Today I will share with you the best cards for travellers (in India) and thus avoid carrying a lot of cash and also save on commissions for card payments in other currencies and ATM withdrawals.
If you want a card to travel without bank commissions and with free ATM withdrawals, read on and I'll tell you all about it.
Why is it good to carry several cards when traveling abroad?
During a trip there are many things that can happen...your card may be stolen, the card may not work in some establishments, the ATM may not detect the magnetic stripe or you may even lose it (I recommend you not to carry them all together in the same wallet).
It is always a good idea to carry several travel cards to be prepared for unforeseen events.. In addition, if the trip is a long one you will have more cash withdrawals at ATMs as such service is not unlimited.
I always travel with these cards:
- Revolut
- N26
- My local bank cards
The best cards for commission-free travel
REVOLUT
Payment by credit card: has never given me any problems in India, moreover their exchange rate is usually very good as they work with interbank currency exchange. No currency exchange commission. With the standard Revolut the monthly limit without commissions is 1,000 euros.
Note that a 0.5% commission applies on weekends.
Withdrawal at ATM: They allow you to perform 5 free withdrawals per month or a maximum of 200€. (Please note that in India the maximum ATM withdrawal fee is 10,000 INR). Once you exceed the maximum the withdrawal fee is 2%.
Both opening the account and the prepaid card are free of charge and there is no maintenance fee. The card can be virtual or physical (the latter has a cost).
N26
Payment by credit card: I have used it quite a lot and in India, too. The currency exchange rate is the Mastercard exchange rate. it is usually very good and there is no charge for foreign exchange commissions.
Withdrawal at ATM: They allow you to perform 5 free withdrawals per month but only in the EU. Once you exceed the maximum the withdrawal fee is 1.7%. Withdrawals at ATMs outside the EU always cost 1.7% (still lower than most local banks).
Both opening the account and the card are free and there is no maintenance fee. The card can be virtual or physical.
Don't wait any longer and open your N26 account
Your local bank cards
Debit card: They usually have a high exchange rate and also charge a commission for ATM withdrawals. I would carry it for possible unforeseen events but it is always better if you do not use it.
Credit card: As with the debit card, the exchange rate is high and they charge a commission for ATM withdrawals. However this card can be good for services that require a guarantee or deposit, most hotels work like this...they swipe your card on arrival to guarantee that you will not leave without paying but they do not charge you until you check out and at that moment you can pay with another card. As this is a credit card, the deposit comes out of your credit card deposit so you don't see it on your account. If you use the debit card, when you swipe the card as a guarantee they "block" the amount in your current account even if you pay with another card on the last day, and in many occasions the "unblocking" takes several days so it can cause you inconveniences since you do not have the money at the moment.
What is the best travel card for your trips to India?
Without a doubt, for me the best one is REVOLUT for its exchange rate and above all for its free withdrawals at ATMs.
My advice on the best card for travel
- Always carry several cards...they say that "prevention is better than cure".
- Don't carry them all in the same wallet in case it is lost or stolen.
- Always be well informed about the conditions and benefits of each card. to get the most out of them by combining them.
- Try to always carry a credit card for deposits or bonds.
- If I have to choose 2 cards, I would recommend the Revolut and the N26, for me it is the best combination.
- As long as you pay by credit card and you can choose between paying with your currency or with local currency, choose local currency. If you pay with your own currency, the exchange rate is done by your local bank (high exchange rate) and if you pay with local currency, the exchange rate is done by your travel card, which has a much more convenient exchange rate for your finances.
I hope you find useful this article about the best cards for travellers and enjoy your trip!
