Travelling abroad in 2025? A forex card can save you from paying the 3.5% markup that comes with debit or credit cards. HDFC, Axis, IDFC FIRST, and SBM now offer India’s most popular forex cards, each with different fees, limits, and perks. Here’s a side-by-side comparison.
India Snapshot
- Currencies Supported: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, SGD, JPY, etc.
- Issuance Fee: ₹300–₹600 (one-time).
- Reload Fee: ₹50–₹150 per reload.
- ATM Withdrawal Fee: $2–$3 per withdrawal.
- Validity: 3–5 years.
- UPI/NetBanking: Most cards now allow instant reloads.
Compare forex cards & apply online:
Check Forex Cards on Paisabazaar
Find Options on BankBazaar
Forex Card Comparison (2025 Snapshot)
| Bank / Card | Issuance Fee | Reload Fee | ATM Fee | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Multicurrency ForexPlus | ₹500 | ₹75 | $2 | 22 currencies, insurance cover, student-friendly |
| Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card | ₹300 | ₹100 | $2.5 | 16 currencies, emergency cash assistance |
| IDFC FIRST Forex Card | ₹350 | ₹50 | $2 | Low reload fees, UPI-linked reload option |
| SBM Bank OneCard Forex | ₹600 | ₹150 | $3 | App-based management, global acceptance |
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cheaper than debit/credit card spends abroad.
Fixed forex rates at time of loading.
Safer than carrying cash.
Useful for students, travellers, freelancers.
Cons
Issuance & reload fees.
ATM cash withdrawals carry charges.
Expiry (3–5 years).
Smart Usage Tips
- Load forex card before travelling when INR is strong.
- Carry a backup debit/credit card for emergencies.
- Withdraw larger ATM amounts to reduce per-withdrawal fee.
- Reload online via UPI for speed.
- Don’t forget to encash unused balance when back in India.
Pick the forex card that matches your travel needs:
Apply on Paisabazaar
Check Offers on BankBazaar
In 2025, forex cards remain the cheapest and safest way to spend abroad. HDFC and Axis dominate for students and frequent travellers, IDFC FIRST is best for low fees, and SBM OneCard Forex brings app-based convenience. Choose based on your travel pattern and reload needs to save thousands on charges.
