Best Credit Card For International Transactions (2024)

As incomes rise, more and more Indians are traveling abroad for leisure. When traveling internationally, your regular credit cards may not be useful, so you should look for the best credit cards for international travel. The reason for this is as follows. Traveling outside India or transacting online in foreign currency always requires you to pay a currency conversion fee.

An Indian credit card transaction involving a non-INR currency is subject to a foreign currency markup. Fees can range up to 3.5% plus GST. A 100 USD purchase could end up costing almost 104 USD with the forex markup! We can save on this charge if we use the best credit card for international travel and spending that offers good rewards and reduced forex markups. We list the best credit cards for international travel and spending in this post.

Best Credit Card For International Transactions

1. Standard Chartered Emirates World credit card

The card does come with a substantial joining fee of 6,000, however it comes with a number of benefits that make it a great choice if you are a frequent and avid traveler. Here are some of its remarkable features:

• Access more than 25 domestic airport lounges across the country with your Mastercard. A priority pass membership for lounges at international airports is also available.
• This card covers overseas air accidents, flight delays, and baggage loss.
• With your premium card, you can play golf with training every month.
• You can make contactless purchases up to $2,000 with this card.
• Pay your big-ticket purchases in smaller EMIs.

2. HDFC Regalia credit card

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You can use this credit card to travel around the world at a manageable cost. You can join this group for a small annual fee of 2,500 and receive priority pass membership. This credit card gives you access to the following benefits:

• Become a member of club Vistara for free with an exclusive silver membership.
• Visit a domestic airport lounge up to 12 times a year with a special lounge access program.
• Get four reward points for every 100 you spend on your card.
• Book air tickets at special rates and enjoy dining privileges with your reward points.

3. YES First Preferred credit card

Upon joining, you will receive priority pass membership along with domestic lounge access under a special program sponsored by the bank. This card also offers the following benefits:

• Book tickets with your card and get handsome discounts.
• You can earn double rewards on domestic bookings and dining.
• A special accidental death coverage and emergency overseas hospitalization coverage are available.
• With your first transaction, you’ll earn exclusive reward points.

4. American Express platinum travel credit card

Get attractive travel vouchers at different spending levels when you join with a basic membership fee of 3,500. Other features of this card include:

• You can visit the lounge up to four times a year for free.
• Various milestones will earn you special reward points.
• Fuel convenience and waivers are available at dedicated filling stations.
• Take advantage of exclusive discounts at select partner restaurants with your credit card.
• Platinum assist services are available only to members.
• No additional charge for adding up to two additional credit cards.

5. Citi premier miles credit card

At different spending levels, the card rewards users with ‘miles’. Additionally, you can redeem your mile points to book air tickets with this card and access airport lounges. This card also has the following features:

• Take advantage of a welcome gift on your very first purchase and earn miles every time you spend.
• Make a contactless credit card payment for up to ₹2,000.
• You can redeem accumulated miles’ points at various restaurants, fuel stations, and travel partners.

6. Air India SBI Signature credit card

You can get this card at an annual fee of 5,000 if you want a complimentary membership to an Air India flyer program. The card also gives you priority access to a complimentary pass membership. This card has the following striking features:

• In a year, you can visit up to eight special domestic lounges.
• Get four reward points for every 100 you spend on your card.
• On a set transaction value, fuel surcharges are waived.
• Get special reward points and discounts when you book a ticket with Air India.

7. Axis Bank Vistara Signature credit card

Those who travel frequently may benefit from the special benefits of this card. In addition to offering discounts and rewards, this card also offers some of the best features, such as:

• With your credit card, you’ll receive a premium economy ticket as a welcome gift.
• With your card, you can join club Vistara as a silver member.
• You can access premium economy tickets by spending to reach milestones.
• You can access special lounges at select airports across the country.
• Various spending milestones will earn you bonus points.
• A special air accident cover and purchase protection are also available.