Pilgrims can use this card to make all payments during the pilgrimage in a convenient and secure manner, and avoid carrying Saudi Riyals in cash, which might get misplaced. The ForexPlus card can be used to withdraw money from ATMs as well.

HDFC Bank is also offering exclusive deals and offers for pilgrims making payments using this card at select merchant outlets in partnership with Visa.

The prepaid forex card will be offered at branches across the country from August 18 onwards. Both HDFC Bank customers and the general public can avail of this product.

Pilgrims can walk into a HDFC Bank branch with the required travel documents and submit an application form. The Forex card will be immediately handed to the customer over the counter, and will be activated within 4 hours after submission of all the documents. The card comes with a back-up card which can be activated in case of loss or damage to the primary card. The card can be reloaded from any branch of the bank through an authorized representative of the Haji in case the amount loaded in the card is exhausted.

Through this initiative the bank is reaching out to close to 1.7 lakh pilgrims across India who are expected to make the annual pilgrimage in September and October. The pilgrims will be able to meet all their Saudi Riyal needs in a swift and convenient manner.

Speaking on the launch, Navin Puri, Country Head, Branch Banking, HDFC Bank, said, “HDFC Bank is consistently looking at ways in which we can make a difference in people’s lives. With the launch of the prepaid forex card, we are offering pilgrims to Hajj and Umrah a customised product to suit their ever-evolving requirements. They can make payments in a safe and easy manner, and also avail of the exclusive deals offered on the card.”

Mr. Parag Rao, Senior Executive Vice President, Business Head – Cards Payment Products & Merchant Acquiring Services, HDFC Bank, said, "We believe in providing a differentiated value proposition to customers. In sync with our customer centric approach, the bank is launching a card which is specifically designed for Haj and Umrah Pilgrimage. HDFC Bank's Visa Forex card is a perfect financial solution for Haj and Umrah pilgrims. It not only provides convenience and secured access to their money but also has special offers in some of the reputed merchant outlets. There are offers from reputed brands like Tiffany and Coach and on outlets which are known for special delicacies."