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Best credit cards for international spends (2026)

Most cards add 3.5% + GST on foreign spends. These cards charge little or nothing. Below, 'net cost' is the markup with GST minus what the card pays back on foreign spends.

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The top picks

Federal Bank Scapia

Zero forex markup; 4% on travel booked in the Scapia app; 2% base

Forex markup (incl. GST): 0%
Earns on foreign spends: 2%
Net cost per ₹100 abroad: pays you back
Annual fee: No annual fee

AU Small Finance Bank ixigo

Lifetime free with 0% forex markup; 10% off ixigo flights & hotels; railway lounges

Forex markup (incl. GST): 0%
Earns on foreign spends: 0%
Net cost per ₹100 abroad: ₹0
Annual fee: No annual fee

IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST Wealth

Zero forex markup; lifetime free; 10X on dining, travel & spends abroad

Forex markup (incl. GST): 0%
Earns on foreign spends: 1.25%
Net cost per ₹100 abroad: pays you back
Annual fee: No annual fee

Ranked by Cardology; card details last checked 2026-11-03.

Not sure which one fits you?

A card that wins on one category can lose overall once you add the rest of your spends and the annual fee. Tell Cardology roughly what you spend and it works out the best card, or pair of cards, for you.

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Questions

What is forex markup?

A fee (usually 1–3.5% plus 18% GST) that banks add to every transaction in a foreign currency, including online purchases from foreign websites.

How do I know which card is best for me?

Your best card depends on all your spends together, not one category. Cardology's free chat compares cards on your own numbers, including cards you already have, in about a minute.