Planning your next big trip abroad? The right card can turn a great vacation into a lifetime of rewards. In 2025, to mark Indian travellers’ growth, we see an array of the best credit cards for international travel available in the market.

Source: Indian Cities with Highest Credit Card Spend in 2025

With international travel spending by Indians growing 24.4% year-on-year (RBI, 2025), choosing the right credit card isn’t just smart, it’s essential.

For the frequent business traveller or that dream vacation you are looking for, having the best credit cards for international travel means getting rid of foreign transaction fees, in-flight lounge access, full travel insurance, and the most rewarding loyalty programs.

This guide brings you 13 top-of-the-line cards that we think offer the ideal mix of features, low fees, and great rewards to improve your global travel experience.

Why Choosing the Right Travel Credit Card Matters

Smart travellers also know which card to get for the best savings on every international trip. Here’s why it is so important to choose the best credit cards for international travel:.

Forex charges can incur out-of-pocket 2-3.5% charges from each international transaction. The right card deters this completely. Airport lounges turn what used to be a stressful layover into a comfortable break with free food and Wi-Fi.

Also, they have travel insurance, which gives you peace of mind for medical issues, trip delays, and lost luggage. If that isn't enough, you get accelerated rewards and air miles, which in turn help frequent travellers to get free flights and upgrades faster.

Key Benefits to Look For in a Travel Credit Card

When evaluating the best credit cards for international travel, focus on these essential features:

Zero or low forex markup fees - Save 2-3.5% on every international purchase
Global lounge access - Enjoy comfort at both domestic and international airports
Airline loyalty programs - Earn accelerated reward points and air miles
Comprehensive travel insurance - Coverage for medical emergencies, trip delays, and lost baggage
Wide international acceptance - Visa, MasterCard, or AmEx networks for global usability

13 Best Credit Cards for International Travel (2025)

1. HDFC Infinia Metal Card

This premium invite-only card stands out among the best credit cards for international travel with unlimited global lounge access, Club Marriott benefits, and impressive 10x SmartBuy rewards.

Joining Fee: ₹12,500 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹12,500 + GST (waived on ₹10L spend)

2. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card

A luxury travel companion offering Taj and EazyDiner benefits, valuable air miles, and unlimited lounge access for the discerning traveller.

Joining Fee: ₹12,499 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹12,499 + GST (waived on ₹10L spend)

3. HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Card

This travel-friendly card combines top-tier lounge access with excellent SmartBuy rewards and comprehensive insurance coverage.

Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + GST (waived on ₹8L spend)

4. Axis Atlas Credit Card

Built for travel enthusiasts, this EDGE Miles-based card offers attractive milestone bonuses and global lounge visits.

Joining Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + GST

5. RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card

India's pioneering travel card features 0% forex markup and excellent concierge services, making it one of the best credit cards for international travel.

Joining Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹3,000 + GST

6. Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card

Perfect for beginners, this lifetime-free card offers zero forex markup and instant repayment features without any annual costs.

Joining Fee: No sign-up cost
Annual Fee: No annual cost

7. YES Bank Visa Infinite Credit Card

A high-end option delivering zero forex markup and premium lounge access for sophisticated travellers.

Joining Fee: ₹9,999
Annual Fee: ₹4,999

8. SBI Elite Global Card

Features real-time exchange rates, comprehensive insurance coverage, and solid lounge access benefits.

Joining Fee: ₹4,999
Annual Fee: ₹4,999 (waived on ₹10L spend)

9. IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite

Ideal for frequent British Airways and Qatar Airways flyers, offering valuable Avios rewards and global travel protection.

Joining Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details
Annual Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details

10. HDFC Multicurrency ForexPlus Card

Perfect for multi-destination travellers using various currencies, with convenient ATM fee waivers worldwide.

Joining Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details
Annual Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details

11. MakeMyTrip ICICI Credit Card

Travel-focused rewards card offering exclusive benefits on MMT flight and hotel bookings.

Joining Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details
Annual Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details

12. Yatra SBI Credit Card

Delivers excellent savings on Yatra flight bookings, plus additional rewards on dining and grocery purchases.

Joining Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details
Annual Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details

13. IDFC FIRST Bank World / WOW Credit Card

A well-rounded option combining 0% forex markup, lounge access, and milestone-based travel rewards.

Joining Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details
Annual Fee: Not listed; contact the bank for details

Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Card

When selecting from the best credit cards for international travel, keep these expert tips in mind:

Verify forex markup fees - Always choose cards with 0% or very low markup (under 1.5%)
Prioritise lounge access - Free airport lounge visits significantly enhance travel comfort
Consider travel frequency - Frequent travellers benefit most from air miles and reward accelerators
Value-added services matter - Look for comprehensive insurance and concierge service
Check fee waivers - Many premium cards waive annual fees based on spending thresholds

For travellers seeking zero forex markup without premium card requirements, consider Niyo Global cards. These innovative travel cards, issued in partnership with SBM Bank, offer 0% forex markup fees and are designed specifically for international spending.

Niyo Global cards provide a cost-effective alternative for budget-conscious travellers who want to avoid currency conversion charges without paying high annual fees.

Final Thoughts

The perfect travel credit card is the one that turns international trips into rewarding experiences instead of expensive requirements.

For the frequent business traveller as well as the person planning a few vacations each year, the best credit cards for international travel present a great balance of savings, comfort, and peace of mind.

From no forex markup to premium lounge access and full insurance, there’s a card for every travel style included in this list. Please do check the latest terms and conditions at each issuer’s site before you apply.

Think through which is best for you; we want your next global adventure to not only be an amazing story to tell, but also to be smart from a financial perspective.

13 Best Credit Cards for International Travel in India