If you’re an NRI who wants to spend on international travel, or manage family expenses in India without getting fleeced by forex markup fees, this is your one-stop, NRI credit cards guide for 2026. By the end, you’ll know which NRI credit cards in India make sense, how to apply, and how to squeeze every rupee of value out of them.
Why NRIs should treat credit cards in India differently
If you live abroad, the last thing you want is surprise fees or a rewards program that’s worthless where you spend most. NRI credit cards in India exist because banks want to serve people who have Indian bank accounts (NRE/NRO) but live overseas. These cards often come with:
- Lower or special forex conversions for international spends;
- Travel-oriented perks (lounge access, travel insurance) geared at frequent flyers;
- Easier linkage to NRE/NRO accounts for bill pay and EMIs;
- The ability to build or maintain an Indian credit profile while overseas.
Think of an NRI card as “India-friendly plumbing” for your money. It keeps INR flows and India perks working even if you’re paying in dollars, dirhams, pounds, or euros.
What exactly is an NRI credit card, and who qualifies?
NRI credit cards are just credit cards issued to Indian nationals who qualify as non-resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), or Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and who usually maintain an NRE or NRO bank account in India. Banks typically require:
- An NRE/NRO account relationship, or proof of NRI status;
- Proof of income (some cards accept foreign income proof), and KYC documents;
- In many cases, the applicant must be present in India for identity verification or complete video-KYC steps.
Axis Bank, for example, lists NRE/NRO account linkage and presence in India during application as items they check for NRI applicants.
Main advantages of NRI credit cards in India
- Better handling of Indian spends: Pay family bills, subscriptions, EMIs without juggling multiple transfers.
- Travel and forex benefits: Some premium cards are optimised for international transactions (lower markup, lounge access). SBI Card ELITE, for instance, advertises a low foreign currency markup.
- India rewards that matter: Points and welcome offers can be tailored to Indian platforms (flights, hotels, marketplaces). ICICI’s MakeMyTrip Signature card ties rewards directly to MakeMyTrip bookings.
- Keeps your India credit history healthy: Useful if you plan to take loans, buy property, or make financial moves in India later.
How NRI credit cards in India handle international transactions?
- Billing currency: Most Indian credit cards bill in INR. If you use the card abroad or on a foreign merchant, the transaction is converted to INR, and you pay in INR.
- Forex markup / foreign currency mark-up: This is the % fee the bank charges on foreign currency spends. Some premium cards advertise very low markups (SBI marketed 1.99% on certain offerings). Always check the T&Cs for the exact rate on the variant you plan to apply for. You can also check out zero forex markup credit cards.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): If offered at checkout abroad, DCC lets merchants bill in local currency — avoid DCC; banks usually give a better exchange rate than merchants.
- Cash withdrawals abroad: Usually expensive (cash withdrawal fee + interest from day one). Avoid unless urgent.
How to choose the best NRI credit cards in India
When comparing NRI credit cards in India, focus on these features; they make the difference between a card you love and one you tolerate:
- Forex markup — lower is better.
- Annual fee and fee waiver rules — look at the realistic spending needed to get the fee reversed.
- Rewards type & redemption — cashback vs miles vs shopping credits. Which aligns with your spend?
- Travel benefits — complimentary lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge.
- Welcome offers — are they usable from abroad? (e.g., vouchers from Indian platforms that your family can use).
- Ease of servicing while overseas — online statements, international customer service, VKYC options. Axis and other banks list VKYC/video KYC routes for NRIs.
Best NRI credit cards in India (2026)
Below are the best NRI credit cards worth considering in 2025. These favourites are chosen for a mix of low forex costs, travel value, and usefulness for people with India ties. (Always verify the exact variant and latest T&Cs before applying.)
1. SBI Card ELITE — best for low forex markup and premium travel perks
Why consider: SBI Card ELITE often advertises very competitive foreign currency markup and a strong global benefits stack (lounges, concierge). If you want a reliable premium option that’s travel-friendly, this is often near the top. Caveat: SBI updated several benefits across cards in 2025 (insurance changes), so read the fine print.
2. HDFC Regalia Gold — best overall banking integration
Why consider: HDFC’s upper-end cards (Regalia family, Diners variants) are popular among frequent travellers and offer strong welcome packs, travel offerings, and rich domestic reward ecosystems. HDFC’s card pages list multiple international-enabled cards for varied budgets.
3. MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature (MMT Signature) — best for travel discounts and bookings
Why consider: If you book flights or hotels via MakeMyTrip frequently (or your family in India uses it), the ICICI–MakeMyTrip tie-ups give high value in MyCash and booking discounts. This card is good for travellers who can use partner benefits.
4. Axis Bank ATLAS — best for travel-heavy users
Why consider: Axis ATLAS is positioned as a travel card (EDGE Miles, tiered milestone benefits, lounge access). If you redeem for travel frequently, ATLAS remains a top contender in 2025.
5. HSBC India (cards for globally-linked customers) — best for global banking customers
Why consider: If you already bank with HSBC globally or maintain international accounts, HSBC India cards can be convenient (global bank support + travel offers). Use them when you prefer one banking relationship across countries.
6. Other niche picks you’ll see often
- RBL World/Travel cards (sometimes have 0% forex promos) — good for cost-conscious travellers.
- Kotak, IDFC, IndusInd premium cards — choose by rewards and customer service preference.
- BankBazaar / Paisabazaar pages are helpful aggregators for quick comparisons.
Note: Card product names, fees, and insurance benefits changed during 2025 — always confirm the version you apply for. For example, SBI removed some air accident insurance from certain cards in August 2025.
7) Comparison table of the best NRI credit cards
Use this as a starting checklist. Numbers may vary by variant and offers — check the bank’s product page before you apply.
| Card (example variant) | Forex Markup (typical) | Annual Fee (typical) | Lounge Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Card ELITE | ~1.99% advertised on some variants. | Premium (fee/waiver thresholds) | Domestic + Intl (varies) | Low forex + travel |
| HDFC Regalia / Diners | Varies by variant | Mid–High | Yes (varies) | Banking integration & travel |
| ICICI MakeMyTrip Signature | Varies | Mid | Select lounges | Travel bookings via MMT. |
| Axis ATLAS | Varies | High | Yes | Travel heavy users. |
| HSBC India cards | Varies | Varies | Some variants | Global bank customers. |
(This table is indicative. Always check the bank’s page for the variant and current offers.)
Eligibility and documents needed to apply for NRI credit cards
Most banks ask for similar documents for NRI credit cards in India:
- KYC: Passport, OCI/PIO if applicable, Indian PAN (some banks accept PAN substitute under strict conditions).
- NRE/NRO account: Proof of NRE/NRO account at the issuing bank or relationship evidence. Axis lists this explicitly for NRI card applicants.
- Income proof: Salary slips, employment letter, or foreign income proofs (tax returns), depending on the bank.
- Address proof: Overseas address proof and Indian correspondence address.
- Presence for verification / VKYC: Some banks require in-person verification or allow video KYC (VKYC) to complete the process. Axis documents its VKYC process steps.
Tip: Keep scanned copies of your passport, visa, overseas salary slips, Aadhaar (if applicable), and PAN handy to speed up processing.
How to apply for NRI credit cards — step-by-step
- Decide the card: Use the table above and your spend pattern to select the best NRI credit card (travel vs family expense vs online shopping).
- Open or link an NRE/NRO account with the bank if you don’t already have one — some banks insist on it for NRI cards.
- Apply online on the bank’s website. Many banks offer full-digital application forms; some require you to upload scanned KYC docs.
- VKYC / in-person: Complete the bank-specific identity verification step (video KYC or branch visit). Axis and others support VKYC.
- Wait for approval: Processing timelines vary — keep an eye on emails and messages for the application ID.
- Activate and set travel controls: Once received, activate via online banking and set international usage controls (card on/off for overseas transactions) for security.
Credit card fees and charges NRIs must know
- Forex markup on international spends — this is the single biggest ongoing cost if you travel often. SBI Card showcased 1.99% on some premium variants; many cards charge more. Always check the variant-specific markup.
- Cash withdrawal fee and higher interest — cash withdrawal abroad is expensive.
- Annual fee and fee waiver — know the spend threshold to get waivers.
- Late payment and overlimit fees — apply universally.
- Hidden charges — e.g., wallet top-ups or some app payments may attract new fees; SBI announced changes effective Nov 1, 2025, for certain transaction types. Keep an eye on policy updates.
How to avoid losing money
- Avoid DCC at foreign terminals — let your bank handle conversion.
- Use cards with low forex markup for travel and foreign subscriptions. Check SBI ELITE and similar premium offerings if forex is a constant.
- Pay the full statement to avoid interest — foreign cash withdrawals often attract immediate interest.
- Choose reward type carefully — if most of your spend is on flights, pick miles; if it’s groceries or bills in India, cashback or statement credits may be more useful.
- Use family benefits: If you’re sending a card to a family member in India, make sure they understand cashback redemption and reward expiry rules.
Common mistakes NRIs make with credit cards
- Chasing sign-up bonuses only — if the ongoing forex markup kills value, the sign-up gift won’t help long term.
- Ignoring the small print on international spends — different merchant categories may have different fee rules.
- Assuming bank benefits are permanent, 2025 saw benefit changes across card programs (e.g., removal of some insurance from SBI cards). Check current T&Cs before relying on insurance or freebies.
- Not merging reward strategy — if you have multiple cards, decide where you put large spends to maximize a single program.
NRI Credit Cards in India: FAQs
Checklist before you hit “Apply”
- Confirm current forex markup in the product T&Cs.
- Verify which travel/insurance benefits are active today (some were removed in 2025).
- Ensure the welcome benefits are usable by you or your family in India (vouchers, platform credits).
- Check VKYC / presence requirements and timeline.
NRI Credit Cards in India: Verdict
There is no universal “best NRI credit card”; there’s a best card for your behaviour. If forex cost matters most, shortlist low-markup premium cards (SBI ELITE has historically advertised low markups). If booking travel through a single portal matters, pick co-branded options like MakeMyTrip ICICI. If you prefer a single global bank relationship, explore HSBC India’s offerings. Always read the product variant T&Cs before applying.