AU Bank has quietly positioned itself as a go-to for travellers from India — offering credit cards that combine reasonable forex charges, travel perks, and flexible digital payments. If you travel abroad or shop from international sites, some AU cards now make it simpler.
What Works
- The ixigo AU Credit Card (from AU Bank) is advertised with zero forex-markup fee for international transactions — meaning no added “forex surcharge” over exchange-rate conversions.
- The card also offers travel-friendly perks: 1 complimentary international airport lounge access annually + 16 domestic airport / railway lounge visits per year. Good for frequent flyers / multi-city travels.
- AU Bank’s travel-/lifestyle-oriented credit cards include the AU Zenith+ Credit Card, which — especially for some versions — has been quoted with lower-than-average forex markup (e.g. 0.99%) compared to many cards where the fee can be 2–4% or more.
- In addition to forex-friendly features, AU cards often come with useful travel-related benefits: lounge access, fuel surcharge waiver, reward points, EMI on purchases abroad/online — which helps make trips and international transactions more cost-efficient.
What to Watch — Not All AU Cards Are Equal
- Forex-markup charges vary widely among AU Bank cards. Some standard cards carry high fees (e.g. 3.49% or more), so you need to check which variant you hold before relying on “travel-friendly” claims.
- Lounge-access and other perks often come with conditions — minimum spend thresholds, select lounge lists, and may require advance booking.
- As with any credit card, foreign-currency transactions may involve exchange-rate conversion and foreign-transaction taxes/fees beyond just the card’s markup fee.
Who Should Consider AU Bank Cards
- Frequent travellers (domestic + international) — to save on forex fees + enjoy lounge/comfort perks.
- People who shop internationally (online stores, overseas brands) — for lower fees on foreign spends.
- First-time or budget-conscious card users — because some AU cards offer a good balance of travel perks vs reasonable costs.
- Travelers who want flexibility: a mix of “domestic use + occasional international trips” — AU’s range covers both ends if you pick the right variant.