Best Travel Prepaid Cards for International Trips (2026)

Considering a trip abroad in 2025? Along with the itinerary planning, you must arrange the finances properly. A travel prepaid card is one of the wisest financial instruments you can keep in your trip wallet, particularly if you want more control over exchange rates, fees, and spending limits.

In this thorough guide, we'll talk about the best travel cards, forex, fees, and charges. We will also discuss how you can choose the best international travel prepaid card to ensure hassle-free transactions on your next trips.

What is a Travel Prepaid Card?

Load a travel prepaid card with funds before you leave for a trip, and use it for transactions as a safe alternative to carrying large amounts of cash or linking directly to your bank account. You can add more money to it whenever you choose. Once loaded, it operates similarly to a debit card at ATMs and millions of shops across the globe.

Benefits of the best prepaid travel card include:

• Locking in forex rates at the time of loading
• No need to carry large amounts of cash
• Enhanced security and fraud protection
• Easy tracking of travel expenses

Because these cards give predictable costs and budget management, travellers frequently favour them over cash or conventional cards.

How Forex, Limits & Charges Work

You are effectively purchasing a foreign currency at a predetermined exchange rate when you load it onto your card.

• Forex cards with a zero markup do not charge any extra percentage on top of the base exchange rate.
• Some may impose a margin of 1 to 3% or higher, depending on the service.

Spending & ATM Limits

Each international travel prepaid card can have daily and per-transaction limits, for instance:

• Limited ATM withdrawals; a pre-set amount each day.
• Restrictions on POS spending; generally greater than ATM limits.
• Maximum loading limit

Charges to Look for

Ideally, the best travel money card should have low fees and charges. That said, here are some charges to consider:

• Issuance / Activation Fee: A one-time charge to be paid upon receiving the card.
• Reload Fee: Charge for fund additions.
• ATM Withdrawal Fee: Charges levied on ATM withdrawals overseas.
• Inactivity Charge: Fee applicable if the card is not used for a significant length of time.

Top 8 Travel Prepaid Cards of 2025

Here’s a curated list of top travel prepaid card options worth considering this year:

1. HDFC Multicurrency Forex Card

This travel prepaid card from HDFC supports up to 22 currencies and offers preferential forex rates on all transactions.

Its key features include:

• The backup card facility provides instant access to money
• ATM withdrawal limit of up to USD 5,000 or an equivalent sum
• Multiple options for card reloading
• Insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for any misuse of the card due to skimming or counterfeiting.
• 24*7 concierge services for travel, accommodation, and medical services
• Encrypted CHIP and PIN validation ensures maximum transactional security.
• Fees and charges:
  • Card issuance fee of ₹INR 500 + applicable GST
  • Reload Fee of ₹75 + applicable GST per reload transaction, currency-wise
  • Transaction charges vary per location (for example, USD 5000, EUR 4700, GBP 4000, and so on)

2. ICICI Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card

Users can load up to 15 currencies on this ICICI international travel prepaid card. The contactless payment technology allows quick payments during foreign trips.

Major features are:

• Transactions secured with 3D Secure and CHIP & PIN technology
• Fixed exchange rates
• Coverage of up to ₹5 lakh in case of loss of card
• Complementary international SIM card offered by Visa
• Fees and charges:
  • Zero joining fee
  • Zero annual fee

3. Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card

The Axis Bank Forex Card offers 16 currency loading, competitive exchange rates, and lower fees and charges than regular debit and credit cards, making it suitable for international trips.

The key features include:

• Chances of saving up to 4% compared to other forex options
• Contactless payment ensures faster and safer transactions
• Free enrollment in the prestigious Miles & More membership programme
• Miles awarded on transactions
• Easy reloading through internet banking and mobile app
• Fees and charges:
  • Joining fees of ₹500 + GST
  • Reload fee of ₹100 + GST
  • Cash withdrawal charges are applicable and vary based on the location

4. SBI Foreign Travel Card

This foreign travel card from SBI carries 9 foreign currencies with competitive exchange rates, and is designed keeping tourists, professionals, and corporates travelling abroad in mind.

The key features of this international travel prepaid card are:

• Easy online reload
• Add-on cards (up to 2) for family members
• Exclusive international deals, offers, and discounts
• Up to 3 daily ATM withdrawals and a spending limit of USD 3,000 or equivalent
• Alerts and notifications
• Fees and charges:
  • • Issuance fee of ₹100 + GST
    • ATM withdrawal fee of USD 1.75 or equivalent
    • Reload fee of ₹50 + GST
    • Add-on card fee of ₹100 + GST
    • Cross-currency charges of 3% of the transaction amount + GST

5. IndusInd Multi-Currency Travel Card

The travel prepaid card offered by IndusInd supports up to 14 currencies and is widely accepted worldwide. The fixed exchange rate, as at the time of loading funds, keeps users protected from foreign exchange fluctuations.

The key features are:

• Easy loading and reloading of funds
• Cash withdrawal flexibility from all Visa-enabled ATM's worldwide
• Contactless payment
• ATM withdrawal limit of ₹3 lakh and POS usage limit of ₹7 lakh
• Information of each transaction is sent to the registered mobile number or email ID instantly to prevent misuse
• Convenient account tracking online
• Chance of free airport transport
• Fees and charges:
  • • Issuance fee of ₹100
    • Reload fee of ₹100
    • Cross-currency fee of 3.50% markup
    • Transaction charges vary per location

6. Kotak Forex Prepaid Card

The Kotak travel money card allows users to load up to 15 currencies with fixed exchange rates.

The key features of this card include:

• Easy ‘tap to pay’ feature
• Chip-enabled for enhanced security
• Instant SMS and email alerts for every transaction
• Accepted at all Visa-accepting merchant outlets and ATMs worldwide
• Travel insurance benefits, like lost card liability insurance, air accident cover, and purchase protection
• Fees and charges:
  • • Issuance fee of₹250 + GST
    • Reload fee of ₹75 + GST
    • Cash withdrawal fee varies based on the location

7. Bank of Baroda Multi-Currency Forex Card

The Bank of Baroda travel prepaid card supports loading of 3 currencies, available to both account holders and non-account holders.

The major features of this travel prepaid card are:

• Instant activation
• EMV Chip NFC enabled
• Each transaction is sent to the registered mobile number through SMS
• Mobile application for easy tracking
• Unlimited cards available for corporate customers (complete KYC and FEMA guideline adherence mandatory)

Tips When Choosing Your Travel Prepaid Card

Consider the following factors when choosing the best prepaid credit card for international travel.

• Check fees carefully before loading money, including ATM withdrawal charges, forex markups, reload fees, and inactivity charges.
• Compare exchange rates offered by different cards, as even small differences can impact overall travel expenses.
• Load funds in the local currency of your destination when possible, as this often helps avoid additional conversion charges.
• Review ATM withdrawal limits, including per-transaction and daily caps, to ensure they meet your travel needs.
• Confirm country and merchant acceptance, especially if you are visiting multiple destinations.
• Check validity and reusability, as some cards can be reused for future trips while others expire after a fixed period.
• Understand card management options, such as balance tracking, transaction alerts, and card blocking in case of loss.

Final Thoughts

The financial convenience offered by a travel prepaid card is something that travellers will appreciate. With travel prepaid cards, you can lock in exchange rates in advance, avoid changing currency rates, and have better control over your expenses. They provide the perfect balance between security, accessibility, and budgetary management because they are accepted at millions of businesses and ATMs throughout the world and have transparent rates.

My Mudra can help you with your financial preparedness. We can assist you in comparing different options and making informed choices to ensure smooth transactions when on a trip.

Also Read:
- Best Prepaid Cards in India 2026
- 10 Best Debit Cards in India (2026)