“Compare Scapia, Niyo Global and OneCard for international travel. Explore forex fees, ATM charges, rewards, safety, and real spending examples for Indian travellers.”
Anantaayatra | International Travel Money
Scapia vs Niyo Global vs OneCard: Complete Hands-on Comparison for International Travelers
Choosing a card for an international trip should be simple. But zero forex markup, ATM fees, reward points, annual charges and card acceptance can make the decision surprisingly complicated. This guide compares Scapia, Niyo Global and OneCard for Indian travellers who want to spend abroad without unnecessary costs.
Review date: 9 October 2026. Fees and benefits can change. Verify the latest issuer terms before applying or travelling.
- Choose Scapia if you qualify for the version available to you, want a credit card, and value zero forex markup on eligible international spending.
- Choose Niyo Global if you prefer a debit card linked to a bank account and want to spend your available funds without borrowing.
- Consider OneCard if you want a credit card with app-based spending controls and rewards, and its 1% forex markup is acceptable for your budget.
The best choice depends on the exact issuing bank, card variant, your spending pattern and whether you need cash withdrawals. A zero-markup purchase benefit does not automatically mean free ATM withdrawals or the lowest total cost.
Scapia vs Niyo Global vs OneCard: comparison at a glance
The products are not directly interchangeable. Scapia and OneCard are credit-card products, while Niyo Global is commonly offered as an international debit-card and bank-account solution. Compare them based on how you plan to pay, not just on their headline forex claims.
| Feature | Scapia | Niyo Global | OneCard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product type | Credit card; issuer and network depend on variant | International debit-card solution linked to a bank account | Credit card; issuer terms can vary |
| Published forex markup | Zero on eligible international transactions for the relevant card variant | Zero forex markup advertised for eligible international transactions | Federal Bank's published OneCard terms list 1% |
| Joining / annual fee | Axis Bank version advertises zero joining and annual fees | SBM Bank's published schedule lists a second-year annual card fee, with a possible waiver subject to conditions | Federal Bank terms list nil joining and annual membership fees for the listed variant |
| Spending source | Credit limit | Available bank-account balance | Credit limit |
| Rewards | Scapia Coins and travel-related benefits, subject to current rules | Account and card benefits depend on the current programme | Points and selected-category rewards, subject to current rules |
| International ATM use | Cash advances can be expensive | ATM charges apply; check the latest schedule | Cash withdrawal fee applies under published terms |
| Best suited for | Travellers who want credit-card convenience with low forex charges | Travellers who prefer using their own funds | Travellers who value credit-card controls and rewards and accept a forex fee |
Fees above refer to specific published product terms, not every product sold under the same brand. Verify the issuing bank, network, fee schedule, annual-fee waiver conditions and international transaction exclusions for the exact card you are considering.
1. Scapia: best for travellers who want a credit card with zero forex markup
Scapia is built around travel spending. Its credit-card offerings promote low-friction international payments alongside rewards and travel-related benefits. The Axis Bank Scapia card page advertises zero forex markup on international transactions and zero joining and annual fees. Other Scapia variants may have different issuing-bank terms, so check the specific card shown during application.
What stands out about Scapia?
- Zero forex markup: the relevant card variant advertises no additional forex markup on eligible international transactions.
- No joining or annual fee: the Axis Bank variant advertises both as zero, reducing the cost of holding the card.
- Travel-oriented rewards: eligible spending and bookings may earn Scapia Coins, with redemption rules determined by the current programme.
- Credit-card convenience: useful for purchases and some hotel deposits where the merchant accepts the card and its pre-authorisation policy.
- App-based controls: check current transaction settings, repayment options and card-management features.
What should you watch out for?
Zero forex markup is not the same as zero cost for every transaction. ATM cash advances, interest, late payments and other charges can still apply. A merchant may also offer dynamic currency conversion, which can add an unfavourable exchange rate even if the card itself has zero forex markup.
Rewards are another point to check carefully. Read the current conversion value of Scapia Coins, eligible categories, exclusions and redemption conditions. Do not assume the advertised reward percentage is the same as cashback in your bank account.
Official details: Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card and Scapia Federal Bank information.
2. Niyo Global: best for travellers who prefer debit-card spending
Niyo Global is a different proposition. Rather than spending against a conventional credit limit, the debit-card model lets you use funds held in your linked account. SBM Bank's Niyo Global information advertises zero forex markup on eligible international transactions, with Visa's exchange rate applying to those purchases.
Why travellers consider Niyo Global
- Debit-card spending: purchases draw on available account funds rather than creating a credit-card bill.
- Zero-markup positioning: the published offer focuses on avoiding an additional forex markup for eligible international payments.
- Digital account management: the app-based experience can help you monitor transactions while travelling.
- Budget discipline: you can plan the amount of money available for everyday spending before departure.
The fees that deserve attention
SBM Bank's published Niyo Global schedule lists international ATM withdrawals and balance enquiries at ₹423 plus GST per transaction. It also lists an annual debit-card fee from the second year, with a waiver possible if the stated account-balance conditions are met. Always check the latest schedule, because fees and waiver terms may change.
For this reason, Niyo Global may work well for international card purchases but be less attractive if you expect to withdraw cash frequently. A zero-markup card can still become expensive if you use fee-bearing services several times.
One important limitation
A debit card may not be suitable for every hotel or rental-car deposit. Some providers require a credit card or temporarily block funds in the debit account. Check the property's policy before you arrive, especially if the deposit is large relative to your available balance.
Official details: SBM Bank Niyo Global card.
3. OneCard: best for travellers who value app controls and credit-card rewards
OneCard is a credit-card product with an app-led experience, spending-category rewards and transaction management. However, international travellers should pay particular attention to the forex markup rather than assuming that every card with a modern interface is a zero-forex product.
Federal Bank's published OneCard terms list a 1% forex markup and state that GST applies to fees. Other OneCard products may be issued through different partner banks, so confirm the fee schedule attached to your own card.
OneCard's potential advantages
- Credit-card flexibility: eligible purchases can be paid through your monthly statement.
- App-based management: the product promotes digital controls, statements and transaction tracking.
- Reward points: the published product information describes rewards on eligible spending categories, with terms determining the actual value.
- Potentially no annual membership fee: the cited Federal Bank terms list nil joining and annual membership fees for that variant.
Where OneCard may lose out
On a large amount of foreign-currency spending, a 1% markup can add more to the bill than a zero-markup alternative. GST on the markup adds to that difference. Rewards may offset some of the cost, but only if the points you earn are worth more than the fees you pay.
ATM withdrawals are another concern. The published Federal Bank schedule lists a cash-withdrawal fee of 2.5% of the amount, subject to a minimum charge. Credit-card cash advances may also attract interest and other charges. Avoid using the card for overseas cash unless you understand the full cost.
Official details: Federal Bank OneCard product information and published OneCard charges and key facts.
The ₹1 lakh test: how much could you pay?
Let us compare the three products using a simple spending scenario. Assume you make ₹1,00,000 worth of eligible overseas purchases. For illustration, the comparison uses zero markup for Scapia and Niyo Global and a 1% markup for the cited Federal Bank OneCard terms.
| Card | Assumed forex markup | Markup amount | GST on markup at 18% | Total after markup and GST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scapia, eligible variant | 0% | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹1,00,000 |
| Niyo Global, eligible purchase | 0% | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹1,00,000 |
| OneCard, cited Federal Bank terms | 1% | ₹1,000 | ₹180 | ₹1,01,180 |
This is a calculated illustration, not a statement of final settlement amounts. It assumes the same underlying network exchange-rate value, eligible purchases, a 1% OneCard markup and 18% GST on that fee. It excludes annual fees, reward value, currency conversion differences, merchant charges, dynamic currency conversion and ATM fees.
Under these assumptions, the OneCard example costs ₹1,180 more than a zero-markup card on ₹1 lakh of purchases. The difference scales with spending: the higher your eligible international purchases, the more a percentage-based markup can matter.
But the exchange rate still matters
Even when a card has zero forex markup, the transaction still needs to be converted from the local currency into rupees. The card network's exchange rate and the date on which the transaction is processed can affect the final amount.
For a fair comparison, check the posted INR amount on your statement. Do not compare one card's advertised markup with another card's final amount unless the transaction currency, processing date and conversion method are comparable.
What about international ATM withdrawals?
Cash withdrawals are where many travellers discover that a low-cost purchase card is not necessarily a low-cost cash card.
| Card | What to check | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Scapia | Cash-advance fee, interest, withdrawal limits and any relevant issuer charges | Prefer purchases over cash advances where possible. |
| Niyo Global | Current international ATM tariff and local ATM operator fee | Check the fee before withdrawing; repeated withdrawals can add up. |
| OneCard | Cash-withdrawal fee, minimum charge and interest rules | Avoid credit-card cash advances except for emergencies. |
For example, if a provider charges ₹423 plus GST for an overseas ATM withdrawal, one withdrawal costs ₹499.14 after 18% GST. Three such withdrawals would cost ₹1,497.42, before any fee charged by the overseas ATM operator. These figures are a mathematical illustration using that published fee, not a universal Niyo fee promise.
Whenever possible, make fewer planned withdrawals rather than several small ones. However, do not withdraw more cash than you can safely carry just to avoid a transaction fee.
Dynamic currency conversion: the charge many travellers miss
At some overseas payment terminals, the merchant may ask whether you want to pay in Indian rupees or the local currency. This is called dynamic currency conversion, or DCC.
The displayed INR amount may include a conversion rate set by the merchant or payment provider. That rate can be less favourable than the normal card-network conversion rate. The safest approach is usually to choose the local currency and let your card issuer or network handle the conversion.
Remember that a card's zero-markup claim does not automatically make a merchant's DCC rate competitive. Always check the terminal before confirming the payment.
Which card is best for your kind of trip?
| Your travel style | Likely first choice | Why | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| First trip abroad | Scapia or Niyo Global, depending on eligibility | Both offer a way to avoid a conventional forex markup on eligible purchases. | Carry a separate backup card and some local cash. |
| Budget-conscious traveller | Niyo Global for debit spending or eligible Scapia for credit spending | Can help reduce purchase-related forex costs. | Check annual, ATM and account-related fees. |
| Frequent traveller | Scapia plus a separate backup card | Can combine credit-card convenience with low forex charges. | Check rewards, acceptance and the current card variant. |
| Traveller who avoids borrowing | Niyo Global | Uses funds held in the linked account. | Keep sufficient available balance for holds and emergencies. |
| Rewards-focused card user | OneCard or Scapia after comparing rewards | Rewards can add value if you redeem them effectively. | Calculate the value after forex fees, exclusions and redemption limits. |
| Traveller who expects cash withdrawals | Whichever card has the lowest total ATM cost | ATM fees may matter more than purchase markup. | Check issuer fees and local ATM charges separately. |
These are conditional recommendations, not a guarantee that a particular card will be available or suitable for every applicant. Your credit eligibility, account conditions and destination can change the result.
Before applying: the international travel card checklist
Before choosing any of these products, use this checklist to compare the terms that affect your real spending.
- Confirm the issuing bank and exact card variant.
- Check whether the card is Visa, Mastercard or another network accepted at your destination.
- Read the current foreign-currency markup and cross-currency rules.
- Check the ATM withdrawal fee, minimum fee and any local ATM charges.
- Confirm joining and annual fees, account requirements and waiver conditions.
- Read reward earning, exclusions and redemption values.
- Check whether hotel deposits and rental-car pre-authorisations are supported.
- Enable international transactions and set sensible transaction limits.
- Save the issuer's support details and keep a backup payment method separately.
- Choose the local currency when paying abroad unless you have verified that another conversion offer is better.
For broader travel inspiration and destination planning, explore these Anantaayatra resources:
- Anantaayatra | Discover the World — the main travel site.
- Bishnupur travel guide — plan a cultural trip within India.
- Browse travel articles — explore destination and trip-planning content.
For the finished article, add links to seven additional relevant, published Anantaayatra posts—such as packing guides, destination itineraries, budgeting articles or international travel checklists—after confirming their live URLs. Do not create links to guessed slugs.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for international travel: Scapia, Niyo Global or OneCard?
Scapia can suit travellers who want a credit card with zero forex markup on an eligible variant. Niyo Global can suit those who prefer a debit card linked to their bank account. OneCard may appeal to travellers who value its rewards and app controls, but the cited Federal Bank terms list a 1% forex markup. Compare the exact issuer terms before applying.
Is Scapia really a zero-forex-markup card?
The Axis Bank Scapia credit-card page advertises zero forex markup on international transactions. Verify the specific variant and current terms, and remember that ATM cash advances, interest and merchant dynamic currency conversion can still cost money.
Does Niyo Global charge fees for international ATM withdrawals?
SBM Bank's published Niyo Global schedule lists international ATM withdrawals and balance enquiries at ₹423 plus GST per transaction. Check the latest schedule before travelling because fees and waiver conditions can change. An overseas ATM operator may also charge a separate fee.
What is OneCard's forex markup?
Federal Bank's published OneCard terms list a 1% forex markup, with GST applicable on the fee. OneCard terms can differ by issuing bank and variant, so check the schedule linked to your card.
Can I use Niyo Global for hotel deposits?
Some hotels and rental companies prefer or require a credit card for deposits and pre-authorisations. A debit-card hold may temporarily block money in your linked account. Check the property's payment policy before booking or check-in.
Is zero forex markup the same as zero currency conversion cost?
No. The foreign currency still has to be converted into rupees. A zero-markup benefit means the issuer does not add the stated markup to eligible transactions, but network exchange rates, dynamic currency conversion and other fees can still affect the final amount.
Which card is best for withdrawing cash abroad?
Compare the full ATM fee schedule, minimum charges, local ATM fees and currency conversion rules. Do not choose a card based only on its purchase-related forex markup. Credit-card cash advances can be particularly expensive.
Should I carry both a debit card and a credit card overseas?
For many travellers, yes. A debit card can provide access to your own funds, while a credit card can be useful for purchases and some hotel deposits. Keep a backup payment method separately in case a card is lost, blocked or declined.
Does OneCard's reward programme make up for its forex fee?
It depends on the value of rewards you actually redeem. Compare the value of points earned on eligible international spending against the forex markup, applicable GST, annual costs and redemption restrictions. Rewards should be counted as savings only when they deliver real value to you.
Final verdict: which card should you carry?
Scapia is the first option to examine if you want a credit card with zero forex markup. Niyo Global deserves consideration if you prefer a debit card and want to use your own funds. OneCard can still be useful for rewards and everyday credit-card management, but its published 1% forex markup means it is not automatically the cheapest choice for overseas purchases.
For a well-prepared trip, focus on the total cost rather than one headline feature. Compare purchase charges, exchange rates, ATM fees, rewards and annual costs. Carry a backup card, keep some local cash, and check your issuer's terms before departure.
That simple preparation can help you spend less time worrying about payment fees and more time enjoying the journey.