After 12 international trips in the past 2 years, I've refined my travel credit card stack to optimize for forex, insurance, lounge access, and rewards. Here's the setup:

The Complete International Travel Stack

1. Primary: HDFC Infinia (Forex Card)

Why:

3.5% forex markup (best for metal card)

Global acceptance

Lost card replacement in 48 hours internationally

Emergency cash access

Rental car insurance (primary)

Used for:
• Hotels (₹1L+ bookings)
• Car rentals
• Large purchases
• Emergency expenses

Annual Fee: ₹12,500 (waived on ₹8L spend)

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2. Backup: Niyo Global Zero Forex Card (Not CC, but essential)

Why:

TRUE 0% forex markup

No joining/annual fee

Chip + PIN works everywhere

Great for small merchants who don't take Amex

Used for:
• Daily dining
• Local transport
• Small shops
• ATM withdrawals (free up to 5 per month)

Cost: ₹0

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3. Lounge Access: Amex Platinum Travel

Why:

Priority Pass unlimited

Centurion Lounges (best airport lounges globally)

3X points on direct flight/hotel bookings

Best travel insurance coverage (₹1 Crore)

Used for:
• Flight bookings (to earn 3X)
• Lounge access
• Insurance coverage
• Premium hotel bookings (Marriott/Hilton Gold status)

Annual Fee: ₹60,000 (₹20K Taj voucher + ₹10K on renewal)

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4. Daily Spends: SBI Cashback Card

Why:

5% cashback on international transactions (online)

No forex fees on cashback (you get 5% on total including markup)

Accepted everywhere

Used for:
• Online bookings (tours, tickets)
• International app purchases
• Subscriptions

Annual Fee: ₹999 (₹1 = 1% cashback towards fee waiver)

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5. Emergency Backup: Axis Magnus Burgundy

Why:

High credit limit (₹20L+)

Good forex rates (2.5% markup)

Works everywhere

Edge Rewards can be emergency liquidated

Used for:
• Emergency only
• Large unexpected expenses
• If other cards are blocked/lost

Annual Fee: ₹10,000 (₹10K points on meeting spend)

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How I Use This Stack (Example: Europe Trip)

Pre-Trip:

Book flights: Amex Platinum (3X points + insurance)

Book hotels: Infinia or Amex (depending on portal/direct)

Buy travel insurance: Separately if Amex coverage insufficient

Currency planning: Load Niyo with 70% of expected spend

During Trip:

Morning coffee/small purchases: Niyo (0% markup)

Restaurant dinner: Infinia (rewards + coverage)

Museum tickets online: SBI Cashback (5%)

Uber/Bolt: Niyo

Hotel check-out extras: Infinia

Lounge access: Amex PP

Post-Trip:

Dispute any charges: Infinia (best customer service)

Redeem points: Transfer Infinia → Airlines, Amex → Hotels

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Forex Markup Comparison (Real Costs)

For a ₹1,00,000 international spend:

| Card | Markup | Cost | Net |
|------|--------|------|-----|
| Niyo | 0% | ₹0 | ₹1,00,000 |
| SBI Cashback | 3.5% - 5% CB | -₹1,500 | ₹98,500 |
| Infinia | 3.5% | ₹3,500 | ₹1,03,500 |
| Amex | 3.5% | ₹3,500 | ₹1,03,500 |
| Magnus | 2.5% | ₹2,500 | ₹1,02,500 |
| Standard cards | 3.5% + 1% Visa/MC | ₹4,500 | ₹1,04,500 |

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Insurance Coverage Summary

Amex Platinum Travel (Best):
• Air accident: ₹1 Crore
• Trip delay: ₹20K (>6 hours)
• Baggage delay: ₹30K (>12 hours)
• Lost baggage: ₹2.5L
• Medical emergency: ₹50L

HDFC Infinia:
• Air accident: ₹2 Crore
• Purchase protection: ₹5L (90 days)
• Rental car: ₹10L (primary coverage)
• Lost card liability: ₹0

Axis Magnus:
• Air accident: ₹1 Crore
• Trip delay/baggage: Minimal
• Not worth relying on

Recommendation: Always rely on Amex for trip protection

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What I DON'T Carry

[NO] Multiple forex cards: Too confusing to track balances
[NO] Currency exchange cash: Unsafe + bad rates
[NO] Debit cards: Risk of account drainage if compromised
[NO] Low-limit cards: Useless abroad

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Pro Tips for International Travel

• Inform banks before travel: Avoid fraud blocks (HDFC and Axis apps have in-built features)

• Always pay in local currency: Never accept DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) - it's a scam with 5-8% hidden markup

• Save emergency numbers:
- HDFC: +91-22-6160-6161 - Amex: +1-336-393-1111 - Axis: +91-22-6156-1111

• Download offline card controls: HDFC, Axis apps let you lock/unlock cards instantly

• Screenshot all cards: In case phone dies and you need card numbers

• Keep cards in different places: Wallet, hotel safe, carry-on bag

• Check ATM fees: Some cards charge ₹150-300 per withdrawal even if ATM is free

• Track spending in INR: Convert mentally to avoid overspending shock

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Total Annual Fees: ₹83,500

Value received: ₹2L+ (Taj voucher, points, insurance, lounge access)

Worth it? Absolutely, for 10+ international trips annually.

For 1-2 trips per year, simplify to:
• Niyo (forex)
• SBI Cashback (rewards)
• One premium card (insurance + lounge)

Questions?