Best Credit Cards for International Travel in India

If you are a frequent international traveller and want to save on your spending abroad, you can save a significant amount using the best international credit card India. These foreign travel credit cards offer multiple benefits including complimentary access to international airport lounges, a low forex markup fee, accelerated reward points on international spending, offers on flight and hotel bookings, etc. With a multitude of options, choosing a single card for your international spending can be tough. To help you with this, we have compiled a list of the best credit card for international travel from India travel below.

Top 10 Credit Cards in India for International Travel - 2025 

Below are the 10 best international travel credit card India has on offer:

1. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

This international credit card India offers unlimited international and domestic airport lounge access, 1-year Taj Epicure membership, 20% off on rooms/suites at select hotels in Taj Palaces (up to 5 nights) and Taj Safaris (up to 5 nights), 25% to 50% discount at 3000+ top restaurants in India and Dubai, a nominal mark-up fee of 2% on international transactions, and much more.

Fees: 

• Joining fee: Rs. 12,499
• Annual fee: Rs. 12,499; Reversed on spending Rs. 10 Lakhs or above. 

Key features:

• Complimentary Priority Pass membership for primary and supplementary cardholders that offers unlimited access to 1,300+ airport lounges in 148 countries worldwide.
• Unlimited complimentary lounge access for primary and supplementary cardholders in select Indian airports.
• 25% off on food & beverages (dine/ takeaway) and 20% off on Qmin App orders, Spa usage at hotels, salon services, and a complimentary night stay with a 1-year Taj Epicure membership.
• One-time use vouchers for 20% off on rooms/suites at select hotels, Taj Palaces (up to 5 nights) and Taj Safaris (up to 5 nights).
• 12,500 ICICI reward points as a joining and annual bonus upon realisation of the joining and annual fee payment. 1 reward point = up to Rs. 1.
• Complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership every year, featuring a guaranteed 25% to 50% discount at 3000+ top restaurants in India & Dubai, free cake/ dessert at select restaurants on your special occasions, and 2000 Eazypoints as an onboarding bonus.
• This one of the best international credit cards in India comes with a significantly higher credit limit.
• Earn 6 ICICI reward points for spending every Rs. 200 on select retail transactions.
• Complimentary 2 EaseMyTrip Air Travel vouchers worth Rs. 3,000 each on annual spends of Rs. 4 Lakh and Rs. 8 Lakhs respectively in an anniversary year.
• Unlimited complimentary golf rounds/lessons every month.
• Buy 1 ticket & get up to Rs. 750 off on the second one (up to 2 times a month) on movies/sports events/ theatre/ concerts through BookMyShow.
• Low mark-up fee of 2% on all foreign currency transactions.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all petrol pumps (maximum waiver up to Rs. 1,000 per statement cycle).
• 24x7 concierge service. 
• Up to 3 complimentary add-on cards with a primary credit card.
• Refund of up to Rs. 12,000 (for up to 2 transactions per year) on any flight/ hotel/ movie booking cancellation.
• No cancellation charges on air travel and hotel bookings.
• Personal accident cover (in air death only) worth Rs. 3 Lakhs, purchase protection of Rs. 1,40,000, and credit shield of Rs. 1 Lakh.

2. SBI Elite Credit Card

SBI Elite Card is another best credit card for international travel. It offers 6 complimentary visits per calendar year to over 1000 airport lounges outside India, 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every quarter in India, 2 reward points on spending per Rs. 100 on international transactions, the lowest foreign currency markup fee of 1.99%, and several other benefits for travellers. 

Fees:

• Joining fee: Rs. 4,999 + taxes
• Annual fee: Rs. 4,999 + taxes; Reversed on annual spending of Rs. 10 Lakhs.

Key features:

• Complimentary Priority Pass Program membership worth $99 (valid for 2 years) that offers 6 visits per calendar year to 1000+ airport lounges outside India (maximum 2 visits per quarter). 
• 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every quarter in India.
• Welcome e-gift voucher worth Rs. 5,000 from Yatra, Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion, Hush Puppies/Bata, and Shoppers Stop.
• Up to 50,000 bonus reward points worth Rs. 12,500 per year and up to 25,000 bonus reward points on achieving annual milestone spending.
• Spend-based reversal of annual fee on spends of Rs. 10 Lakhs.
• 5X reward points on dining, departmental stores & grocery spending.
• 2 reward points on spending per Rs. 100 on international transactions & all other categories, except fuel.
• Free movie tickets worth Rs. 6,000 each year. 
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.
• Complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership with 1 upgrade voucher & 9 Club Vistara points for spending every Rs. 100 on Vistara flights.
• Complimentary Trident Privilege Red Tier membership with 1,000 welcome points on registration, 1,500 bonus points on first stay & additional Rs. 1,000 hotel credit on an extended night stay.
• The lowest foreign currency markup fee of 1.99% on international usage makes it the best card for international transactions.

3. HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition

This is yet another amazing credit card that offers unlimited complimentary airport lounge access in India and outside for primary and add-on card members, up to 20% discounts on dining and stays across the Asia-Pacific region, a low markup fee of just 2% on all foreign currency transactions, insurance covers for accidental air death worth Rs. 3 Crores and emergency overseas hospitalisation up to Rs. 50 Lakhs, and other travel benefits.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Rs. 12,500 + applicable taxes
• Annual fee: Rs. 12,500 + applicable taxes. Waived on spends of Rs. 10 Lakhs or above in the previous 12 months.

Key features:

• Unlimited free access at 1,000+ airport lounges in India and outside for primary as well as add-on card members using Priority Pass.
• As a welcome benefit, get a complimentary Club Marriott membership offering up to 20% discounts on dining and stays across the Asia-Pacific region.
• 12,500 reward points as a renewal benefit on fee realisation and card activation.
• Book a 3-night stay and pay for only 2 at partner ITC hotels. 
• 1+1 complimentary buffet at partner ITC hotels.
• 5 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent.
• Up to 10 times reward points for spending on travel and shopping on Smartbuy. 
• 15% extra discount on dining bills at 35,000+ restaurants.
• Unlimited complimentary golf games at leading golf courses in India and select courses across the world. 
• Unlimited complimentary golf coaching at select golf courses in India.
• A low markup fee of just 2% on all foreign currency transactions.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India on transactions of Rs. 400 to Rs. 1 Lakh.
• 24x7 global personal concierge.
• Accidental Air Death cover worth Rs. 3 Crores, Emergency Overseas Hospitalization cover up to Rs. 50 Lakhs, and Credit Shield cover of up to Rs. 9 Lakhs.

4. HSBC Premier Credit Card

HSBC Premier Credit Card is reckoned among the best card for international travel. The card provides unlimited access to 850+ airport lounges in India and across the world, 8 international lounge passes for guests, Taj Epicure membership, EazyDiner Prime annual membership, the lowest foreign exchange fee of 0.99%, emergency services & international travel insurance, etc.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Rs. 12,000; applicable only after card activation
• Annual fee: Rs. 20,000 from next year onwards; Not applicable for customers meeting the Premier eligibility criteria. 

Key features:

• Unlimited access to 850+ airport lounges across India and around the world. 
• 8 international lounge passes for guests.
• Epicure membership with offers across Taj hotels, a Taj Experiences gift card worth Rs. 12,000, and a complimentary EazyDiner Prime annual membership.
• Complimentary EazyDiner Prime annual membership that offers 30% off on your bill with EazyDiner (maximum up to Rs. 1,250).
• Buy 1 and get 1 offer from BookMyShow.
• Unexpirable 3 reward points for spending every Rs. 100.
• A low foreign exchange fee of 0.99%. 
• Refer a friend to unlock Rs. 5,000 worth of Amazon Vouchers. 
• Emergency Services & International Travel Insurance.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver across any pump in India on fuel spends of Rs. 400 to Rs. 4,000 per transaction. 
• Attractive discounts at Marquee brands.
• Overseas Education Assistance by the University Guys.
• Learning offers with select global partners like the British Council, Yousician, and eDX.
• Health & Wellbeing with Medical Travel Companions and MedicaMap.
• 1:1 redemption for 20+ airlines and Apple products with Imagine vouchers.

5. YES Bank MARQUÉE Credit Card

This one of its kind credit card for international travel offers various travel benefits like unlimited international airport lounge access and 6 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits in India for primary as well as add-on cardholders, just 1% referential foreign currency markup, 36 YES Rewardz Points on spending every Rs. 200 on online shopping, 18 YES Rewardz Points on spending every Rs. 200 on offline shopping, and so on.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Rs. 9,999 + applicable taxes
• Annual fee: Rs.. 4,999 + applicable taxes; Waived on total retail spends of Rs. 10 Lakhs in a year.

Key features:

• Unlimited access to international airport lounges for primary as well as add-on cardholders
• 6 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits in India per calendar quarter for primary as well as add-on card members.
• 40,000 YES Rewardz Points as a joining benefit.
• A waiver of 4 green fees at select golf courses in India.
• 1 complimentary golf lesson each calendar month at select golf courses in India.
• Complimentary ETPrime Subscription voucher worth Rs. 3,199 on joining fee realization.
• 20000 Bonus YES Rewardz Points on renewal fee payment.
• Buy 1 get 1 offer on movie tickets booked via BookMyShow.
• Preferential foreign currency markup of 1% only.
• Purchase protection plan up to Rs. 50,000, credit shield cover of Rs. 15 Lakhs, and lost card liability cover of Rs. 15 Lakhs.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver at fuel stations in India for transactions between Rs. 400 to Rs. 5,000
• 36 YES Rewardz Points on spending every Rs. 200 on online shopping (except select categories).
• 18 YES Rewardz Points on spending every Rs. 200 on offline shopping (except select categories).
• 10 YES Rewardz Points on spending every Rs. 200 on select categories.

6. Yatra SBI Card

Among the best international credit cards comes Yatra SBI Credit Card provides you with countless reasons to travel including Yatra.com vouchers worth Rs. 8,250 as welcome benefits, Rs. 1,000 off on domestic flight bookings, Rs. 4,000 off on international flight bookings, 20% off on domestic hotel bookings, 6 reward points on spending every Rs. 100 on departmental stores, grocery, dining, movies & entertainment, and international spends, etc.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Rs. 499 + applicable taxes
• Annual fee: Rs. 499 + applicable taxes; Waived on total annual retail spends above Rs. 1 Lakh.

Key features:

• Get Yatra.com vouchers worth Rs. 8,250 as welcome benefits, including: 
• 2 vouchers worth Rs. 500 each for domestic travel
  • 2 vouchers worth Rs. 1,000 each for international travel
  • 1 voucher worth Rs. 750 for hotel bookings
  • 1 voucher worth Rs. 1,500 for domestic holidays
  • 1 voucher worth Rs. 3,000 for international holidays
• Rs. 1,000 off on domestic flight bookings (minimum transaction of Rs. 5,000).
• Rs. 4,000 off on international flight bookings (minimum transaction of Rs. 40,000).
• 20% off (maximum discount of Rs. 2,000) on domestic hotels (minimum transaction of Rs. 3,000).
• 6 reward points on spending every Rs. 100 on departmental stores, grocery, dining, movies & entertainment, and international spending (up to 5000 reward points per month). 
• 1 reward point on spending every Rs. 100 on all other categories.
• Complimentary air accident cover of Rs. 50 Lakhs when the ticket is booked via Yatra.com.
• 1% (maximum Rs. 100 monthly) fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps in India on fuel transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000.

7.  Air India SBI Platinum Card

This travel card offers a complimentary membership to the Air India Frequent Flyer Program - Flying Returns, a complimentary Visa Lounge Access program at major domestic airports, 8 complimentary visits per year to domestic VISA lounges in India, up to 15 reward points for spending every Rs. 100 on Air India tickets booked online, and 5 reward points for spending every Rs. 100 on Air India tickets offline.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Rs. 1,499 + applicable taxes
• Annual fee: Rs. 1,499 + applicable taxes

Key features:

• 5,000 reward points as a welcome gift on joining fee payment.
• Complimentary membership to the Air India Frequent Flyer Program - Flying Returns.
• 2 reward points for spending every Rs. 100.
• An anniversary gift of 2,000 reward points every year.
• 5,000 bonus reward points and 5,000 cumulative bonus reward points on annual spending of Rs. 2 Lakhs.
• 10,000 bonus reward points and 15,000 cumulative bonus reward points on annual spending of Rs. 3 Lakhs.
• Up to 15 reward points for spending every Rs. 100 on Air India tickets booked through airindia.com and Air India mobile app. 15 reward points when booked for yourself and 5 reward points when booked for others.
• 5 reward points for spending every Rs. 100 on Air India tickets for self/ others, booked through Air India booking offices/ Air India call centres (18001801407).
• 5 reward points for spending every Rs. 100 on SuperSaver booklet purchases.
• 1 reward point is equal to 1 Air India air mile.
• 1% (maximum Rs. 250 per statement cycle) fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps across India on fuel transactions between Rs. 500 to Rs. 4,000.
• Complimentary Visa Lounge Access program at major domestic airports. 
• 8 complimentary visits each year (maximum 2 visits per quarter) to domestic VISA lounges in India. 
• Complimentary lost card liability cover of Rs. 1 Lakh. 

8. SBI Card PRIME

SBI Card PRIME offers 4 complimentary visits per calendar year outside India, 8 complimentary visits per calendar year to domestic lounges in India, complimentary memberships of Trident Privilege Red Tier and Club Vistara Silver, complimentary insurance cover against accidents and card fraud, Rs. 50 Lakhs Air Accident Liability Cover, and other travel benefits.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Rs. 2,999 + taxes
• Annual fee: Rs. 2,999 + taxes; Waived on annual spending of Rs. 3 Lakhs.

Key features:

• 4 complimentary visits per calendar year (up to 2 per quarter) to International Priority Pass Lounges, outside India. 
• 8 complimentary visits per calendar year (up to 2 per quarter) to domestic lounges in India.
• Welcome e-gift voucher worth Rs. 3,000 from top brands including Yatra.com. 
• 10 reward points on spending per Rs.100 on dining, groceries, departmental stores & movies.
• 2 reward points on spending per Rs. 100 on all other retail categories (except fuel).
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver (Rs. 250/ month/ per statement cycle) at all petrol pumps on transactions of Rs. 500 to Rs. 4,000. 
• A Pizza Hut e-Voucher worth Rs. 1,000 on reaching a quarterly milestone of Rs. 50,000. 
• Yatra.com/ Pantaloons E-Gift voucher worth Rs. 7,000 on achieving an annual milestone of Rs. 5 Lakhs.
• Complimentary Trident Privilege Red Tier Membership that offers up to 2,500 points, Rs. 1,000 hotel credit on an extended night stay, 10% off on bookings through the hotel website, and 10 points for spending per Rs. 100 during a stay at participating hotels. 
• Complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership that offers 1 upgrade voucher and 9 Club Vistara Points for spending every Rs. 100 on Vistara flights.
• 20 reward points on spending every Rs. 100 (maximum 2000 per year) on your birthday.
• Rs. 50 Lakhs Air Accident Liability cover and Rs. 1 Lakh Credit Card Fraud Liability cover.
• Complimentary insurance cover against accidents and card fraud.

9. AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card

This AU Bank credit card offers a complimentary Taj Epicure membership, a low cross-currency foreign mark-up fee of just 0.99% on all international transactions, 2 reward points for spending every Rs. 100 on travel & other categories, 4 complimentary end-to-end airport VIP check-in services per annum, complimentary 16 international and 16 domestic airport lounge visits.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Rs. 4,999 + applicable taxes
• Annual fee: Rs. 4,999 + applicable taxes; Waived on net retail spends of Rs. 8 Lakhs in the previous card anniversary year.

Key features:

• Choose from a range of Luxury Brand Vouchers/ reward points worth Rs. 5,000 on card activation.
• 2 reward points for spending every Rs. 100 on travel, dining, and international spending.
• 1 reward point per Rs. 100 retail spends across all merchant categories.
• 1 reward point = Rs. 1
• 1,000 reward points on a minimum retail spending of Rs. 75,000 per statement cycle.
• Complimentary Taj Epicure membership on minimum net retail spends of Rs. 12 Lakhs in a card anniversary year.
• Low cross-currency foreign mark-up fee of just 0.99% on all international transactions.
• End-to-end airport VIP check-in with 4 complimentary services per annum (maximum 1 per quarter). 
• Complimentary 16 international airport lounges access (maximum 4 per calendar quarter) using Priority Pass. 
• 16 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits.
• Up to 16 complimentary buy 1 get 1 movie/event tickets from BookMyShow (up to 4 tickets each quarter with discounts of up to Rs. 500 per ticket).
• 8 complimentary golf games/ lessons (u to 2 complimentary per quarter) annually. 
• 5000 bonus reward points on annual/renewal fee payments from second year onwards.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to Rs. 1000 per statement cycle) for fuel transactions in India. 
• Air accident cover of up to Rs. 2 Crores, card liability cover of up to Rs. 15 Lakhs, credit shield of up to Rs. 15 Lakhs, and purchase protection of up to Rs. 50,000.

10. IDFC First Wealth Credit Card

This lifetime free credit card offers several travel benefits including a forex markup of 1.5% on international transactions, up to Rs. 10,000 reimbursement on non-refundable part of hotel & flight cancellations, 2 complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges or spas per quarter, 2 complimentary visits to global airport lounges per quarter, and 4 complimentary visits to lounges at select Indian railway terminals.

Fees:

• Joining fee: Nil
• Annual fee: Nil

Key features:

• Rs. 500 worth of gift vouchers from your favourite brands on spending Rs. 5,000 or more within 30 days of card issuance.
• 5% cashback (up to Rs. 1,000) on the first EMI transaction within the first 30 days of card issuance.
• Forex markup of 1.5% on international transactions.
• Upto 10X rewards on your birthday and crossing the spend threshold of above Rs. 20,000 on certain variants.
• 3X reward points on education, wallet load, UPI spends, and government services transactions (3X = 3 reward points per Rs. 150 spent).
• 1X reward point on insurance premiums and utility spends.
• Get reimbursed for up to Rs. 10,000 (can be used for up to 2 claims during the policy period) on non-refundable part of hotel & flight cancellations. 
• 2 complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges or spas every quarter on spending minimum Rs. 20,000 in a calendar month. 
• 2 complimentary visits to global airport lounges every quarter on spending minimum Rs. 20,000 in a calendar month.
• 4 complimentary visits to lounges at select Indian railway terminals.
• A golf round/lesson per month on spending above Rs. 20,000, in statement cycle.
• Buy 1 movie ticket via the District mobile app and get up to Rs. 250 off on the second ticket (twice in a calendar month).
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to Rs. 400 in a statement cycle) on fuel transactions between Rs. 200 and Rs. 5,000.
• Air accident cover of Rs. 1 Crore, personal accident cover of Rs. 10 Lakhs, and lost card liability cover of Rs. 50,000. 
• A comprehensive travel insurance coverage of up to USD 1200.

Best Credit Cards for International Airport Lounge Access

Here are some of the best credit card for international airport lounge access:

Best Credit Cards for International Transaction

While most cards involve a mark-up fee of 3.5%, the cards mentioned below come with a low mark-up fee, making them ideal for international transactions: 

Benefits of Using an International Credit Card

Here are some benefits of using an international credit card for travel:

• Low forex markup fees: Many credit cards for international travel often have a low forex markup fee, typically ranging between 0.99% to 2%, which is comparatively lower than the 3.5% charged on other cards. Some credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, such as RBL World Safari charge a forex markup fee of 0%, making it ideal for international use. 
• Higher rewards on international spending: Certain credit cards provide higher rewards for international transactions. For instance, the AU Zenith+ Card offers 2 reward points for spending every Rs. 100 on travel and international spends, Yatra SBI Card offers 6 reward points on spending every Rs. 100 on international spending (up to 5000 reward points per month), and so on.
• Complimentary airport lounge access: This benefit is offered on travel credit cards and general cards. However, travel credit cards usually offer a higher number of visits. You might even get unlimited lounge visits for primary and add-on users. For example, HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition and YES Bank MARQUÉE Credit Card offer unlimited airport lounge access across the globe for primary & add-on members, and ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card offers unlimited visits to international airport lounges.
• Additional travel perks: In addition to a low forex markup fee, higher reward benefits, and complimentary lounge access, top international travel credit cards also provide some additional perks like complimentary memberships, hotel vouchers, airport pickups, travel assistance, etc.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an International Credit Card

The following factors must be taken care of when selecting the best international credit card:

• Make sure you check for a no or low forex markup fee credit card.
• The card should be accepted at most international online and offline outlets.
• Selecting a credit card that offers discounts on flight and hotel bookings is a great option for frequent travellers.
• Apply for a credit card that provides complimentary access to international lounges in multiple countries.

FAQs

Which card is best for international transactions?

Look for a card that charges a low forex markup fee. Such as the HSBC Premier Credit Card and AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card charge 0,99%, enabling potential savings.

How to get international credit card in India?

The above article explains the key features and benefits of the top 10 international credit cards. You can compare and apply for the most suitable online by visiting the card issuer’s official website or offline by visiting their nearest bank branch. However, don’t forget to check your eligibility and document requirements before applying for a card.

Which Indian credit card can be used internationally?

Major credit card providers such as SBI, ICICI Bank, etc. offer international credit cards in India. You can ask your card issuer to understand its features and usage internationally.

whether you can use your card for international transactions.

Which Indian credit card is best for international travel?

SBI Elite Credit Card, HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition, ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card, HSBC Premier Credit Card, YES Bank MARQUÉE Credit Card, AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card, Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card are some of the best Indian credit cards for international travel.

Which is the best international credit card in India?

HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition, SBI Elite Credit Card, ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card, HSBC Premier Credit Card, Axis Bank Miles & More World Select Credit Card, YES Bank MARQUÉE Credit Card, AU Bank Zenith+ Credit Card, Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card are some of the best international credit cards.

Which Indian credit card has no foreign transaction fee?

Credit cards with no foreign exchange fees include RBL World Safari Credit Card, ixigo AU Credit Card, and Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card