Best Forex Cards for Indians Traveling to the USA

This article was last updated and fact checked on April 28, 2025 by Mani Karthik.

When planning my first solo trip to the United States, I was overwhelmed with money exchange options. Should I carry cash? Use my regular debit card?

After researching extensively, I decided on a forex card – and it ended up saving me over ₹12,000 in exchange rate markups and fees compared to using my regular bank card!

Having tried nearly every forex card available to Indian travelers over multiple US trips, I’ve learned exactly which ones offer the best value and convenience.

Whether you’re visiting family, traveling for business, or exploring as a tourist, choosing the right forex card can make a significant difference to your budget.

This guide compares the best forex cards available for Indians traveling to the USA, with real insights based on my personal experience and those of dozens of friends and family members I’ve advised.

Quick Overview: Best Forex Cards for US Travel

The best forex cards for Indians traveling to the USA include HDFC Forex Plus, Axis Bank Travel Currency Card, ICICI Bank Travel Card, and Niyo Global Card.

These cards offer competitive exchange rates (typically 1-1.5% better than cash exchange), zero to minimal foreign transaction fees, and compatibility with US payment systems.

Most cards charge a one-time issuance fee of ₹250-500 and can be loaded with USD before departure.

💡 Pro Tip: Load your forex card 3-5 days before travel when exchange rates are favorable rather than waiting until the last minute. Most banks allow you to track rates through their apps, so you can choose the optimal time to convert your rupees to dollars.

Top 5 Forex Cards for Indians Traveling to USA

1. HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card

Best for: Overall reliability and wide acceptance

Why it’s great: HDFC’s ForexPlus Card is accepted at virtually all merchants in the US that take Visa. The bank’s strong customer service means issues are resolved quickly, and the card works seamlessly with Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless payments.

Drawbacks: Slightly higher issuance and reload fees compared to some competitors.

2. Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card

Best for: Multiple trips to different countries

Why it’s great: The true multi-currency functionality allows you to load different currencies for multi-country trips. Excellent for travelers planning to visit both the US and Canada or Mexico, as you can switch between currencies without additional conversion.

Drawbacks: The mobile app experience isn’t as smooth as HDFC’s.

3. ICICI Bank Travel Card

Best for: ICICI Bank customers seeking integration

Why it’s great: ICICI offers seamless integration with your existing bank account if you’re already a customer. The card also provides excellent insurance coverage – the highest among major forex cards.

Drawbacks: Exchange rates are sometimes not as competitive as HDFC or Axis.

4. SBI Vishwa Yatra Foreign Travel Card

Best for: Budget travelers seeking low fees

Why it’s great: SBI offers the lowest issuance and reload fees among traditional bank forex cards, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Their widespread network means you can get the card easily even in smaller cities.

Drawbacks: Customer service can be slow, and the online management system is less user-friendly than competitors.

5. Niyo Global Card

Best for: Tech-savvy travelers who want zero forex markup

Why it’s great: Niyo offers the closest to interbank rates with zero markup, potentially saving you 1.5-2% on every transaction compared to traditional forex cards. The fully digital experience means instant loading and real-time transaction notifications.

Drawbacks: Being a fintech offering, physical branch support is non-existent if you face issues. Some US merchants may occasionally decline the card.

How to Choose the Right Forex Card for Your US Trip

Consider these factors when selecting your forex card:

1. Trip Duration and Frequency

• One-time trip (1-2 weeks): SBI or Niyo for lower fees
• Regular US visitor: HDFC or Axis for reliability and reusability
• Multiple countries: Axis Multi-Currency Card

2. Banking Relationships

• Already have a premium account with a bank? Check if you get fee waivers
• Existing relationships often mean faster issuance and better support

3. Amount You’re Carrying

• Under ₹1 lakh: Fees matter more than exchange rate differences
• Over ₹3 lakhs: Even small exchange rate advantages (0.5%) become significant

4. Technical Comfort

• Tech-savvy travelers: Niyo provides the best digital experience
• Prefer branch support: Traditional bank cards like HDFC or SBI

How to Apply for a Forex Card

Documents Required:

• Valid passport
• Visa (or visa approval letter)
• PAN card
• Address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill, etc.)
• Air tickets or travel itinerary
• Passport-sized photographs
• KYC form from the bank

Application Process:

1. Visit your bank branch or apply online (for some banks)
2. Submit the required documents
3. Pay the issuance fee
4. Load the desired amount in USD
5. Receive your card (typically 1-3 business days)
6. Activate the card following the bank’s instructions
7. Set up the PIN and online access

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Forex Cards

1. Not activating international usage – Some cards require specific activation for US use
2. Forgetting your PIN – Unlike India, PIN is required for all card transactions in the US
3. Ignoring notification settings – Enable SMS/email alerts to track all transactions
4. Not carrying a backup payment method – Always have a second card or some cash
5. Returning with high unused balance – You’ll lose on conversion again when changing back to rupees

I learned this lesson the hard way when my forex card was declined at a remote gas station in Arizona because I hadn’t activated international usage. Always test your card with a small purchase upon arrival in the US!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I load on my forex card for a US trip?

For a 2-week trip, most travelers find $1,500-2,000 (₹1.25-1.65 lakhs) sufficient for daily expenses, shopping, and meals. Add more if you plan significant shopping or are traveling to expensive cities like New York or San Francisco.

Can I withdraw cash from ATMs using a forex card?

Yes, all forex cards allow ATM withdrawals in the US. However, each withdrawal typically incurs a fee of $2-3, so it’s better to make fewer, larger withdrawals than multiple small ones.

What happens if my forex card is lost or stolen?

Immediately call your bank’s 24/7 helpline to block the card. Most forex cards offer emergency card replacement or emergency cash services in the US. This is why the included insurance is valuable.

Can I use my forex card for online purchases in the US?

Yes, forex cards work for most US online retailers. However, some services requiring address verification (like food delivery apps) might reject the card. Always have a backup payment method.

What’s better: a forex card or a credit card with low foreign transaction fees?

For pure exchange rates, some premium credit cards match or beat forex cards. However, forex cards offer better security (limited liability), easier budgeting, and don’t impact your credit limit.

Loading and Managing Your Forex Card

Best Practices for Loading:

• Load 60-70% of your estimated budget initially
• Monitor exchange rates for 1-2 weeks before travel for favorable loading times
• Keep ₹25,000-50,000 unloaded for last-minute expenses or emergencies
• Consider loading in two installments if exchange rates are volatile

Managing Your Card During Travel:

• Keep daily spending limits appropriate for your needs
• Check balance regularly through the mobile app
• Save all transaction receipts until you confirm they match your statement
• Never let merchants convert currency for you (always choose “pay in USD”)
• Report suspicious transactions immediately

💡 Pro Tip: Create a simple spreadsheet or note on your phone to track forex card expenses. Many travelers lose track of spending because they don’t mentally convert dollars back to rupees when making smaller purchases.

Comparison: Forex Cards vs. Other Payment Methods

Summary

• For most Indian travelers to the USA, the HDFC ForexPlus and Axis Bank Multi-Currency cards offer the best balance of reliability, features, and value
• Tech-savvy travelers seeking the absolute best exchange rates should consider Niyo Global
• Budget travelers who prioritize low fees may prefer the SBI Vishwa Yatra card
• Apply for your card 2-3 weeks before travel to allow time for delivery and favorable currency loading
• Load 60-70% of your budget initially and keep some funds flexible for additional loading if needed
• Always carry a backup payment method

The right forex card can save you thousands of rupees in fees and exchange rate markups while providing convenience and security during your US journey.

By choosing wisely and managing your card effectively, you can focus more on enjoying your American adventure and less on worrying about money matters.

Safe travels and smart spending! ✈️