Financial

Niyo Global Zero Forex Card

Travel light, pay right with zero forex markup on international transactions. Our travel-card service has moved to the Niyo Global Zero Forex Card (we previously offered the Thomas Cook Borderless Multi-Currency Card), with zero forex markup and acceptance in 180+ countries. TCS on outward remittances is 2% on education spends (down from 5%) above the Rs 10 lakh per-year threshold from 1 April 2026, and zero on education-loan-funded remittances.

View benefits

What you get

Zero forex markup

Pay 0% markup on all international transactions. Only the standard VISA exchange rates apply, saving you 3 to 5% on every purchase.

Global acceptance

Use in 180+ countries and 130+ currencies. Widely accepted at all VISA-enabled merchants, ATMs, and online platforms worldwide.

Load in INR

Add money in Indian Rupees. No need to pre-convert to foreign currency. Conversion happens only at the time of transaction.

Lower TCS in 2026

TCS on outward remittances under LRS is now 2% on education spends (down from 5%) and only kicks in above Rs 10 lakh per year. Forex-card loads and international debit-card spend count toward that threshold; international credit-card spend made while overseas is carved out by Income Tax guidance. Education-loan-funded remittances are exempt from TCS entirely.

Earn interest

Earn up to 8% interest per annum on your Niyo digital savings account balance, making your money work for you while you travel.

Easy money management

Withdraw or transfer unused money back to your account in INR without conversion fees. Instant notifications for all transactions.

Pricing

Niyo sets the card fees: the DCB Niyo debit card has no joining or annual fee, and the new DCB Niyo Secured Credit Card (launching now) is lifetime free with no paperwork or credit check. The only ongoing charge is the international ATM withdrawal fee of about Rs 423 + GST per cash pull, so use the card for taps and reserve ATM trips for big-ticket needs. No MS in Germany markup is added.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Apply for the card

    Fill out the request form. Our team will contact you to guide you through the application process.

  2. Step 2

    Download the Niyo app

    Install the Niyo app and register with your details. Verify your identity with PAN and Aadhaar.

  3. Step 3

    Choose your card

    Pick the DCB Niyo debit card (the default for most students) or the new DCB Niyo Secured Credit Card if you want a lifetime-free credit card with free international lounge access.

  4. Step 4

    Complete video KYC

    Finish the verification process with a simple video KYC procedure to confirm your identity.

  5. Step 5

    Receive your card

    Your physical card is delivered to your address within 3 to 5 business days.

  6. Step 6

    Load money and travel

    Add funds to your card in INR via UPI or bank transfer. You are now ready to use it worldwide with zero forex markup.

Service request

Apply for the Niyo Global Zero Forex Card

Fill in your details and our team will guide you through the Niyo Global setup, KYC, and card delivery.

Frequently asked questions

What is a zero forex markup card?
A zero forex markup card is an international debit or credit card that doesn’t charge any additional markup fees on foreign currency transactions. When you use the Niyo Global Zero Forex Card abroad, you’ll only pay the actual VISA exchange rate without any extra charges that traditional cards typically add (usually 3-5% of the transaction amount).
How do I apply for the Niyo Global Zero Forex Card?
The application process is simple: 1) Fill out the request form on our website, 2) Our team will contact you to guide you through the Niyo app download and registration, 3) Complete your KYC verification with PAN and Aadhaar, 4) Choose your preferred card type, 5) Complete video KYC, and 6) Receive your card within 5 days.
Does the card work in Germany and other European countries?
Yes, the Niyo Global Zero Forex Card works in 180+ countries worldwide, including Germany and all European countries. It supports transactions in 130+ currencies and is widely accepted at all VISA-enabled merchants, ATMs, and online platforms.
Do I need to convert my money to Euros before loading the card?
No, that’s one of the key benefits of the Niyo card. You simply load Indian Rupees (INR) onto your card. The currency conversion happens automatically only at the time of transaction at the prevailing VISA exchange rates with zero markup. Any unused money remains in INR and can be withdrawn without conversion fees.
Are there any Tax Collected at Source (TCS) charges on foreign transactions?
From 1 April 2026 the LRS TCS threshold rose to Rs 10 lakh per individual per year (was Rs 7 lakh), and the rate on education and medical remittances dropped to 2% (was 5%). Forex-card loads and international debit-card spend count toward that Rs 10 lakh aggregate; international credit-card spend made while overseas is carved out by Income Tax guidance. If your tuition wire is funded by a recognised education loan, that leg attracts zero TCS. TCS is recoverable as a credit against your income-tax liability when you file your return.
What does the international ATM withdrawal cost on the Niyo Global card?
About Rs 423 plus GST per international ATM withdrawal on the DCB Niyo debit card. Some creator videos quote Rs 250 to Rs 280, but that figure is from the older SBM-issued product and is stale; the live DCB-issued card uses the Rs 423 figure. Use the card for taps and POS as your default, and reserve cash withdrawals for cases where merchants do not accept card.