Top International Credit Cards: Save on Fees, Earn Rewards, and Access Airport Lounges

Planning an overseas trip? One of the best ways to make your journey smoother is by carrying the right credit card. The best credit card for foreign travel can save you money on transaction fees, help you earn rewards, and even grant you complimentary lounge access. In this article, we’ll compare some of the top contenders for the best international credit card and help you choose the perfect travel companion.

Understanding Foreign Transaction Fees

When you use your credit card abroad, you may incur foreign transaction fees. These are typically around 2-3% of each transaction amount. However, the best credit cards for international travel waive these fees entirely.

For example, let’s say your foreign transactions during a trip total ₹1,50,000. With a 3% fee, you would pay an extra ₹4,500. But with a card like the HDFC Bank Regalia First, you could save that entire amount.

Finding the Best Rewards with the Best International Credit Card

Look for a credit card that rewards your overseas spending handsomely. Some of the best credit cards for foreign travel offer accelerated rewards on dining, hotels, and flights.

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro is one such example, offering 2 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on international transactions. That’s equivalent to a 1.5-2% return on your spending. If you spent ₹1,50,000 abroad, you could earn 3000 Reward Points, redeemable for Payback points, gift vouchers, or flight bookings.

Travel Insurance Coverage

The best credit card for international transactions also offers complimentary travel insurance. This typically includes:

• Accident cover

• Lost card liability

• Lost baggage reimbursement

• Trip cancellation cover

• Medical emergency cover

For instance, the SBI Card Elite comes with air accident cover of ₹2 crore, lost card liability cover of ₹5 lakh, and lost baggage reimbursement up to ₹50,000. Before you travel, check your card’s insurance terms and coverage limits.

Airport Lounge Access

Waiting at the airport can be tiring. But with the right travel credit card, you can relax in style at domestic and international airport lounges. The best credit card for overseas travel offers complimentary lounge visits.

Case in point: The Axis Bank Magnus grants unlimited access to international airport lounges, with the cardholder and one companion allowed per visit. That could translate to significant savings and a more comfortable journey.

Comparing Top Travel Cards

Now that we understand the key features, let’s compare some of the top contenders for the best international credit card:

As you can see, each card has its own strengths. The best credit card for foreign travel for you will depend on your spending patterns and travel preferences.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for International Transactions

1. Check the foreign transaction fees and look for a card that minimizes them

2. See if the rewards align with your spending habits

3. Look at the lounge access privileges and pick a card with the right number of complimentary visits

4. Ensure the travel insurance coverage is adequate for your needs

5. Check your eligibility before applying. Cards like the Regalia require a high credit score.

Conclusion

Choosing the best credit card for international travel can make your overseas journeys more rewarding and comfortable. Look for a combination of low forex fees, high rewards, lounge access, and travel insurance. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or a leisure explorer, having the right card can simplify your spends.

Consider using the Airtel Thanks App to track your credit card expenses on the move. Learn more about the top international credit card options at Airtel Credit Card. Bon voyage!

FAQs

1. Which card is best for international transactions?
   The HDFC Bank Regalia First is an excellent choice for international transactions, with no forex markup fees and accelerated rewards on overseas spends.

    

2. What is the best card to use overseas?
   The SBI Card Elite offers a competitive forex markup of 1.99%, 6 complimentary international lounge visits per year, and travel insurance coverage of ₹2 crore.

    

3. Which credit card is best for international travel?
   The Axis Bank Magnus is a strong contender, with unlimited international lounge visits, 12 reward points per ₹200 spent abroad, and insurance cover of ₹2.5 crore.

    

4. Which bank credit card is best for abroad?
   It depends on your needs, but cards like Regalia First, SBI Elite, and Axis Magnus are some of the best credit cards for overseas travel, with beneficial forex rates, rewards, and privileges.