Can I use my credit card in India?

From the iconic architecture of the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple to the bustling marketplaces of New Delhi, India has many awe-inspiring tourist destinations. But as you plan your trip, you may be wondering how you’ll pay for your stay, food, entertainment and other expenses. 

Fortunately, using a credit card in India can be a convenient option for much of your trip. Read on to learn more.

What you’ll learn:

• Credit cards are accepted throughout India, especially in large cities.
• There may be fees when using credit cards overseas. Capital One doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees. View important rates and disclosures.
• If you use a cash back or travel rewards card abroad, you could earn rewards on qualifying purchases.
• Carrying both a credit card and cash could help you ensure that you’re able to make purchases anywhere you go.

Credit cards are accepted in India, especially in large cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Visa® and Mastercard® are the most widely accepted credit card networks.

Some credit card issuers charge a foreign transaction fee anytime a cardholder uses their credit card to make a purchase abroad. The fee typically falls between 1% and 3% of the transaction’s total. And sometimes there’s an additional 1% currency conversion fee to offset the cost of converting local currency into your home currency to process the transaction.

Capital One doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees. View important rates and disclosures.

Another type of currency conversion fee is a dynamic currency conversion fee. It’s for an optional service merchants offer that converts the price of your goods in Indian rupees to dollars at the checkout. Thankfully, you can decline the service to avoid the fee.

Credit cards offer a few advantages over other payment methods. Here are some potential benefits you’ll experience when using your card.

Many credit card issuers offer security features for credit cards that can come in handy when you’re abroad. For example, if your Capital One card gets stolen, you can use the Capital One Mobile app and lock your card to prevent others from using it. Plus, Capital One offers $0 liability for unauthorized charges if your card is stolen.

The Capital One Mobile app can also help you keep track of your spending as you go, with real-time information about your transactions. This can make it easier for you to know that you’re sticking to your trip’s budget.

If you have a rewards credit card, you can continue to earn rewards on your eligible purchases when you’re traveling in India.

Considering all the benefits of using credit cards abroad and that they’re widely accepted throughout India, you might prefer to use them whenever you’re able. But you also might want to consider carrying rupees in case you encounter a situation that calls for cash.

Keep in mind that in the event of loss or theft, you may not have a way to recover cash. But a stolen card can be locked. And with a Capital One card, you won’t be liable for unauthorized charges.

Here are some frequently asked questions about using credit cards in India:

Credit cards are widely accepted and can be a convenient way to pay while traveling throughout India. Plus, if you use a Capital One rewards credit card on your travels, you could continue earning rewards on the purchases you make.

Learn more about Capital One’s travel rewards cards. You could earn unlimited rewards you can redeem to help cover the cost of flights, hotels, rental cars and more.