Travelling abroad can be exciting with new places, new cuisines, and new experiences to explore. But one thing many travellers dread is the hassle of foreign exchange, unpredictable conversion rates, and hidden charges when using a debit or credit card outside India. What if there were a way to make international payments as easy and cost-effective as local ones?
With Niyo Express, you get an innovative solution designed for modern Indian travellers. You get the convenience of “zero forex markup credit card” transactions and, in select cities, “24 hour card delivery”. In short: speed, simplicity, and savings, all rolled into one.
In this article, we explore how Niyo Express works, its benefits, why it’s ideal for globetrotters, and how it compares to traditional forex cards.
What is Niyo Express, and how does it work?
Niyo Express is part of Niyo’s global travel offering, a way for Indian travellers to get an international debit or credit card that works across the world, without the usual forex conversion charges. These cards are called “zero forex markup cards.”
Instead of preloading foreign currency or dealing with multiple forex accounts, Niyo lets you load money in Indian rupees (INR), and when you transact abroad, it automatically converts to the local currency using real-time exchange rates (i.e., the standard exchange rate used by the payment network). You simply pay exactly what you spend, with no extra forex markup that traditional international cards often apply.
Why “zero forex markup credit card” matters and how it saves you money?
Let’s see how a zero forex markup credit card can help you save money:
Eliminating hidden forex costs
Most standard debit or credit cards issued in India charge extra whenever you use them abroad. These fees, sometimes as high as 5%, are added on top of the standard currency conversion rate. That means a ₹ 1,00,000 purchase could actually cost ₹ 1,05,000 or more after forex markup.
But Niyo’s zero markup cards skip that extra fee altogether. You pay exactly based on the live exchange rate, thereby saving up to 5% on each international transaction.
That saving quickly adds up, especially on big spends like hotel bookings, flights, shopping, dining, or tuition/fees abroad. Over a long trip, or multiple trips, or frequent foreign transactions (e.g., overseas studies or remote work), those savings can be substantial.
Wide currency acceptance and global usability
Niyo cards aren’t limited to a handful of currencies. You can load INR and spend in 130+ currencies across over 180 countries.
Whether you’re withdrawing cash at an ATM in Bangkok, paying for groceries in London, booking a hotel in Dubai, or shopping online from a US retailer, your Niyo card works seamlessly. No need to carry multiple forex cards or maintain separate foreign currency wallets.
More than just payments, convenience, and control
Niyo isn’t just about cheaper forex. The card and app ecosystem brings a host of travel-friendly features:
- Instant loading: Add money in INR via UPI or bank transfer (IMPS / NEFT), funds are available immediately.
- Security and control: You can lock/unlock your card, set or reset PINs, block specific transaction channels (swipe, ATM, online), or block the entire card, all from the app.
- ATM withdrawals abroad: If you need cash, you can withdraw local currency abroad using the Niyo card.
- Lounge access at airports (optional): On certain spend thresholds abroad, users get complimentary access to international airport lounges.
- 24×7 in-app support: Helpful if you face issues during travel, even across time zones
All this makes Niyo a complete travel-finance companion, not just a card.
Why 24-hour card delivery makes a difference?
Let’s face it, travel plans can be spontaneous. Sometimes you book flights at the last minute, or realise you need a reliable international payment method just before departure. In such cases, the long turnaround time for traditional forex/travel cards can be a deal breaker.
This is where Niyo Express shines. In select metro cities, once you apply and complete KYC, Niyo promises to deliver your card within 24 hours.
What does that mean for you?
- You don’t have to plan weeks ahead to get a forex card.
- You avoid the rush at the last minute spent ordering online, waiting, or rushing to a branch.
- For students flying abroad for studies or travellers with an urgent trip, it offers crucial flexibility.
- Combined with zero markup benefits, you get cost-effective forex payments within a day of request.
In essence, 24-hour card delivery turns what used to be an “advance planning” chore into a simple, on-demand service.
Who should consider using Niyo Express, and when?
Niyo Express isn’t just for a niche few. It works particularly well for:
- Frequent travellers, including business travellers, holiday-makers, digital nomads, and students studying abroad.
- Last-minute travellers, who decide on trips on short notice and need a fast payment method abroad.
- Students going overseas for lower fees, easy currency conversion, and no need to juggle multiple forex wallets or cards.
- Online shoppers and e-commerce users for international online purchases, foreign subscriptions, and tuition/fee payments. Zero forex markup means you pay less.
- People want control and simplicity for those who prefer managing everything via an app: loading money, tracking spending, setting limits, blocking/unblocking, etc.
- Budget-conscious travellers, especially those who don’t want to pay extra fees every time they swipe or withdraw abroad.
If any of the above describes you, or if you value hassle-free travel finance, Niyo Express is a very strong candidate.
Things to keep in mind!
While Niyo Express brings many advantages, no solution is perfect. Here are a few things to be aware of:
- ATM withdrawal charges abroad: Though card swipes and online payments come with zero forex markup, international ATM withdrawals may incur charges.
- Spending thresholds for perks: Extra benefits such as lounge access abroad may require a minimum quarterly spend abroad (e.g., ₹50,000 or more).
- Check coverage and acceptance: While Niyo cards work across many currencies and countries, it’s prudent to check acceptance (especially in remote regions or smaller merchants).
- Maintain vigilance on TCS and tax regulations: For high foreign spends, tax-related regulations such as TCS (Tax Collected at Source) may apply, depending on relevant laws.
- Requirement to maintain minimum balance (in some variants): Some card variants waive maintenance fees if you maintain a minimum balance in linked savings or fixed deposit accounts.
Despite these, for most travellers, the benefits far outweigh the minor trade-offs.
Final thoughts: Travel smart, spend smart with Niyo Express
In an age where global travel and cross-border payments are increasingly common, you need financial tools that keep up with your pace. Niyo Express, with its zero forex markup cards and option of 24-hour delivery, offers exactly that, a travel-first payment solution built for convenience, transparency, and savings.
Whether you’re jetting off for a holiday, studying abroad, booking a hotel on a whim, or shopping online internationally, Niyo lets you handle your money exactly like you would back home. No hidden charges. No pre-conversions. No last-minute currency hassles.
If you value simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility, there is few better ways to “travel smart” than with a zero markup global payment card. And with Niyo Express, you don’t even need to plan weeks ahead: apply, get your card, and you’re ready to go, often within 24 hours.
So next time you pack your bags for London, Tokyo, Dubai, or Paris, don’t forget your Niyo card. Travel smart. Pay smart.
Get your Niyo card today!
Hello, I’m Kapil Kumar, a seasoned SEO expert and blogger at WinnersList.in. My mission is to spotlight exceptional individuals and organizations across various domains. Through curated lists, profiles, and inspiring stories, I aim to celebrate outstanding achievements and inspire the next generation of champions. Join me in this journey.