Axis Bank Forex Card Review: Variants, Benefits, Charges, and Is It Right for You?

When planning international travel, securing a safe, convenient, and cost-effective way to spend abroad is a primary concern. Many travelers choose to use prepaid forex cards as a dedicated financial tool for overseas spending.

This guide provides a comprehensive review of the Axis Bank Forex Card, detailing its features, fees, and application process. We'll also introduce you to the Wise Travel card, which allows you to hold 40+ currencies in on card and spend without any forex markups or hidden fees.

What is an Axis Bank Forex Card?

The Axis Bank Forex Card is a prepaid multi-currency card for international travel. It functions by allowing customers to pre-load up to 16 foreign currencies onto a single card, and you can use it as you would with your regular credit/debit card.¹

Axis Bank offers a variety of specialised card variants to suit different customer requirements and reward preferences (e.g., air miles, premium services).²

The variants offered include:

• Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card: The standard multi-currency card, suitable for most international travelers.
• Axis Bank World Traveller Card: Focused on frequent flyers, this card allows users to earn bonus air miles rewards and provides a Tap-n-Pay facility.
• Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card: Ideal for loyalty members, enabling users to earn Club Vistara points on spending overseas.
• Burgundy Multi-Currency Card: A premium offering for high-net-worth customers, featuring ultra-premium rewards points and higher fee waivers.
• Axis Bank Diner’s Card: A specialised, co-branded card for those heading to destinations like China and Korea.

Is Axis Bank Forex Card safe?

The Axis Bank Forex Card’s foreign exchange transactions comply with the regulations of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).⁵ The card provides built-in security features and complimentary insurance coverage.

Axis Bank Forex Card: Features and benefits

Understanding the Axis Bank Forex Card features and benefits helps you maximise its use. Let’s discuss the standard features of both the single-currency and multi-currency forex card variants, plus we'll also compare against the Wise Travel card.⁶

Axis Bank Forex Card: Charges

The Axis Bank Forex Card charges the same for single- and multi-currency cards.⁸ All fees stated in INR are subject to GST.

Axis Bank Forex Card’s exchange rate

Axis Bank uses its own published exchange rate for loading the forex card, which is available daily on the bank's website.This rate is fixed when you purchase or load the currency, allowing you to lock in the value. However, this published rate may include a markup so it’s best to compare it to the interbank rate. Wise takes a simpler approach when it comes to currency conversion and always uses the interbank rate with a small, transparent variable conversion fee, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

How to apply for an Axis Bank Forex Card

Do you need an Axis Bank account to get an Axis Bank Forex Card? The answer is no. Any Indian citizen can apply for the Axis Bank Forex Card online on the bank’s website. You can also walk into any of Axis Bank’s branches and obtain an Axis Bank Forex card.

Before we discuss how to buy an Axis Bank Forex Card, let’s look at the documents you need to submit to get the forex card.¹¹

You will need the following documents while purchasing the forex card from Axis Bank.

• Copy of your valid passport
• Fully filled-in application form
• Copy of your visa
• Copy of your airline ticket
• PAN card

How to buy the Axis Bank Forex Card

Axis Bank offers the facility to purchase the Axis Bank Forex card online and at the branch.¹²

1. Visit the Axis Bank Forex card page and click on “Apply Now.” Enter your phone number and PAN/DOB to get an OTP. Confirm the OTP and proceed.
2. If you have an Axis Bank account, you can use your debit card to log in.
3. Choose your preferred forex card.
4. Fill out the application. Provide your personal details, passport number, travel dates, and destination.
5. Select your preferred currencies.
6. Upload the KYC documents.
7. Choose the Load Amount and lock the rate.
8. Make the payment through net banking. Card issuance fees apply.
9. Axis Bank issues a digital card or delivers the physical card to your address. Alternatively, you can visit the branch to obtain it.
10. Activate the card through the mobile app or internet banking, and set your PIN.
11. Manage your card through Axis Mobile or Net Banking.

Axis Bank could take two days to deliver the forex card to your address.

How to use an Axis Bank Forex Card

You can use your Axis Bank Forex card in various ways:¹³

• Swipe the card and pay for your in-store purchases.
• Use the card at e-commerce retail outlets to pay online.
• Use the card to purchase your travel tickets or book hotels.
• Withdraw cash from ATMs abroad.

Summary: Is an Axis Bank Forex Card good for travelling?

Before getting the Axis Bank Forex card, here are some advantages and drawbacks you should consider.

The Axis Bank Forex Card is a suitable option, particularly for existing Axis Bank customers who prefer the security of a traditional, prepaid bank card with multiple variants and travel perks. However, travellers should be aware that the exchange rate utilised by the bank may include a markup, and if you spend in a currency you don’t hold, an additional cross-currency fee will apply.

If you are looking for a simple, everyday travel card with rate transparency, the Wise Travel card is a great alternative. It always uses the interbank exchange rate with a transparent conversion fee, ensuring you know exactly what you are paying for.

Meet the Wise Travel card: 40+ currencies in one card, with no forex markups or hidden fees

With no hidden markups, the Wise Travel card is a smart way to spend abroad. You'll always get the real interbank exchange rate for conversions across 40+ currencies. Wise's transparent, low pricing, plus no foreign transaction fees or forex markups, usually means you are getting the best value for your money.

The fully digital account opening and vKYC process allows you to sign up from the comfort of your home, and there are no annual or monthly fees either. Simply order your card, show proof of your travels, load your funds, and you're all set. Plus - card orders are currently free to Indian addresses (only until February 10, 2026)! A physical Wise card enables you to make secure chip and PIN payments and get some free ATM withdrawals while you're overseas. You can also instantly freeze or unfreeze your card in the app anytime for peace of mind.

Wherever your travels take you, the Wise Travel card is the only forex card you'll need to make spending internationally simpler and cheaper.

🚀 Get a Wise Travel card