HDFC Bank ISIC Student Forexplus Chip Forex Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The ISIC Student ForexPlus Card, issued by HDFC Bank, is a specialized travel forex card designed for students. It uniquely functions as both a multi-currency prepaid card and a globally recognized student identity card. Key differentiating benefits include its acceptance in 3 major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP), comprehensive complimentary insurance cover, and access to over 1.5 lakh exclusive discounts and experiences in more than 130 countries.

Welcome Benefits

• Issuance Fee Waiver: Enjoy a waiver on the card issuance fee when loading a minimum of USD 1000 (or equivalent currency). This offer is valid until March 31, 2026.
• Complimentary Virtual ISIC Card: Students receive a complimentary globally recognized Virtual International Student Identity Card, valued at Rs. 999/-, providing access to exclusive discounts in over 1,50,000 outlets internationally. This offer is valid until March 31, 2026.
• Travel Insurance: Access travel insurance at a nominal rate for a peaceful trip. This offer is valid until March 31, 2026.
• Amazon Voucher: Spend $1000 or equivalent and receive a Rs. 1000/- Amazon voucher. This offer is valid until April 15, 2026.
• Voucher Unlock: Obtain a new Visa Consumer Forex Card and complete a transaction of $4 (or equivalent in any foreign currency) or more at any merchant (online or offline) to unlock a voucher worth Rs. 500 (redeemable at Amazon Pay, Swiggy, Zomato). This offer is valid until October 31, 2026.

Fees

• Card Issuance Fee: ₹300 plus applicable GST per card.
• Reload Fee: ₹75 plus applicable GST per reload transaction currency-wise.
• Reissuance/Replacement Fee: ₹100 plus applicable GST per card.
• ATM Cash Withdrawal Charges:
  • USD: $2.00 per transaction
  • EUR: €1.50 per transaction
  • GBP: £1.00 per transaction
• Balance Enquiry Charges:
  • USD: $0.50 per transaction
  • EUR: €0.50 per transaction
  • GBP: £0.50 per transaction
• Daily Limit for ATM Cash Withdrawal:
  • USD: $5000
  • EUR: €4700
  • GBP: £4000
• Cross Currency Conversion Mark-up Charges: A 3% cross-currency markup is charged for transactions where the transaction currency differs from the currency available on the HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Card.
• Exchange Rate: The VISA/MasterCard wholesale exchange rate (Mid rate) prevailing at the time of the transaction will be used.
• GST on Currency Conversion: GST will be applicable on currency conversion and other fees as per the prevailing rate.
• Currency Conversion Tax (Applicable on load, reload, and refund transactions):
  • Up to ₹1 lakh: 0.18% of the gross value or ₹45 (whichever is higher)
  • ₹1 lakh - ₹10 lakh: ₹180 + 0.09% of the amount exceeding ₹1 lakh
  • Above ₹10 lakh: ₹990 + 0.018% of the amount exceeding ₹10 lakh
• Tax Collected at Source (TCS): Applicable under the provision of Financial Act, 2020.
• Maximum Load Limit: The maximum amount that can be loaded on Forex Cards is USD $250,000 (or equivalent amounts in other currencies) in a financial year, as per the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) guidelines.

Rewards

• Dual Card - Forex Card and Identity Card:
  • Functions as a complimentary globally recognised ISIC Identity Card.
  • Endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 1968.
  • Recognised by universities, academic institutions, student unions, national governments, financial institutions, and ministries of education around the world.
• Exclusive Benefits & Discounts:
  • Access to over 1.5 lakh products, services, and experiences in 130+ countries.
  • Wide range of offers, including discounts on education, software, transport, subscriptions, entertainment, dining, events, and cultural attractions.
  • Preferential and discounted offers on educational courses, software licences, transportation, entertainment, and more.
• Insurance Benefits:
  • Free comprehensive insurance cover.
  • Up to ₹5 lakh protection against misuse resulting from counterfeiting or skimming.
  • Up to ₹5 lakh air accident insurance coverage (death cover only).
  • Up to ₹2 lakh road/rail accident insurance coverage (death cover only).
  • Up to ₹20,000 coverage for loss of checked-in baggage.
  • Up to ₹50,000 coverage for loss of personal documents (only passport reconstruction).
  • Up to ₹60,000 coverage for loss of cash in transit.
• Travel Benefits:
  • Instantly reload your card from anywhere in the world.
  • Hotel Referral and Reservations Assistance.
  • Car Rental and Limousine Referral and Reservation Assistance.
  • Lost passport & lost luggage assistance services.
  • Emergency cash assistance across the world, in case of loss/damage of card.
  • Gift/Flower delivery assistance.
  • Medical Service provider referrals and Arrangement towards Hospital Admission.
  • Business Meeting / Event planning and referrals.
• Banking Benefits:
  • Round-the-clock assistance for card-related issues, including hot listing your card in case of theft.
  • Access PhoneBanking services through International toll-free numbers across 32 countries.
  • Blocking the card or changing the ATM PIN possible via Prepaid Card NetBanking.
  • Cash delivery across the world, in case of loss of card/card not working.

Card Eligibility Criteria

• Age Requirement: Customers aged 12 years and above are eligible.
• Guardian's Signature: Mandatory if the applicant is between 12 to 18 years old.
• Documents Required (For existing HDFC Bank Customers):
  • Self-attested copy of a valid passport.
  • Self-attested copy of PAN Card (of the applicant or guardian). For minors, the guardian's PAN is required if they are funding the card. For majors, their PAN is mandatory if not updated in the account.
  • Self-attested copy of an appointment letter, admission letter, or university ID card.
  • Self-attested copy of Form I-20.
• Documents Required (For New Customers / Non-HDFC Bank Customers):
  • Self-attested copy of a valid passport.
  • Self-attested copy of PAN Card (of the applicant or guardian). For minors, the guardian’s PAN is required if they are funding the card. For majors, their PAN is mandatory.
  • Cancelled cheque or passbook copy.
  • Self-attested copy of an international travel ticket or visa.
  • Self-attested copy of passbook or one-year account statement used for funding the Forex card.
  • Self-attested copy of an appointment letter, admission letter, or university ID card.
  • Self-attested copy of Form I-20.
• Important Notes:
  • The bank reserves the right to modify the required KYC document list per regulatory guidelines or internal policies.
  • Applicants should carry the applicable self-attested KYC documents when collecting the card from the branch or have them ready for home delivery.
  • The Forex card will be activated only after verifying all KYC documents.

Card Review

The ISIC Student ForexPlus Card is an excellent choice for students planning to study or travel abroad. Its unique dual functionality as both a multi-currency forex card and a globally recognized student ID card, endorsed by UNESCO, offers unparalleled convenience and value.

• Pros:
  • Dual Functionality: Serves as both a secure forex card and an internationally recognized student identity card.
  • Extensive Discounts: Provides access to over 1.5 lakh exclusive discounts on education, software, transport, entertainment, dining, and more across 130+ countries.
  • Comprehensive Insurance: Includes free comprehensive insurance cover against misuse, accidents, loss of baggage, documents, and cash in transit.
  • Multi-Currency Support: Available in USD, EUR, and GBP, offering protection against forex fluctuations.
  • Easy Management & Reloads: Card can be instantly reloaded online from anywhere in the world, and managed via NetBanking.
  • Security: Features Chip & PIN for secured transactions at POS and ATMs, and allows online usage with OTP/NetBanking password.
  • Emergency Services: Offers round-the-clock assistance, including emergency cash delivery and hot listing in case of theft.
• Cons:
  • Fees: Incurs issuance, reload, and reissuance fees, along with specific charges for ATM cash withdrawals and balance enquiries.
  • Cross-Currency Markup: A 3% markup applies for transactions in a currency different from those loaded on the card.
  • TCS and Currency Conversion Tax: Additional taxes apply on load, reload, and refund transactions.

Who Should Apply: This card is ideal for students aged 12 and above who are traveling internationally for educational purposes, internships, or leisure. It provides a comprehensive solution for managing foreign currency expenses while also leveraging student status for a wide array of global benefits and discounts.

Important Product Details

• Globally recognised as a Student Identity Card Worldwide, endorsed by UNESCO since 1968.
• Available in 3 Major Currencies: USD, EUR, and GBP.
• Complimentary comprehensive insurance cover, including protection against misuse, air/road accidents, and loss of baggage/documents/cash.
• Access to over 1.5 lakh products, services, and experiences in 130+ countries with exclusive discounts.
• Easy management of transactions, PIN setup, and limits via Prepaid Card NetBanking.
• Multiple reloading options available, including instant online reload from anywhere in the world.
• Easy usage on all major e-commerce platforms with OTP or NetBanking password authentication.
• Secured transactions with Chip and PIN at POS & ATM.
• Round-the-clock assistance for card-related issues and emergency services like cash delivery.
• Long-term validity of 2 years from the date of card indenting, allowing use for multiple trips.
• Reload limit of up to USD $250,000 (or equivalent) in a financial year as per LRS guidelines.
• Contactless payment functionality is available.
• Card issuance fee of ₹300 plus GST.
• Reload fee of ₹75 plus GST per transaction.
• Cross currency conversion markup of 3% for transactions in non-loaded currencies.
• Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is applicable.

Other Details

• Application Process (For HDFC Bank Customers):
  • Step 1: Enter Customer ID or RMN and the verification code.
  • Step 2: Fill out the application form, specifying country of travel, currency type, and total currency required.
  • Step 3: Review total cost, including loaded amount and Forex conversion charges, then complete payment.
  • Step 4: Provide address and other necessary information in the Traveller Details section.
  • Step 5: The Forex Card will be delivered to the provided address.
  • *Note: In certain cases, uploading documents and completing video KYC might be required.
• Application Process (For Non-HDFC Bank Customers):
  • Step 1: Enter mobile number and the verification code.
  • Step 2: Fill out the application form, specifying country of travel, currency type, and total currency required.
  • Step 3: Review total cost, including loaded amount and Forex conversion charges, then complete payment.
  • Step 4: Provide address and other necessary information in the Traveller Details section.
  • Step 5: Visit the nearest HDFC Bank branch, verify KYC documents, and collect the Forex Card.
• Card Management & Control:
  • Manage your Forex Card conveniently via Prepaid Card NetBanking.
  • Track transactions and view card statements.
  • Instantly reload using HDFC Bank Debit card and Credit Card.
  • Set ATM PIN and block the card.
  • Change your mobile number and Email ID instantly.
  • Enable Contactless and online payment services.
  • Set transaction limits.
  • Access HDFC Bank PhoneBanking services through International toll-free numbers across 32 countries.
• Card Loading & Validity:
  • The card is valid for 2 years from the date of card indenting.
  • The same Forex Card can be used for multiple trips, with currencies loaded based on changing destinations.
  • Secured encryption features ensure funds are always protected.
• Secured Transactions with Chip & PIN:
  • All ATM & Point-of-Sale (POS) transactions are authenticated through PIN, enhancing security with the embedded CHIP.
  • Transactions initiated on payment machines outside India may process without PIN depending on local guidelines; in such cases, the cardholder needs to sign the transaction slip.
• Online Usage Allowance:
  • The ISIC Student ForexPlus Card can be used for online transactions on all major e-commerce platforms.
  • Transactions are authenticated either with an OTP or Prepaid Card NetBanking password.
  • To enable online payment (E-commerce) service: Login to Prepaid Card NetBanking, go to "Account Summary" tab, select "Manage My Profile" option, click on "Manage My Limits" tab, select your "Card", enable the service, and set transaction/daily limit.
• Multiple Reloading Options:
  • Easily reload your card using online* and offline modes.
  • Options include Instant Reload (from anywhere with just your card number), HDFC Bank Prepaid card NetBanking, HDFC Bank NetBanking, and HDFC Bank Branches.
  • *Online Reloading is available for existing HDFC Bank customers only. Funding from NRO accounts / Debit Cards is not allowed.
  • An authorized person can also reload the card at an HDFC Bank branch with necessary documents and funds.
• Contactless Payment:
  • The ISIC Student ForexPlus Card can be used for contactless payments/transactions for online purchases.
  • Requires validation by using Prepaid card NetBanking IPIN or mobile OTP.
  • To enable: Login to Prepaid Card NetBanking, go to "Account Summary" tab, select "Manage My Profile" option, click on "Manage My Limits" tab, select your "Card", enable the service, and set transaction/daily limit.
• Emergency Cash Delivery:
  • Emergency cash assistance is available across the world in case of loss/damage of the card (as per rules and regulations prevailing in respective countries).
  • Call international toll-free numbers to avail these services.
• Foreign Exchange Retention:
  • After returning from an overseas trip, unspent foreign exchange must be surrendered within 180 days.
  • However, you can retain foreign exchange up to US$ 2,000 (or equivalent) for future use after returning to India.
• General Terms & Conditions: Forex Card approvals are at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Limited and are subject to documentation and verification as per the Bank's requirement. Interest rates are subject to change.