Whenever I travel internationally, I carefully choose a few credit and debit cards to carry with me — and one card that always makes the cut is the Niyo Global Card.
To be honest, it’s not my primary card, but definitely a trusted backup. I have access to a few premium cards that offer better benefits, but they’re not easy to get — some require high relationship value, or maintaining a hefty balance. The Niyo Global Card, on the other hand, is accessible, affordable, and still packs a punch in terms of value.
In fact, if I didn’t already have the Pioneer Debit Card, I would happily use the Niyo Global Card as my primary international debit card.
That said, this isn’t really a downside — most Indian banks charge international ATM fees anyway.
Forex Card vs. Niyo Global Card — What’s Better and Why I Prefer Niyo
A lot of people will question me — "Why not just use a Forex Card instead of the Niyo Global Card?"
Well, here's a quick comparison based on my personal experience and why I always prefer the Niyo Global Card when traveling abroad:
1. With Niyo, your card is linked to a savings account (SBM or DCB), and in the case of SBM Niyo, you can earn up to 7.5% interest on your balance.
With a typical Forex Card? Nothing. Your money just sits there earning zero.
2. Adding money to your Niyo Global Card is fast, easy, and free — via UPI, NEFT, or IMPS.
With Forex Cards, most banks charge a loading fee, and the process is often slower and more complicated.
3. Came back from your trip with some leftover balance? Just transfer the money back to your main account from your Niyo card — no paperwork, no waiting.
With Forex Cards, you usually have to visit a bank branch, fill out a refund form or they might ask you to send an email, and sometimes pay a fee just to get your own money back.
4. You can get a Niyo Global Card for free (with basic balance conditions).
But for a decent Forex Card, you might have to shell out anywhere between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 as joining or annual fees.
5. The entire Niyo Global Card onboarding process is 100% digital. You can get the card from your phone, sitting at home.
In contrast, most Forex Cards require you to visit the bank, submit documents, and wait days before getting your card.
Now, to be fair — Forex Cards do have one advantage:
They let you hold funds in foreign currency (usually USD), which can protect you from currency fluctuation or INR devaluation in the future.
But honestly, that benefit alone doesn’t justify all the extra fees, delays, and hassles involved.
Let me quickly share a real-life example: during my trip to Kazakhstan in September 2024, almost all my other debit cards failed for one reason or another. But guess what? It was the Niyo Global Card that came to the rescue and saved the day. I’ll share the full story sometime soon, but that moment alone was enough to convince me of its importance as a travel essential.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a student living abroad, a freelancer making international payments, or someone who simply doesn’t own a zero markup credit card — the Niyo Global Card is a no-brainer.
It’s easy to get, secure, and actually helps you save on every foreign transaction — no hidden surprises, just real value.
If you travel or spend internationally and want to avoid unnecessary fees, go ahead and try it out — you won’t regret it.
Download the Niyo Global app using https://www.technofino.in/takeme/niyo-global
And don’t forget to use the referral code: FINO250 — you’ll get 2,500 Niyo Coins, worth ₹250, as a welcome bonus!
To be honest, it’s not my primary card, but definitely a trusted backup. I have access to a few premium cards that offer better benefits, but they’re not easy to get — some require high relationship value, or maintaining a hefty balance. The Niyo Global Card, on the other hand, is accessible, affordable, and still packs a punch in terms of value.
My Card Strategy When Traveling Abroad
Here’s how I manage spending while overseas:- Primary Spending: I prefer using credit cards that charge zero forex markup fees. It’s simple, efficient, and you often earn reward points too.
- Cash Payments: If a merchant doesn’t accept cards, I use cash, which I withdraw using debit cards that don’t charge forex markup fees.
Why Niyo Global Card Is a Great Backup (and Sometimes Even a Primary Card)
The Niyo Global Card is among the best-known zero forex markup debit cards in India. It’s especially helpful because:- You don’t need to maintain any minimum balance in your linked account.
- Even if you don’t use it regularly, you won’t be hit with hidden charges.
In fact, if I didn’t already have the Pioneer Debit Card, I would happily use the Niyo Global Card as my primary international debit card.
Key Benefits of the Niyo Global Card
- Zero Forex Markup Fees
Most debit cards charge ~3.5% extra when you transact in a foreign currency. Niyo Global charges nothing extra— you pay exactly what you spend. - No Minimum Balance Requirement
You get a linked zero-balance savings account (with SBM or DCB Bank, your choice) that you can manage entirely via the Niyo app. - Instant Top-Up Flexibility
Need to use the card? Simply transfer funds via UPI, NEFT, or IMPS from your primary bank to the Niyo-linked account — quick and easy. - Built-In Security Features
The Niyo app lets you instantly block/unblock your card with just one tap. When traveling, that’s a huge plus. I personally unblock the card just before use and block it again right after — a neat layer of protection.
Also, unlike your primary bank debit card, here you can load only the amount you need, reducing your exposure if something goes wrong. - TCS Rules
Normal TCS (Tax Collected at Source) rules apply to this debit card, as with any other international debit transaction.
A Small Caveat: ATM Fees
You’ll be charged an ATM withdrawal fee of ₹423 + GST per transaction, so it’s better to withdraw a larger amount in one go to save on charges.That said, this isn’t really a downside — most Indian banks charge international ATM fees anyway.
Forex Card vs. Niyo Global Card — What’s Better and Why I Prefer Niyo
A lot of people will question me — "Why not just use a Forex Card instead of the Niyo Global Card?"
Well, here's a quick comparison based on my personal experience and why I always prefer the Niyo Global Card when traveling abroad:
1. With Niyo, your card is linked to a savings account (SBM or DCB), and in the case of SBM Niyo, you can earn up to 7.5% interest on your balance.
With a typical Forex Card? Nothing. Your money just sits there earning zero.
2. Adding money to your Niyo Global Card is fast, easy, and free — via UPI, NEFT, or IMPS.
With Forex Cards, most banks charge a loading fee, and the process is often slower and more complicated.
3. Came back from your trip with some leftover balance? Just transfer the money back to your main account from your Niyo card — no paperwork, no waiting.
With Forex Cards, you usually have to visit a bank branch, fill out a refund form or they might ask you to send an email, and sometimes pay a fee just to get your own money back.
4. You can get a Niyo Global Card for free (with basic balance conditions).
But for a decent Forex Card, you might have to shell out anywhere between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 as joining or annual fees.
5. The entire Niyo Global Card onboarding process is 100% digital. You can get the card from your phone, sitting at home.
In contrast, most Forex Cards require you to visit the bank, submit documents, and wait days before getting your card.
Now, to be fair — Forex Cards do have one advantage:
They let you hold funds in foreign currency (usually USD), which can protect you from currency fluctuation or INR devaluation in the future.
But honestly, that benefit alone doesn’t justify all the extra fees, delays, and hassles involved.
TechnoFino Opinion:
That’s exactly why I always make space for the Niyo Global Card in my wallet when I travel abroad.Let me quickly share a real-life example: during my trip to Kazakhstan in September 2024, almost all my other debit cards failed for one reason or another. But guess what? It was the Niyo Global Card that came to the rescue and saved the day. I’ll share the full story sometime soon, but that moment alone was enough to convince me of its importance as a travel essential.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a student living abroad, a freelancer making international payments, or someone who simply doesn’t own a zero markup credit card — the Niyo Global Card is a no-brainer.
It’s easy to get, secure, and actually helps you save on every foreign transaction — no hidden surprises, just real value.
If you travel or spend internationally and want to avoid unnecessary fees, go ahead and try it out — you won’t regret it.
Download the Niyo Global app using https://www.technofino.in/takeme/niyo-global
And don’t forget to use the referral code: FINO250 — you’ll get 2,500 Niyo Coins, worth ₹250, as a welcome bonus!
