Niyo SBM Credit Card vs. Other Forex Cards
Why Choose Niyo SBM Credit Card for International Travel?
Whether you’re planning a vacation, studying abroad, or managing business travel, the Niyo SBM International Credit Card offers the most rewarding and hassle-free experience.
Unlike ordinary forex or prepaid cards that come with hidden charges, limited usage, and reload hassles — Niyo gives you more freedom, savings, and convenience.
What makes Niyo different?
- Zero Forex Markup: No extra fees on international spends — you get the real Visa exchange rates
- High Spending Power: Credit limit up to ₹25L, based on your FD
- No Annual Fees, Ever: Enjoy premium features without paying for them
- Link FDs & Earn Interest: Up to 7% p.a. interest on your deposits, even while you spend
- Accepted in India & Abroad: No restrictions — use it like a regular credit card
- Real-Time App Controls: Instantly manage limits, track spends, block card, and more
- Travel-Friendly Features: Global lounge access, eSIM, travel insurance, visa bookings, and more
Whether you’re comparing with Thomas Cook, ICICI, HDFC, Axis, or BookMyForex, the Niyo SBM Credit Card wins on every front — no forex markup, no annual fee, higher interest, and smarter global usage.
Zero forex markup | High limits | Maximum convenience
Features & Benefits
| Feature |
Niyo SBMCredit Card |
Ordinary Forex Cards | Why Niyo card is preferred |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero annual fee | ✔️ | ❌ | No extra charges |
| Zero TCS on unlimited international spends | ✔️ | ❌ | Only up to ₹10 lakh, beyond that 20% TCS. Perfect for high-value transactions |
| Zero forex markup fee* | ✔️ | ❌ | 2–5% markup fee. Significant savings on international spends |
| Currencies supported | 130+ Book FD in INR & spend globally | 22 Currency wallets | More flexibility in spending |
| Wallet-to-wallet transfer fee | Not Applicable | 2% of transfer amount | Significant savings and convenience |
| Exchange rate | Real-time VISA exchange rates | Preloaded with VISA exchange rates | More transparency and better rates |
| Earn interest on linked FDs | Up to 7% p.a.# | Not Applicable | Savings and earnings go hand in hand |
| Accepted in India | ✔️ | ❌ | Can’t be used for INR payments. Unused balance can be withdrawn abroad or converted to INR at a markup |
| Make hotel & rental car bookings abroad by blocking amount on credit card | ✔️ | ❌ | Conveniently make bookings abroad |
| Free ATM withdrawals abroad | ✔️ Fee is reversed as Niyo Coins# | ❌ | Saves money on cash withdrawals |
| Lounge access abroad | ✔️ With international spend criteria# | ❌ | Experience luxury abroad |
| Zero card issuance fee | ✔️ | ❌ ₹500 + GST | Saves money |
| Zero reloading fees | ✔️ Increase limit with new FDs | ❌ | Free reloading 24/7 |
| Real-time monitoring with app | ✔️ Card controls, ATM Locator, Transaction tracking, Send money abroad, Currency Converter tool | ❌ Manage card only via net banking | Superior user experience & card controls |
| Additional benefits | ✔️ Int’l eSIM, Forex cash, Apply for visas, Travel insurance, Book flights/hotels, Send money abroad | ❌ | More value-added services |
| Rewards program | ✔️ Earn & redeem coins on travel services. Earn 10% Niyo Coins on domestic spends | ❌ | More rewarding for international travellers |
| Boosts credit score | ✔️ | Not Applicable | Helps boost score easily |
| Card delivery | 3–5 business days | Requires branch visit | Convenient and faster |
| Security features | Instant lock/unlock/block card, biometric authentication | Standard net banking security | Enhanced security features |
| Customer support | 180+ countries, 24/7 in-app live chat support | 32 countries, phone support (free in some, chargeable in others) | Better support while travelling abroad |
*VISA exchange rates apply | #T&C apply
Benefits as of June 2025
Niyo SBM Credit Card vs. Other forex cards
Niyo vs. Thomas Cook | Niyo vs. ICICI Bank | Niyo vs. HDFC Bank | Niyo vs. BookMyForex | Niyo vs. Axis Bank


Niyo SBM
Ordinary Forex Cards