Low Forex Charges on International Transactions with Times Black

International transactions, whether while travelling, shopping online or paying for overseas services, should be quick and convenient. However, many cardholders end up paying more without even realising. One of the most overlooked costs is the forex markup fee, a charge applied to international transactions that can increase your cost.

While forex markup charges often go unnoticed, they can make a noticeable difference to your expenses. The Times Black Credit Card helps you avoid this with low forex markup, ensuring more of your money goes towards experiences and mindful purchases.

Offer Details

The Times Black Credit Card is designed to offer exceptional value on international transactions. With this credit card, you can enjoy a significantly reduced forex markup fee of just 1.49%.

The Times Black Credit Card offers more than transaction savings. It also rewards your everyday spends. You earn 2.5% reward points on all international transactions, including POS spends, online purchases in foreign currencies.

Offer Period

The forex markup benefit is available for all Times Black Credit cardholders, providing consistent value on international transactions. Unlike temporary promotions, this low forex structure supports your international lifestyle year-round.

How to Avail the Forex Markup Offer?

Taking advantage of the Times Black Credit Card's low forex markup benefit is simple. Generally, most credit cards charge around 3%-3.5% forex markup. However, as a Times Black Credit Cardholder, you only pay 1.49% forex markup. Not just that, you also get 2.5% reward points that are automatically applied to your eligible international transactions.

You do not need to use any code or call customer service. The card is pre-configured to give you these benefits the moment you use it.

Understanding Forex Markup Charges on Credit Cards

Whenever you use your credit card abroad, the amount is converted to the applicable currency through a foreign currency conversion process. The bank then adds the forex markup fee.

For example, if you make a $100 purchase using the Times Black Credit Card when the exchange rate is ₹83 per $, the transaction value would be ₹8,300. With a 1.49% forex markup, a markup of ₹123.67 would apply, along with applicable GST. At the same time, you would earn 2.5% rewards, equivalent to ₹207.50, on the transaction.

Difference Between Forex Markup Fee and Currency Conversion Fee

Many people confuse a forex markup fee with a currency conversion fee, but they are not the same.

A currency conversion fee is the cost of converting one currency into another. A forex markup fee, on the other hand, is an additional percentage charged by the card issuer over and above the applicable exchange rate.

Understanding Foreign Currency Conversion Fees on International Transactions

Whenever you make an international payment, the transaction amount is typically converted from the foreign currency into your card's billing currency (e.g., USD → INR) using the exchange rate determined by the card network or payment processor. A foreign currency conversion fee may also be applied to the transaction.

Since exchange rates and conversion-related charges can vary, the final amount billed to your card may differ slightly from the original purchase value.

Benefits of Low Forex Markup on International Credit Card Transactions

Choosing a credit card with low forex markup charges offers significant financial advantages, including:

• Substantial Savings - Lower forex markup charges mean you pay less on every international transaction. This leads to meaningful savings over time.
• Optimised Travel Budget - Lower forex charges ensure more of your travel budget goes towards experiences rather than transaction costs, letting you make the most of your money.
• Seamless Purchases - Low forex charges on credit cards make international transactions more convenient and predictable. Whether you are shopping online or spending abroad, you can make purchases with greater confidence and fewer concerns about additional costs.

Why Choose Times Black for International Transactions?

• Low Forex Markup - A 1.49% forex markup fee keeps forex rates relatively low, ensuring more cost-effective overseas spending.
• Reward Points - You earn 2.5% reward points on every forex transaction. This makes the Times Black Credit Card a net forex positive card compared to many zero forex markup cards that offer no rewards.
• Global Acceptance - The card offers worldwide acceptance through the Visa Infinite network, allowing you to make payments at merchants and access ATMs globally.
• Premium Travel Benefits - The Times Black Credit Card exclusive travel-oriented benefits such as lounge access, supporting a more comfortable travel experience.

Forex Markup Credit Card Offer FAQs

What Is Forex Markup and How Does It Work?

A forex markup is an additional fee that banks charge when you make a transaction in a foreign currency.

How does forex markup affect international credit card transactions?

It adds a percentage-based cost to every non-INR transaction. A lower markup ensures that the final amount you pay is much closer to the actual mid-market exchange rate.

Are foreign currency conversion fees charged on every international transaction?

Generally, yes, as these fees cover the complexity of cross-border money transfers. However, the rate at which they are charged varies significantly between card issuers.

Can forex credit cards help save money on international spending?

Yes. The Times Black Credit Card helps reduce international transaction costs through its low forex markup of 1.49%, helping cardholders save on overseas spending + Earn 2.5% Reward Points on all international transactions.

Are reward points earned on overseas spends?

While many credit cards offer no incentives for overseas use, the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card offers 2.5% reward points on all international transactions. These accumulated rewards provide a tangible return that effectively offsets the transaction costs.

How much can I save with a lower forex markup?

Savings depend on the forex markup and transaction value. For instance, if you are a Times Black Credit Card holder and make an international purchase of ₹1,00,000, you would pay a 1.49% forex markup, which is about ₹1,490. In comparison, a high forex markup of around 3.5% on many standard credit cards would cost approximately ₹3,500 for the same transaction.