Key takeaways
- Scapia and all IDFC FIRST credit cards (since 9 September 2026) charge zero forex markup.
- Most IDFC FIRST cards stop earning points on international spends from 26 October 2026.
- HDFC Infinia and Axis Atlas earn strongly on expensive tickets, if you can justify their fees.
- Tickets billed in foreign currency attract forex markup on regular cards, often over 4% with GST.
International travel needs three things from a credit card: low or zero forex markup, rewards on big-ticket bookings, and lounge access that actually works abroad. Here's how the top options compare in 2026.
Side by side
| Feature | Scapia Federal Bank | IDFC FIRST Wealth | HDFC Bank Infinia Metal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card | Scapia Federal BankFederal Bank | IDFC FIRST WealthIDFC FIRST Bank | HDFC Bank Infinia MetalHDFC Bank |
| Annual fee | Free | Free | ₹12,500 + GST |
| Joining fee | Free | Free | ₹12,500 + GST |
| Fee waiver | No fee to waive | No fee to waive | Waived on ₹10,00,000 yearly spend |
| Network | Visa | Visa | Visa |
| Amazon rewards | 2% | 0.38% | 3.33% |
| Flipkart rewards | 2% | 0.38% | 3.33% |
| Other online shopping rewards | 2% | 0.38% | 3.33% |
| Food delivery rewards | 2% | 0.38% | 3.33% |
| Dining out rewards | 2% | 0.38% | 3.33% |
| Groceries rewards | 2% | 0.38% | 3.33% |
| Flights & hotels rewards | 4% | 0.38% | 3.33% |
| Fuel rewards | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Bills & recharges rewards | 0% | 0.13% | 3.33% |
| Everything else rewards | 2% | 0.38% | 3.33% |
| Forex markup | 0% | 0% | 2% |
| Lounge access | Domestic lounge access with ₹20,000 monthly spend | Domestic and international lounge access with ₹20,000 monthly spend | Unlimited domestic and international lounge access |
| Reward caps | No major caps | 10X points (1.25%) on monthly spends above ₹20,000 | No major caps |
| Est. yearly value: balanced spender | ₹7,200 | ₹1,995 | ₹-2,762 |
| Est. yearly value: online shopper | ₹7,560 | ₹2,505 | ₹-1,763 |
| Est. yearly value: frequent traveller | ₹20,880 | ₹5,745 | ₹8,392 |
| Est. yearly value: family & groceries | ₹9,600 | ₹3,690 | ₹2,832 |
| Best for | International travellers who want zero forex markup | High spenders who want premium perks without a fee | Very high spenders who want India’s top reward rate |
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| Visit Federal Bank | Visit IDFC FIRST Bank | Visit HDFC Bank |
Zero forex: Scapia and IDFC FIRST
Scapia Federal Bank charges no forex markup and earns travel coins on international spends. It's lifetime free, and domestic lounge access needs ₹20,000 of monthly spend.
IDFC FIRST Wealth became zero-forex on 9 September 2026, along with every IDFC FIRST card. Note that most IDFC FIRST cards stop earning reward points on international transactions from 26 October 2026, and lounge access needs ₹20,000 of monthly spend.
Premium earners: HDFC Infinia and Axis Atlas
HDFC Bank Infinia Metal returns about 3.3% on regular spends (more via SmartBuy) and offers unlimited lounge access for eligible holders, with a 2% forex markup. Axis Bank Atlas earns 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on travel, but charges a 3.5% forex markup, so it's best for tickets billed in rupees.
Cost of an ₹80,000 ticket billed in US dollars
| Card | Forex cost (with GST) |
|---|---|
| Scapia Federal Bank | ₹0 |
| IDFC FIRST Wealth | ₹0 |
| HDFC Bank Infinia Metal | ₹1,888 |
| Axis Bank Atlas | ₹3,304 |
Tip: many international airlines let you pay in rupees on their Indian website, which avoids forex markup altogether. Compare the rupee fare with the foreign-currency fare.
Estimated yearly value for an international traveller
| Spending pattern | Scapia Federal | IDFC FIRST Wealth | HDFC Infinia | Axis Atlas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ₹15,000 travel + ₹10,000 abroad a month ₹55,000/month | ₹15,600 ★ | ₹3,945 | ₹3,597 | ₹9,044 |
After fees and forex costs, using our card database.
Travel insurance and protections
Some premium cards include travel-related insurance, such as air accident cover or baggage delay protection, usually only when the ticket is paid with the card. Coverage varies and changes often (SBI Card, for example, withdrew complimentary air accident insurance on several cards in 2025). Check your card's current benefits document before relying on it, and consider separate travel insurance for international trips.
A practical setup for international trips
- Book flights on the card that earns most, in rupees where possible.
- Carry a zero-forex card for spending abroad.
- Carry a backup card on another network, and a forex card or zero-markup debit card for cash.
- Enable international usage before you fly.
More in our forex card vs credit card guide and Dubai, Thailand and Europe guide.
FAQs
Which credit card is best for international flights from India?
For forex-free spending, Scapia or an IDFC FIRST card. For earning on expensive rupee-billed tickets, premium cards like HDFC Infinia or Axis Atlas, if their fees suit your spending.
Should I pay for international flights in rupees or dollars?
Rupees if the airline offers it at a similar fare, since it avoids forex markup. Never accept dynamic currency conversion at checkout.
Do IDFC FIRST cards still earn rewards on international flights?
Until 26 October 2026, yes. After that, most IDFC FIRST cards stop earning points on international transactions, though some premium and co-branded cards keep earning.
Sources
- Business Standard: IDFC FIRST removes forex markup (Sep 2026)
- Federal Bank: Scapia co-branded credit card
- CardExpress: 2026 credit card changelog
- Axis Bank: Atlas rewards and benefits
