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Zero Forex Markup and International Lounge Access: A Useful Travel Combination

Key Takeaways

Zero forex markup can help reduce the additional cost of eligible international card transactions.
Choosing the local currency instead of INR abroad can help you avoid potential Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) charges.
Airport lounge access can make waiting time, layovers and long journeys more comfortable.
IDFC FIRST Bank offers multiple credit cards with zero forex markup and travel benefits such as international lounge access, rewards and travel protection.

22 Sep 2026 by Team FinFIRST

zero forex markup and international lounge access idfc first bank

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Planning an international trip usually involves more than booking flights and deciding where to stay. From paying for meals and shopping to spending time at the airport, your credit card can make a difference to how smoothly you travel.

Two features that can be particularly useful are 0% forex markup and airport lounge access. One can help reduce the additional cost of international card transactions, while the other can make time spent at the airport more comfortable.

But how do these benefits work, and what should you look for when choosing a travel credit card? Let us take a closer look.

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What Is 0% Forex Markup?

Forex markup is the additional fee charged on transactions made in a foreign currency. Depending on the card, this can typically range from 2% to 3.5% of the transaction value.

A credit card with zero forex markup does not charge this additional markup on eligible foreign currency transactions. This can make a difference when you are spending regularly during an international trip, particularly across accommodation, dining, transport and shopping.

How Can Zero Forex Markup Help When You Travel?

The benefit is not limited to one large purchase. Small transactions can add up during a holiday, so avoiding the additional forex markup can help you manage your overall travel spending.

Here are some ways this feature can be useful:

1. Spend Without Adding a Forex Markup

Whether you are paying for a meal, booking a hotel or shopping abroad, 0% forex markup means you do not pay an additional markup on eligible foreign currency transactions.

For example, if you spend ₹1,00,000 on flights, hotels or shopping with a card that charges a 3.5% forex markup, the markup would be ₹3,500. With 18% GST on the markup, that adds another ₹630, taking the total additional cost to ₹4,130.

With an IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card, the forex markup is ₹0, so you can avoid this additional cost on eligible international transactions.

This can be particularly useful on longer trips, where multiple card transactions can add up over time.

1. Useful Across Multi-City Holidays

If your itinerary covers multiple destinations, you may make transactions in different currencies throughout your trip. A zero forex markup card can be useful in these situations, as you can use the same card for eligible international transactions without an additional forex markup

Does 0% forex markup mean there are no extra charges abroad?

0% forex markup means you do not pay an additional markup fee on eligible international transactions. However, you should still be mindful of the currency you select when paying abroad. To get the maximum benefit from your zero-forex card, always choose to pay in the local currency of the country you are visiting.

A foreign shop, website, or ATM might offer to convert your transaction into Indian Rupees (INR). This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). If you choose INR, the merchant or ATM operator will apply their own inflated exchange rate along with a separate DCC fee, quietly increasing your final bill.

When prompted at a payment terminal, always reject INR and select the local currency instead. For instance, choose US Dollars in New York, Yen in Tokyo, or Dirhams in Dubai. Your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card will then seamlessly handle the conversion with a 0% forex markup on all eligible transactions.

Why does airport lounge access matter when you travel?

Long layovers, early mornings, and unexpected delays can make airport waiting times the most exhausting part of travel. Fortunately, airport lounge access can transform this downtime into a comfortable, relaxing experience.

1. Turn Waiting Time Into Downtime

Instead of spending your entire wait at a busy airport gate, a lounge can give you a quieter space to sit and relax before your flight.

2. Enjoy a Meal Before Your Flight

Lounges can also be useful when you want to grab something to eat or drink before boarding, particularly during long waits between flights.

3. Stay Productive While You Wait

If you need to catch up on work or respond to messages before your flight, having a dedicated space can make the waiting period more manageable.

4. Make Layovers More Comfortable

For connecting journeys, a lounge can give you a place to relax between flights. This can be especially useful when you have several hours between connections.

IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards for zero forex and lounge access?

If you are looking for a combination of travel-related features, here are five IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards to consider:

Wealth Credit Card

Looking for premium travel privileges without annual fees? Wealth Credit Card delivers a strong combination of rewards and travel benefits.

Highlights:

0% forex markup

1 domestic and 1 international lounge visit per quarter

Up to 10x rewards on dining, travel and international spends

Trip cancellation cover

Golf privileges

Air accident cover of ₹1 crore

Ashva Credit Card

A premium metal card designed for frequent travellers, offering a mix of international travel benefits, rewards and protection features.

Highlights:

Zero forex markup on all international transactions

4 domestic and 2 international airport lounge visits per quarter

4 railway lounge visits per quarter

30X bonus Reward Points on hotel bookings and 15X on flight bookings via the IDFC FIRST Bank app, with points worth up to ₹0.40 when redeemed for travel

Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹25,000 per year

Up to 2 golf rounds or lessons per month on spending ₹20,000 in the previous statement cycle

Air accident cover of ₹1 crore

Joining and annual fee of ₹2,999 plus GST

Mayura Credit Card

A premium metal card for travellers looking for elevated experiences, bringing together premium rewards and travel privileges.

Highlights:

Zero forex markup on all international transactions

4 domestic and 4 international airport lounge visits per quarter, including 1 guest visit on domestic lounges

4 railway lounge visits per quarter

30X bonus Reward Points on hotel bookings and 15X on flight bookings via the IDFC FIRST Bank app, with points worth up to ₹0.50 when redeemed for travel

Trip cancellation cover of up to ₹50,000 per year

Up to 2 golf rounds or lessons per month on spending ₹20,000 in the previous statement cycle

Air accident cover of ₹1 crore

Joining and annual fee of ₹5,999 plus GST

Frequently Asked Questions

What is forex markup on a credit card?

Forex markup is an additional fee charged on eligible transactions made in a foreign currency. It is generally calculated as a percentage of the transaction value.

What does 0% forex markup mean?

0% forex markup means the card does not charge an additional forex markup on eligible foreign currency transactions.

Should I choose the local currency or INR when paying abroad?

Choosing INR may involve Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Check the applicable exchange rate and charges before choosing between INR and the local currency.

What is airport lounge access on a credit card?

Airport lounge access allows eligible cardholders to use participating airport lounges, subject to the card's applicable terms and conditions.

Which IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards offer international lounge access?

The FIRST Wealth, Ashva, Mayura and Diamond Reserve Credit Cards offer international lounge access. FIRST WOW! Black also provides lounge access as per its applicable benefits.

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.