HSBC Credit Cards Get 0% Forex Mark-Up on International Spends for a Limited Time

HSBC has officially rolled out its rewarding zero-forex promotion for credit cardholders in India. Under the limited-period offer, eligible HSBC credit cardholders can make foreign currency transactions without paying the usual foreign exchange mark-up fee between 15 August and 31 October 2026. This is a great offer by HSBC and will be especially rewarding for those traveling abroad during the offer period. Additionally, you can combine this offer with the ongoing Visa Power Travel offers for even more savings.

The offer is applicable to all valid HSBC Credit Cards held by existing Indian resident cardholders, although corporate credit cards are excluded.

0% Forex Mark-Up on International Transactions

During the offer period, HSBC will waive the foreign exchange mark-up fee on eligible international transactions made using its credit cards.

The offer applies to transactions made:

• At international merchant point-of-sale terminals
• Online in foreign currencies
• In any currency other than INR
• Using both primary and add-on HSBC credit cards

There is no minimum spending requirement mentioned in the terms and conditions. However, ATM cash withdrawals are specifically excluded from the offer.

The 0% forex mark-up promotion is valid from 15 August 2026 to 31 October 2026, both dates inclusive. The offer is also available over and above the existing rewards and benefits of the respective HSBC credit card.

GST and Other Charges Still Apply

While HSBC is waiving the foreign exchange mark-up fee, this does not mean that every charge associated with an international transaction disappears. The bank specifically states that the waiver does not cover GST, cross-border transaction fees charged by card networks, or other applicable regulatory charges and levies. Cardholders should also pay in the local currency when given the option overseas, rather than accepting dynamic currency conversion into INR.

Bottom Line

HSBC’s latest offer is a welcome development for cardholders planning international travel in the coming weeks. For a limited period, eligible HSBC credit cards can effectively be used for 0% forex mark-up on foreign currency purchases, while continuing to earn the card’s existing rewards.

The offer is currently live and will run until 31 October 2026, making it worth considering for upcoming international spends. This is especially relevant for cards such as the HSBC Live+, which offers cashback, dining benefits and more, and is available on the Visa Infinite network, making it eligible for the Visa Power Travel offer.

HSBC Live+ cardholders can therefore take advantage of zero forex markup along with Visa Power Travel offers. Additionally, eligible POS spends can unlock further benefits through Visa.

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