Which is Better For International Travel, Niyo Global Card or Forex Card?

Apr 28 22| by Subhash Sivamani

Updated On: 01 Sept 2023

TL;DR – In the present scenario, where Credit Cards do not come under LRS (Liberalized Remittance Scheme), the Niyo Global Card (Credit Card) is an excellent way to carry money when travelling abroad. This is true for both leisure travellers going on short trips and students going to study abroad from India.

No LRS implies No TCS (Tax Collected at Source) on each transaction done using the card. This is a significant advantage compared to forex cards that fall under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme. You can save on paying TCS using the Niyo Global Card.

Also, you get near Google exchange rates on the Niyo Global Card. The INR to foreign currency conversion rate is excellent and ensures you get the best value for your money. For example, on conversion of INR 5,000 to any foreign currency, you can expect to lose only Rs 6-7 max on the exchange. Whereas on a Forex card, this amount is nearly Rs 24. 

Another factor to keep in mind, the Niyo Global Card is a Rupee-based card.  You can use it in India once you return from your trip abroad. Whereas, a forex card can only be used for purchases abroad, on websites accepting payment in foreign currency and at ATMs abroad. The balance funds in it can’t be used effectively once you are back in India. You’d have to encash it and convert it back to rupee.

Take a look at our quick comparison table to find out which card works best for you.

Now here is the long version for those interested in knowing the in-depth comparison between the two cards.

Niyo Global Card has become quite popular among students and travellers going abroad from India. The main reason why the Niyo Global card is popular is because of the “Zero forex markup”. The currency conversion from INR to other foreign currencies happens in VISA Network rates which are close to the exchange rates that you see on Google. 

It is a Rupee-denominated, VISA prepaid card that is available both as a credit card and a debit card. It can be used within India, as well as abroad, for in-store card swipe purchases, online transactions, and ATM cash withdrawals.

Also, easy online booking and home delivery of the card, an app to monitor the funds in it, easy re-loading of money in it and complimentary airport lounge access are some of the other conveniences and features of the Niyo Global card.

Niyo Global cards are offered in partnership with leading banks such as DCB Bank, SBM Bank (India), and Equitas Small Finance Bank. Take a quick look at their features and benefits:

Source: goniyo.com 

Now coming to Forex Cards, they are prepaid travel cards in which multiple foreign currencies can be loaded and can be used abroad but cannot be used inside India. They are offered by a variety of banks and forex companies in India each having their own unique perks. Typically, Forex Cards have a higher margin on foreign currency loading.

For example; On each US dollar loaded into a forex card, you can expect a margin of 40 paise to be added on top of the interbank (Google rate). This is higher than the Niyo Global Card.

So is Niyo really better than Forex cards when it comes to cost and usefulness for an International traveller?

Let’s find out.

Table of Contents

1. Ease of getting the card
2. Charges & fees
3. Card usage abroad
4. Card usage in India
5. Withdrawal limit
6. Ease of reloading card when abroad
7. Ease of reloading card when in India
8. If card is lost or stolen abroad
9. Mobile app
10. Complementary airport lounge access

Complete Comparison of Forex Card with Niyo Global Card

Here is a complete in-depth comparison between a typical Forex Card and Niyo Global card keeping in mind the practical aspects of owning and using both cards abroad.

1. Ease of getting the card

“Forex Card is quicker to obtain but if you plan ahead, the Niyo Global Card is easier and more convenient to get hold of”

Niyo Global Card

The Niyo Global cards come in 3 variants. They are issued in partnership with banks like DCB (Development Credit Bank), SBM (State Bank of Mauritius, not a part or subsidiary of SBI), and Equitas Small Finance Bank.

In all cases, the card is provided only after opening a new savings account with DCB/SBM/Equitas Bank. Opening the account is a completely online process and takes just a few minutes with minimal documentation. You’ll just need your Aadhaar Number, Original PAN card, Indian Passport File Number and your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

You’d have to complete a video KYC with the bank. It can be done in just a 3-minute video call within the Niyo Global app. KYC verification may take up to 2 days. Once done, the physical card will be delivered to your communication address within 3 to 5 days depending on your location.

Forex Card

Forex cards are offered by many banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI etc) and RBI-authorised exchange houses (Unimoni, Thomas Cook, Ebixcash etc) in India. They are easily available across the length and breadth of the country.

You can book one with any provider, load foreign currencies in it and get it the same day.

However, unlike the convenience offered by the Niyo Global Card, Forex Cards mostly require you to visit the branch and pick it up from there. This can be a hassle. Here too, you’d be required to complete KYC verification to get the card. 

If you need a card at the last minute, getting a Forex card makes sense.

However, if you plan ahead, getting a Niyo Global Card is the more convenient option as there is no hassle of branch visits and physically verifying KYC documents at the branch. The card is booked online and delivered to your address in 3 to 5 days.

Please Note: You can book forex cards online from ExTravelMoney.com and get it door delivered to you.

Verdict: Forex Card is quicker to obtain but Niyo Global Card is more easier and convenient to get.

Take a look at the coverage of Forex Card services offered by ExTravelMoney on CardRates.com

ExTravelMoney: Consumers Can Use Travel Cards to Access Wholesale Rates from 25+ Forex Providers

2. Charges & fees

“Niyo Global Card edges out Forex Cards in terms of charges. It is more profitable to maintain in the long run. Zero forex markup and Zero TCS (Niyo Credit Card) make this a much more attractive option.”

Niyo Global Card

These charges workout to lesser than a Forex Card.

But more than these charges, having a Niyo Global Credit Card which is TCS exempt and which has zero forex markup proves more profitable overall compared to a Forex card. 

The money you utilise in your Niyo Global Credit Card won’t be counted towards TCS and you’ll have the yearly TCS free limit of Rs 7 lakhs intact, which can be used for other purposes such as currency exchange and money transfer abroad.  

Forex Card

*The figures shown below are for a typical forex card

*A forex card is classified as inactive if it has not been used for re-loading, ATM withdrawal, Merchant transaction or online transaction within the last 180 days. Some forex card providers even allow inactivity for up to 18 months before any fee is levied.

The funds loaded in your Forex card will be counted towards your TCS-free limit of Rs 7 lakhs in a financial year. This would eat up into the other transactions that you could do TCS free such as currency exchange and money transfer abroad.

Verdict: Considering the Fees, charges and other monetary advantages, better to go for a Niyo Global Card (Credit Card).

3. Card usage abroad

“Whether you are travelling abroad for a short period of time or for a longer time, for example, a conference, or your honeymoon and would be returning to India soon, or let’s say a student heading out to study abroad, carrying a Niyo Global Credit Card would make more sense. You’ll get “Visa exchange rates” which are close to the Interbank rate (Exchange rate you see on Google). Also, No TCS is liable to be paid on spends on this card. Another important factor to consider is that it’ll be easy for your folks back home to add money to your account easily via UPI/IMPS/NEFT whenever you run short on funds. Funds become available immediately and it’s a blessing in disguise for students.”

Niyo Global Card

Online Transactions

Niyo Global Card can be used both abroad and in India for online transactions since it’s a rupee-based card. 

If you are making a payment in foreign currencies online, the INR amount in your Niyo Global card will be converted to foreign currency and then the payment will be processed. 

Only VISA network exchange rates would apply (which are close to interbank / Google rates). 

However, please do note that as per a video posted by Youtuber Neeli’s Vlogs who has used the DCB Niyo Global Card (with a DCB Current Account, not a savings account) 5% TCS (Tax Collected at Source) is being levied on each transaction carried out using the card. As per the RBI mandate, banks are required to collect TCS on Debit Card usage abroad. This amount will be refunded back to you in a few days (if you have spent less than Rs 7 Lakh on foreign exchange transactions in that financial year). Otherwise, you can claim a TCS refund at the time of filing your Income Tax Returns (ITR).

Here’s how TCS works for Niyo Global cards:

However, this is a bit of a bother as you’ve to factor in 5% TCS on each transaction done using your card. A spend of $1000 would imply an upfront TCS payment of $50 which is a significant amount. You’d have to do meticulous expense management and manage the funds in your card carefully. Thankfully, Niyo lets you do this the easy way, as you’d be able to track your spending & balance funds in your card right from the mobile app itself.

Please Note: There is no TCS levied on the Niyo Global Credit Card which is why we recommend you get one for your travel abroad. 

Forex Card

Online Transactions

Forex cards can be used online to pay for flight tickets, hotel reservations, tour bookings etc in foreign currency.

At ATMs

Swiping in PoS (Point of Sale) Machines

Free

If you are trying to pay in the same foreign currency as loaded in your forex card then there would be no extra charges.

However, say you have USD in your Forex card and are trying to pay for a purchase in Singapore in Singaporean Dollars, then Apart from the exchange rate, there will also be a currency conversion fee of 1 to 3%. The exact rate depends on the Forex card provider.

So make sure to load the currency of the country you are going to. This will help you avoid cross-currency fees. 

Also do note that a TCS of 5% applies to the funds loaded in a forex card, the purchase of foreign currency notes and money transfers abroad. This is how it works;

In the case of Forex Cards, the total TCS applicable on the funds loaded in the card is collected upfront, if your utilisation of foreign exchange has crossed the TCS-free limit of Rs 7 lakhs in that financial year. This TCS can only be claimed back at the time of filing ITR. 

Please Note: From Oct 1st 2023, the TCS rates are being hiked. Click on the link below to learn more.

Foreign Remittance to Get Costlier: TCS Hiked in Budget 2023

Verdict: At present, the Niyo Global Card is the better option for both long-term & short-term travellers going abroad. 

4. Card usage in India

“Niyo Global Card is a rupee-based card and can thus be used in India. Forex cards are loaded with foreign currency and cannot be effectively used in India unless you are making foreign currency payments online.”

Niyo Global Card

Not only can you use the amount in your Niyo Global Card abroad, but it can also be used in India seamlessly for all manner of transactions. Swiping at PoS machines in shops and restaurants, withdrawing money from ATMs, for both foreign currency and Indian Rupee-based online transactions. 

A Forex Card does not have this level of functionality. 

When having a Niyo Global Card in hand, if you are a student abroad, when visiting home during breaks, you’ll have a handy mode of payment throughout your stay. 

Also, if you are a leisure traveller who is back from a foreign trip, you can use the Niyo Global Card in India without any hassles.

Forex Card

A Forex Card can’t be used in India at card swiping machines, at ATMs or for online transactions where the copayment needs to be done in Rupees. 

It can only be used effectively when you are abroad.

Also, you can’t have a balance of more than $2,000 on your Forex card after returning to India. If you do, you are required to encash the balance funds and close the card as per RBI rules.

Another factor to consider is the “Inactivity Fees” levied by Forex Card providers. 

After returning from your trip abroad, if your Forex card has remained inactive for a period of say 3 to 6 months (the time period for inactivity depends on the Forex card provider), you’d be charged a monthly inactivity fee of USD 10 to 20 (this varies per card provider).

Thus, by way of RBI rules and personal monetary considerations, it makes sense to encash leftover funds in Forex card and thus you would probably not be able to use it in India.

Verdict: When it comes to card usage in India, Niyo Global Card is the only practical choice between the two.

5. Withdrawal limit

“Both offer nearly similar withdrawal limits but with a Niyo Global Card, you have the option of easy money transfer via NEFT/RTGS and UPI from and to your Niyo Global Account”

Niyo Global Card

Forex Card

*The Withdrawal limit is different for each forex card vendor. These figures are representative of a typical forex card.

Verdict: A Niyo Global Card allows you to withdraw and transfer money easily and through different payment methods proving to be of better utility.

6. Ease of reloading card when abroad

“A Niyo Global Card is given upon opening a bank account with either DCB/SBM/Equitas Bank. All one needs to do is do a bank/UPI transfer to the account to reload the card.”

Niyo Global Card

You can load the card on the go, as it allows you to transfer funds to the bank account associated with it via IMPS / NEFT / RTGS.

Money can be directly loaded in INR.

This is especially useful when you are abroad and the funds in your Niyo Global Card are about to run out. A quick re-load and you’ll have money to spend. If you are not able to send money to your Niyo Global account because of OTP issues when abroad, your friends or family members can also do it.

Forex Card

When it comes to reloading on the go, Forex cards are a mixed bag. 

For one, the process is more complicated than the Niyo Global Card. Also, some forex card providers don’t provide the facility of re-loading on the go (SBI, where the customer or a close relative must visit the branch to do the process).

For reloading a forex card, money has to be loaded in it in foreign currency. This is only possible after converting from INR. Here exchange rate charges would apply. Also, the whole process may take about 2-4 hours. 

Another drawback is that the re-loading facility is not available 24*7. It is only possible during forex market hours in India, that is from morning 9:30 AM to evening 5:30 PM (barring Sundays).

Also, even after reloading, it might take a while before the funds become available for use.

Verdict: Reloading a Niyo Global Card is easier than reloading a Forex Card. The funds become available for use immediately.

7. Ease of reloading card when in India

“A simple UPI transfer is enough to reload your Niyo Global Card when in India. Forex Cards on the contrary require extensive documentation and sometimes even a branch visit. The money must be transferred to the Forex Card provider’s account and they’ll load the funds.”

Niyo Global Card

The Niyo Global Card can be easily reloaded online via the Niyo app or website, even when you are in India. You can reload the card with INR easily via UPI or bank transfer. The process is quick and simple.

Forex Card

You need to submit documentation such as PAN, Aadhar, Passport and Visa and 2-way air tickets to reload funds in your Forex card. Sometimes, you may be required to visit the branch to complete the process.

Verdict: Niyo Global cards are easier and more convenient to reload in India than Forex cards.

8. If card is lost or stolen abroad

“A Forex card provides more options in the case of card loss/theft abroad”

Niyo Global Card

This is an area where Niyo has a disadvantage compared to Forex cards.

There is no backup card given by default in the welcome kit of your Niyo Global Card. 

You’ve just one card and if it’s lost there is no other card that can be activated.

That is a difficult situation to be in, especially when you are abroad and require uninterrupted access to your money. 

But this problem can be easily overcome, Since Niyo has multiple bank cards, both debit and credit card, users can opt to take two cards. The best part is that they don’t have to pay any fees to get another card issued. 

In the event of a card loss, this is what Niyo suggests doing;

1. Card loss/theft must be reported immediately to the in-app chat support.
2. Temporarily lock your card if you think you’ve just misplaced your card. If you are certain that you’ve lost the card or it’s stolen for sure, you can permanently block your card.

Forex Card

Forex cars usually come with a backup card in the welcome kit and if not, you can request one for a fee before your trip abroad.

In the event of loss of card;

1. Simply report the loss via your Forex card app or through the International toll-free number given in your kit. The card will then be blocked.
2. You can then use the app or phone banking to activate your backup card. The funds from your original card will be transferred to this backup card. 

Even if you have not opted for a backup card, there would be facilities such as Emergency Cash Delivery Assistance or Mailing the Backup Card to your hotel abroad. Also, Forex Cards are covered by insurance in the event of loss or theft of card.

In these ways, a Forex card provides more comfort in handling a lost card issue abroad.

Verdict: Go for the Niyo GlobalCard. The loss/theft of a card is an outlier case. That is, the chances of this happening are very rare. If you make this your main criterion for choosing a Forex Card, you’d be missing out on all the other benefits of owning a Niyo global Card. To safeguard yourself from such a situation, you can opt for a Niyo Global Credit Card with a Niyo Global Debit Card as a backup option as it does not cost extra fees to have.

9. Mobile app

“Niyo Global Card provides tons of features that make it more useful for travellers”

Niyo Global Card

Niyo Global provides a dedicated app to manage your card and savings account on the go.

The app has features such as;

1. Currency Converter for live exchange rates, especially helpful when you want to check what your purchase amount will be in any currency.
2. ATM Locator to find one nearby for quick cash withdrawals globally
3. Lounge Locator: Find a lounge eligible for free access with your Niyo Global card
4. Temporarily Lock/Unlock the entire card or payment channels like Card Swipes, Online Transactions, ATM Withdrawals, and Tap and pay for domestic or international 
5. Permanently Block/Unblock the card in case it is lost or stolen
6. Track transactions in real time, View transaction history, Check live account balance, enquiry and download account statements etc.
7. Travel Packages: Customise your itinerary with Niyo Global to match your interests
8. Experiences & Activities: Pre-book tickets through Niyo Global to save time & money during trips
9. Apply for eVisa: Visa processing assistance right within your Niyo Global app
10. Travel Insurance: Shield yourself from “Never Know” situations. Get extensive coverage for individuals or groups of up to 10 people. A single plan is offered for up to 6 countries of your choice. It’s helpful especially if you plan on country-hopping.
11. Travel Loans: Get on-demand cash up to ₹3 lakh directly into your bank account. Use the amount in part/full as and when needed. You pay interest only if you use the credit line.
12. Exclusive travel offers on leading brands, including flight & hotel booking, rental cars, etc.

Forex Card

Most forex card providers also provide a mobile app. With the app you can check your Forex Card balance, account statement, changing PIN, blocking the card etc. Of course, each Forex Card providers have their own offerings in the app but this is the typical stuff that you can expect to find in it.

Verdict: The features of the Niyo Global app are highly travel-friendly for users and better than what a typical Forex Card app has to offer.

10. Complementary airport lounge access

“Both offer similar international airport lounge access facilities powered by the VISA network”

Niyo Global Card

Airport lounge access at select international airports within India.

Forex Card

Airport lounge access at select airports within India.

Verdict: Niyo Global Card has Amritsar & Srinagar extra wheres a typical forex card would have Kannur and Trivandrum lounge access. Free lounge access is a nice perk to have but don’t let this be the basis of your decision.

Hope this post has helped you determine what you need to carry as an instrument for storing and using money when travelling abroad. We would love to get your thoughts on using these two cards or even any queries about them in the comments section below.

Disclaimer; The information contained in this blog has been sourced from Niyo’s and Forex Card provider’s websites. Also, we have taken into consideration the first-hand accounts of users of these respective cards. Please note that Forex Cards are issued by different banks and money changers. Likewise, the features and charges of each card are different. We have mentioned here the general features and costs when using a Forex card.

Also Read: 

7 Advantages of Forex Card and Its Benefits for Travellers

Comparison of Forex Card vs Credit Card, Debit Card, and Cash

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