Synopsis: With rupee depreciation a standard credit card adds 3-3.5% forex markup on every overseas transaction. A choice of a credit card with low forex fee will slash or eliminate this cost majorly.
A depreciating rupee already means appreciated payments on foreign holidays and foreign transactions with that a standard credit card with 3-3.5% of forex markup would add to the cost. Forex markup fees are the charges applied by bank and credit card companies when transacting in a foreign currency. Choosing a card with zero or low forex charges is one of the simplest ways to save tiny amounts on every transaction during a foreign trip.
A premium metal card and one of the best suited options for international spenders. The Mayura Credit Card charges 0% forex markup, making it ideal for international transactions. It combines zero forex markup with 4 complimentary international and 4 domestic airport lounge / spa visits per quarter.
- Annual Fee: ₹5,999 + GST
- Joining Fee: ₹5,999 + GST
- Fee Waiver: Not Applicable
- Forex Markup: 0%
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
The HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card charges a markup fee of 2% for all foreign currency transactions. This card provides unlimited lounge access to 1300+ lounges internationally and has a fee waiver on ₹8 lakh annual spend
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
- Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + GST
- Fee Waiver: Spending ₹8 lakh in 12 months gets the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year
- Forex Markup: 2%
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
3. HSBC Premier Credit Card
The foreign exchange markup for HSBC Premier Credit Card is 0.99% on all foreign transactions. The card offers lounge access for unlimited visits and 8 free guest visits per year. The ₹20,000 annual fee is waived for customers who maintain Premier relationship status.
- Annual Fee: ₹20,000 renewal
- Joining Fee: ₹12,000 (paid after card activation)
- Fee Waiver: Annual fee waived after meeting HSBC Premier eligibility criteria
- Forex Markup: 0.99%
This credit card is offered by Bank of Baroda and is a lifetime fee card that offers 1% forex markup on overseas transactions, which is much lower than the 3.5% standard. It also provides 8 domestic lounge visits and 4 international complimentary lounge visits per year. The domestic lounge access could become unlimited provided a minimum quarterly spend of ₹40,000 is required.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,499 + GST
- Joining Fee: ₹2,499 + GST
- Fee Waiver: Joining fee waived after ₹25,000 spend within first 60 days of card issuance, and Annual fee waived on spending ₹2,50,000 in previous card anniversary
- Forex Markup: 2%
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
This is the credit card offered by RBL Bank and also one of the first retail credit cards with a forex markup of 0% in India. It offers a MakeMyTrip voucher worth ₹3,000 as a welcome benefit and 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter on a spend of ₹35,000 quarterly spend, plus 2 international lounge visits via Priority Pass.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
- Joining Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
- Fee Waiver: Not Applicable
- Forex Markup: 0%
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
Also read: 4 Best SBI Credit Cards to Get 10% Instant Discount in Flipkart SASA LELE Sale 2026
A lifetime-free card which is secured and backed by FD. There is absolutely no joining fee, or no annual fee, and is the best credit card for students or non-salaried individuals. This card charges zero forex markup.
- Annual Fee/Joining Fee: Nil (Lifetime free, min. FD amount ₹20,000)
- Forex Markup: 0%
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
7. Uni Cards – GoldX
The BOBCARD Uni GoldX is also a lifetime free card, which means the annual fee is zero. This card rewards real 24K digital gold on every eligible transaction and comes with a zero markup forex fees.
- Annual Fee/Joining Fee: Nil (Lifetime free)
- Forex Markup: 0%
The Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card also has a RuPay variant to gain benefits from UPI transactions too. This is a lifetime free credit card with zero markup fees on all international transactions. This offers unlimited domestic lounge access subject to ₹20,000 monthly combined, and earns 10% Scapia Coins and 20% on travel bookings done only via the Scapia app.
- Annual Fee/Joining Fee: Nil (Lifetime Free)
- Forex Markup: 0%
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
9. Ixigo AU Travel Credit Card
The ixigo AU Credit Card also offers train lounge visits. This is currently offered as a lifetime free and charges zero forex markup. It also provides 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits, 8 railway lounge visits per year, plus 1 complimentary international lounge visit per year.
- Annual Fee/Joining Fee: Nil (LTF currently, else, ₹999 + GST)
- Forex Markup: 0%
Summary table
Considering a zero or low forex fee credit card is a smart decision with the current scenario of weakening of the rupee. It is the immediate way to reduce the cost of international travel or international spends suited to every spending profile.
Written by Jahnavi
