When you’re traveling abroad or making international purchases, most credit cards in India charge a foreign exchange markup fee of around 3.5% which can be a silent killer of your spending power. But what if you could avoid this fee altogether?
Zero Forex credit cards are becoming increasingly popular in India, giving cardholders the power to transact internationally without any foreign currency markup fees. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just shopping online from international websites, these cards can save you a lot of money.
Here’s a curated list of the top ZERO FOREX Credit Cards available in India covering everything from lifetime free options to premium metal cards.
🌍 1. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card – Best Lifetime Free Travel Card
Why it stands out: A fresh entrant with bold benefits, the Scapia card offers true zero forex without any joining or annual fees. Powered by Federal Bank and accepted globally via Visa, this card is designed for the savvy traveler.
Highlights:
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Zero Forex on international transactions
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LIFETIME FREE with no hidden charges
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Unlimited airport lounge access every month on spending ₹10,000
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Earn 4% rewards on travel bookings via Scapia app
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Instant redemption for flights, hotels, trains, or buses — 100% booking value possible
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Coins never expire and are easy to redeem
SmartSpendCode Verdict: This is hands down the best lifetime free travel card for Gen Z & millennials who want lounge access, rewards, and forex freedom rolled into one.
💳 2. IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card – Best for First-Time Users
Why it stands out: Don’t have a credit score? No problem! This card is FD-backed and offers guaranteed approval with zero forex fees, even for new-to-credit users.
Highlights:
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Zero Forex conversion charges
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Lifetime Free & No credit history required
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Interest-free cash withdrawals up to 48 days
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Decent offers on 1500+ restaurants and online shopping
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7.5% interest on linked FD
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Link with UPI and earn Air India points
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Additional Benefits –
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50% off on BookMyShow
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Up to 20% off at 1500+ restaurants
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SmartSpendCode Verdict: Great starter card if you want to build credit, enjoy fee-free forex, and explore dining perks. Not ideal for serious reward chasers.
🏅 3. IndusInd Pioneer Heritage Metal – Premium All-Rounder with Zero Forex
Why it stands out: A luxury metal card that justifies its hefty joining fee with VIP-level perks and zero forex, perfect for frequent flyers and lifestyle enthusiasts.
Highlights:
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Unlimited international & domestic lounge access
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4 free movie tickets per quarter worth ₹16,000 annually
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Dining offers up to ₹3,000 on EazyDiner twice a year
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2.5% reward rate on international spends
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1 RP = ₹1 when redeemed (including for AirMiles)
SmartSpendCode Verdict: If you’re a frequent flier or enjoy elite travel, this card is a powerhouse. Want a discounted joining fee? Drop me an email to connect with an RM. (sagar@smartspendcode.com)
🦚 4. IDFC First Mayura Credit Card – Stylish but Pricey
Why it stands out: A new premium card from IDFC with a sleek metal design and zero forex, targeted at high spenders who also want some glam.
Highlights:
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4 domestic and 4 international lounge visits quarterly
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Guest lounge access for family
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Welcome Bonus: 5000 points + ₹4000 cashback
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10X rewards on monthly spends above ₹20K
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Reward rate up to 1.6%
Drawback: Not beginner-friendly. The ₹6,000+GST fee can be steep for the average user, especially since the reward rate isn’t stellar from year two.
SmartSpendCode Verdict: Good for short-term benefits and aesthetics — but think long-term before opting in.
✈️ 5. AU Ixigo Credit Card – Budget Travel Made Rewarding
Why it stands out: A rare combo of lifetime free, zero forex, and train + airport lounge access. Built for budget travelers who value flexibility and want some perks.
Highlights:
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16 domestic airport/railway lounges per year (on ₹20K monthly spends)
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1.25% reward on all online spends
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Bonus rewards & discounts on Ixigo
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Welcome gift of ₹1,000 in rewards + ₹1,000 in Ixigo Money
SmartSpendCode Verdict: Great for domestic and international value travelers who want an LTF card with zero forex and practical perks.
🌐 6. RBL World Safari – India’s First Zero Forex Travel Card
Why it stands out: This was India’s first-ever zero forex card and still offers solid lifestyle benefits for frequent travelers.
Highlights:
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No markup on international spending
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₹3,000 MMT voucher as welcome bonus (fee equivalent)
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2 airport lounges (domestic & international) per quarter
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Milestone rewards up to 4% return on ₹7.5L annual spend
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Golf sessions included
SmartSpendCode Verdict: Good for loyal MakeMyTrip users and international travelers, but the lack of rewards on forex spends is a bummer.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to travel more, avoid foreign transaction fees, or just add value to every swipe — there’s a zero forex card for everyone. From LTF options like Scapia and Ixigo to premium picks like IndusInd Heritage Metal, SmartSpendCode helps you make the right choice based on your lifestyle.
Ready to travel smarter and richer? ✈️🌍
Check out more curated guides and tips at SmartSpendCode.com
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