Thomas Cook India Launches Zero Markup Forex Card to Help Travellers Cut Overseas Payment Costs and Manage Currency Risk: What are the Other Playing in the Market

By: Tuhin Sarkar

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Thomas Cook India has relaunched its One Currency Card as the Zero Markup Forex Card, offering zero forex markup, zero cross-currency conversion charges and the ability to lock exchange rates before departure. The prepaid travel card is aimed at frequent international travellers seeking lower costs, greater transparency and protection against currency fluctuations while spending abroad.

Thomas Cook India Unveils Zero Markup Forex Card for International Travellers

As overseas travel continues to rebound and more Indian travellers head abroad for holidays, education, business and leisure, Thomas Cook India has introduced a redesigned foreign exchange solution focused on reducing transaction costs and simplifying international spending. The company has relaunched its One Currency Card as the Zero Markup Forex Card, introducing a combination of zero forex markup, zero cross-currency conversion charges and exchange rate protection for customers travelling overseas.

The launch comes at a time when international travellers are becoming increasingly conscious of hidden banking fees and fluctuating currency exchange rates that can significantly increase the overall cost of a trip. By removing several common charges associated with overseas payments, Thomas Cook India aims to offer a more transparent alternative to conventional international payment methods.

Why Has Thomas Cook India Introduced a Zero Markup Forex Card?

The company says today’s international travellers expect digital convenience alongside better value when managing foreign exchange before and during their journeys. Frequent travellers increasingly compare payment options based not only on exchange rates but also on additional charges that often remain unnoticed until transactions are completed.

The Zero Markup Forex Card has been developed to eliminate some of the most common costs associated with international spending. By removing forex markup charges during card loading and eliminating cross-currency conversion fees, Thomas Cook India is positioning the card as a cost-efficient payment solution for customers travelling across multiple destinations.

How Does the New Forex Card Help Travellers Save Money?

One of the primary advantages of the card is the removal of forex markup when customers purchase or reload foreign currency. This enables travellers to convert their money without paying an additional markup that is commonly applied on many international payment products.

The card also eliminates cross-currency conversion charges, allowing users to make purchases in currencies other than US dollars without paying extra conversion fees. This feature is particularly useful for travellers visiting multiple countries during a single trip, where transactions are often processed in different local currencies.

Protection Against Currency Volatility Adds Financial Certainty

Exchange rate fluctuations remain one of the biggest concerns for international travellers, particularly during periods of global economic uncertainty. Currency movements can quickly increase travel expenses if exchange rates change unfavourably after a trip has been planned.

Thomas Cook India’s prepaid forex card allows customers to load funds in US dollars before departure and lock the prevailing exchange rate. This provides travellers with greater certainty over their travel budgets while protecting them from unexpected depreciation of the Indian Rupee or appreciation of major international currencies during their journey.

Digital-First Distribution Targets Modern Travellers

Recognising the growing demand for digital financial services, Thomas Cook India has made the Zero Markup Forex Card available exclusively through its digital platforms. Customers can apply for and purchase the card using the company’s official website, mobile application, WhatsApp channel or call centre.

The company has also expanded accessibility by making the card available through Blinkit, reflecting the increasing preference among consumers for faster and more convenient digital purchasing options. This approach aligns with the changing habits of younger travellers who increasingly rely on online platforms for travel planning and financial services.

Additional Benefits Extend Beyond Foreign Exchange

Alongside cost savings, the Zero Markup Forex Card includes several features intended to improve the overall travel experience. Cardholders can receive 10% cashback on spending across selected international brands including McDonald’s, Starbucks, KFC, Grab, Uber, 7-Eleven and Careem.

The prepaid card also supports secure contactless payments through Google Pay’s Tap & Pay functionality, allowing travellers to make purchases without physically inserting their cards. This offers greater convenience while supporting the growing adoption of contactless payment systems worldwide.

Insurance and Emergency Assistance Provide Extra Security

International travel often involves unforeseen situations ranging from misplaced wallets to medical emergencies, making financial protection an important consideration for travellers. Thomas Cook India has therefore bundled additional support services with the Zero Markup Forex Card.

Customers receive complimentary insurance coverage worth up to ₹7,50,000, while emergency cash assistance is available if the card is lost or stolen during travel. The company also provides zero-cost replacement of lost cards, helping customers regain access to their travel funds with minimal disruption.

Accepted Across More Than 200 Countries

Global usability remains an important requirement for prepaid travel cards, especially for customers visiting several destinations on one itinerary. The Thomas Cook Zero Markup Forex Card is accepted in more than 200 countries and territories wherever Mastercard payment services are available.

This broad international acceptance allows travellers to use the same prepaid card across hotels, restaurants, retail stores, transport services and online purchases without carrying large amounts of cash or relying exclusively on traditional credit cards.

Thomas Cook India Highlights Focus on Customer Value

According to Deepesh Varma, Chief Business Officer – Foreign Exchange at Thomas Cook India Limited, international travellers have become increasingly price-conscious while expecting greater digital convenience. He said the Zero Markup Forex Card has been specifically designed to offer better control over overseas spending while protecting customers from unpredictable exchange rate movements.

He added that the initiative reinforces Thomas Cook India’s long-standing position as a specialist in foreign exchange services while reflecting the company’s continued emphasis on innovation, customer convenience and value-driven travel financial products.

Growing Demand for Smarter Travel Payment Solutions

As international tourism continues to expand, travellers are paying closer attention to the true cost of spending abroad, including hidden foreign exchange charges, currency conversion fees and fluctuating exchange rates. Prepaid forex cards that provide transparent pricing and predictable costs are becoming increasingly attractive alternatives to traditional debit and credit cards.

With the introduction of its Zero Markup Forex Card, Thomas Cook India is responding to this evolving demand by combining exchange rate protection, lower transaction costs, digital accessibility and additional travel benefits into a single payment solution aimed at making overseas travel more affordable and financially predictable.