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Travel Card FAQs

Basic Information

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What is a Forex Prepaid Card?

A Forex Prepaid Card (also known as Travel Card) is a reloadable Card that lets you load foreign currency onto it. It can be used abroad for retail purchases, ATM cash withdrawals and online transactions. It offers security, convenience and better control as compared to carrying cash.

What is a Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card?

A Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card is single Prepaid Card that holds multiple foreign currency wallets. You can load up to 15 currencies on a single Card and use the appropriate currency automatically in the country you visit. You can thus avoid the charges and hassles of currency conversions.

For what kinds of payments can I use the Forex Prepaid Card during foreign travel?

You can use the Card for shopping at merchant outlets, payments at hotels and restaurants, cab payments / car rentals, travel bookings, online purchases on international websites and for withdrawing cash from supported ATMs.

Where is the Forex Prepaid Card accepted?

The Card is accepted across millions of merchants and ATMs globally where Visa or Mastercard Cards are accepted. It cannot be used in India, Nepal or Bhutan as per usage rules of Prepaid Foreign Exchange Cards.

How is a Forex Prepaid Card better than carrying cash?

It is safer since it is PIN-protected and offers tracking through online portals which reduces the risk of loss. It is also easily reloadable and you can lock in the exchange rates while loading the Card, making spending predictable during foreign travel.

Can I shop online using the Forex Prepaid Card?

Yes. After enabling online usage through Net Banking or the iMobile app, you can shop on international e-commerce websites by entering the Card’s details in ‘Credit Card’ payment mode.

What currencies can be loaded on the Forex Prepaid Card?

A wide set of currencies are available, including USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, SGD and more. The exact list varies as per Card variant. You can load multiple currencies on the same Card when you opt for the Multi-Currency Forex Prepaid Card.

How long is the Forex Prepaid Card valid?

The Card is generally valid for seven years from the date of issue. You can continue reloading and using it for different trips until expiry.

Eligibility & Documentation

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Can non-ICICI Bank customers apply for a Forex Prepaid Card?

Yes. Non-account holders can purchase the Card by submitting the required documents at select ICICI Bank Forex-enabled Branches and completing the mandatory verification process.

What documents are needed if I don’t have an ICICI Bank Account?

You must submit copies of a valid passport, PAN Card, proof of address and visa / travel documents where required, as well as Form A2. These documents support compliance with foreign exchange guidelines.

Do NRIs qualify for an ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card?

NRIs may apply, depending on applicable regulations. They must meet the eligibility and documentation requirements as per ICICI Bank guidelines at the time of application.

Do I need to complete Video KYC to get the Card?

If you do not have an existing ICICI Bank Savings Account, then you will need to complete Video KYC.

How early should I purchase a Forex Prepaid Card before travelling?

If you do not have an existing ICICI Bank Savings Account, then you will need to complete Video KYC.

Who can apply for an ICICI Bank Forex Prepaid Card?

Any resident Indian can apply, whether they hold an ICICI Bank Account or not. Applications must follow KYC, FEMA and the Bank’s foreign exchange-related regulations.

Fees Limit & Charges

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What fees are applicable for using the Forex Prepaid Card?

POS (swipe machine) and online transactions in the same currency as loaded on the Card are free. Cross-currency usage attracts a fee of 3.5% + GST. ATM withdrawals abroad carry currency-wise charges as listed in the schedule of charges.

Reloading, Refund & Closure

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What is the maximum reload amount allowed?

You can reload the Card up to the permitted limit under FEMA guidelines. Online reloads through Net Banking or iMobile are allowed up to ₹ 150,000 per day, including charges.

Is there a joining fee for the Forex Card?

Some Card variants might have joining fees while others will not. Fee structures depend on the specific Forex Prepaid Card you choose and are displayed on the Bank’s website.

Are there charges for Card replacement while abroad?

Certain Card variants charge a replacement fee if the Card is lost or damaged abroad. Replacement Card fees depend on the product type as listed in the Bank’s schedule of charges.https://www.icici.bank.in/personal-banking/cards/forex-cards/schedule-of-charges

How can I avoid cross-currency charges?

Always choose to pay in the same currency loaded on your Card and decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This avoids unnecessary conversion fees at merchants or ATMs.

Is there any limit on POS or online transactions?

Transaction limits are set by ICICI Bank and follow foreign exchange regulations. Limits might vary by currency type and Card type.

How can I reload my Forex Prepaid Card?

You can reload the Card easily through Net Banking, the iMobile app or at an ICICI Bank Branch. Online reloads are usually processed instantly for ICICI Bank Saving Account holders.

Can I reload the Card while I am abroad?

Yes. You can log into Net Banking or iMobile to reload the Card from anywhere. Funds appear on the Card once the Bank completes the processing.

Can leftover balance on my Card be refunded?

Yes. You may claim a full refund of your unspent balance through a Branch or online. Refund is typically credited to your bank account as per the chosen refund mode.

Can I get a partial refund while still holding the Card?

Yes, partial refunds are possible. You can withdraw part of your balance back to your bank account while keeping the Card active for future travel.

Can I retain foreign currency on the Card after returning to India?

Yes. You may keep the balance on the Card as per regulations. However, converting and refunding unused funds is recommended for rate clarity.

Can I close my Forex Prepaid Card?

Yes. You can request Closure at a Forex-enabled Branch, ensuring all balances are refunded and no pending transactions remain.

Are there charges for ATM withdrawals abroad?

Yes, ATM withdrawals in foreign countries come with specific withdrawal fees depending on the currency. Limits and withdrawal caps also apply as per the Bank’s schedule of charges.

Security, Custody & Safety

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What should I do if my Card is lost abroad?

Immediately contact ICICI Bank Customer Care or use iMobile or Net Banking to block the Card. You can request a replacement Card which is delivered internationally, subject to fees and availability.

Will the Card get blocked if the wrong PIN is entered?

Yes. Three incorrect PIN attempts may temporarily block the Card for safety. This prevents misuse in case the Card is lost or stolen.

Can I use the Card safely online?

Yes, online usage is safe once the Card is activated. However, always ensure websites are secure and legitimate before entering your Card details.

How do I protect my Card from misuse?

Keep the Card and PIN separate, enable alerts through the iMobile and SMS, check your statements regularly and avoid sharing Card details or OTPs with others.

What should I do if my Card is damaged?

You can request a replacement Card through Customer Care or a Branch. Your balance will be transferred to the new Card.

What services are available on Net Banking for Forex Prepaid Cards?

You can reload, block / unblock the Card, generate or change the PIN, check balance, view statements and monitor transactions securely.

Can I use the Self-Care Portal for managing my Forex Prepaid Card?

Yes. The Self-Care Portal offers features like checking balance, changing PIN and reviewing transactions.

 

Can I set transaction limits on my Card?

Yes. ICICI Bank allows you to control usage settings such as online limits, ATM limits or POS limits through digital channels like Net Banking and iMobile.

How can I activate online transactions on my Card?

Enable international online transactions on your Card through the iMobile or Net Banking before performing online purchases.

Can I have more than one Forex Prepaid Card?

Yes. You may hold multiple Cards, as long as they follow regulatory guidelines.

How will I receive transaction alerts?

You will get alerts via SMS and e-mail for key activities like ATM withdrawals, POS usage, online payments and reloads.

How do I change my PIN?

You can change your PIN through iMobile, Net Banking or the Self-Care Portal using secure authentication steps.

What security features does the Forex Prepaid Card have?

The Card uses chip and PIN technology for securing your transactions. Merchant transactions require signature verification and ATM transactions need your secure PIN.

Customer Services

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How soon will I get a replacement Card if my Card is lost?

Delivery depends on your location. ICICI Bank arranges international replacement within an approximate working-day timeline, based on courier and destination.

Can Customer Care help me block my Card?

Yes. Customer Care can instantly block your Card on your request to prevent misuse and guide you on further steps such as getting a replacement Card.

What should I do if my transactions fail abroad?

Check if the correct currency wallet has adequate balance, ensure online/POS transactions are enabled, try another ATM or contact Customer Care for support.

Who should I contact for refund-related queries?

You may contact the nearest Branch or call Customer Care. They will check outstanding transactions and process your refund request accordingly.

How do I contact ICICI Bank for support related to Forex Prepaid Card?

You can call Customer Care on 1800 1080 from India. If abroad, use the international number to access support anytime.

Miscellaneous

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What happens if I travel to a country whose currency I have not loaded on my Card?

The transaction will be processed using another wallet with available funds, but cross-currency fees will apply. Loading the correct currency beforehand is recommended.

Can I use my Forex Prepaid Card for contactless payments?

Certain Card variants support contactless transactions. You can tap at supported terminals for quick and secure payments.

Can my Forex Prepaid Card be used for hotel pre-authorisation blocks?

Yes. Hotels may place a temporary hold on your Card for security. Ensure that your wallet has sufficient balance to avoid transactions being declined.

Can I withdraw cash from any ATM abroad using my Forex Prepaid Card?

You can withdraw from ATMs that accept Visa/Mastercard Cards, depending on your Card type. Standard ATM network charges will be applied as per the schedule of charges.

Can I use the Forex Prepaid Card in India?

No. The Card is exclusively for foreign travel and cannot be used for any payments, ATM withdrawals or online transactions within India, Nepal or Bhutan.