Resources
Minus/plus icon
ResourcesExplore the full ACKO experience and make the most of your plan
Enterprise
EnterpriseCovering Businesses, Employees, Gig Workers & FinTech

Home / International Travel Insurance / Articles / Travel Tips / Travelling Overseas? Best 5 Credit Cards with Zero Foreign Transaction Fees

Travelling Overseas? Best 5 Credit Cards with Zero Foreign Transaction Fees

Team AckoAug 23, 2025

Share Post

Planning an international trip? Do not let foreign transaction fees eat into your travel budget. Most credit cards charge 2% – 3.5% extra on overseas purchases, but there are a few credit cards with zero forex markup. Options like the RBL World Safari Credit Card and HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card help you spend abroad without incurring hidden charges.

 In this article, we will highlight the top 5 credit cards in India that offer zero foreign transaction fees. With these cards, you can shop, dine, and explore the world while saving more.

5 Credit Cards.webp

 

Contents

icon

What is a Zero Forex Credit Card?

A credit card that does not charge a foreign exchange markup fee on foreign transactions is known as a zero forex credit card. Zero currency cards remove the 2 - 3.5% fee that banks normally impose on transactions made in foreign countries, making them perfect for regular travellers. They contribute to cost savings on all foreign exchange transactions.

List of 5 Zero Forex Markup Credit Cards

The table below presents the five top zero forex markup credit cards that you can get for your foreign travel:

Credit Card

Fees and Charges

RBL World Safari Credit Card

  • Annual membership cost: ₹3000 + GST

  • Reward redemption fee: ₹99 + GST

IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST WOW! Card

  • Joining Fee and Annual Fee: ₹0

  • Cash Withdrawal Fee (Per withdrawal): ₹199 + GST

Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card

  • Initial Funding: ₹25 lakh

  • Account Closure: ₹500

  • Account Service Fee: NIL

HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card

  • Card Issuance Fee: ₹1000 plus applicable GST per card

  • Reload Fee: ₹75 plus applicable GST per reload transaction

Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card

  • Joining Fee: ₹40000

  • Annual Fee: ₹10000

Features of Each Zero Forex Markup Credit Card

Let us look below to understand the features of each forex mark-up credit card to help you decide which best suits your needs:

RBL World Safari Credit Card

There are several features of this zero forex markup credit card that you can benefit from during your travel:

  • Complementary Lounge Access: Their Priority Pass membership can give you access to more than 1400 international lounges at airports all over the world.

  • Travel Insurance: The insurance provided with this card will give you coverage for trip delay, baggage loss, passport loss, and more.

  • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: It provides you with a maximum waiver 250 per month on fuel surcharge on all transactions between ₹500 - ₹4,000.

  • Complimentary 24/7 Concierge: They have dedicated concierge desks which you can use for help all around the clock, whether it is for assistance regarding hotels, dining, golf course, and more.

IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST WOW! Card

This is one of the best credit cards for overseas travel, and with this, your journey can leverage features, such as:

  • No Interest Withdrawals: Cash withdrawal interest across international and domestic ATMs will be 0% for up to 45 days.

  • Easy to Get: You can easily get in a few days, even if you have no credit history and no income proof.

  • Reward Points: You can earn four times the reward points on a spending of ₹150.

  • Instant Pay: It also enables easy bill payment with various options.

Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card

This card specifically provides travel and hospitality privileges such as:

  • Complimentary Concierge: You can have complimentary concierge services, such as travel assistance, for up to 8 airport visits.

  • Travel Insurance: With this, you get financial protection for delay/ loss of baggage. You also get a credit shield and purchase protection.

  • Unlimited Lounge Access: Priority Pass holders enjoy unlimited lounge access at international airports.

  • Complimentary Hotel and Dining Memberships: You can enjoy these benefits at hotels, such as Taj Epicure, Accor Plus, and Club Marriott.

To secure your trip, you should also opt for ACKO Travel Insurance along with a zero-forex markup fee card.

HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card

If you are travelling with this zero forex markup credit card, you will enjoy these benefits:

  • International Acceptance: This card is accepted at all the establishments that are affiliated with VISA or MasterCard.

  • Various Reloading Options: Both online and offline instant reload options relieve the stress of your balance running low.

  • Travel Insurance: The card also provides financial protection for road, rail, or air accidents as well as for baggage loss/ delay.

  • Secure Transactions: The card is secured with multiple protections, such as a daily withdrawal limit, an embedded CHIP, and a PIN.

Club Vistara IndusInd Bank Explorer Credit Card

If you are travelling with this credit card, you can enjoy these features:

  • Contactless Credit Card: You can have safe and faster transactions at more than 30 million outlets all over the world.

  • Luxury Airport Transfer Service: If you have this credit card, you can get luxury airport transfer service, which is accessible globally.

  • Vouchagram: You can also enjoy multiple discount vouchers from Hush Puppies, Charles and Keith, and more.

  • Luxe Gift Card: You can get access to over 30 global premium and luxury brands.

How do Zero Forex Markup Credit Cards Work?

After getting a list of zero forex markup credit cards, here is an example for you to better understand how they work.

For instance:

  • Your spend is equal to $1000 abroad.

  • The exchange rate is ₹83/$, which is equal to ₹83000.

  • Forex markup fee is 3.5% and adds ₹2905 extra on ₹83000 (Forex markup is a fee that any bank charges when you pay in a different currency).

  • So, your total bill will be ₹85,905.

Now, if you have a zero forex markup credit card, you will not need to pay ₹2905 extra on your total bill of ₹83000.

Bottom Line

When travelling abroad, every rupee counts. Choosing a zero forex markup credit card can help you avoid unnecessary charges. Whether you are shopping, dining, or booking experiences overseas, these cards ensure your money goes further. Pick the one that best fits your travel and spending habits, and enjoy a smarter, fee-free journey.

While you are saving on card fees, do not forget to protect your journey with ACKO’s travel insurance, affordable plans with 24x7 global support and medical coverage.

Get covered in minutes, visit ACKO to explore travel insurance options tailored for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a zero forex markup credit card?

Icon

A zero forex markup credit card doesn’t charge the usual 2–3.5% fee on international transactions, helping you save significantly on overseas spending.

Are zero forex markup cards accepted globally?

Icon

Yes, most zero forex cards are powered by Visa or Mastercard and accepted at millions of international outlets and ATMs worldwide.

Do zero forex cards have any hidden charges?

Icon

While foreign transaction fees are waived, some cards may charge annual fees, reload fees, or ATM withdrawal charges. Always check the fine print before applying.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancelation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.

seo_non_core_app_qr
icon

Want to post any comments?

icon

Ensure a safe trip with a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Travel insurance plans starting @ ₹10/ per travel day*

quote icon

Get Quote

quote icon