Best Credit Cards for International Travel 2026 (Low Forex)

Foreign transaction fees are the biggest hidden cost of international travel. A typical 3.5% markup on ₹3 lakh of overseas spend costs ₹10,500 per trip — more than most airline ticket upgrades. Below are the four credit cards that cut this cost dramatically, plus the travel insurance and lounge access that matter when you're abroad.

1. Scapia Federal Credit Card — 0% forex markup (the unicorn)

The Scapia Federal Credit Card is the only Indian credit card with a 0% foreign transaction fee. Every other card adds 1.99–3.5% on top of the exchange rate. Scapia's ₹0 forex is genuine — you pay exactly the Visa/Mastercard interbank rate, nothing more.

• Joining & annual fee: ₹0 lifetime free.
• Rewards: 10% on travel via Scapia app (flights, hotels), 2% on other spends.
• Lounge: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year via Dreamfolks.
• Network: Visa.

On ₹3 lakh international spend, zero markup saves ~₹10,500 versus a 3.5% card. That's a return ticket to Bangkok saved per trip.

2. HDFC Infinia — 2% forex + unlimited lounges

The HDFC Infinia at 2% forex markup is the lowest among invited premium cards. Unlimited Priority Pass lounges, ₹2 crore air-accident insurance, ₹55 lakh overseas hospitalisation, and 10X rewards on SmartBuy flight/hotel bookings. Annual fee ₹12,500. For the super-premium traveller, Infinia's bundled travel insurance plus lounge access justifies the fee even at 2% forex.

3. HDFC Diners Club Black — 1.99% forex, lowest among paid cards

The HDFC Diners Club Black (₹10,000 fee) edges Infinia at 1.99% forex. Same unlimited lounges, similar rewards structure, Club Marriott Asia-Pacific membership. Diners acceptance in India is 85–90% (still carry a Visa backup); internationally it's covered via the Discover network in 220+ countries. Best-in-class international card for the traveller who spends 2+ weeks abroad each year.

4. Axis Magnus — 2% forex + mile transfers

The Axis Magnus pairs 2% forex with EDGE Miles transfers to 22+ international airline partners — Singapore KrisFlyer, Emirates Skywards, Accor, Marriott Bonvoy. Unlimited Priority Pass, ₹2.5 crore air-accident insurance, ₹20 lakh overseas hospitalisation. For the traveller who books business-class redemptions via miles transfers, Magnus beats Infinia on total return.

Forex markup comparison — the headline number

Travel insurance — what to check

Most premium cards include travel insurance, but coverage varies widely:

• Air-accident insurance (typically ₹50 lakh–₹2 crore): covers death/permanent disability during airline flights.
• Overseas medical / hospitalisation (₹5L–₹25L): covers medical emergencies abroad. This is the most valuable component.
• Trip cancellation / delay: covers costs from missed connections. Usually capped at ₹20,000–₹50,000.
• Baggage loss: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh.

Check your card's T&C for activation — some require the full ticket value to be paid on the card to trigger coverage.

Beyond forex — fees to watch

• Dynamic currency conversion (DCC): some merchants offer to charge in INR at their rate (worse than your card's rate). Always say "charge in local currency."
• Cash advance fees overseas: 2.5% of amount + interest from day 1. Never use the card for ATM cash abroad; use a debit/forex card instead.
• Exchange rate spread: even at 0% forex, card networks charge a 0.1–0.5% spread on interbank rate. It's built into the displayed rate.

Pairing strategy for international trips

1. Primary card: Scapia Federal for all purchases (0% forex).
2. Backup card: HDFC Infinia or Diners Black for big purchases where you want travel insurance activation.
3. ATM cash: Forex card (Niyo/Multi-Currency) or a debit card with low ATM fees. Never credit card cash advance.
4. Lounge access: Any Priority Pass-enabled premium card works globally.

For broader travel-card comparisons including domestic flights, see our best travel credit cards guide. Lounge-specific buyers should read the best credit cards for lounge access piece.

Frequently Asked Questions