Key features of Thomas Cook Borderless Travel Card | The card supports 12 global currencies and is accepted at over 70 million Mastercard and Visa merchants worldwide. It offers free emergency cash assistance and card replacement for lost or stolen cards. Travellers receive a complimentary global SIM card and access to airport lounge services, including porter assistance at select Indian airports. Cardholders can get a 25% discount on select attractions and earn reward points redeemable for holidays, flights, and hotels. Additional benefits include an insurance cover of up to ₹7.5 lakh, free ATM withdrawals, and an eco-friendly design crafted from recycled plastic.

Why forex cards are gaining popularity ? “Due to their affordability, ease, and security, forex cards are quickly becoming the preferred choice for international travellers. Unlike cash, which is prone to theft or loss, forex cards can be instantly blocked if misplaced. They also eliminate forex markup fees and support multiple currencies, making transactions seamless,” says Pavan Kavad, Managing Director of Prithvi Exchange (India) Limited.

Top multi-currency forex cards in India | Several banks offer prepaid forex cards to simplify international travel. Here are some of the options (as compiled by Bankbazaar).

SBI Multicurrency Foreign Travel Card | This card supports seven currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, JPY, SAR, and SGD. It can be used for shopping, dining, accommodation, and entertainment expenses.

ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card | The ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card allows users to load multiple currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and more. It offers up to a 20% discount on global shopping and dining. The card also includes insurance coverage of up to ₹1 crore and can be reloaded instantly via the ICICI FX mobile app.

HDFC Multicurrency Forex Card | HDFC’s forex card supports 22 currencies on a single card. It provides protection against currency fluctuations and includes compensation of up to ₹5 lakh for fraud-related losses.

YES Bank Multicurrency Travel Card | This travel card allows users to track their transactions online. It supports 10 currencies, including GBP, EUR, SGD, AUD, and more.

Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card | Axis Bank offers three variations: Multi-Currency Forex Card, Contactless Multi-Currency Forex Card, and Multi-Currency Image Card. These cards support 16 global currencies and come with fraud protection cover up to ₹3 lakh. They are accepted at Visa merchant outlets worldwide.