HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card is presented as the bank's most premium prepaid forex card, primarily targeting international travelers, frequent flyers, and individuals making significant foreign currency transactions online. It stands out by offering zero cross-currency markup charges, allowing users to load funds in US Dollars and transact in any currency worldwide without additional exchange fees. Key benefits include complimentary lounge access at international airports in India and a comprehensive insurance cover of up to ₹36 lakhs, protecting against various travel-related contingencies. Operating on the Visa/Mastercard payment network, it ensures wide acceptance for both online and offline transactions globally. Both HDFC Bank customers and non-customers are eligible to apply for this card.

Welcome Perks & Issuance Benefits

• Issuance Fee Waiver: Enjoy a waiver on the issuance fee when loading a minimum of USD 1000 (or equivalent currency). This offer is valid until March 31, 2027.
• Student Benefits:
  • Complimentary globally recognized Virtual International Student Identity Card (ISIC) worth ₹999, offering exclusive discounts at over 1,50,000 outlets internationally. Valid until March 31, 2027.
  • Free International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) with HDFC Bank Visa Forex Prepaid cards. Valid until September 30, 2026.
• Travel Offers:
  • Receive a FREE International SIM card offer with your HDFC Bank Visa Forex card. Valid until September 30, 2026.
  • Unlock a voucher worth ₹500 (redeemable at Amazon Pay, Swiggy, Zomato) upon obtaining a new Visa Consumer Forex Card and completing a transaction of $4 (or equivalent in any foreign currency) or more at any merchant (online or offline). Valid until October 31, 2026.
• Reloading Benefits: Earn 5X points when loading/reloading your HDFC ForexPlus Card using HDFC Credit Cards.

Supported Currencies & Wallet Features

• The card is a USD-based single currency Forex Card.
• Funds are loaded in US Dollars (USD).
• It can be used for transactions in any currency worldwide without incurring foreign currency exchange markup charges.
• Offers protection from volatile forex rate fluctuations with preferential forex rates.
• The card can be loaded up to USD 250,000 in a financial year.

Fees and Charges

• Issuance Fee: ₹1,000 plus applicable GST per card.
• Re-issuance Fee: ₹100.
• Annual Fee: Nil.
• Reloading Fee:
  • ₹75 plus applicable GST per reload transaction when done currency-wise in branches or if using an HDFC debit card for reload.
  • No fees for reload transactions done through the online portal.
• Cross-Currency Markup: Zero cross-currency markup charges for transactions where the transaction currency is different from the loaded currency (US Dollars).
• International ATM Withdrawal Fees: USD 4.00 per transaction.
• Cash Advance Charges: USD 4.
• Balance Enquiry Fee: USD 0.50 per transaction.
• 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.

  • ₹10 lakh: ₹990 + 0.018% of the amount exceeding ₹10 lakh.

Travel Features & Insurance

• Complimentary Lounge Access:
  • One complimentary lounge access per quarter at international airports across India.
  • Complimentary access to select airport lounges in case of flight delays.
• Emergency Assistance:
  • Global assistance service in the event of card loss, card not working, or emergency cash withdrawal.
  • Emergency cash delivery assistance across the globe.
  • Toll-free support across 32 countries.
• Insurance Covers (Comprehensive insurance cover up to ₹36 lakhs):
  • Misuse due to counterfeiting/skimming: Up to ₹5,00,000.
  • Road/Rail Accident Insurance (Death cover only): Up to ₹5,00,000.
  • Air Accident Insurance (Death cover only): Up to ₹25,00,000.
  • Loss of checked-in baggage cover: Up to ₹20,000.
  • Loss of personal documents (passport reconstruction only): Up to ₹50,000.
  • Loss of Cash in Transit: Up to ₹60,000.
• Travel Insurance Offer: Travel insurance available at a nominal rate.

How to Manage the Card

• Prepaid Card NetBanking Portal:
  • Track transactions.
  • Set ATM PIN, Block Card.
  • View Card Statement.
  • Change mobile number and Email ID instantly.
  • Enable Contactless and online payment services.
  • Set transaction limits.
  • Disable International Merchant Swipe, Online, Tap & Pay, and ATM transactions when not needed as a precautionary safety step.
• Loading/Reloading Funds:
  • Online: Via Prepaid Card NetBanking, HDFC Bank NetBanking, or Instant Reload (using just card number). Online reloading is available for existing HDFC Bank customers only.
  • Offline: By visiting the nearest HDFC branch and submitting the forex reload form A2 along with a cheque.
  • Online Loading Limits (through Prepaid Card Portal):
    • US $10,000 Per Transaction.
    • US $25,000 Per Day.
    • US $100,000 Per Financial Year.
• Online Usage:
  • Can be used for online transactions at all major e-commerce portals worldwide.
  • Transactions are authenticated via OTP or Prepaid Card NetBanking password.
  • To enable online payment (E-commerce) service: Login to Prepaid Card NetBanking, go to "Account Summary" -> "Manage My Profile" -> "Manage My Limits", select card, enable service, and set transaction/daily limit.
• Contactless Payments (PayWave Technology):
  • Wave the card at a distance of 4 centimeters or less from the payment machine.
  • Enter 4-digit ATM PIN if prompted.
  • To enable contactless service: Login to Prepaid Card NetBanking, go to "Account Summary" -> "Manage My Profile" -> "Manage My Limits", select card, enable service, and set daily transaction count/daily limit.
• PIN Security: All ATM & Point of Sale (POS) transactions are authenticated through PIN, making the card more secure with an embedded CHIP. Transactions initiated on payment machines located outside India may get processed without PIN depending on the guidelines followed in the respective countries, in such cases the cardholder needs to sign the transaction slip.

Forex Card Review

The HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card is a highly attractive option for international travelers and those making significant foreign currency transactions online. Its primary advantage is the zero cross-currency markup fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to regular credit cards for overseas spending. The inclusion of complimentary airport lounge access at international airports in India further enhances its appeal for frequent international flyers. Coupled with comprehensive insurance coverage and global assistance, it offers a hassle-free and secure travel experience.

Important Product Details

• Card Type: Prepaid Forex Card.
• Payment Network: Visa/Mastercard.
• Best Suited For: Travel, International Spends.
• Reward Type: N/A (No Reward Points or cashback against spends).
• Validity: Valid for 5 years from the date of card indentation, allowing for multiple trips.
• Security: Secured encryption features, CHIP and PIN authentication for POS and ATM transactions.
• Acceptance: Accepted at all major e-commerce portals and all VISA/Master affiliated merchants/establishments around the world.
• Eligibility:
  • Indian resident traveling abroad.
  • Both HDFC Bank customers and non-banking customers can apply.
  • Anyone above 18 years of age can apply; no income criteria.
  • Issuance is at the sole discretion of the Bank.
• Documents Required for Application:
  • For existing HDFC Bank Customers: Self-attested copy of valid Passport, Self-attested copy of PAN Card (if not updated in the account).
  • For New Customers: Self-attested copy of valid Passport, Self-attested copy of PAN Card, Copy of international travel ticket OR visa (any one), Copy of Passbook OR one year Account Statement (used for funding the Forex Card).
  • Additional for ISIC Forex Plus Card (Students): Self-attested copy of PAN card of the Applicant or Guardian (if applicant is major, PAN of applicant is mandatory; if funded by guardian, PAN of guardian is mandatory), Self-attested copy of Appointment letter / Admission letter / University Identity Card, Self-attested copy of form I-20.
• ATM Withdrawal Limits:
  • Daily Limit for ATM Cash Withdrawal: Up to USD 5,000 or equivalent in any other currency.
  • The withdrawal limit may vary if a lower limit has been set by the ATM Acquiring Bank.
• ATM Surcharge: Zero Surcharge on Cash Withdrawal at AllPoint Network ATMs on HDFC Bank Visa Forex Card.

Important Guidelines (TCS & LRS)

• Tax Collected at Source (TCS): Applicable under the provisions of the Financial Act, 2020, on forex loads.
• Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS): Resident individuals (as defined under FEMA 1999), including minors, are allowed to freely remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year (April – March) for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both. The maximum amount that can be loaded on Forex Cards is USD 250,000 in a financial year, as per LRS guidelines.

Other Details

• The card offers priority access, curated experiences, and exclusive country-specific cross-border offers via Visa Destinations.
• Earn up to 20% rewards on spending in 7 international destinations, redeemable as Air India miles or Amazon Gift Cards. Valid from April 20, 2026, to September 30, 2026.
• Dine and Save with HDFC Bank Visa Forex Card, offering up to 20% off. Valid until August 31, 2026.
• Note: Funding from NRO accounts / Debit Cards is generally not allowed for online portal reloads.
• When loading the card by cheque, the card will be loaded post realization of the cheque, and the exchange rate applicable will be for the day on which funds are realized and the card is activated.
• Legal Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. 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.