Updated On: 11 April 2026

Please Note: We are only comparing Niyo’s credit cards (offered in partnership with DCB and SBM Bank) with Forex Cards.

TL;DR:

Choose Niyo Global Credit Card if most of your expenses abroad will be through card payments. It has zero forex markup on eligible variants, converts INR to foreign currency at the time of transaction, and credit card spends are currently outside LRS, so no TCS applies for now. It is also easier to fund while travelling through UPI or bank transfer, and funds are available quickly.

Choose Forex Card if you are a student, long-stay traveller, or can plan your forex in advance. You can load foreign currency before your trip, lock the exchange rate, protect yourself if the rupee weakens later, and withdraw cash abroad at lower fixed ATM charges.

For example, on a USD 100 card payment, Niyo may lose only around ₹6 to ₹10 on exchange, while a Forex Card may lose around ₹20 to ₹40 at the time of loading, depending on the provider and the day’s rate. However, Forex Cards give you rate lock, which can matter more for students and travellers staying abroad for months.

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

Comparison	Forex Card	Niyo Global Credit Card
Best suited for	Planned Travellers Those who want to load foreign currency in advance, lock the exchange rate, and carry a dedicated travel card	Carefree Travellers Those who don’t want to bother about forex planning, and just convert INR to foreign currency on the go
Currency type	Supports multiple foreign currencies (load depending on the country you are going to)	Rupee-based card where INR is converted to foreign currency at the time of transaction
Ease of getting the card	Same-day card pickup or delivery	Can get the card in a few days to a week
Charges & fees	– Conversion Rate (at the time of loading currency upto 0.4%) – ATM withdrawal fee ($2.00 to $3.00 equivalent + GST) – Inactivity fees: USD 1.50 to USD 10 per month (triggers after 6 -12 months of card inactivity)	– Zero forex markup on eligible variants – ATM withdrawal fee (2.5% of the transaction value or up to INR 423+GST, whichever is higher) – Late payment charge: Upto Rs 500 – Overdue Payment charge: 36% per annum or 3% per month
TCS	0% up to ₹10 lakh 2% above ₹10 lakh	Credit card spends currently outside LRS, so no TCS for now
Exchange rate lock	Yes	No
Card usage abroad	– Can be used at ATMs, PoS Machines (card swiping machines), Online Payment, Uber and such apps. – If using single currency card (USD loaded) then currency conversions will happen at close to Google rate. – If currency of that country is loaded, then no conversion fees will be charged.	– Can be used at ATMs, PoS Machines (card swiping machines), Online Payment, Uber and such apps. – Currency conversion happens at the time of transaction based on the applicable card network/exchange rate.
Card usage in India	Can’t be used in India for normal INR payments. Mainly useful for foreign currency payments abroad	Can be used in India just like a regular Indian bank card
Withdrawal limit	USD 2,000 and USD 10,000 per day, depending on the bank and card variant	INR 1 Lakh per day
Ease of reloading card when abroad	Reloading will require provider processing time, maybe document submission, and Indian forex market timing (10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Mon – Fri)	Easily transfer funds from your other accounts to the linked Niyo account via UPI/bank transfer. Funds are generally available immediately.
Ease of reloading card when in India	May need to submit documents or complete provider processes to reload the card. Some providers may require a branch visit	Easily transfer funds from your other accounts to the linked Niyo account via UPI/bank transfer
If card is lost or stolen abroad	– Can request for backup card at the time of issuance – If main card lost, activate backup card, transfer the funds and use. – Alternatively, some providers can also give you an emergency cash assist abroad through their partner businesses and deduct the amount from the forex card.	You can block the card through the app. However, it is better to carry an additional backup card while travelling abroad
Mobile App	Normal features such as checking balance, account statement, changing PIN, blocking card, etc.	More travel-friendly features may be available, such as transaction tracking, card controls, ATM/lounge information, and travel-related services
Complimentary airport lounge access	Available on some forex cards, depending on card network, provider, and current terms	Available on some Niyo variants, depending on issuing bank, card network, spend criteria, and current terms

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

Niyo Global Credit Card has become quite popular among students and travellers going abroad from India 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.

A rupee-denominated card is simply a prepaid bank card in which we can load only Indian Rupees as currency.

Forex Cards are prepaid travel cards where you load foreign currency before your trip. For example, if you are travelling to the US, you can load USD; if you are travelling to Europe, you can load EUR; if you are travelling to the UAE, you can load AED.

The biggest advantage of a Forex Card is the exchange rate lock. Once you load the currency, your rate is fixed. So even if the INR weakens during your trip, the loaded balance in your Forex Card is not affected.

Forex Cards are offered by banks and RBI-authorised money changers in India. Charges, limits, reload process, backup card facility, and ATM fees can vary depending on the provider.

Tip: You can compare and book Forex Cards online through ExTravelMoney from RBI-authorised forex providers.

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
7. If card is lost or stolen abroad
8. Mobile app
9. 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

“Need a card urgently? Forex Card is usually faster.”

Niyo Global Card

The Niyo Global Credit cards come in 2 variants. They are issued in partnership with DCB (Development Credit Bank) and SBM (State Bank of Mauritius, not a part or subsidiary of SBI).

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.

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

Verdict: Forex Card is quicker to obtain.

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

“For short trips where most payments are by card, Niyo Global Credit Card can work out cheaper because of zero forex markup. But for students and long-stay travellers, a Forex Card can still be the smarter money move. You can lock the exchange rate early, avoid future rupee weakness, and withdraw cash abroad at lower ATM charges.”

Niyo Global Card

Issuance Fee	0
Reissue of Lost, Stolen or Damaged Card	INR 249
Annual Maintenance Charges	0
International ATM Cash Withdrawal	up to INR 423 + GST + charges levied by the ATM network / ATM bank (if any)
Overdue Payment Charge	36% per annum or 3% per month
Late Payment Charge	Up to ₹500
Interest Rate (Credit Card FD)	7% to 8%
TCS	Credit card spends are currently outside LRS, so no TCS for now

The biggest cost advantage of the Niyo Global Credit Card is zero forex markup.

This means when you swipe the card abroad, pay online, book a hotel, pay for Uber, or make any card payment in foreign currency, your INR is converted at the applicable card network/exchange rate without an extra forex markup.

For a short-term traveller, this is useful. You don’t have to buy foreign currency in advance. You don’t have to guess how much USD, EUR, AED, or SGD you need. You simply spend abroad, and the conversion happens at the time of the transaction.

On small and medium card spends, Niyo can be more cost-effective than a Forex Card. For example, on converting USD 100, the exchange loss through Niyo may be only around ₹6 to ₹10, while on a Forex Card it may be around ₹20 to ₹40, depending on the provider and the day’s rate.

Another advantage is TCS. Since international credit card spends are currently outside LRS, there is no TCS on Niyo Global Credit Card spends for now.

The money you utilise in your Niyo Global Credit Card won’t be counted towards TCS and you’ll have the yearly TCS threshold of Rs 10 lakhs intact, which can be used for other purposes such as currency exchange and money transfer abroad.  

But the Niyo Global Credit Card is not ideal for every kind of expense abroad.

The main drawback is ATM withdrawal. Cash withdrawal using the Niyo Global Credit Card can be expensive because the ATM withdrawal fee is 2.5% of the transaction value or ₹250, whichever is higher. Since it is a credit card, late payment charges and overdue interest can also apply if dues are not paid on time.

So, Niyo Global Credit Card works best when your foreign expenses are mostly card payments, not regular cash withdrawals.

Forex Card

*The figures shown below are for a typical forex card

Issuance Fee	0
Re-load Fee	0
Reissue of Lost, Stolen or Damaged Card	INR 100 – 250 (USD 20 if card to be couriered abroad)
Annual Maintenance Charges	0
Inactivity Fees* (levied on 6-12 months of inactivity)	USD 1.50 – USD 10 per month (checkout today’s USD – INR rate)
International ATM Cash Withdrawal	USD 2 – 3
TCS	0% up to ₹10 lakh and 2% above ₹10 lakh

A Forex Card works differently. You buy foreign currency first, load it into the card, and then use that balance abroad.

The biggest advantage here is exchange rate lock.

This matters especially for students and long-stay travellers. If you are going abroad for studies, you may already know that your expenses will continue for months — rent, groceries, local travel, books, small cash withdrawals, and other living costs.

In such cases, locking the exchange rate early can make a real difference. INR generally tends to weaken against major foreign currencies over time. So, if you load currency early into a Forex Card, you protect yourself from paying more later if the rupee falls.

This is where a Forex Card can become cheaper in the bigger picture, even if the initial conversion rate is slightly higher than Niyo.

Yes, there may be a currency conversion cost at the time of loading. On converting USD 100, you may lose around ₹20 to ₹40 compared to the Google/interbank rate, depending on the provider. GST, reload fee, ATM withdrawal fee, reissue fee, and inactivity fee may also apply depending on the card provider.

But for ATM usage abroad, Forex Cards usually offer reduced charges compared to credit card cash withdrawals. Typical Forex Card ATM withdrawal charges may be around USD 2 to USD 3 equivalent + GST, while Niyo’s credit card cash withdrawal fee can be higher.

TCS also needs to be considered. For Forex Cards, TCS is 0% up to ₹10 lakh in a financial year and 2% above ₹10 lakh. So, for many regular travellers, TCS may not be a major issue unless their forex usage crosses the ₹10 lakh limit.

To know more about TCS charges on Foreign exchange transactions, read our blog post; TCS on Money Transfer Abroad from India – Simple Guide

Verdict: Niyo is better for short trips and card payments; Forex Card is better for students, long stays, and regular ATM withdrawals abroad.

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 you to add money to your account easily via UPI/IMPS/NEFT whenever you run short on funds. Funds become available immediately which is a blessing for students.”

Niyo Global Card

Online Transactions

Niyo Global Credit Card can be used for online payments in foreign currency, such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, international shopping websites, subscriptions, and travel-related payments.

Since it is a rupee-based card, you don’t have to load foreign currency in advance. The INR amount in your account is converted to the required foreign currency at the time of payment.

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

For example, on a USD 100 transaction, you may lose only around ₹6 to ₹10 on exchange through Niyo, because of zero forex markup.

At ATMs

You can use the Niyo Global Credit Card to withdraw cash from ATMs abroad, but this should not be your first choice for cash.

The ATM withdrawal fee is 2.5% of the transaction value or ₹423+GST, whichever is higher.

So, if you withdraw the equivalent of ₹10,000, the fee itself can be around ₹250. If you withdraw ₹50,000, the fee can be around ₹1,250.

Because it is a credit card, cash withdrawal may also attract credit card-related charges/interest as per the bank’s terms. So Niyo is better for card payments, not regular ATM withdrawals.

Swiping at PoS Machines

Niyo Global Credit Card can be used at PoS machines abroad in shops, restaurants, supermarkets, malls, hotels, tourist attractions, and other places where international cards are accepted.

The currency conversion happens automatically at the card network/exchange rate at the time of transaction.

This is where Niyo is strongest: swipe, tap, pay online, move on.

Apps Like Uber, Food Delivery, Hotel Bookings etc.

You can also use Niyo Global Credit Card on apps and websites abroad such as Uber, food delivery apps, hotel booking platforms, event booking platforms, and travel apps. 

Forex Card

Online Transactions

Forex Cards can be used online for foreign currency payments such as flight tickets, hotel bookings, tour bookings, international shopping websites, and subscriptions.

If you pay in the same currency already loaded in the card, the amount is deducted directly from that balance.

For example, if you have loaded USD and pay on a US website in USD, there is no fresh currency conversion at the time of payment.

At ATMs

Forex Cards are more suitable than Niyo Global Credit Card for planned ATM cash withdrawals abroad.

Typical Forex Card ATM withdrawal charges are around USD 2 to USD 3 equivalent + GST.

This makes Forex Cards more practical for students and long-stay travellers who may need cash regularly for rent, local transport, small shops, deposits, or places where cards are not accepted.

Swiping in PoS (Point of Sale) Machines

Forex Cards can be used at PoS machines abroad in shops, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, malls, and other places where international prepaid cards are accepted.

If you spend in the same currency loaded in the card, there is no extra conversion at the time of payment.

For example:

• Load USD, spend in USD → no fresh conversion
• Load EUR, spend in EUR → no fresh conversion
• Load AED, spend in AED → no fresh conversion

But if you load one currency and spend in another, cross-currency charges may apply.

For example, if you load EUR and spend in Singapore Dollars, a cross-currency conversion fee may apply, usually around 1% to 3%, depending on the Forex Card provider.

Apps Like Uber, Food Delivery, Hotel Bookings etc.

Forex Cards can also be used on international apps and websites such as Uber, food delivery apps, hotel booking platforms, tour booking sites, and shopping websites.

Verdict: Niyo Global Credit Card is better for simple, on-the-go digital spending abroad. Forex Card is better when you have loaded the right currency and need a mix of card payments and ATM cash withdrawals. 

4. Card usage in India

“Niyo Global Card continues to be useful even after the trip. Forex Card is mainly a travel-use card; once you are back in India, the balance in it has limited use and may have to be unloaded.”

Niyo Global Card

Niyo Global Card is a rupee-based card, so it can be used in India like a regular Indian bank card, depending on the card variant and issuing bank terms.

You can use it for Indian Rupee-based payments such as online shopping, domestic card payments, PoS machine payments, and other regular transactions in India.

This is useful for students who come back to India during vacation breaks. The same card they used abroad can continue to be used in India.

It is also useful for leisure travellers. Once you return from your trip, you don’t have to unload foreign currency or convert the leftover balance back to rupees. Since the card is INR-based, it remains usable in India.

Forex Card

A Forex Card cannot be used in India for normal INR payments.

You cannot use it like a regular debit card at Indian shops, restaurants, ATMs, or Indian websites where the payment has to be made in rupees.

It is mainly useful abroad, for ATM withdrawals abroad, PoS payments abroad, and online payments where the payment is accepted in foreign currency.

After returning to India, if there is unused foreign currency balance in the Forex Card, you should review the balance.

As per RBI guidance, unspent/unused foreign exchange should generally be surrendered within 180 days from the date of return to India. Travellers may retain up to USD 2,000 or equivalent for future use.

So, if your Forex Card has more than USD 2,000 or equivalent after your trip, it is better to unload/encash the excess amount through your forex provider.

Another thing to check is the inactivity fee. Some Forex Card providers charge an inactivity fee if the card is not used for a long period. This may usually start after 6–12 months of inactivity and can be around USD 1.50 to USD 10 per month, depending on the provider.

So, even though you can keep a Forex Card for future travel, it is better not to leave a large unused balance in it after returning to India.

Verdict: Niyo Global Card is the practical choice for use in India. Forex Card is mainly useful abroad; after return, keep only what is allowed/needed for future travel and unload the excess balance.

5. Withdrawal limit

“Niyo Global Credit Card gives higher limits for card payments, but Forex Cards are more practical for regular cash withdrawals abroad because ATM charges are usually fixed and lower.”

Niyo Global Card

For Niyo SBM Credit Card, the current transaction limits are:

ATM Cash Withdrawal	INR 1,00,000
PoS Transactions	INR 10 lakh per day
Contactless Payments	INR 5,000 / transaction
Online Transactions	INR 10 lakh per day
ATM Monthly Limit	INR 2 lakh or total FD amount, whichever is lower

For DCB Niyo Global Credit Card, the daily cash withdrawal limit is also ₹1 lakh, but cash withdrawal may be limited to 50% of the credit limit at any given time. The final credit and withdrawal limits are communicated by the bank at the time of opening the account and in the monthly statement.

The important point is this: even if the ATM limit is available, Niyo Global Credit Card is not ideal for regular cash withdrawals because credit-card cash withdrawal charges apply.

So, Niyo is better used for online payments and card swipes abroad, not frequent ATM withdrawals.

Forex Card

Forex Card withdrawal limits depend on the bank, forex provider, card network, currency loaded, and sometimes the country where the ATM is used.

As a practical range, Forex Card ATM withdrawal limits can be around USD 1,000 to USD 10,000 per day, depending on the card.

ATM Cash Withdrawal	USD 1,000 – 10,000 per day
PoS Transactions	USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 per day
Contactless Payments	Depends on country, card network, merchant terminal, and provider
Online Transactions	USD 10,000 per day
ATM Monthly Limit	Usually no separate monthly limit; daily limit and available card balance apply

Verdict: Forex Cards are therefore more practical for travellers who need to withdraw cash abroad, especially students and long-stay travellers who may need cash for rent, local transport, deposits, or smaller shops where cards may not be accepted.

6. Ease of reloading card

“Niyo is easier when you suddenly need money abroad. All one needs to do is do a bank/UPI transfer to the account to reload the card. Forex Card reloads are possible too, but the experience depends a lot on the provider, card type, documents, and whether online reload is available to you.”

Niyo Global Card

Reloading or funding the Niyo Global Card is simpler because it is rupee-based.

You don’t have to buy USD, EUR, AED, SGD or any other foreign currency separately before adding funds. You can transfer INR from your other bank account to the linked Niyo account through UPI, IMPS, NEFT, or bank transfer, depending on the available options.

In most cases, funds are available quickly, which is useful when you are already abroad and suddenly need money for hotel payments, shopping, food, transport, or emergency expenses.

This is especially useful for students. If they run short of funds abroad, they or their family in India can add INR to the linked account without going through a separate forex card reload process.

Forex Card

Forex Card reloads are possible from abroad, but the process depends on the card provider.

Some banks now allow online or app-based reloads. For example, ICICI Bank says its Forex Prepaid Card can be reloaded instantly through Internet Banking or iMobile app, with an online buying/reloading limit of ₹1,50,000 per day including taxes.

HDFC Bank also allows Forex Card reload through NetBanking or branch, and mentions that the card can be active within a few hours after funds are realised.

However, not every Forex Card reload is this simple. Some cards may require forms, documents, provider approval, or help from a family member in India. Travellers abroad can leave Form A2, PAN/passport copies and an authorisation letter with a family member or friend in India to complete reload on their behalf.

Also, since a Forex Card is loaded in foreign currency, INR has to be converted first. The exchange rate on the reload day will apply. Processing time can be instant for some providers, a few hours for some, or longer if branch/document processing is involved.

Verdict: Niyo is easier for urgent funding abroad; Forex Card reloads work well when online reload is available, but need more planning when documents, forex conversion, or branch processing is involved.

7. 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: Forex Card is the safer option if backup access to money is important to you. A backup card, emergency cash support, and card replacement options give it an advantage if your card is lost or stolen abroad. Niyo Global Card can still work well if you carry another backup card.

8. Mobile app

“Niyo’s app is built around the traveller experience. Forex Card apps are usually built around card control. One helps you spend and track better while travelling; the other helps you manage a prepaid foreign currency card.”

Niyo Global Card

Niyo Global provides a dedicated app to manage the card while travelling abroad.

The useful travel features include:

1. Live currency converter to check approximate INR value before spending
2. ATM locator to find nearby ATMs abroad
3. Lounge locator, depending on card variant and eligibility
4. Real-time transaction tracking
5. Transaction alerts in INR and local currency
6. Card lock/unlock option
7. Controls for payment channels such as ATM, POS/card swipe, online transactions, and tap/pay, depending on the card/app settings
8. Account balance, transaction history, and statement access
9. In-app customer support

These features are helpful when travelling because you can track your spends immediately, control where the card can be used, and block the card quickly if something goes wrong.

Some Niyo app listings may also show travel-related services such as forex cash, eSIM, visa assistance, flight/hotel bookings, travel insurance, lounge access, and offers. But these features can change over time, so they should be treated as additional services, not guaranteed card benefits.

Forex Card

Most major Forex Card providers also offer an app, net banking portal, or prepaid card portal to manage the card.

Typical Forex Card app/portal features include:

• Check card balance
• View transaction history and statements
• Reload the card, where online reload is supported
• Change or generate PIN
• Block/unblock the card
• Set usage limits, depending on provider
• Track transactions
• Request replacement card or get support for lost/damaged card, depending on provider

For example, HDFC’s Forex/Prepaid Card portal allows users to reload cards, set usage limits, change PIN, view balance/statements, and temporarily block/unblock the card. ICICI also supports online reload through iMobile and provides support for card replacement, PIN generation, transaction inquiries, and block/unblock requests.

So, Forex Card apps may not feel as travel-focused as Niyo, but they cover the main things a traveller needs to manage a prepaid foreign currency card.

Verdict: Niyo has the better travel-focused app experience. Forex Card apps are better described as practical card-management tools, especially useful for balance check, reload, PIN, limits, and block/unblock controls.

9. Complementary airport lounge access

“Lounge access is useful when you have it, but it should not be the main reason to choose either Niyo Global Card or a Forex Card. The benefit depends on the exact card, spend conditions, airport, terminal, and current lounge partnership.”

Niyo Global Card

Niyo Global Card may offer airport lounge access, but the benefit is no longer as simple as “free lounge access at select Indian airports.”

As per Niyo’s current lounge access terms, eligible users can get 1 complimentary Lounge Pass per quarter after spending ₹50,000 outside India in a calendar quarter using a single Niyo card. The pass can be used at 1300+ international airport lounges outside India and is valid for 30 days from the date it is generated.

This means lounge access depends on whether you meet the spend condition and whether the pass is available in your app before travel.

So, before relying on Niyo lounge access, check:

• Whether your card variant is eligible
• Whether you have met the ₹50,000 international spend condition
• Whether the lounge pass has been generated in the app
• Whether the lounge is available at your departure airport/terminal
• Whether the pass is still valid

Airport lounge access at select international airports within India.

No.	City	Lounge	Terminal
1	Ahmedabad	The Lounge	Terminal 2
2	Amritsar	Costa Coffee	International Terminal
3	Bangalore	080 International Lounge	Terminal 1
4	Chennai	Travel Club	International Terminal
5	Hyderabad	GMR International Lounge	International Terminal
6	Kochi	Earth Lounge	Terminal 3
7	Kolkata	Travel Club	Terminal 2
8	Kozhikode (Calicut)	Bird Lounge	Terminal 2
9	Mumbai	Loyalty Lounge	Terminal 2
10	New Delhi	Encalm Lounge	Terminal 3
11	Srinagar	Paahun The Executive Lounge	Terminal 1

Forex Card

Forex Card lounge access depends completely on the provider and card variant.

Some premium Forex Cards offer complimentary lounge access, while basic Forex Cards may not. For example, premium travel/forex cards such as ICICI Sapphiro Travel Card and HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card promote lounge access as one of their benefits.

However, the benefit may be limited by:

• Card variant
• Card network
• Lounge partner
• Domestic or international terminal
• Number of visits allowed
• Spend criteria, if any
• Current provider terms

So, instead of assuming all Forex Cards offer lounge access, travellers should check the exact card’s latest benefit list before applying.

Airport lounge access at select airports within India.

No.	City	Lounge	Terminal
1	Ahmedabad	The Lounge	Terminal 2
2	Bangalore	Blr International Lounge	Terminal 1
3	Chennai	Travel Club	Terminal 3/4
4	Hyderabad	Encalm Lounge	Terminal 1
5	Kannur	Pearl Lounge	Main Terminal
6	Kochi	Earth Lounge	Terminal 3
7	Kolkata	Travel Club	Terminal 2
8.	Kozhikode (Calicut)	Bird Lounge	Terminal 2
9	Mumbai	Loyalty Lounge	Terminal 2
10	New Delhi	Encalm Lounge	Terminal 3
11	Trivandrum	The Lounge	Main Terminal

Verdict: Treat lounge access as a bonus, not a deciding factor. Niyo offers lounge access only when the current spend/pass conditions are met, while Forex Card lounge access depends on the specific card variant and provider.

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.

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7 Advantages of Forex Card and Its Benefits for Travellers

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