Travel · Card comparison
HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card vs Niyo Global Card
Indian travellers choosing between zero-fee and bank forex cards
HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card
Forex fee
3.5%
ATM fee
2%
Score
5.5/10
Niyo Global CardWinner
Forex fee
None
ATM fee
Free*
Score
8.8/10
Niyo Global Card wins — Indian travellers choosing between zero-fee and bank forex cards
Category
HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card
Niyo Global Card
Forex fee
None
3.5%
ATM fee
3 free/month
2% fee
Exchange rate
HDFC locks rate at load time — can be good or bad
Visa rate (live)
Loaded rate (locked)
Monthly fee
Free
Issuance fee ~₹500–750
Rate certainty
HDFC locks in rate — useful if you expect INR to weaken
Variable (live rate)
Fixed at load time
Verdict
Niyo Global wins decisively. Zero forex markup vs HDFC's 3.5% means on a ₹1 lakh trip you save ₹3,500 with Niyo. The only reason to use HDFC is if you can't set up a Niyo account or need to lock in a rate in advance. For anyone who can access Niyo, it's the clear choice.
Frequently asked questions
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
Winner
Niyo Global Card
Zero forex markup card for Indian travellers — spend in 150+ countries at real exchange rates.
Forex feeNone
ATMFree*
MonthlyFree
Score8.8/10