Best credit cards for international travel

Looking for a international travel credit card with low annual fees and minimal joining costs , here a best credit cards for international travel that can help you to save on foreign exchange fees , earn travel rewards and to enjoy premium perks like airport lounge access . This ultimate guide compares top international travel credit cards.

Why do You Need a Special Travel Credit Card

When traveling internationally, using your regular credit card can cost you 3-5% extra in hidden fees on every transaction. The right travel credit card eliminates these fees while adding valuable benefits that make your journeys smoother and more affordable.

We will examines 20+ top travel credit cards across India, USA, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, detailing their:
- Fee structures
- Tax implications
- Reward programs
- Lounge access policies
- Special perks

India's Top Travel Credit Cards (6 Options)

1. Scapia Visa

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: ₹0
- Joining Fee: ₹0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- ATM Withdrawal: 2.5% + GST
- Late Payment Fee: ₹500

Tax Implications:
- 18% GST applicable on all penalty fees
- No TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on transactions

Key Benefits:
- Unlimited domestic and international lounge access through DreamFolks
- 1% flat reward rate on all foreign currency transactions
- Virtual card for secure online bookings
- Zero liability on fraudulent transactions

Best For:Frequent international travelers who want maximum benefits with zero fees or with minimal fees.

2. Niyo Global (SBM Bank)

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: ₹0
- Joining Fee: ₹0
- Forex Markup: 0%
- ATM Withdrawals: 5 free per month, then ₹99 + GST
- Inactivity Fee: ₹250 after 12 months non-use

Tax Implications:
- 18% GST on all penalty charges
- Interest earned on balance is taxable

Key Benefits:
- 7% interest on account balance
- Free international ATM withdrawals (within limits)
- Real-time transaction alerts
- Works as debit card (no credit check required)

Best For: Travelers who need frequent ATM access abroad.

3. IDFC First Wow**

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: ₹0
- Joining Fee: ₹0 (requires fixed deposit)
- Forex Markup: 0%
- Cash Advance: 2.5% + GST

Tax Implications:
- 20% TDS on FD interest
- 18% GST on all fees

Key Benefits:
- No minimum credit score requirement
- 1% reward points on forex spends
- Complimentary airport meet & greet service

Best For: Those with limited/no credit history.

4. Axis Atlas

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
- Joining Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
- Forex Markup: 2%
- Lounge Guest Access: ₹2,000 per guest after free quota

Tax Implications:**
- 18% GST on all fees
- Reward points taxable if redeemed for vouchers

Key Benefits:
- 8 free lounge visits annually
- 4 miles per ₹200 spent
- Complimentary Accor Plus membership
- Comprehensive travel insurance

Best For: Premium travelers who value luxury benefits.

5. HDFC Regalia Gold

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + GST
- Joining Fee: ₹0 first year
- Forex Markup: 2%
- Late Payment: ₹500 + GST

Key Benefits:
- 4 free lounge accesses per year
- Golf benefits at select courses
- 5X rewards on flight bookings
- Complimentary BookMyShow vouchers

6. AU Zenith+

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
- Joining Fee: ₹0
- Forex Markup: 1.5%
- Cash Advance: 3.5% + GST

Key Benefits:
- Unlimited domestic lounge access
- Complimentary OTT subscriptions
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 24/7 concierge service

USA's Top Travel Credit Cards (5 Options)

1. Capital One VentureOne

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Late Payment: Up to $40
- Cash Advance: $10 or 3% (whichever higher)

Key Benefits:
- 1.25X miles on all purchases
- No blackout dates on reward flights
- Travel accident insurance
- Rental car collision damage waiver

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Balance Transfer: 5% (min $5)
- Late Fee: Up to $40

Key Benefits:
- 60,000 point sign-up bonus
- 2X points on travel and dining
- Primary rental car insurance
- Trip delay protection

3. Bank of America Travel Rewards

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Late Payment: Up to $40

Key Benefits:
- 25,000 point sign-up bonus
- 1.5X points on all purchases
- No expiration on points
- Preferred Rewards program (25-75% bonus)

4. PenFed Pathfinder®

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: $95 (waived with checking account)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Cash Advance: 3% (min $10)

Key Benefits:
- $100 annual airline fee credit
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- 4X points on travel
- Priority Pass Select membership

5. Wells Fargo Autograph

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Late Payment: Up to $40

Key Benefits:
- 30,000 point sign-up bonus
- 3X points on travel
- Cell phone protection
- No blackout dates

Europe's Top Travel Cards (5 Options)

1. Revolut Standard

Fee Structure:
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Forex Weekdays: 0%
- Forex Weekends: 1%
- ATM Withdrawal: Free (€200/month)

Key Benefits:
- Hold and exchange 30+ currencies
- Budgeting analytics
- Virtual disposable cards
- Stock trading options

2. N26 You

Fee Structure:
- Monthly Fee: €4.90
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- ATM Withdrawal: Unlimited

Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Shared sub-accounts
- Metal card option
- Phone insurance

3. Curve Metal

Fee Structure:
- Monthly Fee: €14.99
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- ATM Withdrawal: €200/month free

Key Benefits:
- Combine all cards into one
- 1% cashback at 3 retailers
- 6 free lounge passes/year
- Travel insurance included

4. bunq Easy

Fee Structure:
- Monthly Fee: €0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- ATM Withdrawal: €400/month free

Key Benefits:
- Sustainable banking
- Real-time notifications
- 25 sub-accounts
- Easy money transfers

5. Barclays Avios

Fee Structure:
- Monthly Fee: £20
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- ATM Withdrawal: 3% fee

Key Benefits:
- Companion voucher after £10k spend
- 1.5 Avios per £1 spent
- Discounted lounge access
- Travel insurance

Asia-Pacific's Top Travel Cards (5 Options)

1. Citi PremierMiles (Singapore)

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: S$192.60
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Late Payment: S$100

Key Benefits:
- 1.2 miles per S$1 spent
- Free airport transfers
- Complimentary travel insurance
- 24/7 concierge

2. ANZ Travel (Australia)

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: A$225
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Cash Advance: 3%

Key Benefits:
- 1.5 points per A$1 spent
- Complimentary travel insurance
- Airport lounge discounts
- Flight upgrades

3. ICBC Global (China)

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: ¥200
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 1.5%
- Late Payment: ¥100

Key Benefits:
- Duty-free shopping discounts
- Complimentary travel insurance
- Airport meet & greet
- Emergency cash advance

4. Maybank Visa Infinite (Malaysia)

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: RM600
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Late Payment: RM100

Key Benefits:
- Unlimited lounge access
- Golf privileges
- Travel insurance
- Concierge service

5. Shinhan Platinum (South Korea)

Fee Structure:
- Annual Fee: ₩50,000
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Late Payment: ₩10,000

Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Airport limousine service
- Hotel discounts
- Emergency assistance

Regional Comparison Tables

India Travel Card Comparison

Cards	Annual Fee	Forex Fee	Lounge Access	ATM Fees
Scapia	₹0	0%	Unlimited	2.5%
Niyo	₹0	0%	None	Free
IDFC Wow	₹0	0%	None
Axis Atlas	₹5,000	2%	8/yr	3.5%
HDFC Regalia	₹2,500	2%	4/yr	3.5%
AU Zenith+	₹5,000	1.5%	Unlimited	3.5%

USA Travel Card Comparison

Cards	Annual Fee	Sign-up	Insurance	Rewards
VentureOne	$0	None	Basic	1.25X
Sapphire	$95	60K pts	Comprehensive	2X
BoA Travel	$0v	25K pts	Limited	1.5X
PenFed	$95	$100 credit	Good	4X
Wells Fargo	$0	30K pts	Cell	3X

Key Recommendations

For Budget Travelers:
- India: Scapia
- USA: Capital One VentureOne
- Europe: Revolut Standard
- Asia: ICBC Global

For Frequent Flyers:
- India: Axis Atlas
- USA: Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Europe: Curve Metal
- Asia: Maybank Visa Infinite

For ATM Users:
- India: Niyo Global
- Europe: N26 You
- USA: Bank of America Travel Rewards

Conclusion

Choosing the right travel credit card depends on your:
1. Travel frequency
2. Spending patterns
3. Needs for lounge access
4. ATM withdrawal requirements.
The cards featured here offer the best combination of low fees and valuable benefits for international travelers in 2025. Always remember to:
- Pay your bills on time
- Notify your bank before traveling
- Carry a backup payment method
- Understand all fee structures
Safe travels and happy savings! ✈

FAQs 

Which credit cards are free for international transactions?

There isn't a credit card that is completely free for foreign transactions because almost all of them have a forex markup fee. However, certain credit cards have reduced forex markup fees.

Which travel credit card has no annual fee and zero foreign transaction charges?

India: Scapia (₹0 fees + unlimited lounge access) USA: Capital One VentureOne ($0 annual fee) Europe: Revolut Standard (€0 monthly fee)

Which card gives free airport lounge access in India?

✔ Scapia: Unlimited free access ✔ Axis Atlas: 8 free visits/year ✔ HDFC Infinia: Unlimited Priority Pass

Can I get a good travel card with low credit score?

Yes, FD-backed cards: IDFC First Wow (India) Secured cards: Discover it® Secured (USA) Digital banks: Niyo Global (no credit check)

What's better for Europe trips - Visa or Mastercard?

Key differences: Visa: Wider acceptance in Eastern Europe Mastercard: Slightly better exchange rates Both work well in Western Europe

What documents do I need to apply for these cards?

Requirements: India: PAN, Aadhaar, 3-month salary slips USA: SSN, proof of income, credit history Europe: Passport, local address proof

Which EU card is best for UK travel after Brexit?

Revolut Metal (0% GBP transactions + fee-free ATMs) N26 You (Mastercard exchange rates) Curve (combines all UK/EU cards in one)