Lifetime Free Zero Forex Markup Card — Seamless Travel Abroad with Global App Tracking
International holidaymakers, digital nomads, study-abroad students, and global business travelers looking to eliminate the standard 3.5% foreign transaction fee.
Free
One-time upfrontFree
Lifetime Free — no renewal fee4 Niyo Coins on Every ₹100 Spent Online; 2 Niyo Coins on Every ₹100 Spent on POS Transactions; 5 Niyo Coins on Every ₹100 Spent Via the Niyo App
On eligible spends1 Domestic visits/quarter · ₹50k quarterly spend required
Complimentary visitsLast verified 9 Sept 2026
Objective editorial assessment, ideal spender profile, and primary trade-offs
The YES BANK Niyo Credit Card solves the single most frustrating pain point of overseas spending: the punitive 3.50% to 4.13% foreign exchange markup and GST levied by traditional Indian credit cards. Built as a collaboration between YES Bank and fintech innovator Niyo, this card features a permanent **0.00% Foreign Currency Markup** across all international POS transactions, online overseas e-commerce checkouts, and international ATM withdrawals. For an overseas holiday or university semester costing ₹3,00,000 in international expenses, this feature alone saves approximately ₹12,390 compared to a standard bank card. Issued as a genuine **Lifetime Free (LTF)** product with zero joining fee and zero annual renewal fee, the card eliminates the burden of spend-based fee waiver calculations. Through the intuitive Niyo Global mobile app, users enjoy real-time currency conversion rates, instant transaction locking, geo-blocking security controls, and transparent transaction ledgers. Eligible cardholders meeting baseline spend criteria also unlock complimentary international airport lounge access outside India, providing vital comfort during long international layovers. The trade-off is in domestic rewards: domestic spending earns a modest baseline return, meaning the card is not designed to replace high-yield domestic cashback or dining cards. Furthermore, while the card itself levies 0% FX markup, international ATM withdrawals may still incur third-party foreign ATM operator fees. Nonetheless, as a dedicated 'travel wallet card' to swipe exclusively across foreign borders and on overseas websites, the YES BANK Niyo Credit Card is one of the most cost-effective travel tools in India.
4 Niyo Coins on Every ₹100 Spent Online; 2 Niyo Coins on Every ₹100 Spent on POS Transactions; 5 Niyo Coins on Every ₹100 Spent Via the Niyo App
N/A
Base earning rates, partner merchant acceleration, redemption options, and exclusions
| Spend Category | Earn Rate | Reward Cap | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Spends | Zero forex markup on all international transactions + cashback coins | No Cap | Standard terms apply |
Calculate estimated net cashback and points across your actual spending pattern.
Estimate your rewards using the card's current reward rates, monthly caps and applicable fee-waiver rules.
Customize monthly spend in each category. Category amounts sum directly to your monthly spend.
| Category / Reward Bucket | Monthly Spend | Rate | Effective Rate | Cap Period | Eligible Reward | Cap Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Spends | ₹30,000 | Zero forex markup on all international transactions + cashback coins | — | None | Calculating... | Under cap |
| Total Monthly Cashback | ₹30,000 | - | — | - | ₹0 / mo | Zero cap loss |
₹3.6 lakh
12 billing cycles₹0
0% blended return₹0
Standard renewal+₹0 / yr
Rewards - FeeDomestic and international lounge privileges, spend hurdles, and participating terminals
Verify this card against live departure gates and specific terminal lounges across India.
This card includes complimentary admission across verified Indian airport terminals. Check individual terminal lounges and spend criteria before you travel.
Complete breakdown of joining, renewal, forex, financing APR, and transaction charges
• Joining Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free). • Annual Renewal Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free). • Foreign Currency Markup: 0.00% (Zero Forex Markup) on all international transactions. • Domestic Spends: 1% value return on eligible retail transactions within India. • App Integration: Real-time INR billing at exact Visa/network exchange rates via Niyo Global App. • International Lounge Access: 1 complimentary international airport lounge visit outside India per calendar quarter (subject to spend criteria). • Domestic Lounge Access: No complimentary domestic airport lounge access included. • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 across Indian petrol pumps. • Security Features: In-app instant lock/unlock, channel controls (ATM, POS, E-comm), and zero liability on lost cards. • Finance Charges (APR): 3.50% per month (42.0% annualized) on revolving balances.
Evaluate whether this card's perks and waiver threshold justify its Free renewal fee.
Income criteria, minimum age, CIBIL score benchmark, and verification checklist
Eligibility criteria not specified
Verified eligibility criteria are not currently available for this card. Check the issuer's latest terms before applying.
Common questions regarding YES BANK Niyo Credit Card application, fees, reward redemption, and eligibility
Alternative credit cards with comparable reward rates, annual fee waivers, and perks
Direct online application on the official YES BANK portal with paperless verification.
Alternative credit cards with comparable reward rates, annual fee waivers, and perks
Best for: Zero Forex Markup, Scapia Travel Rewards & RuPay UPI
Rewards: 10% Coins on domestic retail (2%), 20% on Scapia travel (4%), 5% on RuPay ₹500+ (1%). 0% on forex.
Lounge access: Unlimited Domestic visits · ₹20k monthly spend required
Forex markup: 0% (Zero Forex)
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AU Zenith+ Credit Card
Best for: Luxury Travelers, Frequent International Flyers, High Spenders & Golf Enthusiasts
Rewards: 2 Reward Points per ₹100 spent (1.0% return; 1 RP = ₹0.50 on travel)
Lounge access: 4 Domestic visits/quarter + 16 International visits/year
Forex markup: 0.99% Low Forex
Renewal fee waived on ₹8,00,000 annual spend
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Best for: Frequent Airline Travelers, International Vacationers & Flexible Air Mile Transfer Enthusiasts
Rewards: 2 Reward Points per ₹100 spent
Lounge access: 6 Domestic + 4 International visits/year
Renewal fee waived on ₹8,00,000 annual spend
Last verified 2 Oct 2026
Best for: International globetrotters, foreign business travelers, and overseas online shoppers seeking zero forex charges and airport lounge comfort.
Rewards: 2 Travel Points per Rs 100 on general retail spends (0.5% value back)
Lounge access: 8 Domestic + 2 International visits/year · ₹35k quarterly spend required (Domestic)
Forex markup: 0% (Zero Forex)
Last verified 3 Oct 2026
Best for: Affluent globetrotters, international shoppers, and metal card connoisseurs seeking zero foreign currency exchange fees, exceptional global lounge/spa coverage, and never-expiring reward points.
Rewards: 10X on international spends and spends > ₹20,000/month; 5X on retail spends <= ₹20,000
Lounge access: 4 Domestic + 4 International visits/quarter · ₹20k monthly spend required
Forex markup: 0% (Zero Forex)
Renewal fee waived on ₹9,00,000 annual spend
Last verified 17 Sept 2026
Best for: International travelers, overseas online shoppers, and affluent consumers seeking a luxury metal card with guaranteed approval and zero forex markup.
Rewards: 4X points on online, offline, and international spends; 1X on utilities/insurance
Lounge access: 1 Domestic visits/quarter · ₹20k monthly spend required
Forex markup: 0% (Zero Forex)
Renewal fee waived on ₹1,00,000 annual spend
Last verified 3 Oct 2026
Deep-dive comparisons, reward calculations, and editorial reviews from our research desk
IDFC FIRST Bank's zero-forex move has removed one of Scapia's biggest differentiators. Scapia still has a case, but mainly for its domestic travel rewards, UPI earning and airport privileges — not for foreign spending alone.
AU Small Finance Bank has sharply devalued AU Zenith and AU Vetta credit cards effective October 1, 2026. Zenith's forex markup jumps from 1.99% to 3.49% with fuel waiver slashed by 90%, while Vetta moves to 3.49%. Here is CardRecommend's detailed financial impact analysis and comparison with Zenith+ and ixigo AU.
