OneCard charges a 1% forex markup on international transactions. But there is a free pass in the app that offsets that 1% with instant reward points — making the effective cost of OneCard's markup zero. Here is exactly how it works, what taxes still apply, and what to do before your next trip abroad.
The International Pass is a free, opt-in feature available inside the OneCard app under Rewards → Passes. When activated, it enables a 1% reward points valueback on all international transactions — effectively offsetting OneCard's standard 1% forex markup on every foreign currency spend.
It is not a permanent feature built into the card by default. You need to actively activate it each time — the duration of the pass changes periodically, so always check the current validity window in the app. Think of it as a recurring free offer that OneCard makes available to cardholders.
Activating the International Pass and enabling international transactions are completely separate actions. The Pass gives you the forex valueback benefit. The international transaction toggle in your card controls must also be switched on separately — otherwise your card will be declined abroad regardless of the Pass being active.
On a ₹10,000 equivalent international transaction with the Pass active, here is exactly what happens:
The reward points are credited instantly at the moment of the transaction — you do not need to wait for the billing cycle to close. You will see them appear in your rewards balance immediately after the transaction goes through.
Only OneCard's 1% forex markup is offset by the reward points. The applicable taxes charged on that markup — such as GST in India, or local taxes in regions like the GCC — are not refunded and remain your cost. The exact tax amount varies by region and transaction. Check your statement after your first international transaction to see the tax line item applied.
Do both of these steps before you travel. They are independent of each other and both are required.
The International Pass duration changes periodically — OneCard updates the validity window on a rolling basis. It could be a month, a few weeks, or tied to a specific promotional period. The current validity is always shown clearly when you view the Pass in the app.
Do not assume the Pass is still active from a previous activation. Check Rewards → Passes every time before an international trip to confirm it is currently active and has not expired. Reactivation is free and takes under a minute.
Periodically, OneCard runs additional targeted offers on international spends — such as cashback on reaching a certain spend threshold abroad. When these run simultaneously with the International Pass, you can benefit from both: the forex markup offset from the Pass, plus the additional cashback or rewards from the spend offer.
These are targeted offers — not every cardholder gets them at the same time. Check the Offers section in the app before your trip to see what is currently available to you.
International Pass active (0% net markup) + targeted spend offer active (additional cashback) = you are effectively being rewarded for spending abroad, not penalised. This is genuinely rare among Indian credit cards, especially on a lifetime-free metal card.
Activate the International Pass from Rewards → Passes in the OneCard app. It is free. Once active, OneCard charges the standard 1% forex markup but instantly credits 1% back as reward points — making the net forex cost on OneCard's markup effectively 0%. Note that applicable taxes on the markup are not refunded.
Yes. The International Pass is completely free to activate in the app under Rewards → Passes. There is no fee, and no reward points are deducted.
Yes — these are two separate steps. The International Pass gives you the forex valueback benefit. The international transaction toggle in your card controls must also be switched on separately. Without it, your card will be declined at any foreign merchant.
The validity period changes periodically. Always check the current duration shown in the app before your trip. Reactivation is free and takes under a minute.
No. Only OneCard's 1% forex markup is offset by the 1% reward points valueback. Applicable taxes on the markup — such as GST in India or local taxes in the GCC — are not refunded and remain your cost.
Instantly — at the moment of the transaction. You do not need to wait for the billing cycle to close.