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Credit Card
Your ultimate guide to the best lifetime-free credit card for international travel
Key Takeaways
The best international travel credit card can offer attractive travel-related perks and prove cost-effective, too.
- For international travel benefits, the lifetime-free FIRST Wealth Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank can be a suitable choice.
- The FIRST Wealth Credit Card offers bonus travel reward points, low forex markup, airport lounge access worldwide, and more making it preferred among elite travelers.
Planning an international trip is exciting, but the costs can add up quickly. From flights and hotels to shopping and activities, every expense counts. That is why smart travel planners make a travel budget and plan their trip within it.
While cash and debit cards have their place, a credit card designed for travel offers a unique set of benefits that can save you money and provide peace of mind.
READ MORE
Why a travel credit card is the smarter choice
When you're abroad, the right credit card is more than just a payment tool. It's a key to making your trip more affordable and convenient. Here’s why a travel credit card beats using cash or a debit card:
- Low or no forex markup fees: International transactions often come with a foreign exchange markup fee. Many travel-focused credit cards offer a lower fee, saving you money on every purchase.
- Safety and security: Unlike cash, a credit card is protected by a PIN and fraud detection systems. If your card is lost or stolen, you can quickly block it to prevent unauthorized use.
- Exclusive rewards and benefits: Travel credit cards offer perks you won't get with cash or a debit card, such as:
- Discounts and cashback on flights and hotel bookings.
- Accelerated reward points on travel-related spending.
- Complimentary travel insurance and trip cancellation coverage.
- Free airport lounge access, which can make layovers much more comfortable.
Discover the FIRST Wealth Credit Card for international travel
If you're looking for the best lifetime-free credit card for international travel, the FIRST Wealth Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank is an excellent option. This card is lifetime-free, meaning you pay no joining or annual fees, making it a truly cost-effective choice for frequent travelers.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features that make this card a must-have for your next trip:
- Low Forex Markup Fee: Enjoy international transactions with a minimal forex markup fee of just 1.5%, helping you save on every foreign currency purchase.
- Complimentary Lounge Access: Meet the monthly spending requirement of ₹20,000 to unlock free lounge visits in the following month. This includes two complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges and two visits to international airport lounges every quarter.
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Travel with confidence knowing you're protected. The card offers:
- Air accident cover of ₹1 crore
- Personal accident cover of ₹10 lakhs
- Lost card liability cover of ₹50,000
- Travel insurance up to $1,200 for loss of baggage or flight delays
- Trip Cancellation Cover: Get peace of mind with coverage of up to ₹10,000 twice a year for non-refundable airfares and hotel bookings if you have to cancel your trip.
- Bonus Travel Rewards: Earn 20X bonus reward points on flight bookings and 50X bonus reward points on hotel bookings via the IDFC FIRST Bank app. These points add up quickly, allowing you to get more value from your travel expenses.
- Reward Points on everyday spending: You'll earn 3 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent on transactions under ₹20,000. For transactions of ₹20,000 or more, you'll earn 10 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent. Your points are worth ₹0.25 each and never expire.
- Exclusive VISA Infinite Privileges: As a VISA Infinite card, you get access to special benefits like discounted airport limousine services.[NM1] [PS2]
- Attractive travel deals: With offers across 300+ merchants, you can enjoy attractive deals on flight and hotel bookings. Check the latest offers here.
Credit card vs debit card vs cash : What’s the right choice for travel?
Let’s see a comparative analysis of three commonly used financial instruments for travel to find out which one is better:
Parameters |
Credit card |
Debit card |
Cash |
Credit access |
Available |
Not available |
Not available |
Safety |
PIN-protected, which makes them safe against the risk of theft or unauthorised usage |
PIN-protected and safer compared to cash |
Since there’s no PIN, cash is riskier to carry |
Convenience |
Easy to carry and use |
Easy to carry and use |
Might prove difficult as it requires conversion for international travel |
Forex fee |
Low (if the right card is chosen) |
Depends on the card |
Not applicable |
Travel rewards |
Travel-oriented cards offer various travel benefits, like discounts, cash back, airport lounge access, etc. |
While some cards offer travel benefits, the benefits can be restricted |
Not available |
Insurance coverage |
Available on most cards |
Depends on the card |
Not available |
This comparison reveals why credit cards often surpass debit cards and cash when it comes to travel. With the best international travel credit card in hand, you can:
- Earn accelerated reward points on travel bookings
- Get cash back and discounts on airfares and hotel accommodations
- Enjoy low forex markup fees on international transactions
- Get complimentary airport lounge access and more
These benefits not only make your trip comfortable, but they also help with cost savings. The key is choosing the best travel rewards credit card. This is where the FIRST Wealth Credit Card comes into the picture.
Travel smart with the FIRST Wealth Credit Card
If you need a lifetime-free credit card with international airport lounge access, travel cancellation protection and low forex fees, the FIRST Wealth Credit Card checks all the boxes. The card is also cost-effective, a low interest rate starting from as low as 8.5% p.a.
Apply for the card today and start your next adventure with a smart financial companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the joining fee payable for travel credit cards?
The joining fee depends on the travel credit card that you choose. The FIRST Wealth Credit Card has no joining or annual fee.
What documents do travel planners need to apply for a credit card?
Usually, you have to submit an identity proof, age proof, address proof, income proof, and KYC documents like your PAN and Aadhaar Cards. Other documents depend on the credit card issuer.
Can I get a flight upgrade with a travel credit card?
The benefits of a flight upgrade depend on the travel credit card you choose. Some cards offer the upgrade benefit while others don’t.
Disclaimer
The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.
The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirst.bank.in for latest updates.
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