Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card, co-branded with Lufthansa airlines, is a MasterCard prepaid card designed for frequent Indian travellers and globe trotters. It allows users to load funds in 16 widely used currencies, offering convenience for international transactions. A key differentiating benefit is the ability to earn Miles & More award miles on card loading and spending, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses across the Star Alliance network. The card also boasts competitive exchange rates, no foreign currency markup on transactions made in the loaded currency, and 24x7 emergency assistance.

Welcome Perks & Issuance Benefits

• Complimentary membership of the Miles & More frequent flyer program.
• 1,000 Miles credited to the Miles & More account on loading the card for the first time.
• 2,000 Bonus Miles on loading more than USD 4,000 to the card.

Supported Currencies & Wallet Features

• The card can be loaded in 16 widely used currencies.
• Supported currencies include: United States Dollar (USD), EURO (EUR), Pound Sterling (GBP), Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Swiss Franc (CHF), Japanese Yen (JPY), Singapore Dollar (SGD), Swedish Krona/Kronor (SEK), UAE Dirham (AED), Saudi Riyal (SAR), Thai Baht (THB), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), South African Rand (ZAR), and Danish Krone (DKK).
• No foreign currency mark-up fee is applicable on transactions made in the currency loaded on the card.

Fees and Charges

• Issuance Fee: ₹500 + GST.
• Annual Fee: Not applicable.
• Reloading Fee: ₹100 applicable every time the card is reloaded.
• Cross-Currency Markup: 3.50% of the transaction amount on cross-currency usage (transactions made in a currency other than the one loaded on the card).
• International ATM Withdrawal Fees: USD 2.25 (or equivalent) every time cash is withdrawn from an ATM.
• Cash Advance Charges: 0.5% of the transaction amount (subject to a maximum charge of USD 75) on cash withdrawals.

Travel Features & Insurance

• Accepted at over 30 million retail outlets and over 1,00,000 e-commerce sites in India and internationally.
• Cashback of up to Rs. 1,000 on VI international roaming packs every time the card is loaded/reloaded.
• 24x7 emergency assistance during international travel by TripAssist in case of loss of card, wallet, or baggage.
• MasterCard's contactless technology for faster and safer transactions.
• No airport lounge access is provided with this card.

How to Manage the Card

Loading/Reloading Funds

• Via internet banking or Axis Bank Mobile app (for Axis Bank savings account holders).
• By visiting your nearest Axis Bank branch.
• Family members can be authorized to load your card when you are on a foreign trip by giving them a duly signed authorization letter.
• Customers not having an Axis Bank account can visit their nearest Axis Bank branch for reloading the card.

Tracking Balance

• All Axis Bank savings account holders can track balance via transactions using Internet Banking or Axis Mobile App.
• SMS MCCBAL to 56161600 or +91 8691000002.
• Customers not having an Axis Bank account can visit www.axis.bank.in/forex/forex-card and follow the path: Login -> Cards -> Multi Currency.

Tracking Miles

• By logging into your Miles & More account at www.miles-and-more.com with a unique login.
• Via monthly Miles & More newsletter (requires separate sign-up).
• Download the Miles & More app from the Apple store.
• For queries, call Miles & More customer care at 1800-102-5838.

Redeeming Miles

• Miles earned are transferred to the Miles & More account.
• Redeemable online and offline for flight bookings and upgrades on all Star Alliance member carriers (including Lufthansa Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Singapore Airlines, Air India, Australian Airlines).
• Redeemable for hotel reservations, shopping at partner merchants (e.g., Taj Hotels, Surat Diamond Jewellery, Indiatimes Shopping, PVR Cinemas, Bengaluru Duty Free Paradise, Avis), car rentals, or for donations.
• Online Gift Cards are available starting from 4,500 award miles.
• Book from more than 80,000 hotels and countless car rental locations worldwide at Miles & More’s hotel- and car awards redemption platform.
• Detailed information on all redemption categories is available at www.miles-and-more.com.
• For queries, call Miles & More customer care at 1800-102-5838.

Blocking/Unblocking the Card

• In case of emergencies, like needing to block your Forex card, you can call the 24-hour customer care phone banking number.

Forex Card Review

The Axis Bank World Traveller Forex Card is a strong contender for frequent international travelers. It offers significant value through its co-branded Miles & More program, allowing users to earn award miles on both loading and spending, which are redeemable across the extensive Star Alliance network. The card supports 16 currencies, eliminating foreign currency markup for transactions in the loaded currency, and provides competitive exchange rates, potentially saving up to 4% compared to other forex options. While it lacks airport lounge access and has issuance, reload, and ATM withdrawal fees, its comprehensive travel assistance and reward structure make it a convenient and rewarding choice for global travel.

Important Product Details

• Card Type: MasterCard prepaid card.
• Network Acceptance: Accepted at all retail outlets and online shopping portals that accept MasterCard credit/debit cards globally.
• Rewards Rate: 5 Miles for every USD 5 spent with the card.
• Welcome Benefits:
  • Complimentary membership of the Miles & More frequent flyer program.
  • 1,000 Award Miles on first load.
  • 2,000 Bonus Miles on loading more than USD 4,000.
• Other Benefits:
  • Cashback of up to Rs. 1,000 on VI international roaming packs.
  • 24x7 emergency assistance during international travel by TripAssist.
  • Savings of up to 4% compared to other forex options due to competitive exchange rates.
  • Contactless technology for faster and safer transactions.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • No strict income-based eligibility criteria as it is a prepaid card.
  • Required documents: Copy of passport, Visa of the applicant, Address proof (if different from passport), Application form for the Axis Multicurrency Forex Card, Copy of ticket.
• Application Process:
  • Online: Visit the Forex Cards application page on Axis Bank’s website, upload a scanned copy of your passport (with visa). The card can be delivered to your correspondence address or collected from your nearest Axis Bank branch.
  • Offline: Obtain the card over the counter from any Axis Bank branch by submitting a copy of your passport (with visa) and air tickets.

Other Details

• Customer Support:
  • Forex Card Phone Banking service for instant assistance, including requesting a new ATM Green PIN, checking transaction details, exploring offers, or accessing service information.
  • Toll-free contact numbers for various countries:
    • 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
    • India Toll-free: 1800 108 5577
    • India Paid (dial while abroad): +91 40 6717 4100
    • India Paid (dial while in India): 040 6717 4100
  • 24-hour customer care phone banking number for emergencies like blocking the card.
  • To write to Axis Bank, visit www.axis.bank.in/support.
• Miles & More Program: This is an airline loyalty program by Lufthansa airlines, a member of the Star Alliance (the world’s largest global airlines alliance). Miles can be redeemed for flight bookings and upgrades on all Star Alliance member airlines, hotel reservations, shopping at partner merchants, car rentals, and donations.
• Important Links: Access to Terms and Conditions, Prohibited Transactions, Usage Guide, Forex Card Application Form, Transfer Form, Customer Dispute Form, and Forex Card Change Request Form are available via downloadable PDFs or online links.
• Offers: Exclusive offers on the Axis Bank Forex Card are available, which can be explored further on the bank's website.
• Related Products: Axis Bank also offers other forex solutions like Foreign Currency Cash and Foreign Currency Demand Drafts.