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Credit Cards with the Lowest Forex Markup in India (2026)
Updated · 6 options compared
Every time you pay in a foreign currency — abroad or on an international website — your bank adds a markup, usually 3.5% plus 18% GST (about 4.13% in total). On a ₹2 lakh foreign trip that is over ₹8,000 in fees. The cards below charge 2–3%, and some offset the rest with rewards.
Quick comparison
| # | Name | Forex markup | Lounge access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HDFC Infinia Metal | 2.0% + GST | Unlimited domestic + international (Priority Pass) |
| 2 | HDFC Diners Club Black | 2.0% + GST | Unlimited domestic + international |
| 3 | Axis Magnus | 2.0% + GST | Unlimited domestic + 8 international (Priority Pass) |
| 4 | SC Ultimate | 2.0% + GST | Unlimited domestic + international (Priority Pass) |
| 5 | AU Zenith+ | 2.5% + GST | 8 domestic + 4 international per year |
| 6 | OneCard Metal | 3.0% + GST | 4 domestic per year |
1.HDFC Infinia Metal
5/5- Forex markup
- 2.0% + GST
- Lounge access
- Unlimited domestic + international (Priority Pass)
- Annual fee
- ₹12,500 + GST
India's most exclusive credit card, available only by invitation for ultra-high-income individuals. Unlimited global lounge access and a low 2% foreign transaction fee make it unbeatable for international travel. Not worth pursuing unless you already spend ₹10L+ per year on the card.
- Unlimited Airport lounge access globally
- Global Concierge & Golf privileges
- Club Marriott membership for 1 year
2.HDFC Diners Club Black
4.9/5- Forex markup
- 2.0% + GST
- Lounge access
- Unlimited domestic + international
- Annual fee
- ₹10,000 + GST
Often considered the best reward card in India — 5X points on regular spends and 10X on SmartBuy. Unlimited lounge access puts it close to the Infinia at nearly half the annual fee. The only catch: Diners Club network acceptance is limited at smaller merchants, so keep a backup Visa or Mastercard handy.
- Unlimited domestic & international lounge access
- 10X rewards on SmartBuy portal
- Complimentary annual memberships worth ₹10,000+
3.Axis Magnus
4.9/5- Forex markup
- 2.0% + GST
- Lounge access
- Unlimited domestic + 8 international (Priority Pass)
- Annual fee
- ₹12,500 + GST
Axis Bank's ultra-premium offering that rivals HDFC Infinia in benefits. The 12 EDGE points per ₹200 and unlimited lounge access make it exceptional for frequent travellers. The ₹25L annual spend requirement for fee waiver is aggressive, so this card is truly meant for very high spenders only.
- Unlimited domestic lounge visits & priority pass
- Annual fee waiver on ₹25L annual spend
- VIP meet & greet services at airports
4.SC Ultimate
4.7/5- Forex markup
- 2.0% + GST
- Lounge access
- Unlimited domestic + international (Priority Pass)
- Annual fee
- ₹5,000 + GST
Standard Chartered's top-tier card with one of the highest reward rates at 3.33% value back on all spends. Unlimited global lounge access and ₹5 Crore travel insurance put it in the same league as HDFC Infinia. The ₹1L/month income requirement ensures it targets serious high-income professionals.
- Unlimited domestic & international lounge access
- Travel insurance up to ₹5 Crore
- Golf privileges worldwide
5.AU Zenith+
4.4/5- Forex markup
- 2.5% + GST
- Lounge access
- 8 domestic + 4 international per year
- Annual fee
- ₹7,999 + GST
AU Small Finance Bank's premium play that punches well above its weight class. The ₹3 Crore travel insurance and worldwide lounge access are impressive features for a small finance bank card. Worth considering if you already bank with AU and want premium benefits without switching to a larger bank.
- Complimentary airport lounge access worldwide
- Travel insurance up to ₹3 Crore
- Concierge services 24/7
6.OneCard Metal
4.6/5- Forex markup
- 3.0% + GST
- Lounge access
- 4 domestic per year
- Annual fee
- Lifetime Free
The tech-first credit card that auto-detects your top 2 spending categories and gives 5X rewards on them. The sleek metal card and real-time spending analytics appeal to app-savvy millennials. Lifetime free with a solid rewards structure, though the lack of add-on cards is a limitation for families.
- Metal card — no annual fee ever
- Auto-detects your top spend categories for 5X
- Real-time spend analytics in app
How we chose
- Forex markup before GST.
- Rewards earned on international spends.
- Global acceptance of the card network.
CardKhoj is independent and does not earn commission from banks. Rates and fees change often — always confirm the latest terms on the bank's official website before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is a forex markup fee?
It is a percentage the card issuer charges on any transaction made in a foreign currency, or with a merchant based outside India. GST at 18% is added on top of the markup.
Is it better to use a forex card or a credit card abroad?
A prepaid forex card locks in the exchange rate and usually has lower markup than a regular credit card. A low-markup credit card is more convenient and offers purchase protection and rewards. Many travellers carry both.