- TravelBaggy

If you travel frequently, getting a credit card that offers lounge access, hotel discounts, and flight booking perks is a smart financial move. Beyond the surface-level benefits, comparing cards based on their annual fees, welcome bonuses, and foreign currency markup fees is essential for a smooth experience abroad.

By choosing the right travel card, you can receive numerous cashback offers, travel vouchers, and rewards that facilitate hassle-free global transit. Take a look at the top credit cards available in 2025 to optimize your international spending.

Best Credit Cards for International Travel 2025

1. SBM Zet Credit Card

The SBM Zet Credit Card is a wise choice for Indians seeking a budget-friendly international travel card. It is unique for being a lifetime free card, making it ideal for travelers who want value without high maintenance costs.

Annual Fee: Nil.
Key Benefits: Low foreign currency markup fee (roughly 2.49%), global acceptance at millions of outlets, and cashback on both online and in-person international spending.

2. Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card

The Scapia Federal Bank card is one of the most popular options due to its “unlimited” mindset and transparent fee structure.

Annual Fee: Nil.
Key Benefits: Zero markup fees for international transactions and unlimited domestic lounge access (on a minimum spend of ₹5,000 in the previous month). It allows you to earn Scapia Coins valued at 20% of your travel spend via their app.

3. RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card

For those who prioritize saving on every swipe, the RBL World Safari card is designed specifically to eliminate forex markup charges entirely.

Annual Fee: ₹3,000 + GST.
Key Benefits: Zero forex markup, a MakeMyTrip welcome voucher worth ₹3,000, and travel insurance coverage to ensure peace of mind during your journey.

4. IDFC First WOW Credit Card

This card is perfect for students or individuals starting their credit journey who need a reliable card for overseas use without extensive documentation.

Annual Fee: Nil.
Key Benefits: Zero forex markup and a fixed deposit-linked structure that offers an interest rate of 7.25% on the collateral while providing 4X rewards on every transaction.

5. ICICI Emerald Private Metal Credit Card

This premium metal card is a rewarding option for high-spenders in the travel and lifestyle categories.

Annual Fee: ₹12,499 + GST.
Key Benefits: Unlimited complimentary international and domestic lounge access, a low forex markup of 2%, and a specialized refund of up to ₹12,000 per year on flight or hotel cancellations.

6. Axis Magnus for Burgundy Credit Card

Exclusively for Axis Bank’s Burgundy clients, this card provides some of the highest reward redemption ratios in the market.

Annual Fee: ₹30,000 + GST.
Key Benefits: Low forex markup of 2%, unlimited Priority Pass international lounge visits, and 4 complimentary airport “Meet & Greet” services annually.

7. HDFC Bank Regalia & Infinia Credit Cards

HDFC offers two powerhouses for international spending:

Regalia: Charges a 2% forex markup and offers 12 complimentary lounge visits at both domestic and international terminals in India.
Infinia: An invite-only card that provides a 1:1 redemption ratio for air miles and hotel bookings through HDFC Smartbuy, along with unlimited worldwide lounge access.

How to Select the Right International Travel Credit Card?

Selecting the best card depends on your personal travel frequency and spending habits. Consider these four factors:

Forex Markup: Standard cards charge around 3.5%; look for cards charging 0% to 2% to save significantly.
Global Acceptance: Ensure the card network (Visa, Mastercard, or RuPay Global) is widely accepted in your destination.
Lounge Access: Check if the card provides access to international lounges via Priority Pass or DragonPass.
Milestone Rewards: High-fee cards often pay for themselves through flight vouchers or hotel memberships if you meet specific spending targets.

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