Travel · Card comparison
HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card vs ICICI Bank Sapphiro Forex Card
Indian travellers comparing the two biggest bank forex cards
HDFC Multi-Currency Forex CardWinner
Forex fee
3.5%
ATM fee
2%
Score
5.5/10
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Forex Card
Forex fee
3.5%
ATM fee
2%
Score
5/10
HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card wins — Indian travellers comparing the two biggest bank forex cards
Category
HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Forex Card
Forex fee
~3.5%
~3.5%
Currencies supported
23
Multiple
ATM fee
2%
~2%
Bank reach
HDFC — 6,000+ branches
ICICI — 6,000+ branches
vs Niyo Global
3.5% more expensive
3.5% more expensive
Verdict
HDFC edges ahead of ICICI marginally — wider currency support and more recognisable globally. But both charge ~3.5% forex markup and are significantly inferior to Niyo Global or Wise. This comparison only matters if you're committed to using a traditional bank card — if you can access Niyo Global, use that instead.
Frequently asked questions
Winner
HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card
India's leading bank forex card — locks in exchange rates across 23 currencies for international travel.
Forex fee3.5%
ATM2%
MonthlyFree (issuance fee applies, typically ₹500–750)
Score5.5/10
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Forex Card
Multi-currency prepaid card from ICICI — convenient for ICICI customers, but expensive vs zero-fee alternatives.
Forex fee3.5%
ATM2%
MonthlyIssuance fee applies
Score5/10