Zero Forex Markup Cards: Save on Every International Spend

Every time you swipe abroad or shop on a foreign website, most cards add a forex markup — typically 2% to 3.5% — on top of the exchange rate. On big trips that adds up fast.

What to look for

• Low or zero markup: A handful of travel-focused cards charge little to no forex fee. That alone can beat their annual fee if you spend abroad.
• Also check the exchange rate used: A "zero markup" card still converts at the network (Visa/Mastercard/RuPay) rate — usually fair, but compare.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): At foreign terminals, always choose to pay in the local currency, not INR. Paying in INR lets the merchant set a worse rate.

Quick tip

For frequent international spends, a zero/low-markup card pays for itself. For one rare trip, a forex card or even a multi-currency prepaid card may be simpler.

Markup and fees change — confirm before you travel.