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Thomas Cook India Enables Contactless Cross-Border Payments via Mobile.

Banking & Finance | Dated: 23 Aug 2025

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has become the first Indian forex-services provider to enable contactless cross-border payments by integrating its prepaid foreign exchange (forex) cards with Google Pay, powered by Visa’s secure tokenisation, offering users seamless tap-and-pay and online payments in over 95 countries.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - In a pioneering move, Thomas Cook India partnered with Google Pay and Visa to allow users of its prepaid forex cards—such as Borderless Travel, One Currency, Study Buddy, and EnterpriseFX—to make contactless payments abroad using their mobile devices. This development marks Thomas Cook India as the first Indian company to offer mobile-based cross-border tap-and-pay functionality.
  • - Cardholders can zip through transactions across physical point-of-sale outlets or online platforms in up to 95 countries. The integration with Google Pay ensures enhanced security via advanced network tokenisation standards, reducing risks like card loss or fraud, while offering a fast, convenient payment experience.
  • - This initiative aligns with shifting consumer preferences in India’s travel and payment landscape—especially among millennials and Gen Z. UPI statistics highlight a major leap in digital adoption: in October 2024 alone, it processed 16.58 billion transactions worth ₹23.49 lakh crore, registering a 45% year-on-year increase. Moreover, Thomas Cook reports that more than 20% of its forex business now stems from digital channels like its portal, app, and WhatsApp services.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President for Foreign Exchange at Thomas Cook (India), emphasized that the initiative addresses the expectations of “global Indians,” combining security, speed, and convenience.
  • (ii) Rishi Chhabra, Country Manager for Visa India, lauded this collaboration as delivering “cutting-edge digital payment solutions” suited for today’s international travelers, while enhancing the seamlessness and safety of transactions.
  • (iii) By blending mobile-first design, tokenised security, and borderless usability, Thomas Cook India’s innovation is set to redefine the travel payments ecosystem. It is poised to reshape consumer expectations and service standards in cross-border forex transactions, reinforcing Thomas Cook’s position as “India ka Forex Specialist” by leveraging partnerships with Google Pay and Visa to deliver frictionless, secure, globally accepted mobile payment solutions.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which company has become the first Indian forex-services provider to enable contactless cross-border payments via mobile?

Correct Answer: Thomas Cook (India) Limited

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Thomas Cook (India) Limited

  • CEO : Mahesh Iyer
  • Headquarters: Lower Parel, Mumbai