Niyo Global Credit Card: Fees, Rewards & Real Value
Updated Oct 2026·By Arun, Chartered Accountant·4 min read·Cross-checked vs issuer MITC & RBI·How we research
Verified October 2026 against the issuer’s current product page, terms and notices: A lifetime-free Visa credit card issued by SBM Bank against a fixed deposit of at least ₹5,000 (limit up to 90% of the deposit), opened in the Niyo app alongside a Niyo account; a DCB Bank version also exists. Zero forex markup. Niyo Coins worth 1% on international online spends, 2% on domestic online spends and 3% on Niyo travel bookings; coins can be redeemed for international lounge access. Cash withdrawals cost ₹423 + GST or 2.5%, whichever is higher. Interest 3% a month; late fee ₹150.
Verified against Niyo + SBM Bank pages (October 2026): This is the Niyo SBM Global Credit Card (a credit card, distinct from the Niyo Global forex/debit card). Lifetime-free (no joining or annual fee); FD-backed (minimum FD ₹5,000), with a credit limit of up to 90% of your fixed deposit. 0% forex markup; Niyo Coins worth 1% on international online, 2% on domestic online and 3% on Niyo travel bookings (redeemable for flights, hotels and vouchers in the Niyo app); zero-markup international ATM withdrawals (fee ₹423 + GST or 2.5%, whichever is higher). International lounge access by redeeming Niyo Coins, plus eSIM, travel insurance and visa services in the Niyo app. Usable for domestic spends like any Visa card. Confirm terms in the Niyo app before applying.
Niyo SBM Global Credit Card Review
SBM Bank · Niyo co-brand · Zero-forex travel · Visa
Our score: 8.0 / 10
Lifetime-free
0% forex markup
1–3% back in Niyo CoinsFD-backed
The Niyo SBM Global Credit Card is a zero-forex travel credit card (not to be confused with Niyo’s forex debit card) issued by SBM Bank. It’s lifetime-free, backed by a fixed deposit, and built for international travellers who want no forex markup and rewards on spends. Here is the verified review.
TL;DR: A lifetime-free, FD-backed credit card with a 0% forex markup, earning 1–3% back in Niyo Coins on online spends and Niyo travel bookings (redeemable for travel and vouchers in the Niyo app), plus zero-markup international ATM withdrawals (cash fee applies), lounge access via Niyo Coins, eSIM and travel insurance. The credit limit (up to 90% of the FD) is set by your fixed deposit. Excellent for international travellers who want zero forex at no fee; it’s a secured card, so you’ll park an FD.
What we like
0% forex markup — ideal for international spends
Lifetime-free (no joining or annual fee)
1–3% back in Niyo Coins on online spends and
Niyo travel bookings
Zero-markup international ATM withdrawals (cash fee applies)
Global lounge access, eSIM, travel insurance
Limit up to 90% of your FD (minimum FD ₹5,000)
Watch out for
Secured — requires a fixed deposit
Niyo Coins redeem within the Niyo app
App-first servicing
Rewards skew to online/POS
Confirm FD and limit terms in-app
Fees & rewards
ItemDetailJoining/annual feeNil (lifetime-free)TypeFD-backed (min ₹5,000); limit up to 90% of FDForex markup0%Rewards1% intl online / 2% domestic online / 3% Niyo travel (Niyo Coins)International ATMZero markup; ₹423 + GST or 2.5% feeExtrasLounge access via Niyo Coins; eSIM, insurance, visa services in app
Eligibility & documents
Type
Secured (FD-backed)
Fee
Lifetime-free
Network
Visa
Apply via
Niyo app
Best for
International travellers
Documents
PAN, Aadhaar, FD with SBM
The real value
The headline is the 0% forex markup at no annual fee — a combination most premium cards charge dearly for. Pair that with 1–3% back in Niyo Coins on online and Niyo travel spends, plus lounge access via coin redemption, and it’s a genuinely strong travel companion. Because it’s FD-backed, approval is easy and the limit scales with your deposit; just remember the coins redeem inside the Niyo app.
Who this card is for
Best fit: international travellers who want zero forex and travel perks at no fee, and are comfortable parking an FD.
Skip if: you want an unsecured card or rewards you can redeem anywhere.
How to apply & how to cancel
Apply: through the Niyo app (FD-backed, SBM Bank). Cancel: request closure in-app after clearing dues; the FD is released on closure.
Final verdict
The Niyo SBM Global Credit Card is one of the best zero-forex options going — no annual fee, 0% markup and lounge access via Niyo Coins, with an FD-based limit that makes approval simple. For frequent international travellers it’s excellent value; just note it’s secured and rewards live in the Niyo app.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a credit card or the forex/debit card?
This review covers the Niyo SBM Global Credit Card — a Visa credit card distinct from Niyo’s forex/debit card. It’s FD-backed and lifetime-free.
What’s the forex markup?
0% — there’s no foreign-currency markup, ideal for international spends.
How do I earn rewards?
1% (international online), 2% (domestic online) and 3% (Niyo travel bookings) in Niyo Coins, redeemable for flights, hotels and vouchers in the Niyo app.
Is there a fee?
No — it’s lifetime-free; it is secured against a fixed deposit (minimum ₹5,000; limit up to 90% of the FD).
Data current as of October 2026, cross-checked against Niyo and SBM Bank pages. Confirm current terms in the Niyo app before applying.
Opens Niyo’s official website. Check current fees & eligibility before applying.
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ArunChartered Accountant
Arun is a Chartered Accountant with 14 years in finance leadership. He writes and maintains every review and calculator on CreditSmart, cross-checking each figure against issuer MITC documents, RBI notifications and official rate sheets before publication. He accepts no commissions or payments from card issuers.
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