At the heart of travel planning is the choice between a Forex Card and an International Debit Card. The key difference? A Forex Card isn’t tied to a bank account, offering a layer of financial separation, while an International Debit Card allows for ATM withdrawals worldwide.
In an era where global exploration is intertwined with our lives, the convenience of how we carry and spend money while travelling has evolved. Let’s explore the safest ways to manage your finances on your next international adventure.
What is a Zero Forex Card?
A Zero Forex Card is a prepaid travel currency card that allows you to load multiple foreign currencies and make payments abroad without paying any markups on currency conversion.
What is an International Debit Card?
An international debit card is essentially your regular rupee-based debit card, which can be used for shopping, dining and withdrawing cash abroad.
Let’s Compare a Zero Forex Card and a Debit Card with the Various Aspects
Security and Fraud Protection
When it comes to security against fraud and theft, both Zero Forex Cards and international debit cards offer robust safeguards:
- Zero Forex Cards have in-built spend controls allowing users to set transaction limits and block certain MCC codes and countries for added protection.
- Real-time balance updates on apps with 24/7 customer support assistance further enhance security.
- Debit cards also offer key security features like OTP-based authentication for transactions, SMS alerts, balance updates, etc., controlled via bank mobile apps.
- Both instruments adhere to strict data encryption and are EMV chip and PIN enabled for added protection at POS machines.
Accessibility
When it comes to ease of usage across varied geographies, Zero Forex Cards clearly rank higher than international debit cards:
- Zero Forex Cards generally have a live global acceptance network across both developed and developing nations, including remote locations.
- Works smoothly at 150 million+ POS terminals and ATMs as well as online merchants accepting major payment networks.
- Debit cards, on the other hand, can encounter acceptance issues in certain countries where credit is not widely used.
- Cash withdrawals attract multiple fees like transaction fees, conversion fees and ATM operator charges.
Additional Value-Added Services
This is another area where Zero Forex Cards from new-age fintech issuers come out ahead in terms of value adds compared to regular debit cards:
- Complimentary services like airport lounge access and overseas travel insurance further enhance the travel experience.
- Value-back features in the form of cashback and reward points on spending encourage greater usage.
- Advanced features such as Global Wallet to store multiple currencies and travel planning tools enhance the functionality.
Ease of Purchase and Reloading
When planning your travels, the ease of purchase and reloading a payment instrument also plays a key role. Zero Forex Cards have clear benefits here:
- Offered completely online via issuer apps/websites without the need for physically visiting a branch.
- Approval is instantaneous on submission of basic KYC and delivery is generally 2-3 working days.
- Flexibility to load or top-up funds 24/7 from any part of India via net banking, UPI, cards, etc.
On the other hand, debit cards involve:
- Physically visiting your bank branch or filling out cumbersome application forms.
- Dependence on branch hours and staff approval timelines delaying the process.
- Reloading abroad is tricky, requiring prior planning or high fees wire transfers.
Ease of Account Closure
From the perspective of account closure simplicity after travel needs are over, Zero Forex Cards again have a small edge:
- Account closure happens swiftly within 48 hours of submitting a request via issuer apps or websites.
- No deposit funds are involved, so there are no long waiting periods for refunds as in savings accounts.
- Cards can be reserved for future travels by maintaining a minimum balance instead of full closure.
Meanwhile, for international debit cards:
- Closure requires physical visits to submit account closure forms to bank branches.
- It may take 15-30 working days for deposited amounts to be refunded.
- Supplementary card closures involve additional paperwork hassles.
Conclusion
While both payment options work abroad, Zero Forex Cards from reputed issuers like Niyo edge out debit cards comprehensively on key usage parameters, functionality and overall value. For overseas travels, Zero Forex is certainly the way to go.
