For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who frequently travel to India or maintain financial connections with their home country, having the right credit card can make a world of difference. NRI credit cards are specially designed to cater to the unique needs of Non-Resident Indians, offering benefits like zero foreign transaction fees and other exclusive features. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 best NRI credit cards in India that provide these perks and more.
SBNRI is a business partner of leading Indian banks. An NRI can apply for an NRE/ NRO account with one of these Banks by clicking the button below.
List of Top 5 Best Credit Cards for NRI
- HDFC Visa Regalia or Infinia Credit Cards
- SBI Elite Credit Card
- IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card
- ICICI Coral and Sapphiro Credit Cards
- Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card
Best NRI Indian Credit Cards Rewards and Benefits
| Credit Card | Type of Fees | Interest Rate | Markup Rate | Best for |
| HDFC Visa Regalia or Infinia Credit Cards | Annual Fee & Renewal Fee | 3.6% | 2% | Lounge Access & Membership Reward Points |
| SBI Elite Credit Card | Annual Fee & Renewal Fee | 3.5% | 1.99% | Lounge Access, Movies, Dining, Exclusive Concierge Services |
| IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card | Monthly Finance Fee | 0.75% to 3.5% | Nil | Movies & Online Shopping, Cashback on utility payments |
| Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card | Annual Fee | 3.1% | 3.5% | Online shopping and rewards, 2x reward points on international transactions |
| ICICI Coral and Sapphiro Credit Cards | Joining Fee & Annual Fee | 3.4% | 3.5% | Lounge Access, Complimentary Movie Ticket, DIning |
Also read: NRI Accounts: Which one to choose? NRE or NRO?
Features of Best NRI Indian Credit Cards
- HDFC Visa Regalia or Infinia Credit Cards
- NRIs can choose between HDFC Visa Regalia or Infinia credit card. Both of these cards are invite-only based.
- International airport lounge access
- Annual Fee Rs. 2,500 & Renewal Fee of Rs.2,500
- Lowest foreign markup fee of 2%
- Complimentary Priority Pass Membership
- Priority check-in and excess baggage allowance for Vistara Airlines
- SBI Elite Credit Card
- Lounge Access, movies, and dining
- Annual Fee Rs.4,999 & Renewal Fee Rs.4,999
- 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter
- Lowest forex markup fee of 1.99%
- Complimentary Priority Pass Membership
- IDFC First WOW! Credit Card
- Movies and Online Shopping
- Zero Annual/Joining Fee and No Forex Markup Fee on international spends
- Low Annual Percentage Rates (ARPs)
- No additional interest on cash withdrawals
- Attractive offers across various merchants in India
- Kotak NRI Royale Signature Credit Card
- Online shopping and rewards
- Annual Fee of Rs.1000
- Joining Fee is 0
- 2 reward points for every Rs. 200 spent outside India
- 1 reward point for every Rs.200 spent in India
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver (Applicable on transactions between Rs.500 and Rs.3000)
- ICICI Coral and Sapphiro Credit Cards
- Lounge access, movies, and dining
- Annual fee of Rs.500 & Joining fee of Rs.1000
- Two complimentary lounge visits per quarter
- Buy 1 ticket and get the other ticket free any day of the week on BookMyShow
- 15% on your dining bill at over 2,500 participating restaurants
What to Consider When Choosing an NRI Credit Card?
- Foreign Transaction Fees: One of the primary considerations when choosing an NRI credit card is the foreign transaction fee. Look for cards with zero or low forex fees to save money on international transactions.
- Rewards and Benefits: Evaluate the rewards and benefits offered by the card, such as travel miles, lounge access, and discounts on airfare and hotels.
- Annual Fee: Consider the annual fee associated with the card and assess whether the benefits outweigh the costs.
- Customer Service: Good customer service is crucial, especially when you’re abroad. Check the availability of 24/7 customer support and other assistance services.
- Credit Limit: Make sure the card’s credit limit aligns with your financial needs and spending patterns.
Eligibility Criteria for an NRI credit card:
- NRIs need to have a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) or Non-Resident External account (rupee). The type of the NRE/NRO account with the bank can be
- Term Deposit
- Current Account
- Savings Account
- Fixed Deposit Account
- Many banks may need a minimum amount of money invested in Fixed Deposits (FDs)
- Some banks may need a minimum balance to be maintained in the account
Documents required for an NRI Credit Card
| Proof of Identity | PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Passport, Voters ID Card, Driving License, Ration Card, Arms License, Freedom Fighter’s ID Card or any other photo ID proof duly signed by a Gazetted Officer and legally accepted in the country |
| Proof of Address | Passport, Aadhar, Voter’s ID Card, Ration Card, Driving License, Lease/Rent Agreement, Property Documents, Utility Bills (not more than 3 months old), any other address proof legally accepted in the country |
| Proof of Income | Salary Slip (last 3 months), Bank Statement (last 6 months), Form-16, ITR, etc. |
Wrapping Up
For NRIs looking for credit cards that cater to their unique financial requirements, the options in India have expanded significantly. These top 5 NRI credit cards provide a range of benefits. Choose the one that best suits your spending habits, travel needs, and financial goals. With the right NRI credit card in your wallet, you can enjoy a seamless and rewarding banking experience while staying connected with your roots.
Connect with SBNRI to resolve your NRI Banking Issues
Due to lots of information and documentation required to apply for NRI Bank accounts, the account opening process is lengthy and cumbersome elsewhere with lots of hassle. You can download SBNRI App to apply for an NRI Bank account with nominal documentation and also resolve your queries regarding NRI banking in just 10 minutes.
You can also click on the button below to apply for an NRI account. Also, visit our blog and YouTube channel for more details.
FAQs
Can an NRI apply for a credit card?
- Yes, NRIs can apply for credit cards and use them for various transactions, purchases, travel bookings, and more.
Can NRI students abroad use NRI credit cards?
- Yes, they can, and certain banks such as Yes Bank provide them with special options.
What is an NRI Credit card?
- An NRI credit card is a type of credit card designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who wish to use their credit card in India or abroad. These cards offer a range of benefits, including rupee-denominated spending power, interest-free grace periods, and attractive rewards programs. Many banks in India offer NRI credit cards.
