Best Credit Cards for International Travel

Travelling abroad can be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of expenses. From flight tickets and hotel bookings to shopping and food, everything can cost more when you are paying in foreign currency. That’s why choosing the right credit card for international travel is important.

Using a regular credit card may lead to high foreign transaction charges, fewer rewards, and no travel benefits. But the best credit cards for international travel can help you save a lot. These cards offer low forex markup fees, free airport lounge access, travel insurance, and high rewards on foreign spending.

If you travel internationally often—whether for business, holidays, or study—this article is for you. It explains the top credit cards that are ideal for international trips and how they can benefit you. By the end, you will know which card fits your needs the best and how you can apply for one.

Why You Need a Travel Credit Card for International Trips

Before we look at the best options, let’s understand why a dedicated travel credit card is helpful for international travel:

Lower Forex Markup Fee: Most regular credit cards charge a 3.5% foreign transaction fee. Travel cards reduce this cost to as low as 0.99%, helping you save on every transaction abroad.
Airport Lounge Access: These cards offer free access to international lounges where you can relax, eat, and freshen up before flights.
Rewards on Foreign Spends: Travel credit cards give more reward points on international spends, which can be used later for flights, hotel bookings, or discounts.
Travel Insurance: Many cards come with free travel insurance, baggage loss cover, and emergency assistance.
Exclusive Offers and Discounts: Some cards offer flight vouchers, hotel discounts, and other travel-related perks.

Best Credit Cards for International Travel in 2025

Below is a detailed list of top credit cards that are great for international travel. These have been chosen based on features like forex fee, lounge access, rewards, and more.

1. HDFC Infinia Credit Card

Joining Fee: ₹12,500
Annual Fee: ₹12,500

Why it’s great:

Unlimited international and domestic lounge access
Low forex markup of 2%
10X reward points on SmartBuy (includes travel bookings)
Convert reward points into air miles at 1:1 ratio
Complimentary Club Marriott membership

This card is ideal for luxury international travellers who want premium benefits and high rewards.

2. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

Joining Fee: ₹12,499
Annual Fee: ₹12,499

Top benefits:

Unlimited international and domestic lounge visits
Forex markup fee of just 2%
Free Taj Epicure membership
Refund on 2 cancelled air/hotel bookings up to ₹12,000/year
6,000 EaseMyTrip flight vouchers on ₹8 Lakh annual spend
1:1 reward redemption ratio

Best for travellers who value comfort and luxury and want free cancellations and lounge access.

3. YES Bank Marquee Credit Card

Joining Fee: ₹9,999
Annual Fee: ₹4,999

What makes it valuable:

Unlimited international lounge access
Very low forex markup fee of 1%
60,000 welcome reward points worth ₹15,000
36 points per ₹200 on online spends
8 guest lounge visits included

This is one of the best cards for international travel because of its low fees and high rewards.

4. SBI Elite Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: ₹4,999

Key benefits:

Forex markup of 1.99%
6 international lounge visits per year
Complimentary Priority Pass Membership
5X reward points on dining, grocery & department stores
Up to 50,000 bonus points worth ₹12,500

Ideal for frequent flyers looking for lounge access and travel-based rewards.

5. AU Zenith+ Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: ₹4,999

Travel advantages:

Very low forex markup fee of 0.99%
16 international lounge visits annually
4 VIP airport services each year
Taj Epicure membership on ₹12 Lakh yearly spend
2X rewards on travel, dining, international spends

If you travel abroad regularly, this card helps you save with lower fees and airport services.

6. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: ₹2,500

Useful features:

Forex markup of 2%
6 international lounge visits/year
Complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership
20 reward points per ₹150 on select stores like Nykaa and Myntra
₹10,000 flight voucher on ₹7.5 Lakh annual spend

Perfect for shoppers and moderate travellers seeking decent rewards and lounge access.

7. Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: ₹350

Why it stands out:

20% discount on international hotel bookings
10% off on international flights via EaseMyTrip
2 international lounge visits per year
No minimum spend for discounts

Budget-friendly card with immediate travel booking savings. Great for those who book through EaseMyTrip.

8. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card

Joining/Annual Fee: ₹0

Best features:

Forex markup of 1.5%
Travel insurance and air accident cover
Lounge access (domestic and international) on ₹20,000 monthly spend
10X rewards on spends over ₹20,000/month
Interest-free global ATM withdrawals

This is a no-cost card that still offers amazing benefits. Perfect for those who want value without high fees.

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

Here’s how you can decide which card is right for you:

Check the forex markup fee – Lower is better
Compare lounge access – Choose cards offering more visits
Review reward system – Higher reward rates save you more
Look at annual fees vs benefits – Make sure the rewards cover the fees
Check travel insurance and extra perks – Many cards offer hidden benefits

FAQs on Credit Cards for International Travel

Q1. What is a forex markup fee on credit cards?

A forex markup fee is the charge for converting foreign currency transactions into INR. Most cards charge 3.5%, but travel cards may charge as low as 0.99%.

Q2. Are international lounge access benefits really free?

Yes, most travel cards offer complimentary access through programs like Priority Pass or Mastercard Lounge Access. However, there may be limits per year or quarter.

Q3. Do all travel credit cards offer insurance?

Many travel credit cards offer basic travel insurance and air accident cover, but you should read the fine print to understand what’s included.

Q4. Which is the best credit card for budget travellers?

Standard Chartered EaseMyTrip Credit Card and IDFC First Wealth Credit Card are great for budget travellers due to low fees and good travel benefits.

Q5. Can I use these credit cards for domestic use as well?

Yes, all travel credit cards work in India too. Some even offer good rewards on domestic shopping, dining, and fuel.

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card for international travel can save you a lot of money on forex fees, airport lounges, and bookings. Whether you travel frequently for work or leisure, there’s a perfect card out there for you. From luxury options like HDFC Infinia to zero-fee cards like IDFC First Wealth, you can find one that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Always compare the benefits and terms before applying. And once you have the right card, use it wisely to enjoy every trip with peace of mind and extra savings.