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Cards
Forex Cards are prepaid instruments used for international transactions. They allow travellers to load one or multiple foreign currencies before travel, offering a secure and structured alternative to carrying cash or relying solely on credit cards.
These cards are widely accepted at international ATMs, retail outlets, and restaurants. They provide exchange rate certainty at the time of loading and may help manage currency-related expenses efficiently.
However, upon returning from a trip, travellers may have unused funds remaining on the card. In such cases, transferring the balance back to a bank account is a practical option.
Forex Cards generally have a validity period ranging from three to five years. Cardholders may either retain the balance for future travel or transfer the remaining funds to a bank account.
The transfer process varies depending on whether you are an HDFC Bank customer or not.
HDFC Bank customers can transfer funds from their Forex Card to their linked bank account by:
The branch will process the request subject to verification and applicable charges.
If your Forex Card is issued by another bank and you wish to transfer funds to your bank account, follow these general steps:
Confirm the available balance through Internet Banking, the issuer’s mobile application, or customer service.
If multiple currencies are loaded on the card, convert the foreign currency into your desired local currency before initiating the transfer, subject to issuer guidelines.
Provide your bank account details to the card issuer to link the Forex Card to your bank account. This may require submission of a cancelled cheque and identity proof.
Submit the transfer request through the authorised channel (branch visit, online request, or PhoneBanking, as applicable).
Review exchange rates, applicable charges, and credited amount before final confirmation.
Processing timelines and applicable charges may vary depending on the issuing institution and regulatory norms.
Remember: Once you transfer money from your Forex Card to your bank account, you lose the protection against Forex fluctuations. The next time you travel, you will have to load foreign currency into the card at the prevailing rates. If you are a frequent traveller, our advice is to keep the currency in the card to avoid repurchase.
If you want to apply for Forex Cards, click here to learn more!
Read more on how to load money on a Forex Card here.
* Terms & conditions apply. Forex Card approvals are at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Ltd. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.
Transferring unused funds from a Forex Card to a bank account is a structured and straightforward process, subject to documentation and issuer guidelines.
However, once funds are transferred back, the protection against exchange rate fluctuations is lost. Any future travel will require reloading foreign currency at prevailing rates.
Frequent travellers may consider retaining smaller balances on the card, subject to regulatory limits and travel plans, to avoid repeated currency conversion costs. Always review applicable charges and exchange rates before initiating the transfer.
Secure your foreign exchange in advance with HDFC Bank Forex Cards to ensure seamless transactions during your stay!
*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.
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