Axis Bank Forex Cards

May it be for a holiday, business purpose or for a medical treatment, your trip to any foreign country will be hassle-free with a pre-loaded Forex Card. A Foreign exchange card or Forex card is a prepaid card that can be loaded with the currency of the country you’re visiting and hence will relieve you from carrying cash or travellers cheques. You can load the card while you’re in India and use the card the moment you land on the foreign country to withdraw cash as well as to carry out transactions at merchant terminals.

Axis Bank offers a variety of travel forex cards designed to cater the needs of different types of travellers. While a few cards allow you to load only one currency, there are other cards which allow you to load multiple currencies in a single card. While some are available only on VISA or MasterCard platforms, a few others are available on both the platforms to enable wider acceptance.

Axis Bank Forex Cards are available only for foreign travellers and can be used in all the countries across the globe except China, Nepal and Bhutan. The cards are available as over-the-counter products and can be purchased even on the day of travel. Existing Axis Bank customers as well as those having no relationship with the bank can purchase the cards from any of the bank branches located across India by submitting the required documents.

To have a better understanding about the types of Forex Cards offered by the bank let’s have a look at the card, their features and benefits.

Axis Bank Travel Forex Cards – Types, Features And Benefits

Axis Bank currently offers five Forex Cards each serving a different travelling purpose. The five cards available on the bank’s website include:

1. Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card
2. Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card
3. Axis Bank Diners Card
4. Axis Bank Single Currency Card
5. Axis Bank India Travel Card

Let’s look at each of them in detail.

Axis Bank Multi-currency Forex Card

As the name suggests, Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card allows the users to pre-load cash in multiple currencies thus eliminates the need to have a separate card for each country. With a 5-year validity period the card is more suitable for people travelling different countries. It also offers exclusive dining benefits, emergency assistance services and special travel offers enabling users to enjoy lot more with just one card.

Features And Benefits Of Multi-currency Forex Card

• Load cash in 16 currencies including United States dollars, euros, pounds, Singapore dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, Swedish krona, Thai baht, UAE dirham, Saudi riyal, Hong Kong dollar, New Zealand dollar, Danish kroner and South African rand. Each currency is considered a separate wallet. Users have an option to load single or multiple wallets depending on their travel destination.
• With payWave technology, the card allows users to make retail payments by simply waving the card at the POS terminal. Cardholders also have a choice to choose a personalised image available in the bank’s image gallery to be imprinted on the card.
• With locked-in exchange rate feature, the cash in the card remains unaffected from fluctuating currency rates. Cardholders don’t have to pay cross-currency charges and continue to make payments in other countries at the rate they have loaded the card.
• Earn 2 reward points for every $5 or equivalent spent on the card at any merchant outlets located worldwide
• In case, the card is lost/stolen card in another country, the TripAssist features allows the users to block the card, get emergency cash, get assistance on lost passport, and receive emergency cash. Further, the bank offers 3 lakh insurance coverage on the lost/stolen and counterfeit cards.
• The card can be used at over 30 million VISA merchant outlets, more than 1,000 e-commerce websites, and about 10 lakh ATMs across the globe.
• Once the foreign trip is completed, cardholders can either encash the balance on the card or transfer it to another account. They can also retain the balance (up to $2,000) for future trips.

Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card

Axis Bank World Traveller Card, co-powered by Miles & More, is a multi-currency prepaid card that can be used in India and foreign countries as well. By offering air miles as reward points the card becomes more traveller-friendly. Powered by MasterCard's contactless technology, the card enables quick payment at merchant terminals.

Features And Benefits Of Miles & More Axis Bank World Traveller Card

• Earn five award miles for every $5 spent on the card. You can also earn miles for loading and reloading the card. The miles can be redeemed for a wide range of products and experiences at Miles & More and its partners in India and around the world
• Welcome bonus of 1,000 air miles and 2,000 miles as bonus reward on loading more than $4,000
• Load up to 17 currencies including United States dollars, euros, pounds, Singapore dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, Swedish krona, Thai baht, UAE dirham, Saudi riyal, Hong Kong dollar, New Zealand dollar, Danish kroner, South African rand and Indian rupee.
• Accepted at 30 million retail stores and more than 10 lakh online stores
• The leftover cash on the card can be used to do retail transactions in India through the INR wallet
• With the locked-in exchange rate feature users can save up to 4% on exchange rates besides avoiding extra fees per transaction

Axis Bank Diners Card

Axis Bank Diners Card is a prepaid foreign currency card available on Diners network. The card is accepted at over 22 million merchant outlets across the globe and can be used to withdraw cash at about 1 million ATMs. The card is currently available only in US currency.

Features And Benefits Of Axis Bank Diners Card

• Pay directly at all Diners enabled merchant outlets including shops, restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and others located across the globe.
• The card is covered by a complimentary insurance worth Rs.3 lakh that provides enough protection against any fraudulent usage on the card.
• Once a foreign trip is finished users can encash the balance, transfer it to a resident foreign currency domestic account or reload it for the next travel.
• Do online shopping outside India. The card is accepted at over 10 lakh online stores without any additional charges.
• In case, the card is lost/stolen card in another country, the TripAssist features allows the users to block the card, get emergency cash, and get assistance on lost passport.
• Cardholders can enjoy Diners Club privileges including special offers in 59 Michelin rated restaurants including chef’s visit to table and complimentary signature champagne

Axis Bank Single Currency Card

Axis Bank Single Currency Card, as the name suggests, is a prepaid travel card that can be pre-loaded with single foreign currency. The card is suitable for those whose foreign trip includes only one country. The same card cannot be used to load another currency. Users need to purchase separate cards for each currency. The card is currently available in 11 currencies from across the globe.

Features And Benefits Of Axis Bank Single Currency Card

• The travel forex card is available in 11 currencies including US dollars, pounds, euros, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Singapore dollars, Swiss franc, Swedish Krona, Yen, UAE dirham and Saudi Riyal.
• The card is valid across the world except in India, Nepal and Bhutan
• Available on both VISA and MasterCard platforms, the card allows the users to withdraw cash at over 2 million VISA/MasterCard powered ATMs and shop at over 34 million merchant outlets across the globe without any transaction fee.
• Cardholders are eligible for a complimentary insurance worth Rs.3 lakh that provides coverage against fraudulent usage in case of lost/stolen card. 
• A daily purchase limit of $10,000 and cash withdrawal limit of $5,000 or equivalent is allowed on the card.
• Cardholders can earn 2 reward points for every $5 or equivalent spent on the card at any merchant outlets located worldwide.
• Once the trip is completed, the forex balance on the card can be encashed or transferred to a resident foreign currency domestic account.

Axis Bank India Travel Card

Axis Bank India Travel Card is a prepaid rupee travel card exclusively meant for foreign nationals and non-resident Indians (NRIs). Available only on VISA platform, the card is valid only in India. People travelling from other countries to India and NRIs can use the card during their stay in the country.

Features And Benefits Of Axis Bank Travel Card

• The card can be used at more than 5 million retail stores and ATMs that accept VISA cards across India without any transaction fee.
• The forex cash remains unaffected from fluctuating exchange rates. Users don’t have to pay cross-currency charges.
• The ATM cash withdrawals are secured with PIN-based and signature-based approvals
• Load up to Rs.2 lakh through an one-time conversion of foreign currency at competitive exchange rates
• The card is available as an over-the-counter product and can be purchased from any of the Axis Bank branches by encashing foreign currency notes or traveller's cheques. The card issuance fee is Rs.150.

Fee And Charges Of Axis Bank Forex Cards

A few common fee or charges levied on Axis Bank Forex Cards are listed below

For India Travel Card the fee and charges are as follows

Documents Required To Apply For Axis Bank Forex Cards

To apply for Multi-Currency Forex Card, Diners Card and Single Currency Card, a copy of following documents along with the application form should be submitted to Axis Bank Branch or Money Changers.

1. Passport
2. Form A2

• Mandatory for amounts greater than $5,000
• Not required for amounts up to $5,000

1. PAN Card

• Mandatory for new customers (no past relationship with Axis Bank)
• For existing Axis Bank customers, PAN card is mandatory if the cumulative Forex purchase in the financial year exceeds $10,000

1. Visa
2. Airline ticket

To apply for India Travel Card, a copy of passport and VISA of the applicant along with the filled-in application form are required.

Documents Required To Reload Axis Bank Forex Cards

The Forex Cards are valid for 5 years, hence can be reloaded whenever necessary by submitting a copy of the following documents at Axis Bank branch offices.

1. Form A2 for amounts greater than $5,000 or equivalent
2. Visa (Required for a new trip, but not for the same trip)
3. Airline ticket (Required for a new trip, not for the same trip)
4. PAN Card (Required when cumulative Forex purchase in the financial year exceeds $10,000

Customer Care Numbers For Axis Bank Forex Cards

For Multi-Currency Forex Card, Diners Card and Single Currency Card below are the country specific customer care numbers. Cardholders can use the international toll free numbers or paid Indian number for any queries regarding the cards and also to block the cards in case they are lost or stolen. The helplines are available 24x7, round the clock.

Customer Care Number For World Traveller Forex Card

For queries/concerns related to World Traveller Forex Card, customers can contact non-toll free, round the clock, phone banking helpline to India.

Customer Care Number For India Travel Card

For queries/concerns related to India Travel Card, customers can contact non-toll free, 24-hour phone banking helpline to India.

Customer Care Email For Axis Bank Forex Cards

Besides providing 24x7 customer care helplines, Axis Bank also serves its customers through dedicated e-mail service. Cardholders can raise their concerns by sending an e-mail to the respective customer service e-mail ID from their registered e-mail for quick resolution.

FAQs on Axis Bank Forex Cards

1. What is a Forex Card?

   Forex Card is a prepaid card that can be loaded with foreign currency for use in other countries and hence acts as a replacement to cash and travellers cheque when travelling abroad.

2. Do I need Axis Bank account to apply for a Forex Card?

   Not necessary. Individuals who are completely new to the bank can also apply and purchase the card at any point of time provided they have the required documents.

3. In how many days will I receive the Forex Card?

   All the Axis Bank Forex Cards are over-the-counter products. You just need to visit any bank branch with the required documents, fill the application form, pay the card issuance fee and purchase the card.

4. What is the card activation time?

   You can start using the card a couple of hours after receiving the card and the PIN. However, it is recommended to change the PIN and check the balance in any Axis Bank ATM in India before you departure to another country.

5. What do I do if I forget my PIN?

   Call the respective customer care helpline which is available round the clock and raise a request for new PIN generation.

6. Is there any fee for using the cards at retail POS terminals?

   No, there is no transaction fee for using the card at merchant establishments.

7. Is there any ATM withdrawal fee?

   Yes, a transaction fee will be levied ifyou withdraw cash or check balance through ATMs.

8. Will I receive SMS for all the transaction done using the Forex Card?

   Yes, you will receive an SMS to your registered mobile provided you opted for SMS alert facility at the time of applying for the card. For Indian mobile numbers, the service is free, whereas for international numbers, the service is chargeable at a $1 (or equivalent) per month.

9. Are the exchange rates applicable for the forex card transactions?

   If you’re using the card in the same currency you have loaded it with, exchange rates are not applicable. In case, your base currency is in US dollars and you use the card in Canada, exchange rates or conversion rates from US dollars to Canadian dollars would be applicable as per the rates applied by VISA.

10. How to check balance on my card?

    You can use internet banking, Axis Mobile app, or call toll free customer care numbers to check your card balance. To use internet banking and mobile app services you need to register your card.