HDFC Bank Hajj Umrah Forex Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

HDFC Bank offers a suite of ForexPlus Cards designed for various international travel needs, including the Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Chip Card, Regalia ForexPlus Card, ISIC Student ForexPlus Card, and HDFC Bank Hajj Umrah ForexPlus Card. These cards primarily target individuals traveling abroad for leisure, overseas studies, business trips, medical treatment, destination weddings, or even for sending gifts and remittances. Key differentiating benefits across the range include the ability to instantly reload funds, complimentary insurance cover up to ₹36 Lakhs, and the convenience of loading up to 22 currencies on a single card, offering protection against exchange rate fluctuations.

Welcome Perks & Issuance Benefits

• The ISIC Student ForexPlus Card provides over 1.5 Lakh benefits for ISIC holders.

Supported Currencies & Wallet Features

• The Multicurrency Platinum ForexPlus Chip Card and general ForexPlus Cards support loading up to 22 currencies.
• Major supported currencies include USD, Euro, GBP, and Dirham.
• The ISIC Student ForexPlus Card is available in 3 major currencies: USD, EUR, GBP.
• The Regalia ForexPlus Card is a USD-based single currency Forex Card.
• Funds loaded onto the card benefit from a locked-in exchange rate, providing protection from exchange rate fluctuations.
• Users can load multiple currency wallets and instantly transfer balances between them using the Prepaid Card Netbanking portal.

Fees and Charges

• Common Charges for Forex Cards:
  • Card Issuance Fee
  • Reload Fee
  • Transaction Charges
  • Cross Currency Conversion Mark-up Charges
  • Tax Collected at Source (TCS)
• Regalia ForexPlus Card:
  • Card Issuing Fee: ₹1,000 plus GST per card
  • Reloading Fee: ₹75 plus GST per reloading transaction
  • Zero Cross Currency Mark Up Charges
• Multicurrency Forex Card:
  • Card Issuing Fee: ₹500 plus GST per card
  • Reloading Fee: ₹75 plus GST per reloading transaction currency wise
• ISIC Student ForexPlus Card:
  • Card Issuing Fee: ₹300 per card
  • Reloading Fee: ₹75 plus GST per card
  • Reissuing/replacement Fee: ₹100 plus GST per card
• HDFC Bank Hajj Umrah ForexPlus Card:
  • Card Issuing Fee: ₹200 plus GST per card
  • Reloading Fee: ₹75 plus GST per reloading transaction
  • Re-issuing of Card Fee: ₹100 per card
• The general cost of a Forex Card typically ranges from zero to around ₹500.

Travel Features & Insurance

• Complimentary insurance cover up to ₹36,00,000/-.
• Emergency cash assistance around the globe.
• 24x7 Customer support services.
• Emergency card replacement services.
• Complimentary lounge access (available through exciting offers from time to time).
• Discounts on hotels and dining (available through exciting offers from time to time).
• Secured transactions with PIN + CHIP technology at POS and ATMs.
• Widely accepted at ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and online merchants worldwide.
• ATM withdrawal in local currency is available during travel.

How to Manage the Card

• Online Management:
  • Monitor your spends and check balance online for instant, on-the-go financial management.
  • Use Prepaid Card Netbanking (prepaid Card Portal) to check balance, view statements, change PIN, and block the card.
• Loading/Reloading:
  • Quick and simple to buy and to reload funds.
  • Instant reload facility available online.
  • Facility to load funds on the card pre-trip to avoid forex rate fluctuations.
• Using with Uber:
  • Ensure the Forex Card is linked to your personal identity and the local address of your travel destination.
  • Add the card in the Uber app under payment settings, selecting 'Prepaid Card'.
  • Fill in Forex Card information and update the app with the local address (including ZIP/PIN code).
  • Set it as the default payment method. If issues arise as a prepaid option, try adding it under the Credit Card category.

Forex Card Review

HDFC Bank ForexPlus Cards are a popular choice for globetrotters due to their convenience, security, and cost-effectiveness compared to carrying cash or using credit cards abroad. They offer protection against currency rate fluctuations by allowing users to lock in exchange rates when loading funds. The multi-currency option (up to 22 currencies) caters to diverse travel itineraries, while specific cards like the Regalia ForexPlus Card offer zero cross-currency markup charges, enhancing value. The ISIC Student ForexPlus Card is particularly beneficial for students with its identity recognition and additional perks. The cards are globally accepted and come with essential travel benefits like complimentary insurance, emergency cash assistance, and 24x7 customer support. While not free, the fees are competitive, and the ability to manage the card online adds to its appeal. These cards are ideal for anyone traveling internationally for various purposes, seeking a secure and efficient way to manage foreign currency expenses.

Important Product Details

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be a resident of India.
  • Must be at least 12 years old.
  • Must hold a valid Indian passport.
• Documents Required for Application:
  • Duly filled application form.
  • For existing HDFC Bank account holders:
    • Self-attested copy of valid passport.
    • Self-attested copy of PAN (if not updated in the account).
  • For non-HDFC Bank account holders:
    • Self-attested copy of valid passport.
    • Self-attested copy of PAN.
    • Self-attested copy of international travel ticket OR visa (anyone).
    • Copy of Passbook OR one year Account Statement, used for funding the ForexPlus card.
  • Additional documents for ISIC Student ForexPlus Card:
    • Self-attested copy of PAN card of the Applicant or Guardian (mandatory for major applicant, or guardian if funding).
    • Self-attested copy of Appointment letter / Admission letter / University Identity Card.
    • Self-attested copy of form I-20.
• Application Process:
  • Apply online via the website or app, or visit the nearest HDFC Bank branch.
  • Fill in personal details, travel plans, and card preferences, including the choice of currency.
  • Select Branch Pick-up or Home delivery for the card.
  • Submit all necessary documents at the time of delivery (branch or bank empanelled service provider).
  • Pay the issuance fee and any other associated charges.
  • Activate the card by setting a PIN.
  • Immediate delivery is possible if applied via a branch upon submission of all relevant documents.
• Purposes for which a ForexPlus Card can be applied:
  • Managing expenses for international leisure travel.
  • Overseas studies, including living expenses and tuition fees.
  • International business trips.
  • International medical treatment fees and other expenses.
  • Destination weddings/celebrations abroad.
  • Sending cash gifts or remittances to loved ones overseas.
  • Making online purchases on overseas websites.
• Global Acceptance: Widely accepted at ATMs, POS terminals, and online merchant websites globally.
• Security: Features Chip and PIN technology for secure transactions.

Important Guidelines (TCS & LRS)

• Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is a common charge applicable to Forex Cards.
• The amount that can be loaded onto a Forex Card varies by issuer, but typically the RBI permits carrying up to USD 3,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies per visit.
• The limit for forex transactions in India varies based on the purpose (travel, business, etc.), with a general limit of up to USD 3,000 per visit.

Other Details

• The bank reserves the right to review and amend/modify the list of KYC document requirements as per regulatory guidelines/internal policies.
• A guardian's signature is required on the application form if the applicant is between 12 to 18 years old.
• Applicants must carry the originals of all applicable KYC documents along with self-attested copies at the time of collecting the card from branches or for home delivery.
• The card will be activated only after complete verification of the KYC documents.
• Information provided is generic and for informational purposes only, not a substitute for specific advice. Terms and conditions apply to all banking offerings.