Can I Use My Debit Card Internationally?

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!

Can I Use My Debit Card Abroad?

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.

How to Activate International Usage On 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:

HDFC Bank Debit Cards

• 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.

SBI Debit Cards

• 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”

Axis Debit Cards

• 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

Kotak Bank

• 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

IDFC Bank

• 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

Best International Debit Cards in India

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

What Are The Features & Benefits Of International Debit Cards?

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!