Can I use my debit card internationally without fees?
Several options exist to help you avoid foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad. Many banks offer credit cards without foreign transaction fees and a number of institutions offer checking accounts that do not charge foreign transaction fees for debit card cash withdrawals abroad.
While you can typically use a debit cards in another country, you may have to pay a foreign transaction fee. Though these fees vary by bank and card issuer, they are usually around 3% of any transaction abroad. In addition, you may be given the option by a merchant to pay in local or U.S. currency.
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.
Banks With No Foreign Transaction Debit Card or ATM Fees
Capital One's 360 products, including its checking account, charge no additional fees when you use your debit card abroad. The Schwab Bank Investor Checking account charges no foreign transaction fees and offers unlimited ATM fee rebates.
For foreign transactions on your debit card, you must register your PAN in a connected bank account. International usage on the card is restricted in the absence of a PAN.
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.
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.
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 |
The card company may decline the transaction as a precaution. This generally happens when a series of domestic transactions are followed by an international transaction. It is one of the many risk rules that are in place to ensure a safe banking experience.
On top of the margin added to the exchange rate, you might also have to pay a foreign transaction fee when you spend overseas using your Visa debit card. This is a charge for using your card in another country. It may be a flat fee, but it's usually a percentage of the amount you spend.
What is the difference between a debit card and an international debit card?
Local vs Global Debit Card β A comparison
Essentially, an international debit card is not a separate card β it is your local debit card with global access. You need to activate your local debit card for international transactions before travelling abroad.
- Let card issuers know you'll be traveling. ...
- Conduct credit card transactions in local currency. ...
- Use a card that does not charge added fees. ...
- Be prepared in case of theft. ...
- Locate Visa ATMs before your trip.
Check if your ATM card has a Visa or PLUS logo. If it does, it will be accepted at any ATM that is marked with the same logos. * To be sure, you may ask your bank if there are any restrictions regarding the use of your card overseas or, whether you need to notify them before you travel.
Some banks provide a facility to check for International usage on Netbanking. If your bank has the facility, you can check the same by logging on to Net Banking. If not, you can always call customer care and provide your details and ask them to check the status.
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.
Visa and MasterCard levy a 1 percent fee on international transactions, and some banks that issue those cards also tack on a currency conversion fee (additional 1β3 percent).
It all comes down to personal choice, but we recommend a combination of cash and card β ideally a pre-paid one like the Travelex Money Card that lets you both pay as if using a regular card and also withdraw cash on the go without suffering from the international withdrawal fees many banks charge.
Submit An Application To the Bank
You can directly approach your bank or its branch and submit a written application, requesting an automatic unblock of the ATM card. To verify your identity as the card's user, you must submit ID and address proof. Once these details are verified, the bank will unblock your card.
- Look for banks with no- and low-fee options. ...
- Find banks with international networks. ...
- Get a prepaid travel card. ...
- Use payment cards like credit and debit cards. ...
- Skip foreign cash exchanges. ...
- Work with your bank. ...
- Avoid freezes.
With the Starling Bank account you do not pay any fees to withdraw foreign currency from a cash machine while anywhere in the world outside Europe.
Why am I being charged an international transaction fee?
These fees apply whenever you make a purchase with your card from a non-U.S. retailer, so if you buy an item online from a company based in another country, you could be charged the fee.
Are Foreign Transaction Fees Refunded? If your card has such a fee, it will likely not be refunded if you use it overseas. Cards that have no foreign fee may or may not refund fees charged by foreign ATMs. This information will be included in your credit card terms.
Not all credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee, but many do. To find out if your card does, check the βfeesβ section of the terms and conditions for your card.
Credit and debit cards are some of the easiest ways to pay for goods and services while traveling internationally. You can avoid carrying large amounts of cash, benefit from your card's automatic currency conversion, and withdraw cash from ATMs as needed.