MakeMyTrip HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The MakeMyTrip HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card is a co-branded prepaid travel card issued by HDFC Bank in collaboration with MakeMyTrip. Designed for international travelers, particularly those who frequently book flights, hotels, and holidays through MakeMyTrip, this card offers a convenient way to manage foreign currency expenses. As a prepaid card, it requires funds to be loaded in one of its 22 supported currencies before use. Key differentiating benefits include complimentary airport lounge access, a comprehensive insurance plan, exclusive travel discounts via MakeMyTrip, and a more favorable exchange rate when loading funds online. An initial issuance fee of Rs. 500 (plus applicable taxes) is charged, but there is no annual membership fee.

Welcome Perks & Issuance Benefits

• Complimentary MMT Black membership, an invite-only loyalty program by MakeMyTrip.
• Ola voucher worth Rs. 500 on the first loading of a minimum of USD 1,000 (or equivalent) on newly issued cards.
• Issuance fee waiver for customers with a valid MakeMyTrip international flight, hotel, or holiday booking ID.
• Issuance fee waiver on the first loading of a minimum of USD 1,000 (or equivalent).
• Amazon gift voucher worth Rs. 1,500 on loading/reloading the card with a minimum of USD 1,500 (or equivalent).

Supported Currencies & Wallet Features

• The card can be loaded in 22 different currencies.
• Major supported currencies include US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR), Sterling Pound (GBP), UAE Dirham (AED), Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hongkong Dollar, Japanese Yen, Singapore Dollar, Swiss Franc, Swedish Krona, Thailand Baht, South African Rand, Oman Riyal, New Zealand Dollar, Danish Krone, Norwegian Krone, Saudi Riyal, Korean Won, Bahrain Dinar, Qatari Riyal, and Kuwait Dinar.
• A Rs. 0.20 cheaper forex rate is offered on loading/reloading the card via online channels.

Fees and Charges

• Issuance Fee: Rs. 500 (plus applicable taxes) at the time of card issuance.
• Annual Fee: Not applicable.
• Reloading Fee: Rs. 75 (plus taxes) per reload.
• Cross-Currency Markup:
  • No mark-up fee on transactions made in the currency loaded on the card.
  • A cross-currency mark-up fee of 2% of the transaction amount is applicable on transactions made in a currency other than the one loaded on the card.
• International ATM Withdrawal Fees: USD 2 (or equivalent) on ATM withdrawals.

Travel Features & Insurance

• Complimentary Lounge Access: 2 complimentary lounge access per annum at select international airports across India.
• Emergency Assistance: 24x7 assistance across the globe in the event of loss of card, card not working, or emergency cash withdrawal.
• Insurance Benefits: A comprehensive insurance plan is provided, with covers varying for Single Currency and Multi-Currency Cards:
  • Misuse due to counterfeiting/skimming: Rs. 5 lakh (for both Single and Multi-Currency Cards).
  • Road/Rail accident (death cover only): Rs. 2 lakh (Single Currency Cards), Rs. 5 lakh (Multi-Currency Cards).
  • Air accident (death cover only): Rs. 5 lakh (Single Currency Cards), Rs. 25 lakh (Multi-Currency Cards).
  • Loss of check-in baggage: Rs. 20,000 (for both Single and Multi-Currency Cards).
  • Loss of personal documents (passport reconstruction only): Rs. 50,000 (for both Single and Multi-Currency Cards).
  • Loss of cash in transit: Rs. 60,000 (for both Single and Multi-Currency Cards).
• MakeMyTrip Discounts:
  • Domestic Flights: Rs. 400 off on Roundtrip bookings (minimum booking amount of INR 3,000).
  • Domestic Hotels: Flat 5% Instant discount on all hotel bookings (minimum booking amount of Rs. 2,000).
  • International Flights: Rs. 1,000 discount on international flight bookings (minimum booking amount of Rs. 25,000).
  • International Hotels: Flat 7% Instant discount on all international hotel bookings (minimum booking amount of Rs. 3,000).
  • Online Holidays: Instant discount of 25% on holiday bookings.

How to Manage the Card

• Loading/Reloading Funds:
  • Online: Funds can be loaded or reloaded via net banking or the mobile app.
  • Offline: Visit the nearest HDFC branch and submit the forex reload form A2 along with a cheque for the amount to be reloaded.
• Assistance: 24x7 assistance is available globally for issues like card loss or malfunction.

Forex Card Review

The MakeMyTrip HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card is an excellent choice for travelers who prefer booking their travel arrangements through MakeMyTrip. It simplifies international travel by offering a convenient way to manage foreign currency and provides numerous benefits such as complimentary lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and exclusive discounts on MakeMyTrip bookings. While it does not offer a traditional reward points or cashback structure, its co-branded benefits and competitive forex rates make it a valuable option for frequent international travelers.

Important Product Details

• The card supports loading in 22 different currencies.
• It includes a complimentary comprehensive insurance plan.
• Cardholders receive 2 complimentary lounge accesses per annum at select international airports across India.
• An Amazon gift voucher worth Rs. 1,500 is provided on loading/reloading the card with a minimum of USD 1,500 (or equivalent).
• An Ola voucher worth Rs. 500 is offered on the first loading of a minimum of USD 1,000 (or equivalent).
• Complimentary MMT Black membership is included.
• Discounts are available on flight, hotel, and holiday package bookings made via MakeMyTrip.
• The issuance fee can be waived for customers with a valid MMT international flight/hotel/holiday booking ID or on the first loading of a minimum of USD 1,000 (or equivalent).
• A Rs. 0.20 cheaper forex rate is available when loading the card via online channels.
• 24x7 global assistance is provided for card-related issues.
• The card is available to Indian residents traveling abroad, and applicants do not need to be existing HDFC Bank customers.

Other Details

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The applicant does not need to be an HDFC Bank customer.
  • The applicant should be an Indian resident traveling abroad.
  • Necessary travel documents must be submitted.
• Documents Required for Application:
  • Self-attested copy of a valid Passport.
  • Self-attested copy of the applicant’s Visa and ticket.
  • Address Proof (e.g., Aadhar Card, latest utility bills, PAN Card) if the address on the passport differs from the present address.
  • Copy of bank statement (as proof of application fee payment).
  • Cancelled cheque, passbook, and latest bank statement.
• How to Apply:
  • Visit HDFC Bank’s official website.
  • Navigate to the ‘Pay’ section, then click on ‘Cards,’ and subsequently on ‘Forex Cards.’
  • Select the MakeMyTrip HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card.
  • Click on the ‘Apply Online’ option.
  • Proceed by filling in the digital application form.