Best Card for Overseas Travel- Forex Card, Debit Card or Credit Card
Digital payment with its acceptance globally has made one’s life easy. Very comfortable to carry and convenient to use, no need to worry about hard cash. Debit and credit cards are the part of digital payment used by everyone.
Debit card
A payment card which can be used alternate to cash. When cash is withdrawn or swiped the payment from card holder's account will be debited directly and transferred to the beneficiary. Here payment can be made until fund is available in the account. As we have Rupay card in India many countries have debit card in their local currency.
Credit card
A payment card which will allow users to make payment for goods and services and as the term says credit is given prior to the user and the user makes payment to the card issuer later as per the agreed interest and other charges. Here payment can be made as per the limit set by the card issuer and chances of increase in debt is higher.
Forex card
Forex card is designed in such a way where it can be used only in abroad. It works like a debit card and multiple currencies can be loaded in a single card. One need not worry about exchange rate since it is loaded with currency of the destination country. Swiping at merchant outlet is absolutely free and even sometimes cash withdrawals too. If the currency is exhausted, it can be reloaded easily from abroad
Basic Features of credit, debit and forex card
DEBIT CARD
- Issued in local currency
- Can be used in India and abroad
- Currency conversion charges are high as it is debited from INR to foreign currency
- Exchange rates are applied at the time of usage
- Can be used until balance is available in the account of the user
CREDIT CARD
- Issued in local currency
- Can be used in India and abroad
- Currency conversion charges are higher as it is debited from INR to foreign currency
- Exchange rates are applied at the time of usage
- Can be used for pre authorisation
- Chances of debt is more
FOREX CARD
- Issued in foreign currency
- Can be used only in abroad
- No need to worry about exchange rate as it is loaded with local currency
- Foreign currency is debited at the time of usage and it works like a debit card
- Can be loaded with enough foreign currency before trip, and reload can be done whenever required
- Not advisable for pre authorisation
Both Debit and Credit cards are designed for use in the issuer country’s currency only and using abroad will have different charges, limitations, acceptance etc.
Debit card can be used in abroad but not widely accepted and using abroad will cost around 3.5 to 4% of the total transaction value along with local charges.
Credit card can also be used in abroad for swiping and cash withdrawal. The charges applicable are 3.5 to 4% of the total transaction value and other local charges. When it is used in abroad for swiping or cash withdrawal, the exchange rate that is applied by the issuer will not be known by the user and end up in paying more since it is loaded with local currency.
When you travel abroad, using foreign exchange wisely will reduce your cost and expenses and you can be tension free. Once you are back home instead of worrying about the debt that is accumulated during trip, it is better to cherish the sweet memories of the trip.
Forex card is one such product issued at cheap and best rates and very comfortable to use compared to debit and credit cards.
To buy forex cards at excellent rates visit Orient Exchange outlets or book online by visiting our website www.orientexchange.in