It is unreasonable to carry a locally accepted debit card abroad or pay for international purchases. To do so, you need a debit card that functions as seamlessly internationally as it does domestically.
What if you can update the usage of your debit card to international in mere minutes and continue with your transactions without any hassle?
In this article, we explore how you can change the usage of your debit card for international transactions. Take a look!
Your ability to use your debit card abroad depends on the type of debit card you own. In India, there are three major types of debit cards issued.
Visa
MasterCard, and
RuPay
Visa and MasterCard are payment processing networks accepted across the world. On the other hand, RuPay is a domestically employed payment processing network meaning, it works only in India.
Visa & MasterCard debit card holders can use their debit cards internationally without any hindrance. RuPay debit card holders must approach their bank for a new and internationally accepted debit card.
While Visa & MasterCard debit cards are accepted worldwide, you must first enable them for international transactions to use them abroad. Here is how you can activate your Debit cards for international usage online using net banking:
Log on to Net Banking using your credentials.
Select Cards and then go to the Debit Cards menu
Click on Request and choose 'Set International / Domestic Usage'
Select the option 'Card to be enabled for International and Domestic Use'
The bank will process your request and immediately activate the international usage on the card.
Log on to your SBI net banking using your username and password.
Click on the e-services tab and select “ATM services” on the left-hand side of the screen
Under ATM services, select the "ATM Card Limit/Channel/Usage Change"
To enable international usage, choose the card number and the channel type
Next, choose "Enable CPN channel"
Select international usage under Select Service and click “Submit”
Login to your net banking account
Go to Services
Under Debit Card Services, select the debit card for which you want to enable international usage
Select More Services
Under Manage Usage, change the usage from domestic usage to International Usage
Login to Kotak Net Banking
Select the Debit Card section
Choose Card Control
Change usage and enable “International Usage On” for ATM withdrawals, transactions at retail outlets/merchant stores, and other E-Commerce transactions
Log in to your net banking portal using your credentials
Under 'manage cards', select Debit Card
On the request tab, enable the ‘international usage’ button and set transaction limits
Additional ways to enable International usage on your debit cards:
ATM
Visiting Bank branch
Calling the respective bank’s customer care
Mobile banking
Indian banks offer debit cards with international usage that have exclusive benefits & offers. Here are some of the best international debit cards available.
SBI Global International Debit Card
Jet Privilege HDFC Bank World Debit Card
Rubyx ICICI Debit card
Privy League Signature Kotak Debit Card
ICICI Bank Sapphiro International Debit Card
Business Class Gold Kotak Debit Card
IndusInd Pioneer Infinite Debit Card
HSBC Premier Platinum Debit Card
World Exclusive IndusInd Debit Card
Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card
Internationally accepted debit cards offer several benefits to cardholders, such as the following.
International debit cards come with EMV chips that encrypt all your data, which makes them a safe way to make payments abroad
You can withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide in the local currency
With internationally accepted cards, the currency is not carried physically, reducing the possibility of theft
Transactions can be made online or in any store overseas using this card
Banks offer special rewards, offers, and cashback to international debit cards making them more attractive to customers
It prevents the hassle of currency conversion
Debit cards with international usage additionally prevent the cardholder from taking a new card specifically for travel
You can also request transaction limit changes depending on the country you are traveling to
International transactions attract a nominal fee, however, the charges are negligible
Your local debit cards might just be what you need to make an international transaction. Whether you're planning a trip abroad or simply trying to purchase from an international website, your debit card is your friend. Just approach your bank, or use other means mentioned above to enable international transactions on your debit card and enjoy the benefits & convenience!
No. RuPay is a payment gateway accepted only in India. For international transactions, you must possess either a Visa or MasterCard debit card.
If your debit card has a Visa or MasterCard or other internationally accepted payment networks, then it is accepted abroad. Request your bank for international debit cards if you travel frequently.
Visa debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. However, there might few countries or regions where you can’t use Visa cards. Research beforehand and carry appropriate cards.
Most debit cards charge a fee for international transactions. The fee is 1-3% of the purchase made.
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