International Travel Card by Niyo Global
The topmost dilemma all world travellers face is managing payments in foreign currency in the easiest, seamless, and cost-efficient way possible. While there are several options you can pick from—carrying cash in foreign currency, international debit card, credit card, forex card, travellers’ cheque, etc. All these options come with varying risks, fees and charges.

International banking made simple by Niyo Global
Niyo, in partnership with SBM Bank India and VISA, strives to address these and many more issues through our newest offering—Niyo Global. The Niyo Global digital savings account aims to make your global banking needs for travel, study, and beyond a smooth and hassle-free experience. With this interest-earning savings bank account, you can load your account in INR (Indian Rupees) and spend in the local currencies of over 150 countries including India. You don’t have to look for multi currency forex cards online, Niyo Global takes care of that and much more. So no matter where you travel around the world, Niyo Global is the best international travel card with the best acceptance rate for 100+ currencies.
If you are looking for the best forex card for your international travel, look no further and don’t fall prey to claims of cheapest forex card or cheapest travel card in the market. Niyo Global is not only a card that works worldwide saving you with zero forex markup fee, but also a savings account that earns interest with a monthly payout.
The Niyo Global account comes with an integrated app and the top-of-the-line international VISA Signature Debit Card enabled with a host of features and benefits for a seamless and luxurious global banking experience:
- Zero forex markup: Generally, while making payments in a foreign currency with another bank credit/debit card, a forex markup fee is charged by the bank on the total transaction amount. Your Niyo Global card comes with zero forex markup—an essential feature of the best international travel card—meaning, we don’t charge you for this convenience. This is extremely cost-efficient for all transactions like flight bookings, paying tuition fees, dining out, shopping, etc.
- Load in INR and spend in 150+ countries: You can load the Niyo Global card in INR before you set out to travel, or even while you are abroad. You don’t have to worry about which currency to load on your card. Niyo Global auto-converts the INR amount to the local currency of the country you are in. It can be used at ATMs and to pay at VISA-accepting merchants in over 150 countries. Not to mention the convenience of making purchases from international websites right from India. No worries about currency exchange, or which currency to load—what more could one ask of an international travel card?
- 100% digital onboarding and KYC: The Niyo Global App ensures seamless account opening without having to rush to the bank to fill up confusing paperwork. You can do it from the comforts of wherever you are. You just need to download the Niyo Global App and follow the simple steps to get your hands on the best international debit card.
- Instant account opening: The light and fast Niyo Global App ensures quick account opening so you can dedicate more time to planning other aspects of your travel and study. Your digital debit card gives you the freedom to start using your account immediately for all online transactions. Order your physical card to enjoy more benefits of your Niyo Global account. Please note, depending upon the city you live in, the card would get delivered within 7-10 days of placing an order.
- Zero balance savings account: It’s not mandatory to maintain a specified monthly balance at any time and we promise not to charge you for that. However, it’s a good practice to maintain at least an INR 10K balance so that you can use your card at any time.
- Up to 6.5% interest p.a.*: Your account balance here earns interest and continues to grow while you travel with the perks of Niyo Global
- Zero loading charges: It’s a digital account with a unique account number and IFSC. There are NO charges to load your account at any time from anywhere via NEFT/IMPS/RTGS.
- Zero fund transfer fees: Your fund transfers via NEFT/RTGS/IMPS do not attract additional fees. You can make these transactions at any time from anywhere.
- Tap & Pay: The Niyo Global card facilitates contactless payments at stores ensuring quicker transactions and lesser wait time at checkout without the card leaving your hand at any point in time.
- Complimentary airport lounge access: With complimentary airport lounge access at domestic/international terminals of major airports across India, you can now travel in luxury with your Niyo Global card. Check out more details about the VISA Airport Lounge Access Program and the list of participating airport lounges.
- In-app currency convertor: This gives you a real-time currency rate so there are no surprises later. Note: VISA exchange rates apply to all transactions.
- In-app ATM locator: In case you need cash in the desired local currency during travel, this handy tool can help you find the nearest ATM wherever you might be in the world.
- Enhanced security: The Niyo Global app brings you enhanced security through the Lock/Unlock/Block Card features. To add to the safety and security of your chip and PIN card, the app lets you temporarily lock your entire card or individual payment channels–Online payments, ATM withdrawals, Card swipes, Contactless payments, and International payments–so you can keep tabs on your transactions. You can even block your card permanently in case it gets stolen or you accidentally lose it.
- Real-time tracking: To help you keep track of your funds, all your transactions are always listed in the local currency and updated in the app each time you spend somewhere.
- 0% commission mutual fund investments: During the Niyo Global onboarding, a Niyo Money account is created for you with no additional efforts and you can choose to import your existing investment portfolio and start investing in mutual funds, stocks & ETFs, and more, whenever you want.
- Exclusive in-app offers: We have curated offers for you on hotel and flight bookings and more. Check out exclusive offers with domestic & international merchants on the Niyo Global app.
- Concierge services: VISA Concierge–powered by VISA Signature–is a 24X7 digital personal assistant and lifestyle guide that gives you access to extraordinary experiences and exclusive privileges. You can download the Visa Concierge app to view your exclusive local and overseas privileges and benefits.
- Meet and assist service: You can get customized services such as assistance through immigration queues, help with your baggage, or arriving at your destination in style.
- 24X7 Support: Should you need assistance with your account, you can reach out to us through the 24X7 in-app chat support.
With all these perks of Niyo Global, it’s undoubtedly the best zero forex markup card no matter where your destination is.
All resident Indians above the age of 18 years can sign up for a Niyo Global by SBM Account. You just need your PAN, Aadhaar, and access to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number to onboard instantly. You can download the Niyo Global App for Android or iOS and sign up for a Niyo Global by SBM account right away without having to visit a bank branch.
Note: You can open a Niyo Global account even if you are an existing customer of the SBM Bank.

Purposes for which you can apply for a Niyo Global card
Irrespective of whether you are travelling abroad for business, studies, or just vacationing in one country or hopping across countries and continents, you would need to transact in foreign currency. Your Niyo Global card gives you the freedom to transact on the go in any currency at no forex markup making sure you never have to pay over and above VISA exchange rates.
Having said that, it’s not only the globe trotters who can benefit from it. For anyone planning to make purchases at international websites, including paying for merchandise or online courses, your Niyo Global card brings you the convenience to do that right here from India. Since it is an INR-based interest-earning account, there are no additional hassles when it comes to loading your account.
Any time you need to transact in a foreign currency, Niyo Global can help you make payments in a safe and secure way in the most cost-efficient manner.

Limits on transactions
The Niyo Global card works at all VISA-accepting merchants in more than 150 countries across the globe. It can be used for domestic and international card swipe/contactless payments at POS, cash withdrawals or balance enquiries at ATMs, and for online transactions. Your account and card come with certain limits on transactions such as:
Category |
Daily Limits |
ATM cash withdrawal | INR 1,00,000 |
POS Transaction Contactless payments | INR 7,50,000 INR 5,000/Transaction(international limit varies by country) |
Online Transactions | INR 7,50,000 |
Fund Transfers |
|
Within cooling period (30 minutes) | INR 25,000 |
Outside cooling period | INR 5,00,000 |
Schedule of Charges
Schedule of fees and charges for Niyo Global Card | ||
Sr.No. | Particulars | Fee |
1. | Joining fee | Free |
2. | Annual debit card fees | Free* |
3. | Account loading | Free |
4. | International POS and Ecom transactions exceeding ₹7 lakhs in a given financial year | 5% is charged as TCS on the incremental amount exceeding ₹7 lakhs |
5. | Reissue of lost, stolen or damaged card | ₹249 + GST |
6. | International ATM* (Cash Withdrawal and Balance Enquiry) Financial and Non-Financial Transactions | ₹100 + GST |
*These charges may change from time to time without any prior notice. Please refer to the Schedule of Charges for current charges associated with Niyo Global.
Niyo Global card |
Forex card |
The Niyo Global digital savings account and card are linked, so funds are available instantly. Reloading funds to your account is a matter of minutes. | Prepaid forex cards could take up to 3 days to make funds available in them after reloading. This could be a problem when you are out of money abroad. |
Niyo Global is an interest-earning savings account. Your money continues to earn up to 5% interest p.a.* even while you are on vacation | The money available in a forex card is not linked to any bank account and it doesn’t earn any interest for you. |
There is no joining or account activation fee at the time of opening a Niyo Global account | Forex cards usually charge an activation fee |
Only the amount that is utilized to make payments goes through currency conversion. The remaining amount in the account continues to earn interest. | The entire amount loaded on a forex card is charged with conversion charges at the time of loading irrespective of whether you use it or not |
VISA exchange rate is applied to all currency conversions. Niyo doesn’t charge any fee. | Exchange rates vary across different forex cards. It is recommended to check with the service provider |
There are no charges for loading/unloading/transferring funds via NEFT/RTGS/IMPS | At the time of unloading any unused balance in the forex card, a currency conversion charge is levied to convert the amount back to INR |
Niyo Global is an INR-based card that auto-converts the transaction amount into the local currency at the time of purchase. There’s no need to load different currencies. The in-app currency convertor can do the math for you! | Forex cards come with a limitation of the number of currencies that can be loaded into them |
Niyo Global is a zero balance account that comes with a promise to not charge a fee for not maintaining a balance in your account. | Forex cards usually charge an inactivity fee to keep your card active |
The Niyo Global account comes with two types of VISA Signature debit cards: A virtual card issued instantly at the time of account opening to use for all online purchases. A physical card can be ordered later for use at POS, ATM transactions, accessing airport lounges, etc. | Forex cards come with only one card. Occasionally, some may offer a backup card too. |
The Niyo Global card provides complimentary airport lounge access at international terminals across India | Forex cards don’t provide such perks |
Niyo Global provides VISA Concierge services (powered by VISA Signature)–a digital personal assistant with access to world-class experiences and exclusive privileges | No, not this perk either |
In-app exclusive offers on flight, hotel and car rental bookings, etc. can save you a lot so you can enjoy the other finer things in life | Not happening with forex cards |
Should you need cash any time while you are abroad, the in-app nearby ATM locator can come to your rescue | Forex cards don’t provide such perks |
Should you need assistance with your account, you can connect with us 24×7 through our in-app live chat | Not happening with forex cards |
What is Niyo Global?
Niyo Global is a zero forex markup INR-based interest-earning digital savings account in partnership with SBM Bank India and VISA. It comes with a Tap & Pay International VISA Signature Debit Card that is accepted in 150+ countries. The account balance earns interest at the rate of 5% p.a.* The account comes with an integrated app to manage your money on the go. Niyo Global is not only an international travel card that works worldwide with zero forex markup, but also a savings account that earns interest with monthly payout.
Also, a wealth account is created for you with no additional effort. You can import your investment portfolio from other platforms and track them here along with making fresh investments in mutual funds, stocks, and ETFs.
What is a Niyo Global card?
The Niyo Global VISA Signature Debit Card comes in two forms:
- Virtual VISA Signature Debit Card: This card is issued in-app upon onboarding Niyo Global and is ready to use for online transactions instantly. All you would need to do is load your account and start using it.
- Physical VISA Signature Debit Card: While the virtual card comes with the convenience of using it instantly for online transactions, the physical card can give you access to more features and benefits of your account. It can be used to pay at POS in stores, for cash withdrawals at the ATMs, and to get access to airport lounges across India. Upon onboarding the account, you can make an initial deposit of ₹5,000 to your account and place an order for your physical card. The initial deposit counts toward your account balance for earning the 5% p.a.* interest and can be withdrawn any time after ordering the card.
What documents are needed to open a Niyo Global account?
All you need is your PAN, Aadhaar, and access to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
How do I open a Niyo Global account?
Opening a Niyo Global account through the unassisted 100% digital onboarding process through the app is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
-
- Download the Niyo Global App for Android or iOS
- Enter your mobile number and validate it by entering the OTP you receive on your mobile number.
- Enter your Email address and validate it by entering the OTP you receive on your Email ID.
- Enter your PAN to complete the CKYC process.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and fill in the OTP received on your Aadhaar-registered phone number to complete the Aadhaar-based KYC.
- To confirm your identity, we will make sure your PAN and Aadhaar details match.
- It’s selfie time! Capture your live photo.
- Update your Personal Details
- Select your Communication Address (where you want your card to be delivered).
- Add a nominee. (Make sure it’s someone you trust)
- Accept the Terms and Conditions and your account will get created instantly.
- Presto! You’re now ready to travel in style
Please note that you can onboard Niyo Global by SBM even if you’re an existing SBM Bank customer.
Is the Niyo Global card a forex card?
Niyo Global is not exactly a forex card but only better. It’s a debit card linked to the zero forex markup Niyo Global digital savings account. It comes with many more features and benefits as compared to a forex card that will make handling your international transactions absolutely hassle-free.
Unlike a forex card, the Niyo Global card is loaded in INR which gets auto-converted into the local currency of the country you spend in. It works in 150+ countries across the globe. At any point, you do not have to worry about loading it with any particular foreign currency. There are no loading/unloading charges and opening an account is absolutely free and 100% online.
If you’re looking for the best forex card in India, look no further, get yourself a Niyo Global card.
Which currencies can be loaded on the Niyo Global card?
You just need to load your Niyo Global card in INR and the rest is taken care of by your card. Every time you make an international transaction, the INR amount gets converted to the corresponding foreign currency. That way, only the amount required to make a transaction is converted into foreign currency and the remaining amount in your account continues to earn interest.
If your itinerary includes hopping across different countries/continents, get yourself a Niyo Global card, the best travel card ever.
Do I have to maintain a minimum balance in my Niyo Global account?
Niyo Global is a zero balance account, meaning you don’t need to maintain an average balance in your account. However, we recommend that you maintain a balance of at least ₹10,000 in your account so it is ready to use whenever needed.
Can I withdraw cash at an ATM abroad with the Niyo Global card?
With a Niyo Global card, you have the best travel card on hand. It works on the VISA network and can be used at ATMs abroad to withdraw cash whenever needed. The nifty in-app ATM Locator feature can help you find an ATM close by.
What are the charges associated with a Niyo Global account?
Schedule of fees and charges for Niyo Global Card |
||
Sr.No. |
Particulars |
Fee |
1. |
Joining fee |
Free |
2. |
Annual debit card fees |
Free* |
3. |
Account loading |
Free |
4. |
International POS and Ecom transactions exceeding ₹7 lakhs in a given financial year |
5% is charged as TCS on the incremental amount exceeding ₹7 lakhs |
5. |
Reissue of lost, stolen or damaged card |
₹249 + GST |
6. |
International ATM* (Cash Withdrawal and Balance Enquiry) Financial and Non-Financial Transactions |
₹100 + GST |
*These charges may change from time to time without any prior notice. Please refer to the Schedule of Charges for current charges associated with Niyo Global.
Are there any limits on how much can be spent using a Niyo Global Card?
Your account and card come with certain limits on transactions such as:
Category |
Daily Limits |
ATM cash withdrawal | INR 1,00,000 |
POS Transaction Contactless payments | INR 7,50,000 INR 5,000/Transaction** |
Online Transactions | INR 7,50,000 |
Fund Transfers |
|
Within cooling period (30 minutes) | INR 25,000 |
Outside cooling period | INR 5,00,000 |
Please note that any incremental amount above ₹7 lakhs spent on international transactions attracts a TCS of 5%.
**International contactless limit depends on local laws
Can I get a Niyo Global card even if I’m not travelling abroad?
Unlike a forex card that needs validating international travel documents, you can onboard Niyo Global and get your card even if you don’t intend to travel anytime soon. While Niyo Global is the best international travel card, it can also be used to make purchases from international websites right here in India. What’s more, the money in your account keeps earning interest while you enjoy the perks of your account.
How much money can I load on my Niyo Global card?
There’s no set limit on how much money you can load on your Niyo Global card. The Niyo Global card is the best business travel card, that saves you big on foreign exchange markup fees and simultaneously your account balance earns an interest of up to 5% p.a.. What’s more? The interest amount gets credited to your account on a monthly basis!
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