Best International Travel Credit Card in India

Close your eyes for a second and picture this: You’ve just landed in Paris/Dubai/Singapore. You’re sleepy, hungry, roaming on airport Wi-Fi… and your Indian credit card suddenly declines. Or worse, it works, but you only discover the 4–5% extra credit card forex markup + hidden fees when the SMS from your bank hits. If you’re hunting for the best international travel credit card in India, this guide will walk you through forex markup, rewards, lounges, and credit card traps.

And yes, we’ll pick specific cards for different types of travellers. There’s one hidden gem with 0% forex markup you absolutely need to know about, but let’s build context first.)

Quick Summary – Best International Travel Credit Cards in India (2026)

If you’re in a hurry, here’s the 10-second version. These are among the best international travel credit cards in India right now (features can change; always check the latest T&Cs):

RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card – One of India’s first 0% forex markup travel credit cards, designed specifically for frequent international travellers.
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card – New-age airline & hotel miles card with 4X points on travel and foreign currency spends, plus 6 domestic + 4 international lounge visits per year.
Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card – Strong for serious travellers who love transfer partners and miles, but with a high 3.5% forex markup, so you need to play the game smart.
HDFC Infinia / Diners Club Black – Premium all-rounders with unlimited lounge access and strong rewards, suited for high-income, high-spend travellers.
ICICI Bank Emeralde Private – Lower forex markup (2% vs typical 3.5%) with unlimited international lounge access, aimed at frequent luxury travellers.
SBI MILES ELITE / other SBI travel cards – Miles + seasonal free international lounge offers through campaigns like “Khushiyan Unlimited.”

We’ll go card-by-card in a bit. But first, you need to understand what you’re optimising for—because the “best card” for your Goa-Dubai girl gang trip is not the same as for your PhD in Germany or quarterly US business travel.

How to Choose the Best International Travel Credit Card in India

Before we talk brand names, let’s decode the rules of the game. Most people skip this part, and that’s exactly why they get shocked by their statement later.

1. Forex Markup and International Charges (The Silent Killer)

Whenever you swipe your Indian credit card abroad or pay online in USD/EUR/etc, banks add:

Forex markup (usually 2–3.5% of the txn value)
GST on that markup
Sometimes extra platform or network fees

Example:
Spend ₹1,00,000 equivalent abroad on a typical 3.5% markup card → you pay roughly ₹4,000+ extra just in forex + GST.

Now compare that with a 0% forex markup card like RBL World Safari, which literally advertises 0% markup on foreign currency transactions.

That’s ~4% savings straight—before counting rewards.

👉 Open loop: In a bit, we’ll see why not every Indian needs a zero-forex card, even though it sounds perfect.

2. Rewards: Miles vs Cashback vs Generic Points

For travel abroad credit cards, returns usually show up in three flavours:

Air miles/hotel points – Best if you travel regularly on specific airlines or hotel chains.
Transferable points – Like HSBC TravelOne or Axis Atlas, where your points convert to multiple airline/hotel partners.
Cashback/statement credit – Simple, clean, no brain space needed.

Most travel cards in India give extra rewards on:

Flight/hotel bookings
Online travel agencies (Yatra, MMT, EaseMyTrip, Cleartrip, PayTM Travel, etc.)
Foreign currency transactions

The trap?
Many of us get seduced by “10X points” without checking the redemption value. Sometimes 2X good points > 10X useless points.

3. Lounge Access and Travel Privileges (Sanity Tax)

If you’ve ever done a long layover without lounge access, you know why this matters.

Look for:

Domestic/international lounge visits (how many per year?)
Any guest access
Priority Pass/LoungeKey memberships
Travel insurance (lost baggage, trip delay, etc.)

Example:

HSBC TravelOne – 6 domestic + 4 international lounge visits per year via Mastercard/LoungeKey, no spend requirement for lounge access.
Premium cards like HDFC Infinia / Diners Black and ICICI Emeralde Private can provide unlimited lounge access for frequent fliers.

If you’re doing 2–3 trips a year, this difference between “I’m dying on these plastic chairs” vs “I showered, ate, and worked in peace” is huge.

4. Credit Card Fees, Eligibility and Waivers

Don’t just ask “what’s the joining fee?”
Ask: “When does this card become effectively free?”

Annual fee: often ₹3,000–₹5,000 for mid-range travel cards; much higher for ultra-premium.
Waiver: spend ₹X lakh in a year and your next year’s fee gets waived (HSBC TravelOne waives the annual fee above a certain spend threshold).

If your usual annual spend is ₹4–5 lakh and the card needs ₹12 lakh for full value, that’s not “aspirational”, that’s unrealistic.

Best International Travel Credit Cards in India (2026)

Now the fun part: actual cards.

Note: Features and offers change often. This list is based on information available before publishing the article. Always double-check with the bank before applying.

1. RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card – For Pure 0% Forex Lovers

If your 2026 personality is “I’m always at airports”, then the RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card deserves a serious look.

Why it stands out

Advertised as India’s first 0% forex markup travel credit card – no markup on foreign currency transactions.
Designed specifically for international travellers, with travel-centric benefits (insurance, vouchers, etc.).

Good for you if:

You make big spends abroad (shopping, hotels, food, experiences).
You’d rather save 4% upfront than complicate your life with miles math.
You do 1–3 foreign trips a year and want a dedicated “international card”.

Watch out for:

The annual fee isn’t tiny; you need to use it properly to justify it.
Rewards are decent, but the real hero is 0% forex, not crazy points.

2. HSBC TravelOne Credit Card – For Future Miles Girls

Think of HSBC TravelOne as your “starter airmiles card” that can grow with you.

What it does well

4 reward points per ₹100 on flights, travel aggregators, and foreign currency spends; 2 points per ₹100 on everything else.
Points convert 1:1 to multiple airline and hotel partners, making it easier to build miles on your favourite brands.
6 domestic + 4 international lounge visits per year.
Regular travel tie-ups: 15% discounts on flight & hotel bookings with platforms like Yatra, EaseMyTrip, PayTM Travel, Cleartrip, plus duty-free discounts.

The catch

Standard forex markup is around 3.5% + GST, which can eat into your reward value on pure forex transactions.
Occasionally, HSBC runs limited-period 0% or reduced forex markup offers, but they are temporary.

Best for you if:

You want to start playing the miles game without jumping straight into ultra-premium territory.
You travel abroad at least once a year and spend a lot in India on flights/hotels too.
You like the flexibility of multiple airline/hotel partners.

3. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card – For Serious Travel Nerds

Axis Atlas is like that friend who always says, “I booked this biz-class seat with miles only.”

Highlights

Strong EDGE Miles earn rate, especially on travel spends; miles can be transferred to partner airlines and hotels.
A decent number of international and domestic lounge visits, depending on your tier.

Big warning label

Forex markup is high: ~3.5%, which means your international swipes are expensive unless you’re optimising miles like a pro.
Annual fee is ~₹5,000, and benefits are tier-based, so value depends on how much you spend and where.

Best for you if:

You already understand airline miles, transfer partners, and sweet spots.
You travel abroad 2–3 times a year, often on full-service carriers.
You’re okay with doing a little Excel + maths to ensure rewards > forex charges.

4. HDFC Infinia / Diners Club Black – For High-Income, High-Travel Life

These are not starter cards. But if you qualify, your airport experience changes forever.

What makes them elite

HDFC Infinia is often recommended as the top choice for frequent travellers due to unlimited lounge access and strong travel benefits.
Excellent reward rates, especially on travel bookings and smart partner spends.

Real talk

Entry is tough: high income and/or existing relationship needed.
Annual fees can be steep unless your spends are high enough to justify or waive them.

Best for you if:

You’re already in a high-spend, frequent-flyer life stage.
You want one core card that works brilliantly in India and abroad (with the right usage pattern).

5. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private – For Luxury Abroad

If your travel vibe is “airport is my second home,” look at ICICI’s premium side.

Unlimited international lounge access and lower-than-usual forex markup (around 2% vs the typical 3.5%) make it attractive for global travellers.
Extra perks like flight/hotel vouchers, cancellation covers, concierge, etc.

Again, this is not for beginners—more like that chapter you unlock later when your income and travel frequency both go up.

6. SBI MILES ELITE and Other SBI Travel Cards – For Offers + Occasional Travel

SBI keeps dropping interesting campaigns like “Khushiyan Unlimited”, with:

Vouchers worth up to ₹20,000
Free international lounge access during festive offers on certain SBI cards, including SBI Card MILES ELITE, IndiGo SBI ELITE, and others.

Good if:

You’re already an SBI user.
Your travel is occasional, but you want seasonal offers and some lounge comfort.

Zero-Forex vs Regular Travel Abroad Credit Cards – What Should You Choose?

Let’s settle this internal debate.

When Zero-Forex Cards Make Total Sense

Pick a zero forex markup credit card like RBL World Safari if:

You’re doing a short but heavy-spend trip (Euro trip, US shopping, honeymoon, etc.).
You’ll swipe for big-ticket spends: hotels, luxury shopping, fancy meals.
You don’t want to play “miles chess” and just want straightforward savings.

Here, every ₹1,00,000 you swipe abroad saves ~₹4,000 compared to a 3.5% markup card. That’s actual cash staying with you.

When Regular Travel Credit Cards Are Better

Stick with a regular travel credit card (with 2–3.5% forex) if:

You travel abroad once a year but spend much more inside India.
You value miles, domestic lounges, India spends more than forex savings.
You want one “do-everything” card like HSBC TravelOne, Atlas, or a premium HDFC/ICICI card.

Simple Decision Rule

Trip-heavy, spend-heavy abroad this year? → Prioritise 0% forex.
Frequent domestic + some international, want miles + lounges? → Pick a strong travel rewards card even if forex isn’t 0%.
You’re not sure yet, but future you will travel more → Start with a flexible reward/miles card (like TravelOne), then add a specialised zero-forex card later.

Best Credit Cards for Travel Abroad by Traveller Profile

Because your cousin is going to Canada for a 2-year course, they have different needs than you, who do 2-3 work trips a year.

1. First-Time International Travellers and Beginners

Look for:

Clear benefits, low confusion
Some lounge visits + OK rewards
Annual fee you can justify on your very first trip

Good fits:

RBL World Safari if your first trip is big and expensive.
Entry-level travel cards with welcome vouchers, limited lounge visits.

2. Frequent Flyers and Business Travellers

You want:

High lounge access (domestic + international)
Miles or transferable points, not just cashback
Strong offers with OTAs (Yatra, MMT, YatraHSBC, etc.).

Ideal zone:

HSBC TravelOne, Axis Atlas, and premium cards like HDFC Infinia/Diners or ICICI Emeralde Private.

3. Students Travelling Abroad from India

Priorities:

Lower income requirement
International acceptance
Low or zero international usage cost

Combos that can work:

A zero-forex credit card if you’re eligible (or added as an add-on on a parent’s card like World Safari).
A good forex card as backup (we’ll talk about alternatives soon).

4. Luxury Travellers and High Spenders

You want the works:

Unlimited or high-cap lounge access
Concierge, hotel privileges, upgrades
Better treatment when things go wrong (delays, lost luggage, etc.)

Cards in this game:

HDFC Infinia / Diners Club Black, ICICI Emeralde Private, some premium HSBC / SBI variants.

How to Use Your Travel Credit Card Abroad

The card you choose is Step 1.
Step 2 is how you use it.

Before You Leave India

Enable international usage in your app/netbanking.
Set per-transaction limits & SMS/e-mail alerts.
Save customer care numbers and WhatsApp support in your phone.
Add card to Apple Pay/Google Pay where possible (safer than handing card every time).

While You’re Travelling

Always pay in local currency, not INR. DCC (dynamic currency conversion) is usually a bad deal with extra margin for the merchant + network.
Avoid cash withdrawals on credit cards abroad unless it’s an emergency—fees + interest start immediately.
Carry two cards from different banks/networks in case one fails.
Don’t swipe your card on shady terminals or random street kiosks.

After You Return

Go through your statement like a hawk—flag unknown or duplicated transactions.
Redeem your points/miles ASAP or at least note expiry dates.
Check if your annual spend is close to the fee-waiver threshold for next year.

Credit Card Fees, Charges, and Fine Print You Must Know in 2026

This is the part we all want to ski,p but can’t afford to.

Forex Markup, GST, and Real Cost

Typical scenario:

Forex markup: 3.5%
GST: 18% on that 3.5%
Effective hit: ~4.13% on foreign transactions (HSBC itself cites this structure on certain cards).

Compare that to:

0% forex cards (RBL World Safari, some fintech travel cards) – you save almost the entire markup.
Lower-markup premium cards like ICICI Emeralde Private (around 2%).

Cash Withdrawal, Late Payment, and EMI Traps

Cash advance on a credit card abroad = loan with fees + interest from Day 1.
Late payments on travel spends can mess up your CIBIL right when you plan your next big loan.
EMI conversions feel comfortable, but check the processing fee + interest vs just planning the spend upfront.

Devaluations and Program Changes

Reward programs change.
Miles get devalued, lounge access gets capped, and charges go up.

Example: banks periodically tweak lounge programmes, forex fees, and reward structures via updated T&Cs and campaigns.

So, once a year, do a quick “Is this card still worth it?” audit.

Alternatives to Travel Credit Cards for Spending Abroad

Sometimes, the right answer is a combo, not just one card.

Forex Cards

Usually pre-loaded in foreign currency (USD/EUR/AED, etc.).
Some options, like the BookMyForex True Zero Markup Card, offer zero forex markup with multi-currency support.

Great as:

A backup to your main travel credit card.
A budgeting tool (load what you plan to spend and stop there).

International Debit Cards and Multi-Currency Accounts

Good if you’re not comfortable with credit yet.
But many Indian debit cards charge similar or even higher forex markup. Always read fee charts.

UPI-Linked & Fintech Solutions

Slowly expanding abroad (UAE, Singapore, some other corridors).
Great for smaller spends, but not yet a complete replacement for a solid travel credit card.

FAQs on the Best International Travel Credit Card in India (2026)

What is the best international travel credit card in India?

The best card depends on how often you travel and what benefits you value, but generally, a top international travel credit card offers low forex fees, airport lounge access, and reward points that convert to airline miles. Cards like HSBC TravelOne, Axis Atlas, and HDFC Infinia frequently rank high because they provide strong value on global spending.

Do Indian credit cards work smoothly abroad?

Yes, most Indian credit cards work internationally as long as they are on a global network such as Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. You don’t need special activation in most cases, but it’s always wise to inform your bank before travelling to avoid transaction blocks for security reasons.

What is forex markup and why does it matter?

Forex markup is the extra fee your bank charges when you swipe your Indian card abroad, typically ranging from 1.5% to 3.5%. It matters because this fee directly increases the cost of every purchase you make internationally, which is why choosing a low-forex or zero-forex card can save you a lot of money.

Should I keep more than one travel credit card?

Keeping two travel cards can actually be beneficial — one with low forex fees for spending abroad and another with strong reward points for earning benefits on bookings. This gives you flexibility, ensures you’re never stuck with a declined card, and helps you maximise savings on every trip.

Are reward points useful for international travel?

Reward points can be extremely valuable if your card lets you convert them into airline miles or hotel loyalty points. These conversions often give much higher value than cashback or gift vouchers, helping you save significantly on flights, hotel stays, and upgrades.