Top 10 Credit Cards for International Travel – Choosing the right credit card for international travel can save you money, make your journey smoother, and offer exclusive perks like lounge access, zero forex fees, travel insurance, and much more.
In this expert guide, you’ll find the Top 10 International Travel Credit Cards for 2025, complete with features, pros & cons, fees, and a comparison table.
Why You Need a Travel-Focused Credit Card for International Trips?
A high-quality international travel credit card can offer:
- Zero or Low Forex Markup
- Free International Airport Lounge Access
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Reward Points / Air Miles
- Global Customer Support
- Fraud Protection
- Hotel & Airline Privileges
These benefits make your travel cheaper and safer.
Top 10 International Travel Credit Cards (2025)
Below is a complete comparison of the best cards.
Comparison Table — Best Travel Credit Cards 2025
| Rank | Credit Card | Forex Markup | Lounge Access | Best For | Annual Fee |
| 1 | HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card | 0% | Unlimited Intl + Domestic | Luxury frequent travelers | ₹12,500 |
| 2 | American Express Platinum Travel Card | 3.5% | Intl + Hotel Privileges | Hotel benefits + flights | ₹5,000 |
| 3 | Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card | 2% | 18+ Intl Lounges | Air miles + travel rewards | ₹5,000 |
| 4 | SBI Elite Credit Card | 1.99% | 6 Intl Lounges | Affordable premium travel | ₹4,999 |
| 5 | HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card | 2% | Intl + Domestic | Regular travelers | ₹2,500 |
| 6 | ICICI Emeralde Credit Card | 0% | Unlimited Intl | High-spending travelers | ₹12,000 |
| 7 | IDFC First Wealth Credit Card | 0% | Intl lounge | Zero-forex spending | ₹0 |
| 8 | IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card | 1.8% | Intl lounge | Business travel | ₹9,999 |
| 9 | YES First Exclusive Credit Card | 1.75% | Intl lounge | Rewards-focused users | ₹4,999 |
| 10 | Kotak Privy League Signature Credit Card | 2% | Intl lounge | Kotak premium users | ₹3,000 |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 10 International Travel Credit Cards
1. HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card (Best Overall)
Forex Markup: 0%
Lounge Access: Unlimited worldwide
Rewards: 5 reward points per ₹150
Fee: ₹12,500
Why it’s the best:
- Zero forex charges
- Exceptional lounge access
- Best-in-class reward conversion
- Premium hotel and flight privileges
Best For: Luxury and frequent international travelers
2. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
Forex Markup: 3.5%
Benefits:
- Taj & ITC stay vouchers
- Priority Pass
- Premium travel support
Best For: International travelers who value hotel & airline perks
3. Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Forex Markup: 2%
Benefits:
- Earn Atlas Miles
- Redeem on 10+ airlines & travel partners
- Tier-based exclusive benefits
Best For: Frequent flyers wanting maximum travel rewards
4. SBI Elite Credit Card
Forex Markup: 1.99%
Benefits:
- 6 international lounge visits
- Travel vouchers
- Fraud protection
Best For: Affordable premium travel experience
5. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
Forex Markup: 2%
Benefits:
- Good reward ratio
- Complimentary travel insurance
- Lounge access
Best For: Frequent international travelers
6. ICICI Emeralde Credit Card
Forex Markup: 0%
Benefits:
- Unlimited international lounge access
- Travel insurance up to ₹2 crore
- Concierge services
Best For: High-income global travelers
7. IDFC First Wealth Credit Card (Best Zero-Fee Option)
Forex Markup: 0%
Fee: No annual fee
Benefits:
- Zero forex charges
- Lounge access
- Low interest rates
- No hidden costs
Best For: Travellers wanting high value with zero charges
8. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card
Forex Markup: 1.8%
Benefits:
- Global support
- Insurance cover
- Airline privileges
Best For: Business travelers
9. YES First Exclusive Credit Card
Forex Markup: 1.75%
Benefits:
- Excellent rewards
- International lounge access
Best For: High reward earners
10. Kotak Privy League Signature Credit Card
Forex Markup: 2%
Benefits:
- Lounge access
- Travel coverage
- Concierge service
Best For: Kotak premium customers
Key Features to Consider Before Choosing a Travel Credit Card
✔ Forex Markup Fee
Lower forex fee = higher savings. Prefer cards with 0–2% markup.
✔ International Lounge Access
A must-have for frequent flyers.
✔ Travel Insurance
Covers flight delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, etc.
✔ Global Acceptance
Visa, Mastercard, and Amex networks matter for worldwide use.
✔ Reward Value
More points/miles on travel spending means more savings.
✔ Emergency Card Replacement
Useful if your card is lost/stolen abroad.
Who Should Use an International Travel Credit Card?
- Frequent travelers
- Business travelers
- Students studying abroad
- High-spending corporate users
- Users who want zero forex fee
- Those who prefer airmiles over cashback
Best Credit Cards Based on Travel Needs
| Travel Need | Recommended Credit Card |
| Zero Forex Fee | IDFC Wealth / ICICI Emeralde / HDFC Infinia |
| Best Lounge Access | HDFC Infinia / ICICI Emeralde |
| Best for Air Miles | Axis Atlas |
| Best Affordable Card | SBI Elite |
| Best for Hotel Benefits | Amex Platinum |
FAQs — Credit Cards for International Travel
1. Which is the best credit card for international travel?
HDFC Infinia, ICICI Emeralde, and Axis Atlas are the top choices for 2025.
2. Do credit cards charge forex fees abroad?
Yes, most cards charge 1.75%–3.5%, except zero-forex cards.
3. Can I use a debit card internationally?
Yes, but a credit card is safer, cheaper, and offers more benefits.
4. How do I get international lounge access?
Through Visa/Mastercard lounge programs or Priority Pass.
5. Can students get a credit card for travel?
Yes, through secured credit cards or add-on family cards.
Conclusion
Choosing the right international travel credit card can significantly reduce your travel expenses and enhance your overall experience.
If you prefer luxury benefits, go for HDFC Infinia.
If you want zero forex, choose IDFC Wealth or ICICI Emeralde.
For air miles and affordability, Axis Atlas and SBI Elite are excellent choices.