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Best Credit Cards for No Foreign Transaction Fee: Shop Globally, Save Locally

| Updated on October 11, 2024

A foreign transaction fee is a percentage-based fee on all purchases abroad or online in foreign currencies. Usually, it is 1-3% of purchases for credit cards. It appears on the card’s monthly statement as an additional item or fee.

Let’s understand this with the help of an example. Suppose you made a purchase worth Rs 50000 from a foreign website. Considering the 3% transactional fee, it will cost you an additional 1500 rs.

The bigger the price of purchase, the bigger the transaction fee. 

To avoid paying this extra amount, you can use a no foreign transaction fees credit card.

Still, needing clarification about Forex cards?

Read till the end to understand everything you need to know about No foreign transaction fee cards.

 Why Choose No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards? 

No foreign transaction fee cards can significantly help people who often shop online from abroad. It provides several benefits, some of which include

  • No foreign transaction fee credit cards save you from paying added foreign transaction fees while shopping online or making a purchase abroad.
  • These cards are the cheapest way to shop in another currency.
  • In case your credit card gets stolen, you can easily report it and get your money from the credit card issuer.
  • Some card companies even offer rewards on everyday transactions that can be used to travel in the future.
  • Top international credit card companies also provide additional perks such as free memberships, complimentary holiday vouchers, airport pickups, and travel assistance which significantly enhance your overall travel experience.

How to Choose the Best Zero Forex Credit Cards? 

Several companies are issuing zero forex cards. Many of them provide additional benefits and limits. While choosing a Forex card make sure to cross check and compare the additional perks of different cards before finalizing one.

You can consider the following to choose a Forex card –  

  • If it comprises annual fees, transaction fees, or any hidden fees.
  • If the card offers free or low-cost ATM withdrawals.
  • If the cards offer rewards and cashback for regular purchases.
  • If the card has any transaction limits.
  • If the card is denominated in the currency of your preferred destination the card offers additional perks like lounge access, free memberships, etc.
  • If the cards offer any sign-up rewards and bonuses.
  • If the card suits your lifestyle or not.

 Best Zero Forex Credit Cards 

If you wish to avail a no forex credit card but have no idea what to go for, you can examine the suggestions given below and form an intelligent decision – 

1. Rogers World Elite Mastercard-

  • Rogers World Elite Mastercard are  best credit cards for shopping
  • Eligibility–  Minimum personal income should be $80,000 or $150,000 annual household income.
  • Perks- If you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, you will receive 2% cashback on all non-US dollar purchases

    -Earn 3% cashback on all US purchases

    -Earn 1.5% cash back every time you redeem Rogers, Fido, or Shaw purchases., etc

2. IDFC First Wealth Credit Card-

  • Eligibility- More than 21 years of age

    -Annual income of Rs 36 lakhs or more.

  •  Perks– ‘Buy One, Get One’ offer on movie tickets up to ₹250 on Paytm mobile app (valid twice per month)

    -300+ Brand Offers-2 complimentary domestic airport lounge and spa visits, etc

3. Multi Currency Forex Card

  • Eligibility-  Mandatory KYC documents required along with a signed copy of the application form:
  • Perks- Protection against foreign rate exchange fluctuations

      -Complimentary insurance cover

    – Backup card facility available, etc.

4. Federal Bank Credit Card-

  • Eligibility- Minimum 18 years of age for a secured FS card and 21 years of age for an Unsecured FS card.

     -A good credit history

    -Indian or Non Resident Indian (NRI)

  • Perks-No annual fee

    -Travel and dining offer

    – Airport lounge access, etc.

   5.AU Zenith Credit Cards

  • Eligibility- Primary cardholder between the age of 18–60 years old.

    -Indian Resident.

  • Perks– RS2,500 reward points on completing one retail transaction on your birthday.

    -2 complimentary airport vouchers within India.

    -E-Vouchers of top brands, etc.

A gradual increase in foreign transactions has been observed in recent years leading to an increase in the forex card market too. The following graph depicts the rising demand and market for forex cards.

Increase in the forex card market.

 Best Practices While Using Zero Forex Credit Cards 

  1. Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion – Dynamic currency conversion is paying with your home country’s currency in a foreign country.

     Foreign merchants tend to take advantage of tourists while converting currencies.  Avoid signing checks and receipts that are not in the local currency of the country.

  1. Memorize your PIN – Some credit card terminals require the cardholders to enter a PIN. Make sure you set up and learn the pin before leaving. 
  1. Avoid Inactivity – Some cards incur inactivity charges if remain inactive for more than six months.
  1. Keep it Safe– Always keep your card in a safe place and do not leave it unattended.
  1. Protect your PIN – Do not share your PIN with anyone. Make sure that no one is peeking while entering it in ATMs. 

FUN FACTAccording to financial reports by three of the largest credit card companies in the world, there were already more than 1.65 billion credit cards existing in 2017. If you placed those cards end by end, 3.37 inches each, you could span more than 88 thousand miles; the equivalent of three and a half trips around the world.

 Conclusion

People who regularly make foreign transactions have to pay additional amounts which might add up to a big figure. No Forex cards are of great relief for such people as they save them from paying extra money and even provide additional benefits to them.

As discussed in the article, there are a variety of cards to choose from. Different companies provide different perks with their cards. Be informed before finalizing what to buy, and make smart decisions. Make no transaction fee purchases with No Forex cards.

Also Read: Invest In Databricks Stock To Leverage High ROI

FAQ

Can I get more than one currency loaded on the same card?

Yes, most of the card companies give this facility to load up to 15 different currencies in a single card.

What is Dynamic Currency Conversion?

It is a service provided to cardholders while shopping at foreign merchants. It allows them to pay in the issuing bank’s currency instead of the merchant’s local country currency. 

What is the difference between a regular card and a zero forex card?

You are required to pay additional foreign transaction charges while purchasing goods in foreign currency while using a regular card. On the other hand, zero forex cards allow you to make payments without additional changes.

How to reload a Forex card?

Forex cards can be reloaded online or at any bank branch of the issuing company.

Do forex cards have any validity?

Yes, Different banks offer different validity periods. Most banks offer at least 5 years validity, once the card is loaded.




Jen Buckner

Fintech Writer


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