Choose from Forex Cards That Keep Your Money Safe on Every Trip

A forex card is a prepaid travel card that lets you load foreign currency securely before travelling abroad and use the balance for eligible international payments and cash withdrawals. Thomas Cook offers forex cards for different travel requirements, including leisure travel, overseas education, multi-country trips, and business travel.

What is a Forex card?

A forex card is a prepaid travel card that lets you load the foreign currency you need online before you travel abroad. You can use it at supported international merchant outlets, for eligible online payments, and at international ATMs.

It works much like a debit card, but the amount you spend comes from the foreign currency balance loaded onto the card.

A forex card is also commonly called a forex prepaid card, prepaid travel card, or travel card.

Thomas Cook offers various card options to suit your travel requirements. Its Borderless Prepaid Multi-Currency Card supports multiple currencies, while the One Currency Card is designed around USD loading.

Why choose a Thomas Cook Forex Card?

Accepted globally across millions of Mastercard merchant outlets in 200+ countries

Multiple card options for leisure, study, and business travel

Load foreign currency in advance and plan your travel spending

Secure EMV chip and PIN protection

Transaction alerts through SMS and email

Card blocking support if your card is lost or misplaced

Emergency replacement support is available for eligible cards and locations

Doorstep delivery or branch pick-up options

Reload your card when you need additional funds while travelling

How Does a Forex Card Work?

Using a forex card involves three basic steps:

Choose your card and currency: Select the Thomas Cook card that suits your destination and travel purpose. 

Load foreign currency: Convert your INR into the required foreign currency and load the amount onto your card before travelling. 

Use it abroad: Make eligible payments at supported merchant outlets or withdraw local currency from supported ATMs. 

For a multi-currency card, you can load the supported currencies you need for your trip. Thomas Cook's Borderless Prepaid Multi-Currency Card supports up to 28 currencies. 

You can also reload eligible Thomas Cook forex cards if you need additional funds during your trip.

In simple terms:
Load → Travel → Spend → Reload when required.

When Should You Use a Forex Card?

A forex card can be useful when you are travelling abroad and need a convenient way to manage your travel funds.

You can consider one if you are:

• Travelling abroad for leisure. 
• Visiting multiple countries. 
• Studying overseas. 
• Travelling for business. 
• Making regular international payments. 

Looking for an alternative to carrying large amounts of cash. 

The right card depends on your trip. For example, a student travelling abroad for education may need different features from someone travelling across several countries.

Benefits of a Prepaid Forex Card

A prepaid forex card lets you carry your travel funds in a dedicated card instead of carrying a large amount of physical foreign currency.

1. Safer Than Carrying Large Amounts of Cash

Carrying large amounts of cash can increase the risk of loss or theft. A forex card provides another way to carry your travel funds. If your Thomas Cook card is lost or misplaced, you can contact the card support team to block it.

Thomas Cook also provides emergency replacement support for eligible cards and locations. The card balance is separate from your primary bank account, so your regular bank balance is not directly exposed when you use the card abroad.

Pro tip: Save your card support details separately from your wallet. If you lose your wallet, you should still be able to access the details needed to report the card.

2. Convenient International Payments

A Thomas Cook travel card can be used at supported international merchant outlets and ATMs.

You can use it for eligible expenses such as:

• Shopping 
• Dining 
• Hotel payments 
• Online purchases 
• Local transport and other travel expenses 

Thomas Cook forex cards also provide transaction alerts through SMS and email, helping you keep track of card usage.

3. Competitive Exchange Rates

When you load a forex card, you purchase the foreign currency at the applicable exchange rate at that time.

For cards that allow you to preload a foreign currency, this means you know the rate applicable when you make the purchase rather than converting INR every time you make a payment abroad.

Thomas Cook's One Currency Card is positioned with zero risk of currency fluctuation, zero cross-currency conversion charges, and locked-in rates, subject to the applicable card terms.

Pro tip: Don't compare forex cards only by looking for a “zero markup” or “zero fee” claim. Check the exchange rate and the complete fee structure for the card.

4. Easy Reloads While Travelling

Your travel budget can change once you are abroad. You may extend your trip, spend more than planned, or simply need additional funds. Eligible Thomas Cook forex cards can be reloaded while travelling through the available reload facilities.

Before you travel, check the reload process and applicable limits for your card.

Find the Best Forex Card for International Travel

There is no single best forex card for every traveller.

• The right card depends on:
• Your destination 
• Number of countries you are visiting 
• Currencies required 
• Purpose of travel 
• Expected spending 
• Reload requirements 
• Card charges 
• Additional benefits you may need 
• Thomas Cook offers four key card options for different requirements.

Thomas Cook Forex Cards

Thomas Cook offers different prepaid forex cards for different travel requirements. Compare the options before choosing your card.

Thomas Cook recommends cards based on factors such as your travel purpose and destination. Your final card selection depends on the details of your transaction.

One Currency Card (Zero Markup Forex Card)

The One Currency Card is designed for travellers who prefer to load USD and use the card for international spending.

Thomas Cook currently positions this card with:

Zero cross-currency conversion 

Lounge access at Indian airports 

Emergency cash assistance 

Zero currency fluctuation through locked-in rates 

Surcharge-free withdrawals at applicable All Point ATMs 

The card is suitable for travellers who want a USD-based forex card for international spending. 

Borderless Prepaid Multi-Currency Card

The Borderless Prepaid Multi-Currency Card is designed for travellers who need multiple currencies for international travel.

Thomas Cook currently states that the card supports up to 28 currencies. It also offers travel-related benefits such as international airport lounge access, international SIM connectivity, airport meet-and-greet/porter services, no currency fluctuations, easy reloading, and comprehensive insurance.

It can be particularly useful when your itinerary covers multiple countries using different currencies.

Study Buddy Card

The Study Buddy Card is designed for students travelling abroad for higher education.

Thomas Cook lists features such as:

Free International Student Identity Card (ISIC) 

One free replacement

International SIM card 

Lounge access at Indian airports 

Insurance coverage 

The card is designed to support students managing expenses while studying overseas. 

EnterpriseFX Card

The EnterpriseFX Card is designed for corporate and business travellers.

Thomas Cook currently lists benefits such as:

International SIM card 

Lounge access at international airports in India 

Free Youth Card 

ATM cash withdrawal benefits 

Eco-friendly card made using recycled material 

It is intended for businesses and professionals managing international travel requirements. 

Compare ThomasCook Forex Cards:

Choosing a forex card becomes easier when you compare the features that matter for your trip.

Feature	One Currency Card	Borderless Travel Card
Best suited for	International travel and students	Leisure and multi-country travel
Currency	USD	Multiple supported currencies
International acceptance	Yes	Yes
Lounge access	Indian airports	International airports in India
International SIM	—	Yes
Student benefits	Yes	—
Business travel features	—	—

Features and benefits are subject to the applicable card variant, terms, and conditions.

Digital facilities for all ThomasCook Forex Cards:

Thomas Cook provides digital and self-service facilities for managing eligible forex card services. Depending on your card and service, you may be able to:

Reload your forex card when you need additional funds while travelling

Check your card balance and transaction details through the available card-management facilities

Receive transaction alerts through SMS and email to keep track of card usage

Access card support services if your card is lost, misplaced or requires assistance

Specific digital features may vary depending on the card variant and service. Check the applicable Thomas Cook card facilities before travelling.

Pro tip: Thomas Cook forex cards also provide transaction alerts through SMS and email, helping you keep track of card usage and identify transactions you do not recognise.

Forex Card vs Currency Notes: Which Is Better?

A forex card and foreign currency cash can both be useful during international travel. The better option depends on how and where you plan to spend.

For many travellers, carrying a forex card along with some local currency provides flexibility.

Safety and Security

A forex card can reduce the need to carry large amounts of physical currency. Thomas Cook cards use EMV chip and PIN protection. If the card is lost, it can be blocked through the applicable support process. Transaction alerts can also help you monitor card activity. Cash does not offer these card-based security features.

Convenience and Acceptance

A forex card can be used at supported international POS terminals, online merchants, and ATMs. Cash can be useful where card payments are unavailable, but carrying a large amount of currency can be inconvenient.

Pro tip: Carry some local currency even if most of your travel budget is on a forex card. It gives you a payment option when a merchant does not accept cards or when you need a small cash payment.

Reloading and Managing Travel Funds

A forex card allows you to manage a dedicated travel balance. Eligible Thomas Cook cards can be reloaded if you need additional funds while travelling. You can also monitor transactions through the available card management and alert facilities. 

Thomas Cook also offers a card-and-cash combination for eligible purchases, allowing you to split your foreign exchange requirement between the card and physical currency.

Pro tip: Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) when using your forex card abroad. At some ATMs or POS terminals, you may be asked whether you want to pay in your home currency (INR) or the local currency. If you choose INR, the ATM or merchant may apply its own currency conversion rate or additional charges. When given the choice, select the local currency for the transaction. For example, choose EUR when paying in euros rather than INR.

The exact wording of the DCC option can vary by ATM or merchant. Check the amount and currency shown on the screen before confirming the transaction.

Eligibility and Documents Required for a Forex Card

You need to meet the applicable foreign exchange and KYC requirements to purchase a forex card. The documents required can depend on your travel purpose and the nature of your transaction.

Who Can Apply for a Forex Card?

Thomas Cook offers forex cards for eligible Indian residents travelling internationally for purposes such as:

• Leisure 
• Education 
• Business 
• Other eligible travel purposes 

The transaction remains subject to applicable RBI, FEMA, KYC and foreign exchange requirements.

Documents Required to Apply:

Depending on your transaction, you may need:

• Valid passport 
• PAN 
• Visa, where applicable 
• Confirmed air ticket or travel itinerary 
• Basic Travel Quota Form (BTQF) 
• KYC documents 
• Other supporting documents, depending on your travel purpose 
• The exact documents required can vary.

Additional Documents for Specific Travel Purposes:
Your travel purpose can determine the additional documents required.

Students: Education-related documents may be required to establish the purpose of the foreign exchange transaction.

Business travellers: Additional business-related documentation may be required.

Leisure travellers: Passport, travel documents and visa-related documents may be required, where applicable.

Check the documentation applicable to your transaction before placing your order.

How to Apply for a Thomas Cook Forex Card Online?

You can buy forex cards online through Thomas Cook by selecting the appropriate card and completing the required KYC and payment process.

Choose the Right Forex Card:

Start by selecting the card based on your travel purpose:

International travel / USD spending: One Currency Card 

Multi-country travel: Borderless Prepaid Multi-Currency Card 

Study abroad: Study Buddy Card 

Business travel: EnterpriseFX Card

Thomas Cook's online card selection process also uses your travel details to provide a tailored card recommendation. 

Complete Your Details and KYC:

Enter your personal and travel details and complete the required KYC process. Upload the applicable documents, such as your passport, PAN, and travel documents.

Make Payment and Submit Your Application:

Review your currency, amount, exchange rate, and applicable charges before making the payment. Thomas Cook provides online payment options for its forex services. Once the required information, documents, and payment have been submitted, your application can move to processing.

Get Your Card Delivered or Pick It Up:

Thomas Cook offers delivery and branch collection options, depending on the service available at your location. Once you receive your card, follow the applicable activation instructions before using it abroad.

How to get a forex card?

You can get a Thomas Cook prepaid forex card online or from a physical Thomas Cook branch.

Buy Forex Cards Online from Thomas Cook:

• You can buy forex cards online through the Thomas Cook foreign exchange platform.
• The process involves:
• Selecting your card. 
• Choosing the required currency and amount. 
• Providing your personal and travel details. 
• Completing KYC. 
• Uploading the required documents. 
• Making the payment. 
• Receiving or collecting your card. 
• Thomas Cook also provides an online forex quote facility. 

Multicurrency and Study Buddy Cards are also available on Blinkit:

Thomas Cook also lists selected forex cards, including multicurrency and Study Buddy options, through Blinkit in applicable locations. Availability can vary by location and product. Check the card and delivery options available for your location before ordering.

Get Your Forex Card from a Physical Branch:

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can visit a Thomas Cook branch. The team can help you understand the available card options, documentation, and applicable foreign exchange requirements.

Forex Card Charges and Fees

Forex card charges can vary based on the card and transaction.

Before choosing a card, check:

• Issuance charges 
• Reload charges 
• ATM withdrawal charges 
• Currency conversion charges 
• Cross-currency charges 
• Replacement charges 
• Other applicable fees and taxes 

Thomas Cook currently states that its prepaid cards have zero issuance and reload fees and no annual maintenance charges. Other transaction-related charges may apply based on the card and service. 

Issuance and Reload Charges

Thomas Cook currently states that there are no issuance or reload fees for its forex cards. However, other charges or applicable taxes may apply depending on the transaction. Check the applicable terms before making your purchase.

ATM Withdrawal and Balance Inquiry Charges

You can withdraw local currency from supported international ATMs using an eligible Thomas Cook forex card. ATM withdrawal and balance inquiry charges can vary by card and transaction. The overseas ATM operator may also charge an additional fee.

Pro tip: Before withdrawing cash abroad, check the ATM screen for any operator fee. You may be able to cancel the transaction before the withdrawal is completed.

Currency Conversion and Other Applicable Charges

Currency conversion charges depend on the card and transaction. Thomas Cook's One Currency Card is positioned with zero cross-currency conversion charges when USD is loaded and spent in another currency, subject to the applicable terms. 

When comparing a zero forex card or a zero-markup forex card, check which specific charge the “zero” claim refers to.

Is the Thomas Cook Forex Card Safe?

Yes. Thomas Cook forex cards include security features designed to protect your card and travel funds during international transactions.

These include EMV chip technology, PIN protection, transaction alerts, and card-blocking support. Thomas Cook states that its cards are issued through authorised banking partners and follow applicable RBI and FEMA requirements. 

1. EMV Chip and PIN Protection:

Thomas Cook forex cards use EMV chip technology and PIN protection. The chip helps protect against certain types of counterfeit card fraud, while your PIN provides an additional layer of authentication for applicable transactions.

2. Instant Card Blocking and Replacement Support:

If you lose your forex card, contact Thomas Cook card support immediately to block the card. Emergency replacement support may be available depending on your card, location, and applicable terms.

3. Real-Time Transaction Alerts:

Thomas Cook provides transaction alerts through SMS and email. These alerts help you monitor transactions and identify any activity you do not recognise. If you see an unauthorised transaction, contact the card support team immediately.

4. RBI and FEMA-Compliant Issuance:

Thomas Cook forex cards are issued through authorised banking partners and are subject to applicable RBI and FEMA requirements. Foreign exchange transactions are also subject to applicable regulatory limits, KYC requirements, and documentation.

Latest Offers on Thomas Cook Forex Cards

Thomas Cook periodically provides offers and benefits on its forex cards.

Current offers can include benefits such as vouchers, travel offers, airport services and other promotional benefits, depending on the card and purchase channel.

Offers can change, so check the applicable offer, validity period and terms at the time of purchase.