Best NRI Credit Cards: Features, Eligibility & Application

Managing finances as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) can be tricky, especially when it comes to handling expenses both abroad and in India. Whether you're sending money back home, booking flights for family visits, or shopping internationally, it's easy to get overwhelmed by high transaction fees and currency conversions.

An NRI credit card can help simplify things. It offers benefits designed specifically for cross-border transactions, making it easier for NRIs to manage their finances and even earn rewards along the way. In this guide, we’ll help you understand everything about NRI credit cards - what to look for, how to apply, and the best options in 2025

What Is an NRI Credit Card?

An NRI credit card is a special credit card made for Indians living outside India. These cards are perfect for people who travel to India frequently, plan trips in India, and shop in India. These credit cards come with features that make managing finances easier across countries. 

For example, they offer low foreign exchange fees and rewards for spending on international purchases. They also often come with travel-related benefits, like access to airport lounges and travel insurance.

NRIs need to have a NRE/NRO bank account with the bank to get the credit card and the card is issued against the fixed deposit booked with the bank. The credit card payments are to be made from your NRE/NRO bank account. 

Key Features to Look For

When you’re choosing an NRI credit card, there are a few important features you should look for. These features can make a big difference in how much value you get from your card. We have listed them down for you:

1. Low Foreign Exchange Markup Fees

If you use your credit card for international purchases, you’ll likely have to pay a foreign exchange markup fee. This is usually around 2-3% of your total transaction amount. Look for cards that have lower fees to save on these extra costs. For example, HDFC Regalia Gold charges 2% for foreign transactions, which is lower than many other cards.

2. Reward Programs

Many NRI credit cards offer rewards like cashback, travel points, or miles for every purchase you make. If you shop or travel often, these rewards can really add up over time. For instance, ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card gives you points for each purchase, which you can redeem for travel, shopping, or even cash.

3. Travel Perks

For NRIs who travel frequently, travel perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance are must-haves. Some credit cards also offer discounts on hotels and flights. For example, Mashreq Solitaire Credit Card, available for NRIs in Dubai, offers free access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. This can make your travel experience a lot more comfortable.

4. Global Acceptance

It’s important that your NRI credit card is accepted worldwide. Look for cards that are linked to networks like Visa or MasterCard, which are accepted at most places globally.

How to Choose the Best NRI Credit Card Based on Your Needs

Choosing the right NRI credit card depends on what you need it for. Here are some categories  from which you can pick the best one:

• If you travel often: Choose a card that gives you access to airport lounges, free travel insurance, and rewards on travel expenses. Cards like ICICI Sapphiro and HDFC Regalia Gold are great options for frequent travellers.
• If you shop a lot: If you spend a lot on shopping, choose a card that offers cashback or reward points for every purchase. HDFC Regalia Gold offers great rewards on both international and domestic purchases.
• If you want low fees: If you’re looking to avoid high fees, choose a card with low foreign exchange fees and no annual fee. Kotak Royale Signature and Axis Bank Magnus are one such option that offers great benefits with a relatively low forex markup.
• If you need premium perks: If you want luxury benefits like concierge services and exclusive hotel discounts, look at high-end cards like Axis Bank Magnus. These cards often come with higher annual fees but offer amazing travel and lifestyle perks.

Best NRI Credit Cards in India

Based on our research, here are some of the best NRI credit card options in India that cater to the unique financial needs of Non-Resident Indians.

1. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + tax
• Welcome Benefits: ₹2,500 worth of gift voucher
• Reward Points: 4 points per ₹150 spent on retail purchases
• Travel Perks: 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year, 6 international lounge visits per year with Priority Pass
• Insurance Coverage: Air accident cover up to ₹1 crore, emergency medical cover, baggage loss, and purchase protection
• Other Perks: 2 complimentary movie tickets/month (via BookMyShow), 1% fuel surcharge waiver, dining discounts at select restaurants
• Forex Markup: 2% 
  

2. ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹3,500 + tax

• Welcome Benefits: ₹9,000 worth of shopping and travel vouchers, 12-month Zomato Pro membership

• Reward Points: 4 points per ₹100 on international spends

• Travel Perks: 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter on spending  ₹ 75,000/- in the previous quarter , 2 international visits per year with Priority Pass

• Insurance Coverage: Air accident cover up to ₹3 crore, baggage loss, and purchase protection

• Other Perks: 5% cashback on duty-free shopping, 2 movie tickets/month, 1% fuel surcharge waiver

• Forex Markup: 3.5%

It is ideal for frequent international travellers who need good rewards and travel perks.

3. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹12,500 + tax

• Welcome Benefits: ₹12,500 voucher (Yatra, Luxe, or PostCard Hotels), 12-month Zomato Pro membership

• Reward Points: 12 points per ₹200 spent, up to 35 points per ₹200 on spends above ₹1.5 lakh

• Travel Perks: Unlimited domestic lounge access, Priority Pass membership with 4 guest visits/year

• Insurance Coverage: Purchase protection up to ₹2 lakh, credit shield cover up to ₹5 lakh.

• Forex Markup: 2%

It is ideal for high spenders and luxury seekers who value rewards, golf privileges, and travel benefits.

4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹5,000 + tax

• Welcome Benefits: 10,000 points on spending ₹15,000 and 25,000 points on ₹4 lakh spend

• Reward Points: 1 point per ₹50 spent, extra points on meeting milestones

• Travel Perks: Access to over 1,200 lounges globally

• Insurance Coverage: Travel insurance, baggage loss, and purchase protection

• Other Perks: ₹10,000 Taj Experiences gift card, Selections, Vivanta hotels

• Forex Markup: 3.5%
  

It is ideal for Luxury travellers who enjoy premium travel experiences and rewards. 

5. SBI Card ELITE

• Annual Fee: ₹4,999 + taxes

• Welcome Benefits: ₹5,000 worth of e-gift vouchers from Hush Puppies, Pantaloons, Aditya Birla, Shopper’s Stop and so on.

• Reward Points: 2 points per ₹100 spent on all purchases

• Travel Perks: Complimentary membership to the Priority Pass program with 6 international lounge visits per year

• Insurance Coverage: Air accident cover up to ₹1 crore ( it will be discontinued from 15 July 2025), lost card liability cover, and travel insurance benefits

• Other Perks: 2 complimentary movie tickets per month (up to ₹500), 1% fuel surcharge waiver. Lowest forex markup charge of 1.99%

• Forex Markup: 1.99%

6. Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹1,000

• Welcome Benefits: None specified

• Reward Points: 2 points per ₹200 spent internationally; 1 point per ₹200 spent domestically

• Travel Perks: 2 complimentary lounge visits per quarter at select airports in India

• Insurance Coverage: Purchase protection and lost card liability coverage

• Other Perks: Fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000; railway surcharge waiver up to ₹500 annually

• Forex Markup: 3.5%

It is designed for NRIs who prefer straightforward rewards and essential travel benefits.

7. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹30,000 + taxes

• Welcome Benefits: Choice of welcome voucher worth ₹12,500 (e.g., Luxe, Yatra, Postcard Hotels)

• Reward Points: 15 EDGE reward points per ₹200 spent domestically; 30 EDGE Reward Points per ₹200 spent internationally

• Travel Perks: Unlimited domestic and international lounge access for primary and add-on cardholders; complimentary Club Marriott, ITC, and Accor Plus memberships

• Insurance Coverage: Air accident cover, travel inconvenience insurance, and purchase protection.

• Other Perks: 50 complimentary golf rounds annually; concierge services; dining discounts up to 30% via EazyDiner.

• Forex Markup: 1.5% 

It is tailored for high-spending NRIs who desire luxury privileges and extensive travel benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for NRI Credit Cards

How to Apply for an NRI Credit Card

You can apply for the credit card either through the bank’s website or by visiting the branch. The process may include video KYC to get your card. 

Important Fees & Charges to Know

When using an NRI credit card, there are a few fees you should be aware of. Here's what they mean:

1. Annual Fees

This is the yearly charge for using your credit card. Some banks might waive this fee if you spend a certain amount on the card every year. So, if you plan to use your card frequently, you may not have to pay this fee.

2. Foreign Exchange Markup Fees

This fee is charged when you make purchases in foreign currencies, like when you travel abroad or shop from international websites. It usually ranges between 2% to 3.5% of the amount spent. So, if you spend $100, you could end up paying an extra ₹150–₹250 as a foreign exchange fee.

3. Interest Charges

If you don't pay off your full balance by the due date, the bank will charge you interest on the remaining amount. This can add up quickly, so it’s best to pay the full bill on time to avoid extra charges.

4. Late Payment Fees

If you miss the payment deadline, the bank will charge a late fee. This fee can vary depending on the bank, so it’s important to make sure you pay on time.

Mistakes to Avoid with Your NRI Credit Card

There are three important things to remember while dealing with your credit card. The first one is that you should read sections mentioning fees and terms carefully. This will help you avoid extra charges. 

The second one is to make sure that you pay your credit card bills on time. Delaying them will increase your interest rate and keep you in a vicious cycle. 

The third one is to keep track of your points. Make sure that you use them to claim cashback, book flight tickets, or shop for discounts.

Ready to Pick the Best NRI Credit Card for You?

Choosing the right NRI credit card is crucial for managing your finances effectively. Whether you’re looking for low fees, travel perks, or rewards for international spending, there’s a credit card for you. 

Take the time to research, compare the options, and select the one that fits your lifestyle and spending habits. With the right card, you can save money, earn rewards, and enjoy a smoother financial experience while living abroad.