groceries, phone plans, and transport—always pay in local currency (decline DCC).
- Emergency hospital deposit: Use a credit card (not debit) for stronger chargeback rights and higher limits; keep helplines saved.
- Coming home bookings: If chasing miles isn’t your thing, stick to 0% forex cards—simplicity beats complex redemptions for most families.
Save money on every swipe (parent playbook)
- Turn off DCC: If the POS asks “Pay in INR or local currency?”, choose local—that avoids a bad exchange rate.
- Enable international usage in the app; set limits and alerts.
- Hit fee-waiver targets if your card has them; else, prefer lifetime-free options.
- Keep a backup card from a different bank/network.
- Store helplines and passport/card copies securely.
Credit card set up before departure
- Pick your primary 0% forex card (Scapia or RBL).
- Add IDFC FIRST WOW! if your child needs an easy first credit line.
- Enable international + online transactions; set alerts and monthly limits.
- Save global helplines; teach how to lock the card from the app in 2 taps.
- If moving to the US, apply for Zolve so credit building starts from month one.
Credit card fees and rules you need to know
- Forex markup: The extra % banks add on international transactions; 0% cards avoid this and use network rates (Visa/Mastercard).
- International ATM: Debit/forex cards are better; credit cash advances can be costly—reserve credit for purchases and emergencies.
- Paying tuition by card: Some portals add their own fees; do a quick comparison vs bank transfer before paying.
- Chargebacks & buyer protection: Hotels/airline issues are usually easier to dispute on credit than on debit.
- Building credit: WOW! helps start an Indian file; Zolve helps start a US file early.
FAQs
Best Credit Cards for Indian Students Going Abroad: Verdict
Sending your child abroad is a big emotional step. It’s pride, excitement, and worry all sitting together. Choosing the right credit card setup won’t remove the emotions, but it will remove unnecessary stress. A good card ensures your child can pay for groceries, book a train, handle a medical deposit, or manage a delayed flight — without panicking or calling you in tears. It gives both of you a sense of safety and stability when everything around them is new.
