Can you hear a soft, magical whisper from your passport inviting you to go on another exciting adventure around the world? Imagine this: you are preparing for a vacation, making sure you have everything with you, and already seeing yourself smiling broadly in front of some popular sites.
A special companion wants to join you on your adventure: your credit card. It's eager to see new places just like you are. While you long to go to distant places and experience other cultures, the kind of credit card you get might enhance your journeys. Travelling to a distant nation may be an exciting and rewarding experience, whether it is for business, leisure, or education. But it can also be a costly and stressful one, especially if you don’t have the right payment options.
You thus require a credit card that is intended for international usage. A smart travel credit card may reduce the cost of currency exchange, provide you with rewards for international purchases, give you access to lounges and travel insurance, and make your transactions simpler and safer.
But how can you pick the finest credit card for your needs when travelling abroad when there are so many options available? Well, don't worry, fellow traveller, because we're about to reveal something amazing: the very best credit cards in India that are perfect for travellers like you.
Your credit card might become your best travel companion in this world of limitless opportunities. Let's dive into the top picks that are ready to join you on your global adventures.
Best Credit Cards for International Travel 2023
1. HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card
The HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card offers a high-life experience with 12,500 reward points and a Club Marriott membership. It provides protection against accidents, emergencies, and fraud. With a 2% foreign currency exchange rate and Priority Pass program membership, this reward points-based card is suitable for premium customers seeking international travel.
Features
Welcome Bonus |
|
Fuel Surcharge Waiver |
Get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India on transactions between ₹400 and ₹1,00,000 |
Dining and Travel Benefits |
|
Insurance Benefits |
|
Other Benefits |
|
Fees and Charges
Joining Fees |
₹12,500 |
Annual Fees |
₹12,500 |
Annual Percentage Rate |
23.88% |
Foreign Transaction Fees |
2.00% |
Eligibility
Only those who have been invited can apply for the HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card.
2. RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card
The RBL World Safari Credit Card is a mid-category card with welcome, milestone, travel, insurance, concierge, and lifestyle benefits. It also provides reward points and brand vouchers for spending across various categories. This card is the first travel credit card offered in India that charges no markup on any foreign exchange transactions.
Features
Welcome Bonus |
Get a MakeMyTrip voucher worth ₹3,000. |
Lounge Benefits |
|
Fuel Surcharge Waiver |
Get a 1% waiver of the fuel surcharge on all fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 at all petrol stations, up to a maximum of ₹100 per month. |
Golf Benefits |
Get 4 complimentary golf rounds and 12 complimentary golf lessons per calendar year. |
Insurance benefits |
Get complimentary travel insurance coverage worth USD 50,000 on international travel that covers trip delay, baggage loss, passport loss, etc. |
Reward Benefits |
Earn 2 travel points for every ₹100 spent on all categories and 5 travel points for every ₹100 spent on travel. |
Milestone Benefits |
|
Fees and Charges
Joining Fees |
₹3,000 |
Annual Fees |
₹3,000 |
Annual Percentage Rate |
47.88% |
Foreign Transaction Fees |
0.00% |
Eligibility
Applicant’s age should be at least 18 years, and they must have a stable source of income.
3. IDFC FIRST Bank Wealth Credit Card
IDFC FIRST Bank's Wealth Credit Card offers exclusive privileges and advantages, including fuel surcharge waiver, travel and insurance benefits, and access to airport lounges. The bank’s top-end offering, the IDFC FIRST Wealth, comes with zero annual membership fee, and a low forex markup fee of just 1.5% of the transacted amount.
Features
Welcome Bonus |
|
Lounge Benefits |
Enjoy 4 complimentary domestic & international airport lounge, and spa visits per quarter, on a minimum monthly spend of ₹5000. |
Travel Benefits |
|
Insurance Benefits |
|
Fuel Surcharge Waiver |
Get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000. |
Other Benefits |
|
Fees and Charges
Joining Fees |
Free |
Annual Fees |
Free |
Annual Percentage Rate |
42.00% |
Foreign Transaction Fees |
1.50% |
Eligibility
Applicant’s age should be between 21 and 65 years, and they must have a stable source of income.
4. Club Vistara IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Club Vistara Credit Card is a premium co-branded credit card offering travel and lifestyle-related benefits to cardholders. Air Vistara had already partnered with SBI and Axis Bank for co-branded travel cards, and after that, the airline launched the Club Vistara IDFC First credit card.
Features
Welcome Bonus |
|
Reward Benefits |
|
Milestone Benefits |
|
Lounge Access |
|
Insurance Benefits |
|
Other Benefits |
|
Fees and Charges
Joining Fees |
₹4999 |
Annual Fees |
₹4999 |
Annual Percentage Rate |
42.00% |
Foreign Transaction Fees |
2.99% |
Eligibility
Applicant's age should be at least 21 years, and their annual income should be at least ₹3 lakh.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right credit card for international travel can help you save money, earn rewards, and enjoy perks. However, it's important to consider various factors such as your spending pattern, credit score, income level, and personal preferences before making a decision.
Thankfully, websites like Select by Finology offer a comparison tool that can help you find the best credit card for your needs. By using this tool, you can easily compare different credit cards and select the one that suits you best.
So, if you're planning to travel abroad anytime soon, make sure to visit Select by Finology and start your journey with the best credit card for international travel. With the right credit card in your pocket, you can travel the world with ease and peace of mind.