For students going abroad, this could be one of the most useful things you will take with you: India’s Axis Bank, in association with ISIC (International Student Identity Card), has recently launched a photo ID Forex card – to enable students to carry cash-less currency as well as being eligible for various student discounts around the world.

The card, valid for two years, is a pre-paid foreign currency card available in US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds (GBP), and Australian Dollar (AUD) currencies – and for students, comes with a US $100,000 loading limit per academic year.  The card can be used at MasterCard ATMs to withdraw cash (it comes with a 4-digit PIN number), or as a swipe card at merchant locations, and can even be used to make online purchases – at no extra charge.

ISIC India Director and International ISIC Board Member Richa Goyal Sikir commented on the card at its recent launch: "The Axis Bank- ISIC Forex card will not only provide holders with discounts and benefits that are part of the ISIC network but also provide them with an authentic, credible student identity proof enabling them to access benefits available to local students across 125 countries worldwide.”

Anyone who holds this card will also be able to access the ISIC database through various apps and mobile platforms as well as the global ISIC website.

Details required for the card will be used from the proof of admission letter provided on application. Student name, date of birth, and name of the institution they will be attending, are required along with a photograph of the student.

There are various fees and charges on the card, so do make sure you read the small-print! However, it is a convenient way of ensuring safe 24-hour access to money, as well as being able to use the photo ID card to get discounts and avail of special offers made to all ISIC-card carrying students. See the Axis Bank site for more details.

Tags: Axis Bank, ISIC, Forex Card