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Best Forex Cards in India – Features & Comparison

forex cards

Forex Cards are prepaid foreign currency cards used for making payment when you are traveling abroad. Be it a family vacation or business trip, traveling abroad is a fun!

Well, you need money for spending while traveling abroad. If you don’t want to take a headache of handling a cash and exchanging currency while traveling, forex card is the best option for you.

There are number of forex cards available in the market. Selecting a best forex cards among them is a task. In order to help you, I am here with features and comparison of Best Forex Cards in India.

What are Forex Cards?

Forex Cards are prepaid ready to use cards in a regional currency. This card is available with fix amount. You can top up this card based your requirement. This card also allows you to withdraw cash in a foreign currency. Prepaid Card, Travel Credit Card, Prepaid Travel Money Card are other names of Forex Card.

Why Forex Card is better compared to Credit Card?

Forex card is cost effective compared to a credit card. In credit cards, you need to pay a service charge of 3-6% for usage. In addition to that, you need to pay a flat fee for withdrawals at ATM. Any delay in bill payment of credit card will attract a penalty.

In forex card, you need not to pay any service charge. ATM cash withdrawal fee is less in forex card. In addition to that, you can avoid currency conversion charges as cards are available in major currencies. It also allows you to use Top-up facility.

Also Read – Best Credit Cards in India 2018 – Review & Comparison

Best Forex Cards in India

IndusInd Multi Currency Forex Card

IndusInd Multi Currency Forex Card is also known as Indus Multicurrency card. It is best forex card available in the market as of now. Ease of getting card and low charges are plus points of this card. Let’s look at features and benefits of this card.

IndusInd Multi Currency Forex Card – Features and Benefits

  • Hassle free faster online process. You will get delivery of this card within 24 hours.
  • Facility to track balance of card through online website.
  • Secure cash withdrawal via ATM.
  • Zero currency conversion charges and zero ATM withdrawal fee.
  • Very low card issuance fee.

Fee & Charges

  • IndusInd Multi Currency Forex Card Issuance Fee – Rs.150
  • Reload Fee – Rs.100 per reload
  • Balance Enquiry – 0.50 USD
  • ATM Cash Withdrawal – 2 USD 

Currencies Supported

IndusInd Multi Currency Forex Card support eight different currencies including USD, Euro, AUD, GBP, SGD, AED, CAD and SAR.

Also Read – 5 Best Premium Credit Card in India

HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card

HDFC Regalia Forex Plus Card is one of the best forex card in India. The name of this card is kept from famous HDFC Regalia Credit Card. USP of this card is No cross currency conversion charges, which is very useful. HDFC Multicurrency Forex Chip Card also provides similar features, but Regalia Forex Plus provides extra features and benefits.

HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card – Features and Benefits 

  • This forex card claims that they do not charge any cross currency conversion fee. However, GST is applicable on currency conversion.
  • This card provides complimentary Airport Lounge access.
  • You can use this card online at e-commerce platforms.
  • HDFC Regalia Forex Plus Card offers cashback of 5% or 5x Reward point offer.
  • Emergency Cash delivery at overseas location.

Fee & Charges

  • HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card Issuance Fee – Rs.1000
  • Reload Fee – Rs.75 per reload
  • Balance Enquiry – 0.50 USD
  • ATM Cash Withdrawal – 4 USD 

Currencies Supported

HDFC Regalia ForexPlus card support wide range of currencies like AUD, AED, CAD, CHF, Euro, GBP, SGD, SEK, and USD. However, for simplicity you can load only one currency USD.

Also Read – 7 Best Free Credit Card India

Thomas Cook Borderless Multi Currency Prepaid Card

Thomas Cook Borderless Multi Currency Prepaid card is marketed as one card supporting 8 different currencies. This card is globally accepted at 35.2 million merchant establishments. Let’s take a look at benefit and features of this card.

Thomas Cook Forex Card – Features and Benefits

  • Load up to eight currencies in a single card.
  • Access to wide range of merchant establishment and ATMs.
  • Free replacement of lost or stolen card.
  • Customer portal to check balance and statement.
  • Dedicated customer support and emergency service.
  • Insurance cover upto USD 10,000

Fee & Charges

  • Thomas Cook Borderless Multi Currency Prepaid Card Issuance Fees – Rs.150
  • Reload Fees – Rs.100

Currencies Supported

Thomas Prepaid card supports eight currency USD, Euro, AUD, Swiss Franc, GBP, Yen, CAD and SGD.

Also Read – Top 5 Best Business Credit Card in India

Axis Bank Multi Currency Forex Card

Axis Bank Multi Currency Forex Card is a unique card supporting 16 different currencies. It is forex card exclusively designed for the people traveling extensively. Feature and benefit detail of this card is given below.

Axis Bank Multi Currency Forex Card – Features and Benefits

  • Single Card supporting up to 16 different currencies.
  • Locked-in exchange rates.
  • Emergency assistance with emergency cash delivery facility.
  • Insurance coverage up to Rs.3 Lakh for lost and stolen card.
  • Encash your refunds once you return.
  • Validity up to 5 Years.

Fee & Charges

  • Axis Bank Multi Currency Forex Card Issuance Fees – Rs.300 + GST
  • Reload Fees – Rs.100 + GST
  • Add on Card Fee – Rs.100 + GST
  • Cash Withdrawal – 2 USD
  • Balance Inquiry – 0.5 USD

Currencies Supported

16 Currencies supported by Axis Bank Multi Currency Forex Card are USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, CAD, JPY, CHF, SEK, THB, AED, SAR, HKD, NZD, DKK and ZAR.

How to Apply for Forex Cards?

You need to apply to a specific bank for this card. You need to fill up an application form. Along with form you need to submit following documents –

  1. Valid Passport
  2. Valid Visa of the country of your travel (except where visa on arrival is applicable)
  3. Confirmed Ticket with Travel within 60 days.
  4. Pan Card

On verification of documents, you will be asked to make payment. Once this process is completed you will receive a card from the bank. Some bank may ask additional document along with the application.

Best Stocks to buy in India for long term Investment

best stocks

Looking for Best Stocks to buy in India for long-term Investment? Well, today we will discuss a method to identify Best Stocks to buy for long term Investment. In the end, I will also share few best stocks for long-term investment.

As you are reading this post, I assume that you are interested in stock market and want to grow your money. In order to do so, you might have read a number of stock market books, personal finance blogs, investment magazines. There may be a possibility that you have subscribed to Stock TIPS and recommendation of different brokers.

Whatever the case, one thing is sure that if you don’t do your homework correctly you are likely to lose money in the stock market. You have to be firm in the selection of stock. If you don’t know how to select stock here is a method to identify Best Stock for Long-term Investment.

How to Identify Best Stock for long term Investment?

Fundamentals of the company

First, you need to drill down to the fundamentals of the company. It is also known as Fundamental Analysis of the stock. The exercise of fundamental analysis will help you to filter out a fundamentally strong company. It is very important point for the selection. If the company is not fundamentally strong, there is no need to discuss further on its products/services, competitors, future prospects etc.

For fundamental analysis, you need to look into financial of the company. Find out 8 financial ratio and 2 key indicators. I use screener.in website to find this detail. The details about 8 financial ratio and 2 key indicators are given below.

Also Read – How to Find Multibagger Stock for Investment? Flowchart

  • Net Profit – Net Profit of the company should be increasing for last 5 years
  • Revenue – Revenue or net sales of the company should be growing YOY
  • Earning Per Share (EPS) – EPS should be high or growing for last 5 years
  • Price to Earnings Ratio (P/E) – Low compared to companies in the same industry
  • Price to Book Ratio (P/B) – Low compared companies in the same industry
  • Debt to Equity Ratio – Should be very low preferably less than 1
  • Return on Equity (ROE) – Should be greater than 20%
  • Price to Sales Ratio (P/S) – Should be small less than 1 is preferred
  • Current Ratio – Should be greater than 1
  • Dividend Yield – Increasing for the last 5 years

If you are not aware of financial ratios you can go through – How to analyze Fundamental of the Company?

Once the company is able to fulfill mentioned criteria you can go ahead and check next step.

Products and Services Offered by the company

Quality of product and services are utmost important for the selection of the stock. Always invest in the companies that you understand. There is no point in investing in such company where product detail is not known or business model is not known.

Ignore the stock market, ignore the economy, and buy a business you understand – Warren Buffett.

Future Business Potential  

The next point is checking the future business potential of the company. Always look for a company with long life at least 10 to 15 years. Find out if people will be using product and services of the company after 10-15 years from now. Logic is simple if product or service is having future demand company will get future business and make a profit.

E.g If you are looking at the stock of IT Company you should look at present demand and potential growth in demand for the IT products or services offered by that company in future.

Focus on the Future Productivity of the assets – Warren Buffett.

MOAT of the company

A MOAT is a term coined by Warren Buffett. Moat means the competitive advantage of the company over rivals. You should check if a company is holding monopoly business or in the business where entry barrier is very high. E.g Telecom or Refinery where entry barrier is high due to cost and regulations.

Another important point to check is if a company is holding high brand value with technological or cost advantage.

E.g ITC is in the business of Cigarette with 80% of market share and enjoys nearly monopoly situation.

Innovation and Unique Selling Points

Innovative products or Unique Selling product is another important factor in the selection of best stock. Let’s try to understand this point by example. You must have heard a success story of FMCG brand Patanjali. A unique selling point of Patanjali is natural Ayurveda based product available at low cost.

Another example is Maruti Suzuki. Maruti enjoys the benefit of the largest service network. You will find service network of Maruti almost everywhere. That’s why people prefer buying Maruti cars in India.  And hence, Maruti Suzuki is able to increase its sales consistently and give good returns to its shareholders.

Also Read – Bluechip Stock – Should You Invest in Bluechip Stocks?

Debt Free Status  

Next factor for consideration is debt free status. A low debt company means extra competitive edge, increase in profit margin and high creditworthiness.

Debt Free companies are companies with zero debt. Zero debt indicates that company’s financial health is very good. They are capable to withstand any type of economic conditions. The best example of a debt-free company in India is Hero Motocorp. Hero Motocorp generates enough revenue to finance all internal operations and investment requirements. Hero Motocorp has given very good returns to investors.

Management of the company

The management of the company should be honest, dynamic and capable of handling any adverse situation. Management should be visionary and should be capable to allocate earning into new moneymaking venture so that it provides a high return on invested capital.

Popularity of the Stock

It is not important that stock, where you invest, should be popular stock. Let’s understand this from Bollywood. Given a choice in Bollywood people prefer Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan for hit movies. It does not mean less popular star like Irfan Khan, Varun Dhawan is not capable of delivering hit movies.

One should try to find out lesser known high-quality stock for the investment.

Past performance history

Last but not least, you should also look at past performance history of the stock. Checkout at least past three years performance of the stock before making an investment. Past performance is not directly related to future return, however, it helps you to form a quick opinion about the stock.

In short, ask following questions to identify best stocks for the investment.

  • What are Fundamentals of stock? A stock is fundamentally strong or not ?
  • Which products and services company is offering? Business Model of the company is sustainable?
  • What are the future prospects of the company?
  • Do company enjoys a competitive advantage over other?
  • What is debt level of the company?
  • How has stock performed in past?

Must Read – Top Debt Free Companies in India for Investment

Best Stocks to buy in India for long-term Investment

I hope you must have got a fair idea that How difficult it is to identify the best stock for the investment?  Here are Best Stocks to buy in India for the long term.

Maruti Suzuki

Analyzing fundamentals of Maruti Suzuki –

  • Net Profit – Net Profit of Maruti Suzuki is increasing YOY.
  • Revenue – Revenue is touching new height every year.
  • Earning Per Share (EPS) – EPS of Stock is very high and increasing every year.
  • Price to Earnings Ratio (P/E) – PE ratio is high compared to M&M and other peer companies.
  • Price to Book Ratio (P/B) – Price to Book ratio of Maruti is low.
  • Debt to Equity Ratio – Maruti is nearly debt-free company with a ratio of 0.01.
  • Return on Equity (ROE) – ROE is 17.44%.
  • Price to Sales Ratio (P/S) – Price to Sales ratio of Maruti is low.
  • Dividend Yield – Dividend pay-out of Maruti is increasing every year.

fundamentals maruti stock

From above data, we can say that fundamental of Maruti Suzuki Stock is very good. A business model of the company is sustainable. Future prospect of the company is very good. A company is debt free and giving a very good performance. New products in the pipeline and unique selling point of largest service network makes Maruti good choice for Investment.

Shree Cements

Shree Cements is next best stock for investment for long term. Analysing fundamentals of Shree Cements –

  • Net Profit – Net Profit of Shree Cement is increasing YOY.
  • Revenue – Revenue of Shree Cements is growing.
  • Earning Per Share (EPS) – EPS of Shree Cement is high.
  • Price to Book Ratio (P/B) – Price to Book ratio is low.
  • Debt to Equity Ratio – Shree Cement is nearly debt-free company with a ratio of 0.17.
  • Return on Equity (ROE) – ROE is 18.01%
  • Price to Sales Ratio (P/S) – Price to Sales ratio is low.
  • Dividend Yield – Dividend yield of the stock is high.

Shree Cement is a fundamentally strong company with sustainable business model. Shree cement enjoys the benefit of low production cost. It is debt free company with good future potential.

Hero MotoCorp

Another Best stocks for long-term investment in Hero MotoCorp. Analysing fundamentals of Hero MotoCorp.

  • Net Profit – Every year Hero MotoCorp is giving better result in terms of Net Profit.
  • Revenue – Revenue of Hero MotoCorp is maintained.
  • Earning Per Share (EPS) – EPS of Hero MotoCorp is growing every year.
  • Price to Earning Ratio (P/E) – PE ratio of Hero MotoCorp is low compared to peers.
  • Price to Book Ratio (P/B) – Price to Book ratio is low.
  • Debt to Equity Ratio – Hero MotoCorp is completely debt free.
  • Return on Equity (ROE) – ROE is 34.66%.
  • Price to Sales Ratio (P/S) – Price to Sales ratio is low.
  • Dividend Yield – Dividend pay-out of stock is good.

Hero MotoCorp enjoys a very good market share in two and three-wheeler market segment. Hero MotoCorp enjoys Technological Advantage over other companies. Hero MotoCorp is one of the Best stock for Investment.

Conclusion –

If you are DIY (Do Your Self) investor you should invest in the stock based on fundamentals and research. Remember points given here before selecting any new stock for investment.

Also, let me know if method given here for the selection of Best stocks for investment is useful or not? Happy Investing!

Best Health Insurance Plans in India 2025

Health insurance is an essential part of our life. It is very difficult to bear the exorbitant costs of medical treatments without a health insurance policy. Health insurance is the only option that saves you from financial losses. It also helps you in saving tax.

A good part is health insurance policies are available at a very low premium. But the bad part is there are hundreds of companies selling health insurance policies and all policies look alike.

So what can be done for the selection of the best health insurance policy? Well, in this post, I will share information about what attributes you should look for, in a perfect health insurance plan. I will also share Best Health Insurance Plans for 2025.

Health Insurance Plans India

What is Health insurance?

Health insurance is a medical policy that covers you and your family at the time of medical exigency by paying a treatment cost. An insured has to pay fix premium amount yearly or monthly as agreed while buying a health insurance policy. The premium paid for buying a health policy can be claimed as a tax exemption under section 80 D.

Types of Health Insurance

Individual Plan – An Individual plan provides coverage to a single person against basic medical care costs. These plans offer a fixed sum insured, which can be used for hospitalization, surgeries, and other medical treatments. This type of plan is suitable for an unmarried individual.

Family Floater Policy – The family floater policy provides health coverage to all family members. The premium amount of the family floater policy is low compared to an individual health plan. These plans are ideal for families as they provide comprehensive coverage for all members without the need for multiple policies.

Senior Citizen Health Insurace Plan – Senior citizen health insurance plans are specifically designed for individuals above the age of 60. These plans offer higher coverage for age-related health issues and may include features like cashless hospitalization, higher sum insured, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. They ensure that elderly individuals receive adequate medical care without financial strain.

Top Up & Super Top Up Plan – Top Up plan means an additional plan to increase your existing coverage amount. If you have already purchased a health plan or you are covered under mediclaim by an employer you can purchase a Top UP Plan. This plan is useful when you exhaust your sum insured limit. Buying a Top Up Plan is like buying extra safety. Super Top Up Plan is similar to Top Up plan. The only difference is in Top Up you have a limit of a single claim in a year in Super Top Up, no such limit is applicable.

Critical Illness Cover – Critical illness cover is a policy that covers only specified critical illnesses. This plan can be purchased as an extra on the top of health policy. This type of insurance helps cover the high costs associated with treating severe illnesses and can be used for medical expenses, lifestyle changes, or any other financial needs during recovery.

Group Health Insurance – Group health insurance plans are offered by employers to their employees as part of their benefits package. These plans provide coverage for a group of individuals under a single policy and are generally more affordable than individual plans. They ensure that employees have access to essential healthcare services, promoting a healthier workforce.

Also Read – Buying Health Insurance Policy in India – Information Guide

Important Points for the Selection of the Best Health Insurance Plan

Protection against a wide range of medical problems

The first point for the selection of the best health insurance is plan should provide coverage for all types of diseases and illnesses. You should not cut costs by limiting the number of diseases or illnesses. Select a plan with a wider range of coverage against medical problems.

Pre and Post Hospitalization Cover

Pre and post-hospitalization cover includes medical expenses incurred before and after hospitalization, typically within a specified period. This feature ensures comprehensive coverage for all related medical expenses, not just those incurred during hospitalization.

Life Long Coverage

A second important point to consider while selecting the best health insurance is Lifelong coverage. There is no point in purchasing a policy that does not provide coverage at an old age. The ideal policy is one that provides a lifetime renewal facility.

Minimum Exclusion

Another important point for the selection of best health insurance is minimum exclusion. If the exclusion list of policy is long you should avoid buying. A policy should cover pre-existing illnesses.

No Claim Bonus

No claim bonus (NCB) is a benefit offered by insurance providers for each claim-free year. It usually results in an increase in the sum insured without a corresponding rise in premium. NCB rewards policyholders for staying healthy and not making claims.

Cashless Claims

A Cashless Claims facility is extremely important when selecting a health policy. When you or your family member is suffering, your worry is to arrange the best treatment and not arrange money. A cashless claim facility is one which settles all the expenses with the hospital directly.

Also Read – How to Claim Benefit for Multiple Health Insurance

Maximum Hospital Coverage

The hospital network is the next point of consideration. A health policy should cover maximum hospitals. They should have tie-ups with almost every hospital so that cashless facilities can be availed easily.

Less Paper Work & Good Customer Care

The next point to consider is policy should demand less paperwork while applying for the claim. In addition to that company should have good customer care and email support.

Economical in terms of premium

You should also consider the insurance premium amount while selecting the best health insurance plan. It is recommended to compare various policies online before making any purchase decision.

Lifetime Renewability

Lifetime renewability ensures that you can renew your health insurance policy without any upper age limit. This feature is crucial for ensuring continuous coverage, especially in old age when medical needs are higher.

Claim Settlement Time

You should also consider the time taken by a health insurance policy for the settlement of mediclaim. In addition to that, you should also consider the claim settlement ratio.

Recommended – Health Insurance Plans for NRI in India

Best Health Insurance Plan

HDFC ERGO Optima Secure

Key Features

  • 2x Coverage from Day 1 with a 400% increase in cover after 2 renewals.
  • No Room Rent Limit
  • ₹2.5 lakh No Claim Bonus
  • Restoration of cover once a year
  • 400+ cashless hospitals
  • 98.5% of claims were paid in 3 months

ICICI Elevate

Key Features

  • Claim Unlimited Amount once in a policy lifetime with rider
  • Single Private AC Room
  • ₹1.5 lakh No Claim Bonus
  • Unlimited Restoration of cover
  • 286+ cashless hospitals
  • 100% of claims paid within 3 months

Reliance Health Gain

Key Features

  • Additional 30% discount on premium
  • Option to fully customize plan
  • ₹1.66 lakh No Claim Bonus
  • Restoration of cover once a year
  • 323 cashless hospitals
  • 98.7% of claims were paid within 3 months

Niva Aspire Gold

Key Features

  • Get maternity coverage for both mother & newborn baby
  • No Room Rent Limit
  • ₹5 lakh No Claim Bonus
  • Unlimited Restoration of Cover, Forever
  • 268 cashless hospitals
  • 100% of claims paid within 3 months

Care Supreme Direct

Key Features

  • Guaranteed 7x increase in cover amount over 5 years with Cumulative Bonus Super Rider
  • No Room Rent Limit
  • ₹10.5 lakh Renewal Bonus
  • Unlimited Restoration of cover
  • 231 cashless hospitals
  • 100% of claims paid within 3 months

Conclusion –

In conclusion, it can be said by commenting that finding the best health insurance plan is not child’s play. You need to consider multiple factors while selecting a health insurance.

It may be possible that the plan purchased by you is not listed in the Best Health Insurance Policy list given above. It does not mean that your selection is wrong. Insurance needs differ for every individual. One insurance plan is sufficient for someone, other may need top-up or super top-up plan. The plan suitable for a single individual may not be good for others.

It is recommended to consider all points described above for the selection of a health insurance policy.

Make sure to select the best health insurance policy based on your requirement and enjoy tension free life.

How to set ePayEezz Mandate Online at MF Utility?

ePayEezz MFU

PayEezz Mandate facility for mutual fund SIP is completely online now. At MF Utility you can start your SIPs with a click of a button without any paperwork. You just need Aadhaar card linked to your mobile number and bank account. Here is a process to set PayEezz Mandate Online at MF Utility.

If you are investing in mutual funds via MF Utility, you might have faced difficulties in registering the PayEezz debit mandate for your SIPs. Lot of paperwork, issue of form filling, signature mismatch, and unavoidable delay are few negative of the offline process. This process is entirely converted to online process. You can set your ePayEezz mandate using Aadhaar Authentication within few minutes.

What is PayEezz?

PayEezz is one time an ECS mandate required by MF Utility platform for SIP. It is to authorize MFU for debiting bank account up to mention amount in the mandate form. In short, PayEezz is one type of payment mode. The other payment modes are net banking, NEFT and RTGS.

PayEezz is an old method. A newly launched method is ePayeezz.

ePayEezz mandate for starting your SIPs online

The basic requirements of ePayEezz mandate are given below.

  • Only resident individual with Common account number (CAN) registered with MF Utility can use this facility. NRI cannot use this facility.
  • Your Aadhaar number should be linked to your mobile and your bank account should be linked with Aadhaar for using this facility.
  • The maximum transaction limit for ePayeezz is 1 Lakh.

Also Read – MFUtility Mutual Fund Investment Platform

How do I setup ePayEezz mandate for SIPs?

Follow the steps given below to setup ePayEezz mandate for SIPs on MF Utility Platform.

  • Go to mfuonline.com and log in using username and password.
  • Select ePayEezz Registration under Account tab. Refer to the image given below.

ePayEezz

  • You can see all your registered bank accounts on the screen. You need to click on the Edit icon to start ePayEezz registration. If your bank account details are not visible you need to register it by filling physical form.
  • You will be able to see pre-filled form. You need to enter maximum amount and start date, end date for this mandate form. Accept terms and condition and submit the form.
  • You will be taken to the BillDesk page where you need to enter your Aadhaar Number. It is required for e-singing.
  • Once you proceed to sign using Aadhaar, OTP will be generated on your Aadhaar registered mobile phone. Enter OTP and click on the submit button.
  • You will get confirmation on the screen. It is confirmation for successful registration of ePayEezz.

ePayEezz Success

  • Bank has to still confirm this registration. Bank takes approximate two days for the confirmation.

In order to trace your request, you need click on ePayEezz Tracker under Status Tab. You will be taken to another page where it will show status.