Thomas Cook India Launches Zero Markup Forex Card For International Travellers

For Indian travellers, the cost of an international holiday rarely ends with flight tickets and hotel bookings. Hidden foreign exchange markups, fluctuating currency rates and cross-currency conversion fees often add up long after the itinerary has been finalised. With outbound travel continuing to rise, payment solutions are becoming just as important as planning the trip itself.

Recognising this shift, Thomas Cook (India) has relaunched its One Currency Card as the Zero Markup Forex Card, introducing a prepaid forex card that eliminates both forex markup at the time of loading and cross-currency conversion charges. The company says the move is aimed at frequent international travellers looking for greater transparency and predictability in their overseas spending, while also protecting themselves from volatile exchange rates.

Smarter Spending Abroad

Unlike conventional international debit or credit cards that apply forex markup on every transaction, Thomas Cook's latest offering allows travellers to pre-load the card in US Dollars without any markup charges. Since the exchange rate is locked in before departure, travellers are shielded from currency fluctuations during their trip, an advantage at a time when global currencies have witnessed significant volatility.

The company has also removed cross-currency conversion charges, allowing travellers to make payments in currencies other than the US Dollar without paying additional conversion fees. Whether paying for a meal in Japan, shopping in Europe or booking transport in Southeast Asia, the card is designed to simplify transactions without the added worry of conversion costs.

The shift reflects changing travel habits among Indian consumers. International travellers today are increasingly digital-first and are paying closer attention to the overall cost of overseas spending rather than just airfare and accommodation. Transparent pricing and predictable expenses have become key considerations, especially for frequent flyers, students and business travellers.

Digital First Access

The Zero Markup Forex Card is available exclusively through Thomas Cook India's digital platforms, including its official website, the TC Pay mobile application, WhatsApp, the company's call centre and even Blinkit, marking a wider push towards digital convenience.

Beyond foreign exchange savings, the prepaid Mastercard comes with several travel-focused benefits. Travellers can receive up to 10 per cent cashback on eligible spends across popular global brands such as Starbucks, McDonald's, KFC, Uber, Grab, Careem, and 7-Eleven. The card also supports contactless payments through Google Pay's Tap & Pay feature, reducing the need to carry cash for everyday purchases abroad.

Security has also been factored into the offering. Cardholders receive complimentary insurance coverage of up to INR 7.5 lakh, along with emergency cash assistance and free replacement of the card if it is lost or stolen during an international trip. Since it operates on the Mastercard network, the card is accepted across more than 200 countries and territories.

The prepaid format also helps travellers stay within a planned budget by limiting spending to the amount loaded on the card, making it an attractive option for families, students travelling overseas and those looking to manage travel expenses more efficiently.

Travel Payments Evolve

The launch comes as India's outbound travel market continues to expand, bringing with it growing demand for financial products that are tailored specifically to international travel. While forex cards have long been preferred for carrying foreign currency, competition has increasingly shifted towards reducing transaction costs and adding digital convenience.

By removing two of the most common charges associated with overseas spending and allowing travellers to lock exchange rates before departure, Thomas Cook is positioning the Zero Markup Forex Card as an alternative to traditional international payment methods.

Founded in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) is one of the country's largest omnichannel travel services companies, with businesses spanning foreign exchange, leisure travel, corporate travel, MICE, visa services and hospitality. The Thomas Cook India Group operates across 28 countries and includes brands such as SOTC Travel, Sterling Holiday Resorts, SITA, Desert Adventures and Asian Trails, among others. The company is promoted by Fairfax Financial Holdings through Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited and continues to expand its portfolio of travel and financial services alongside India's growing appetite for international travel.

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