Key Highlights
- Thomas Cook India joins forces with Muthoot Group to roll out its Borderless Travel and Study Buddy forex cards across 7,000+ branches.
- Cards support transactions in more than 200 countries and offer emergency cash, card replacement and a global SIM at no cost.
- Students benefit from free ISIC, single monthly ATM withdrawal, and zero‑markup spending abroad.
- An integrated reward scheme allows users to collect up to 1,000 points per $1,000 top‑up.
- The partnership broadens access to prepaid cards in tier‑2 and tier‑4 cities beyond metros.
Detailed Insights
Partnership Scope
Thomas Cook India’s travel and study cards are now available through the Muthoot network, reaching every city tier and fortifying the domestic forex market.
Borderless Travel Card Features
Designed for globetrotters, the card supports 12 major currencies, is accepted at over 70 million merchant outlets, provides emergency cash and free replacement for loss or theft, includes a complimentary global SIM, and caps chip‑and‑pin loss at ₹7.5 lakh. A 2.5 % discount is available on select attractions, and users can accumulate Edge Reward Points.
Study Buddy Card Features
Targeted at Indian students overseas, the card bundles a free International Student Identity Card (ISIC), a global SIM, one free ATM withdrawal per month, zero‑markup on base‑currency spending, and fraud‑insurance protection, plus 24/7 customer service.
Strategic Benefits
The alliance accelerates the reach of prepaid forex solutions, reduces financial friction for travellers and students, and positions Thomas Cook as a comprehensive fintech partner in India.
Key Concepts
- Pre‑paid Forex Card – A card loaded with foreign currency, usable at chip‑and‑pin terminals worldwide, avoiding the need to exchange cash abroad.
- Muthoot Network – The group’s 7,000‑plus branch ecosystem that serves as a distribution channel for financial products across India.
- Edge Reward Points – Loyalty points earned on card top‑ups, redeemable on travel experiences and services.