Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card, issued by Axis Bank, is designed for individuals travelling overseas, particularly frequent flyers, offering a safe and convenient way to manage foreign currency. This pre-loaded card allows users to access money in 16 major regional currencies, making it a versatile travel companion. Key differentiating benefits include complimentary Club Vistara Base membership, accelerated earning of Club Vistara Points, competitive exchange rates, and comprehensive emergency assistance through TripAssist.

Welcome Perks & Issuance Benefits

• Enjoy complimentary enrolment to the prestigious Club Vistara Base membership.
• Receive 500 Club Vistara Points as a Welcome Bonus upon the first loading of the card.

Supported Currencies & Wallet Features

• The card supports loading up to 16 widely used currencies on a single card for a hassle-free international journey.
• Major currencies available include: USD (United States Dollars), EUR (Euro), GBP (Great British Pounds), SGD (Singapore Dollars), AUD (Australian Dollars), CAD (Canadian Dollars), JPY (Japanese Yen), CHF (Swiss Franc), SEK (Swedish Krona), THB (Thai Baht), AED (UAE Dirham), SAR (Saudi Riyal), HKD (Hong Kong Dollars), NZD (New Zealand Dollars), DKK (Danish Kroner), and ZAR (South African Rand).
• The card offers highly competitive exchange rates, aiming to be a cost-effective way of carrying foreign exchange and helping avoid extra fees per transaction often incurred with other forex options.
• For transactions in a currency other than the base currency loaded on the card, exchange rates/conversion rates from the base currency to the local currency will be applicable, with conversion done automatically by international networks.
• Users are advised to avoid "Dynamic Currency Conversion" (DCC) options at ATMs and POS machines, which prompt transactions in "home currency" (Indian Rupees for Indian users), as this can lead to extra currency conversion fees and adverse exchange rates. Always ask merchants to settle transactions in the currency loaded on the card. Axis Bank is not responsible for DCC-related charges.
• If a specific currency wallet (e.g., USD) has insufficient balance for a withdrawal, the ATM will not automatically deduct the remaining amount from other wallets (e.g., SGD). The transaction will likely be declined, requiring manual transfer of funds between wallets beforehand.
• Overseas ATMs do not typically offer an option to select a specific wallet for transactions.

Fees and Charges

• Issuance Fee: ₹500 + GST.
• Cross-Currency Markup: Applicable for transactions made in a currency other than the base currency loaded on the card.
• International ATM Withdrawal Fees: Approximately USD 2.25 per transaction.
• Balance Enquiry Fee (Overseas ATM): USD 0.50 per enquiry.
• GST: All foreign currency conversion transactions are subject to the prevailing GST rates of the Government of India, effective from July 1, 2017.

Travel Features & Insurance

• Club Vistara Benefits:
  • Complimentary Base membership of India’s fastest rewarding frequent flyer program – Club Vistara.
  • Earn 3 Club Vistara Points for every USD 5 (or equivalent) spent using the card.
  • Redeem Club Vistara Points for Award Flights and Upgrade Awards with airline partners such as Air Canada, Japan Airlines, SilkAir, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines.
• Emergency Assistance with TripAssist:
  • Block the Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card in case of loss or theft.
  • Get emergency cash to cover hotel bills and/or return flights.
  • Receive assistance for lost passports.
  • Arrange for emergency cash delivery.
• Shopping Benefits:
  • Accepted at all duty-free stores across International airports in India.
  • Access exclusive VISA offers on travel, sightseeing, hotels, and shopping.
• Insurance Cover: Complimentary insurance cover is provided to safeguard against fraudulent usage on the card.
  • Coverage up to INR 3,00,000 for fraudulent usage.
  • Includes Personal Air Accident cover.
  • Covers Loss of Passport/Travel Documents.
  • Covers Missing of connecting International flight during transit.
  • Includes Plane Hijacking cover.
  • Provides Emergency Medical Assistance (only in India).
  • Offers Purchase Protection Cover.
  • For ATM assault and robbery, the insurance cover is up to INR 60,000, including expenses incurred towards medical treatment (FIR is mandatory for this claim).
  • Period of coverage for Lost/Counterfeit/Skimmed cards: 38 days pre-reporting and 3 days post-reporting.
• Contactless Technology:
  • The card is a Contactless Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card, offering a fast and convenient way to pay for everyday purchases.
  • Features secure, contactless chip technology (payWave by VISA) for quicker transactions.
  • Security features include ultra-short range (generally less than 4 cm), a unique built-in secret key for generating unique codes per transaction, secure authorization for every transaction, and the global reach of the VisaNet system to prevent fraudulent transactions.
  • The contactless transaction limit is normally below USD 100 per transaction, but this may vary by country. For transactions exceeding this limit, the card can be swiped/dipped in a normal POS terminal.
  • The card can also be used as a normal chip card at retailers without contactless readers.

How to Manage the Card

• Loading/Reloading Funds:
  • Axis Bank savings account holders can easily reload their card using Internet Banking and the Axis Mobile App (path: Login -> Cards -> Multi Currency).
  • Customers without an Axis Bank account can visit their nearest Axis Bank branch for reloading.
  • Remote reloading is possible via the Axis Mobile App or by leaving a signed copy of the reload form and authorization with a family member to approach an Axis Bank branch.
• Tracking Balance:
  • Axis Bank savings account holders can track their balance via Internet Banking, Axis Mobile App, or by sending an SMS "MCCBAL" to 56161600 or +91 8691000002.
  • Customers not having an Axis Bank account can track balance via Internet Banking (Login -> Cards -> Multi Currency), SMS "MCCBAL" to 56161600 or +91 8691000002, or the Axis Mobile App.
• Tracking Club Vistara Points: You can track your Club Vistara Points balance by logging into your Club Vistara account at airvistara.com/trip/ with a unique login shared via email upon program registration.
• Blocking/Unblocking the Card: In case of loss or theft, the card can be blocked immediately by calling the 24-hour helpline +040 67174100 or sending an email to customer care.
• PIN Management: The card is blocked for ATM use after more than 3 incorrect ATM PIN attempts. For a forgotten PIN, contact customer care at +040 67174100 or via email for a new PIN generation.
• SMS Alerts: Opt for the SMS alert facility when procuring the card.
• Internet Banking Access: The Internet Banking user ID is on the welcome kit sticker, and the password is in a sealed envelope within the kit.
• Dispute Resolution: For any transaction disputes, customers can contact customer care.
• Refund of Unused Balance: The card can be encashed only after returning to India, provided the last transaction was more than 10 days prior to the encashment date. Approach any Axis Bank branch with a completed refund form and a copy of your passport.
• Retaining the Card: Even after encashing the entire unspent amount, the card can be retained as it is valid for 5 years.
• Expired Card with Balance: If the card expires with unutilized funds, contact any Axis Bank branch for a refund or apply for a replacement card to access the remaining funds.

Forex Card Review

The Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card is a highly recommended option for international travelers, especially frequent flyers, seeking a secure and rewarding way to manage foreign currency. Its ability to load up to 16 currencies on a single card, coupled with competitive exchange rates, makes it a cost-effective choice. The complimentary Club Vistara Base membership and accelerated points earning add significant value for those loyal to the Vistara ecosystem. The card's comprehensive insurance coverage and emergency assistance services like TripAssist provide peace of mind during overseas travel. While there are fees for ATM withdrawals and balance inquiries, and users must be mindful of Dynamic Currency Conversion, the overall convenience of digital reloading and balance tracking, along with the absence of transaction fees at merchant establishments, positions this card as a strong contender for a smooth travel experience.

Important Product Details

• The Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card is a prepaid card.
• It operates on the VISA network, indicated by features like payWave technology and exclusive VISA offers.
• The card cannot be issued to individuals under 18 years of age.
• It can be used for various payment needs including travel, dining, shopping, hotel accommodation, and entertainment.
• There is no transaction fee incurred for swiping the card for payments at merchant establishments.
• PIN is not required for transactions done by swiping the card at merchant establishments; users should not share their PIN if requested in such scenarios.
• The card is accepted at all overseas ATMs displaying the Visa/MasterCard logo. When withdrawing funds from an ATM, users should select "Checking/Current" or "Credit" options, as the "Savings" option does not link to the VISA network and will result in a failed transaction.
• Users are advised to avoid using the card for checking-in (pre-authorization) at hotels, car rentals, or cruise liners, as this can block funds on the card until the final bill is settled. If used, ensure all test swipes are cancelled or provide a scanned copy of the Authorization Cancellation letter or the final paid bill to the bank.
• The card has a validity of 5 years.

Important Guidelines (TCS & LRS)

Tax Collected at Source (TCS)

• Regulatory Requirement: TCS collection on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) transactions is a regulatory requirement, amended under section 206C of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
• Tax Rebate Eligibility: TCS paid can be adjusted against tax payable when individuals file income tax returns (ITR) in India. The credit of TCS collected will populate in Form 26AS. Users should consult their tax advisor for further information.
• Applicability: TCS is applicable to all LRS transactions, including outward remittance, foreign demand draft issuance, purchase of foreign currency, rupee loan/gift to NRI/PIO, and international usage of debit cards. These transactions may or may not involve INR to foreign currency conversion.
• Proof of Funds for Education: For remittances under education purposes, required documents include an education loan sanction letter (with student name and co-borrower parent), evidence from a financial institute regarding Section 80E, or a bank statement showing the source of funds as unutilized disbursed education loan.
• PAN Level Application: TCS is applicable at the PAN level. FEMA LRS limit maintenance, TCS charging, and TCS reporting are consolidated at the customer level (PAN level).
• TCS Refund on Transaction Return: TCS will not be reversed once debited, even if transactions are returned. Cardholders can approach tax authorities for a refund through ITR or consult a tax advisor for refund/adjustment.
• Minor Accounts: If the PAN on the account belongs to a minor, the minor's threshold limit (INR 7 lakhs) will be utilized. If the guardian's PAN is on the account, the guardian’s financial year limit of Rs. 7 lakhs will be used, and TCS will be collected in the guardian’s name.
• Funding Requirement: Ensure the account is sufficiently funded to cover the Forex Card loading amount, TCS amount, Forex Card charges, and other applicable taxes/charges. Transactions will not be processed if balances are insufficient.

Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

• Usage of the Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card must be in strict accordance with the Exchange Control Regulations of the Reserve Bank of India and applicable laws, particularly the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
• The card is not to be used for margin payments made for online forex trading transactions.

Other Details

• Documentation Required for Purchase/Reload:
  • Passport Copy: Mandatory at the time of purchase; not required for reload if already available.
  • Application Form: Mandatory at the time of purchase. For branch reloads, the Forex Card Reload/Refund/Wallet to Wallet Transfer Form is mandatory; not required for mobile app and internet banking reloads.
  • Visa: Mandatory at the time of purchase; not required for the same trip reload.
  • Airline Ticket: Mandatory at the time of purchase; compulsory for a next trip reload, but not required for the same trip.
  • PAN Card: Mandatory at the time of purchase; required for reload if not provided earlier.
• Documents Required for Claiming Insurance:
  • Lost Card Liability: Customer dispute letter, duly filled and signed claim form, transaction summary by Bank, passport copy (all pages), Police intimation/FIR.
  • Counterfeit/Skimming Claims: Customer dispute letter, duly filled and signed claim form by Bank, transaction summary by Bank, Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card copy, passport copy (all pages), Police intimation/FIR.
  • ATM Assault and Robbery: ATM Transaction slip, Bank statement showing transaction, original vouchers in support of first aid expenses, copy of Police report, copy of identity card.
• Global Customer Assistance Service (GCAS): This is a paid service provided by VISA, offering 24/7 assistance for lost/stolen card reporting, emergency cash assistance, emergency card replacement, or miscellaneous information required overseas.
• Contact Information:
  • Non-Toll-Free Number to India: +91-40-6717-4100 (also serves as the 24-hour Emergency Helpline Number).
  • Email Support: www.axis.bank.in/support
  • Club Vistara Customer Care: +91 9289228888 or contactus@clubvistara.com
  • Country-wise Toll-Free Numbers:
    • USA: 1855 205 5577
    • UK: 0808 178 5040
    • Singapore: 800 1206 355
    • Canada: 1855 436 0726
    • Australia: 1800 153 861
    • UAE: 8000 3570 3218
    • Saudi Arabia: 800 850 0000
    • Qatar: 00 800 100 348
• Club Vistara Points Expiry: As per the terms and conditions of Club Vistara, the validity of Club Vistara Points is 36 months.
• Existing Club Vistara Membership: If a customer already has a Club Vistara membership, their existing membership does not change. Benefits from the Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card will accrue to their existing membership. If the email ID provided for the card application is the same as the registered email ID for Club Vistara, the same membership ID will be updated for the card.
• Changing Club Vistara Personal Details: To change personal details on a Club Vistara membership, log in to the Club Vistara account or contact Club Vistara Customer-care on +91 9289228888.
• ATM Display: Overseas ATMs generally display the amount withdrawn and the balance available in the local currency, not the foreign exchange rate of conversion.
• Confirmation of Load/Reload: An SMS confirmation is received as soon as the card is loaded/reloaded. It is advisable to check the balance at any Axis Bank ATM before departure or via internet banking.