Best for International Spending
Forex markup + international lounges + travel insurance + global network acceptance.
300 cards ranked | Updated December 2025
Key Ranking Factors
Markup percentage
Global lounge access
Travel protection
Global network
0.00% forex
HDFC Diners Club Black
2.00% forex
3.50% forex
Federal Bank Scapia
N/A
AU Ixigo Credit Card
0.00% forex
BOBCARD Eterna Credit Card
2.00% forex
HDFC BizBlack
2.00% forex
3.50% forex
Priority Visa Infinite
3.50% forex
2.50% forex
3.50% forex
0.00% forex
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Edition
2.00% forex
0.00% forex
0.00% forex
American Express Centurion
0.00% forex
HDFC Infinia Metal Edition
2.00% forex
FIRST WOW! Black
0.00% forex
IDFC FIRST Private
0.00% forex
Axis Bank Reserve
2.00% forex
1.80% forex
1.00% forex
Emirates World Credit Card
3.50% forex
3.50% forex
Premier Mastercard
0.99% forex
Avios Visa Infinite (British Airways)
1.50% forex
American Express Platinum
3.50% forex
1.99% forex
2.00% forex
1.99% forex
Emirates Skywards ICICI Emeralde
3.50% forex
1.99% forex
Axis Bank Vistara Infinite
2.00% forex
Tiger Credit Card
1.50% forex
Mastercard Celesta
2.00% forex
2.00% forex
1.50% forex
HDFC Regalia Gold
2.00% forex
YES First Exclusive
1.75% forex
BOBCARD Premier Credit Card
3.50% forex
2.50% forex
HDFC Regalia First
2.00% forex
Fi AmpliFi Credit Card
0.00% forex
About International Rankings
International cards combine low forex markup, global lounge access, travel insurance, and worldwide acceptance. Essential for anyone who travels abroad or shops from international websites.
How We Rank International Cards
- Forex markup: Lower percentage saves more
- International lounges: Priority Pass and global networks
- Travel insurance: Emergency medical coverage abroad
- Network acceptance: Visa/Mastercard work more widely than others
Forex Rate
Lower is betterGlobal Coverage
Lounges + acceptanceWhat Makes a Great International Card
- Zero/low forex: 0-2% markup is competitive
- Priority Pass: 1,300+ lounges globally
- Medical coverage: ₹50L+ emergency medical abroad
- Wide acceptance: Visa/Mastercard preferred
Who Needs an International Card
- Frequent international travelers
- Those shopping from foreign websites
- Business travelers with global expenses
- Anyone spending ₹50,000+ abroad annually
Maximizing International Value
- Always pay local: Decline dynamic currency conversion
- Notify your bank: Alert them before traveling to avoid blocks
- Carry backup: Have cards on different networks
- Know your coverage: Understand insurance terms before traveling
International Card FAQ
Visa or Mastercard for international use?
Both are widely accepted globally. Visa has slightly more acceptance points, but the difference is minimal. Either works well for most international travel.
Bottom Line
For international spending, the combination of low forex, global lounges, and travel insurance makes dedicated international cards highly valuable. The savings and benefits easily justify premium fees for frequent travelers.