HDFC Forex Card
Forex Cards are a type of prepaid cards exclusively meant for people travelling to other countries. Users can pre-load the Forex card with the currency of the country they are planning to visit thus can avoid carrying cash and traveller cheques. They can also save significant amounts on exchange rates which fluctuation on a daily basis.HDFC Banks offers a variety of Forex Cards to cater the needs of frequent travellers as well as one-time travellers. With exciting features and benefits, HDFC Forex cards are a secure and ideal mode to carry foreign currency.
Types of HDFC Forex Cards
HDFC Bank currently offers four Forex cards. Each of them serves a different travelling purpose.
The four cards available on the bank's website include:
- Multicurrency Forex Card
- Regalia Forex Plus Card
- ISIC Student Forex Plus Card
- MakeMyTrip HDFC Bank Forex Plus Card
HDFC Multicurrency Forex Card
The HDFC Bank Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Chip Card is designed for travelers, allowing them to load multiple foreign currencies onto a single card for convenient international transactions. Below is a detailed overview of its features, benefits, fees, and charges:
Features and Benefits:
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Multiple Currencies: Load up to 22 different foreign currencies, facilitating seamless transactions across various countries.
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Contactless Payments: Equipped with PayWave technology, enabling secure and quick contactless transactions at retail outlets.
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Secure Transactions: Features an embedded chip and PIN authentication for enhanced security during ATM and point-of-sale transactions.
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Online Usage: Can be used for online transactions on major e-commerce platforms.
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Insurance Coverage: Complimentary insurance benefits include:
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Protection up to INR 500,000 against misuse due to counterfeiting or skimming.
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Air accident insurance (death cover only) up to INR 2,500,000.
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Road/rail accident insurance (death cover only) up to INR 500,000.
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Coverage for loss of checked-in baggage up to INR 20,000
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Coverage for loss of personal documents (passport reconstruction) up to INR 50,000.
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Coverage for loss of cash in transit up to INR 60,000.
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Fees and Charges:
Fee Type | Amount (Rs.) |
Card Issuance Fee | INR 500 plus applicable GST per card |
Reload Fee | INR 75 plus applicable GST per reload transaction (per currency) |
Cross-Currency Markup | 2% on transactions where the transaction currency differs from the loaded currency |
ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee | Approx. ₹170 |
Balance Enquiry Fee | Approx. ₹42 |
Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit | Approx. ₹4,15,000 |
HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card
The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card is designed for frequent international travelers, offering a range of features and benefits to enhance convenience and security. Below is a comprehensive overview of its features, benefits, fees, and charges:
Features and Benefits:
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Single Currency Loading: Load the card with US Dollars (USD) for use worldwide.
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Zero Cross-Currency Charges: No additional charges for transactions in currencies other than USD, making spending cost-effective.
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Online Account Management: Manage your card online, including setting PINs, loading funds, and blocking the card if necessary.
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Emergency Cash Assistance: Access emergency cash services in case of card loss or theft.
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Global Acceptance: Use the card for online transactions and at merchant outlets worldwide.
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Backup Card Facility: Option to have a backup card for emergencies.
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Secure Transactions: Chip & PIN protection ensures enhanced security during transactions.
Fees and Charges:
Fee Type | Amount (Rs.) |
Card Issuance Fee | INR 1,000 + GST |
Reload Fee | INR 75 + GST per reload (per currency) |
Backup Card Issuance Fee | INR 100 + GST |
ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee | Approximately ₹340 per transaction |
Balance Enquiry Fee | Approximately ₹42.50 per enquiry |
Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit | Approximately ₹4,25,000 |
Cross-Currency Markup | Zero cross-currency charges for transactions in currencies other than USD |
Currency Conversion Tax | - Up to INR 1,00,000: 0.18% of the gross value or INR 45, whichever is higher |
- INR 1,00,001 to INR 10,00,000: INR 180 + 0.09% of the amount exceeding INR 1,00,000 | |
- Above INR 10,00,000: INR 990 + 0.018% of the amount exceeding INR 10,00,000, subject to a maximum of INR 10,800 |
HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Card
The HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Card is tailored for students pursuing education abroad, offering a blend of financial convenience and student-centric benefits. Below is a detailed overview of its features, benefits, fees, and charges:
Features and Benefits:
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Dual Functionality: Serves as both a prepaid Forex card and an internationally recognized student identity card endorsed by UNESCO.
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Exclusive Discounts: Access to over 150,000 discounts on books, food, shopping, accommodation, travel, and leisure activities across 130 countries.
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Multiple Currency Options: Available in USD, EUR, and GBP, facilitating seamless transactions in these currencies.
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Enhanced Security: Equipped with Chip & PIN technology to safeguard against fraud.
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Complimentary Insurance Coverage:
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Protection against misuse due to counterfeiting/skimming up to ₹5,00,000.
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Air accident cover (death only) up to ₹5,00,000.
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Road/rail accident cover (death only) up to ₹2,00,000.
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Loss of checked-in baggage cover up to ₹20,000.
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Loss of personal documents (passport reconstruction) cover up to ₹50,000.
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Loss of cash in transit cover up to ₹60,000.
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Online Account Management: Monitor transactions, reload funds, set/reset PINs, and block the card via Prepaid Card NetBanking.
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Global Acceptance: Accepted at all VISA/MasterCard affiliated merchants and ATMs worldwide.
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Emergency Assistance: Access to international toll-free numbers across 32 countries for immediate support.
Fees and Charges:
Fee Type | Amount (Rs.) |
Issuance Fee | ₹300 + GST |
Reload Fee | ₹75 + GST per reload |
ATM Withdrawal Fee | Approx. ₹170 per transaction |
Balance Enquiry Fee | Approx. ₹42 per enquiry |
Cross Currency Markup | 3% of transaction amount in INR |
Backup Card Issuance Fee | Not available |
Card Replacement Fee | Not available |
Currency Conversion Tax | -Up to ₹1,00,000: 0.18% of the gross value or ₹45, whichever is higher - ₹1,00,001 to ₹10,00,000: ₹180 + 0.09% of the amount exceeding ₹1,00,000 - Above ₹10,00,000: ₹990 + 0.018% of the amount exceeding ₹10,00,000 |
MakeMyTrip HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card
The MakeMyTrip HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card is a co-branded prepaid travel card offered by HDFC Bank in collaboration with MakeMyTrip, designed to enhance the convenience and benefits for international travelers.
Features and Benefits:
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Multi-Currency Support: You can load up to 22 currencies on a single card, including USD, EUR, GBP, and AED, making it ideal for multi-country trips.
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Locked-in Exchange Rates: Avoid currency fluctuation by locking in exchange rates at the time of loading or reloading your card.
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Contactless Payments: The card supports secure and hassle-free tap-and-pay transactions worldwide.
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Online Account Management: Track expenses, reload the card, and manage settings easily through HDFC’s NetBanking platform for prepaid cards.
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Emergency Services: Global emergency assistance is available, including card replacement and cash delivery in case of loss or theft.
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Exclusive MakeMyTrip Discounts:
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₹2,000 off on international flight bookings above ₹10,000.
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₹2,500 off on international hotel bookings over ₹10,000.
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₹500 off on domestic round-trip flight bookings over ₹3,000.
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Complimentary MMTBLACK Membership: Get free access to MakeMyTrip’s premium loyalty program with additional travel benefits.
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Cashback & Rewards:
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₹1,000 cashback when loading or reloading ₹1,00,000 or more via HDFC Bank Debit Card.
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10X Reward Points on loading/reloading USD 1,000 or more using HDFC Credit Card.
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Extra Travel Perks:
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Ola vouchers up to ₹1,000 on eligible reloads.
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Dubai shopping voucher (AED 300) when loading AED 4,000 or equivalent.
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Fees and Charges:
Fee Type | Amount (Rs.) |
Card Issuance Fee | ₹500 + GST |
Reload Fee | ₹75 + GST per reload |
Re-issuance Fee | ₹100 + GST |
ATM Withdrawal Fee | Varies by ATM operator; standard charges apply |
Balance Enquiry Fee | Varies by ATM operator; standard charges apply |
Cross Currency Markup | 2% of the transaction amount for transactions in a currency not loaded on the card |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is an HDFC Forex Card?
- An HDFC Forex Card is a prepaid foreign currency card that allows you to carry multiple currencies for international travel. It works like a debit card for payments abroad.
- How many currencies can I load on HDFC Multicurrency Forex Card?
- ou can load up to 22 currencies on the HDFC Multicurrency ForexPlus Card.
- Can I use my HDFC Forex Card for online international transactions?
- Yes, the card can be used for international e-commerce transactions on foreign websites.
- How do I reload my HDFC Forex Card?
- You can reload it through HDFC NetBanking, mobile app, or by visiting an HDFC branch with the required documents.
- What happens if my HDFC Forex Card is lost or stolen abroad?
- HDFC offers emergency card replacement and cash assistance. You must report the loss immediately via customer care.
- Is there any cross-currency conversion charge?
- Yes, for Multicurrency Cards, a 2% markup is applied if you spend in a currency not loaded on the card.Regalia ForexPlus Card has 0% markup if used in USD.
- What are the withdrawal limits for ATMs?
- ATM withdrawal limits depend on the card type and currency loaded. For example, up to $5,000/day (approx. ₹4,15,000) in most cases.
- Can I check my balance or transaction history?
- Yes, you can check it online through the HDFC Forex Card portal, mobile app, or via ATM balance inquiry (charges may apply).
- Is my HDFC Forex Card valid for life?
- No, most HDFC Forex Cards are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance and can be reloaded during this period.
- How do I close or refund my HDFC Forex Card?
- Visit any HDFC branch with your original card and ID proof. You will need to fill out a refund form. The balance is credited to your account after deduction of applicable fees.