When travelling internationally, the convenience of a global payment method can make your journey much smoother. International credit cards are designed to help travellers manage their expenses abroad without the hassles of carrying cash or dealing with unfavourable exchange rates.
Whether dining in Paris, shopping in Tokyo, or staying at a hotel in New York, international credit cards provide several advantages that make them indispensable for frequent travellers.
Benefits of an International Credit Card While Travelling Abroad
These versatile cards that function smoothly across geographies offer unmatched benefits for global travellers:
1. Avoid Foreign Exchange Hassles
International credit cards eliminate the need to carry foreign currency or exchange rupees in advance. According to prevalent conversion rates, all expenses are automatically billed in dollars, euros, etc.
2. Pay in Local Currency
Cards allow spending in the local currency directly without currency conversion headaches. The equivalent rupee amount shows up on your billing statement.
3. Secure Transactions
Such cards have built-in chip-and-pin technology plus additional verification layers for secure payments. Fraud protection covers unauthorised usage.
4. Preferential Exchange Rates
International credit cards offer better exchange rates, reducing currency conversion costs when purchasing abroad.
5. Higher Transaction Limits
International credit cards offer higher transaction limits, allowing for larger purchases and greater flexibility while travelling abroad.
6. Cash Withdrawals
Instantly withdraw foreign currency notes from vast ATM networks at competitive conversion rates and lower bank charges.
7. Discounts & Rewards
Cards for premium travellers feature airport lounge access, higher reward points, fuel surcharge waivers, and hotel and dining discounts overseas.
8. Special Travel Benefits
Insurance coverage for lost baggage, flight delays/cancellations, emergency hospitalization, and overseas emergency assistance services.
9. Low Processing Fees
International credit cards often come with reduced processing fees, minimizing extra costs on overseas transactions.
Steps to Get An International Credit Card
Here is the usual process to get a globally valid international credit card:
1. Check Eligibility
Financial institutions outline minimum income, credit score, and prior international trip criteria for applicants. Applicants must meet basic eligibility norms.
2. Choose a Card Variant
Review premium travel cards from different financial institutions. Analyse fees, forex charges, rewards, and deals to pick one that suits your overseas travel needs.
3. Apply Online
Visit the financial institution’s website and submit the application form and KYC documents, such as identity proof, payslips, and a copy of your passport.
4. Activate Card
Upon successful verification, your application will be approved, and you get the credit card to your registered address. To activate the card, you must generate a PIN.
5. Set Preferences
Log in to your card account and set the international transaction limit according to your projected overseas vacation expenses.
6. Use Card Abroad
You can now make international credit card transactions. Spend safely abroad within defined preferences.
Factors to Consider Before Getting an International Credit Card
However, there are some aspects to evaluate before getting unique travel credit cards:
- Check annual fees and renewal fees for these premium cards
- Check forex markup margins and cross-border fees of different card variants
- Free international usage limit allowed annually before fees apply
- Interest charge from transaction date in case dues get resolved
- Whether the card allows adding temporary travel preferences and limits
- Destinations covered under travel and emergency medical insurance
- Claims process for insurance protections and fraud coverage
- Special discounts or privileges relevant to your travel style – flights, hotels, dining
Conclusion
International credit cards are specially designed to simplify payments, lower currency conversion costs, and provide security, insurance, and convenience benefits across geographical borders.
They eliminate the need for forex cards, cash, or traveller’s cheques while travelling globally. Check that your card is enabled for international transactions, set usage preferences, and enjoy a stress-free vacation ahead.
FAQs
- How do you use an international credit card abroad?
You can use your card to withdraw foreign currency at ATMs, make point-of-sale payments directly in local currency at retail outlets, and pay hotel/restaurant bills during overseas travel.
- How do you pay the international transactions bill?
International transaction billing happens in Indian rupees. Pay foreign currency credit card bills the same as domestic spending before the due date via netbanking, cheques, etc.
- Do international credit cards offer insurance?
Yes, overseas medical insurance, lost card/baggage insurance, emergency assistance services and flight delay protections are provided.
- Can we use international cards at Indian ATMs?
International credit cards can be used to withdraw Indian rupees from any domestic ATM within bank-prescribed limits.
- Do international cards work with ecommerce sites?
Global cards also facilitate international online shopping, utility payments and digital entertainment subscriptions.
