Can a US debit card be used internationally?
Yes, cards issued by U.S. Bank can be used in most foreign countries.
Can I use my American Visa credit or debit card abroad? You can use your U.S. Visa card abroad to make purchases or withdraw cash. To withdraw cash from an ATM, you'll need to know your four digit PIN number.
If you're traveling outside the United States charges may have a foreign fee of up to 3% of the transaction amount.
Yes, you can use your debit card internationally, though you may incur foreign transaction fees. Depending on where you travel, you might find merchants that only accept cash — or may only accept cards from specific issuers — so it's a good idea to have a mix of payment methods with you.
- Log on to Net Banking with your credentials.
- Click on Cards tab and go to Debit Cards menu.
- Click on Request.
- Select 'Set International / Domestic Usage'
- Select the option 'Card to be enabled for International and Domestic Use'
Credit card transaction fees are typically higher than debit cards. Shops may charge a fee, and banks may charge a conversion fee for the payment. If the merchant hasn't displayed fee notices, travelers should inquire with the staff. Credit cards may be subject to ghost charges or temporary holds.
Visa exchange rate
This might not be the same day when the transaction took place. A 2.99% fee charged by us for using your debit card abroad when making purchases, withdrawing cash or for refunds.
Generally, you should tell your bank the locations you are traveling to and the dates/duration of your travels. This will allow you to continue using your credit cards and debit cards without the fraud detection on your accounts being triggered, preventing you from using your cards.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they do not flag charges you make in another country as fraudulent. Some companies allow you to enter travel dates online, or call your bank directly.
Debit cards from any major US bank will work in any standard European bank's ATM (ideally, use a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo). As for credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, American Express is less common, and Discover is unknown in Europe. Check your cards' expiration dates.
What are the disadvantages of using a debit card abroad?
- Costly foreign transaction fees. Many debit cards have foreign transaction fees. ...
- ATM withdrawal fees. ...
- Currency conversion rates. ...
- Lack of credit card benefits. ...
- Card blocks. ...
- Online payment platforms. ...
- Cryptocurrencies. ...
- Mobile banking apps.
- Wise - Best for multi-currency spending worldwide. ...
- Chase - Best for cashback¹ ...
- Virgin Money - Best all-round card with no foreign transaction fees. ...
- Starling Bank - Best for app-based card management.
Local vs Global Debit Card – A comparison
Essentially, an international debit card is not a separate card – it is your local debit card with global access. You need to activate your local debit card for international transactions before travelling abroad.
| Institution | Foreign debit card purchase cost* | Foreign ATM withdrawal cost** |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | 3%. | $5 + 3% of amount. |
| Chase | 3%. | $5 + 3% of dollar amount. |
| Citi | 3%. | $2.50 non-Citibank ATM fee + 3% of amount. |
| Citizens Bank | 3%. | $3 + 3% of amount. |
| Card Name | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| SBI Platinum International Debit Card | Rs. 250 |
| InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card | Rs. 500 |
| Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card | Nil/Rs. 1500 for Non-burgundy account holders |
| ICICI Bank Sapphiro International Debit Card | Rs. 1499 |
| Credit Card | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| IndusInd Legend Credit Card | Joining fee: Rs. 9,999 (Nil if applied through Paisabazaar) |
| HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card | Rs. 10,000 |
| Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card | Rs. 50,000 |
| ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card | Rs. 12,000 |
- Cash/Local Currency. Let's start with the most basic form of payment: cash. ...
- Opening a Bank Account. ...
- ATM/Debit Cards. ...
- Credit Cards. ...
- Apple Pay/Google Pay.
- Revolut - Low Fees.
- Travelex Money Card - Best All Rounder.
- Wise Travel Card - Great Exchange Rates.
- Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate.
- HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card.
These fees can be avoided by choosing a bank account that doesn't charge fees and reimburses out-of-network ATM fees and by always withdrawing local currency from ATMs. Account holders can also ask their home bank if there are partner branches or in-network ATMs in the destination country or countries.
The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to acquire a no-foreign-transaction-fees credit card, if you qualify for one. Next in line are checking accounts or debit cards with no foreign transaction fee. It is also possible to avoid the fee by paying in the local currency for purchases.
Can I withdraw money from my bank account in another country?
ATMs are the best way to access money abroad and are increasingly available. Your bank or credit card company may charge fees for withdrawals overseas and may have a limit on the amount you can withdraw daily, so be sure to consult with your bank about this.
Before you go on holiday you should tell your bank, so they don't cancel your cards while you are away. If they see unusual transactions on your account they may think they are fraudulent and put a freeze on it.
Will I be charged for using my credit or debit card? We don't charge any extra when you buy foreign currency by card. Some card providers may charge a cash advance fee and interest for buying currencies. Cash advance fees will not show on your travel money order, but you'll be able to see them on your card statement.
Setting your travel notice over the phone or in-person
If you have any questions or concerns about your travel notice, calling your credit card company is a good method to set the notification. If you want to set your travel notice in person, go to your nearest branch to meet with a representative.
You don't need to let your credit card company know you're traveling, but it's always a good idea. To protect you from fraud, credit card issuers look for charges that seem to be out of the ordinary, or “suspicious activity”.
