6 Tips for Using Credit Cards While Travelling

Posted on Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 | By IndusInd Bank

Summary:  Credit cards are the ideal travel companions for frequent travellers. These tools make financial management easy while offering convenience and a range of perks. However, it’s important to exercise financial prudence while using them. This includes understanding and utilising card benefits, setting spending limits, avoiding excessive cash withdrawals, and choosing credit cards that offer travel related benefits.

Be it a short business trip or a long international vacation, a travel companion you can never leave behind is your credit card. These convenient tools make it easy to manage finances on a trip, thanks to their wide acceptability, ease of transactions, and associated rewards. Your credit card is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s your key to unlocking a hassle-free travel experience. However, there’s a certain level of financial prudence required for card usage, as it’s easy to get carried away with spending. As many seasoned travellers know, mishandling credit cards, especially when travelling abroad, can lead to tricky financial situations.

Here’s a guide outlining six useful tips for credit card users, so you can embark on your next journey with confidence and peace of mind.

1. Apply for a Travel Credit Card

Geared towards frequent travellers, travel credit cards are designed to offer travel-related perks such as air miles, airport lounge access, and frequent flyer program memberships. If you travel frequently and seek luxurious experiences with exclusive privileges, consider applying for a card exclusively designed to meet your needs.

IndusInd Bank offers a range of travel-focused cards that promise to elevate both your domestic and international travel experiences. For instance, the IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite Credit Card allows you to choose your preferred airline as well as your preferred international destination to maximise

benefits. At your selected destination, you earn 5X Avios on every INR 200 spent and enjoy a discounted forex markup of 1.5%.

2.Utilise Your Card’s Travel Benefits

Most credit cards today come with dedicated travel perks that can make your trip more convenient and rewarding. Look for the following perks on your card to travel in comfort:

•  Domestic and international airport lounge access
• Extra reward points on travel spends
• Zero foreign currency markup

Make the most of your card’s exclusive offers, discounts, and privileges to optimise your travel experience.

3. Limit Cash Withdrawals

Around the world, credit cards are widely accepted at merchant locations, both online and offline. While it’s wise to travel with some cash for exigencies, you can rely on your credit card for most transactions. But it is not advisable to withdraw cash at an ATM, especially internationally, as you may attract cash advance charges. These fees do not come with a grace period and are charged the moment you make a withdrawal.

4. Watch Your Spending

When you are travelling, especially on a vacation, it can be tempting to go overboard with spending. Thus, before you set out on your trip, set a budget goal. This number can be adjusted as you go. But, working with a budget in mind will help you spend mindfully.

5. Travel Protection Benefits

Depending on the type of credit card you own, you may be eligible for travel protection benefits that can secure your trip. Check your card for insurance coverage in the event of baggage loss or theft so you stay safe even in the unfortunate event of an emergency. IndusInd Bank’s credit cards offer complete travel protection to shield you from stress should an unforeseen event arise. To ensure a smooth journey, IndusInd Bank has partnered with The Oriental Insurance Company to provide cardholders with

insurance coverage for lost baggage, delayed baggage, loss of passport, lost ticket, and missed flight connections.

5. Observe Secure Spending

While travelling, take care to observe secure spending practices to safeguard your account against hackers and malicious intent. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to make transactions or check balances, as this may put your card information at risk. Additionally, never feed your card number into a website without a secure connection – look for the “https://” sign. Finally, keep a close eye on your statements and alert your bank in the event of an unauthorised transaction.

Apply for a Credit Card at IndusInd Bank

Credit cards make travel more convenient and rewarding. With our smart tips, you can make the most of your card’s benefits.IndusInd Bank offers a range of premium credit cards packed with exclusive travel privileges including discounted foreign markup fees, airline loyalty programme memberships, lounge access, and comprehensive travel insurance.  Apply for a credit card online at IndusInd Bank by filling in your basic details and get an instant card delivered to you within 48 hours!