In India, we have many international shopping websites. If you want to make purchases with your debit card on them. Then you have to perform an international transaction.
It is not limited just to the international websites for shopping. But if you are visiting any foreign country. Then you can make use of your Indian debit cards to make POS and ATM transactions as well.
When we have got the debit card that supports transactions out of India. It is a real relief as we need not carry large amounts of cash in the country we visit. (local currency)
But of course, all this comes at a cost. And this cost is nothing but the extra fee that you will be paying to the bank and parties involved in the transactions you will make.
Today we will learn how we can enable international transactions on debit cards. At the same time, we will also learn about many other things that are related or linked to this type of transaction.
What is the Meaning of International Transaction?
An international transaction is a transaction that you make in a foreign country. This can be on a website or payment gateway, POS Machine, or ATM machine that is based in another country. (not in India)
In basic words, I would say you are using the debit card that is issued to you by an Indian Bank to make transactions on foreign grounds and websites.
Should My Bank Be Operative in the Country I Do Transaction?
No, there is no such mandate that your bank should be operative in the country where you are making the transaction. Because there are payment processing networks that are involved in these transactions.
When you look at the front side of your debit card. You will see the logo of VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc. These are nothing but payment processing networks.
Banks alone can not build up the worldwide infrastructure to support international transactions. They can of course do it but it will require a huge amount of investment.
And that is the reason why the banks take help of this payment processing network. So it is not mandatory that your bank should have an office or a branch in the country where you are making the transaction or payment.
For example, let us assume that I have an RBL Bank debit card and this card supports international transactions. And I am in Mongolia.
There is no branch or office of RBL Bank in Mongolia. But still, I can use my debit card to make POS purchases, E-commerce purchases, and ATM withdrawals in Mongolia.
Here the POS machine or ATM machine that I am using should be supported by the payments processing network that is handling my card.
What is the Process Involved in International Transactions?
If we get into technical things then the process will be really complex. The banks and the payment processing networks that are involved in this business are doing a lot of things in the backend.
And we as a normal customer usually don’t know and can’t understand these things quite well. The reason is we are not aware of the technical things running in the backend.
You can refer to the infographic that is inserted below for a rough idea of how these payments work. The source of this infographic is Currency Exchange International, Corp.
But I can explain to you the process in simple non-technical words.
First, you will visit the international website or the merchant from whom you are making the purchase using your debit card.
Secondly, you will enter the details of your card into the website’s payment gateway. And in the case of a POS machine, you will either insert your card or tap it to make a contactless payment.
Thirdly, the payment gateway will communicate with the payment processing network or company your card is linked with. (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.)
Fourth, the payment processing network will then communicate with your bank to check your account balance. This is done to make sure that you have sufficient balance. And you have not blocked the card.
Fifth, the payment will be processed or declined. In case if it is processed the sum of money along with the charges will be deducted from your account balance. In either case, nothing will happen.
You should also know that some banks charge you for the declined transactions. This happens when you try to make a transaction of more value than your account balance.
Do All Cards Support International Transactions?
No, not all the cards that are issued in India support international transactions. But these days most of the cards do support.
So before you try making an international transaction you should first check if your card supports it. If it does not then you can not use it.
How to Check if My Card Supports?
You can make out by looking at your debit card’s design. And if your debit card does not support international transactions. Then you will find “For Domestic Use Only”, “For Use in Only in India” or something similar mentioned on it.
And if your card does support them you will find “International Debit Card” or something similar mentioned on it. You can refer to the images inserted here for more clarity.
Even if nothing is mentioned on your debit card about international usage. There are still, pretty good chances that your card supports international transactions.
For example, the debit card image that you can see above is of IDFC FIRST Bank. And there is nothing mentioned like “International Debit Card” or “For Domestic Use Only”.
But this card supports all types of international transactions. I personally use this card for all my international purchases.
So in such cases, the best thing you can do is call the customer care of your bank. Ask the bank personnel if your card supports it or not.
Will I Be Charged Extra for this Transaction? (Forex Markup)
Yes, when you perform any international transaction with your debit card you will be charged extra. This extra charge will be based on the value of the transaction you are performing.
Normally the banks have a fixed percentage of forex markup fees. This will be calculated on the value of your transaction as I already told you.
Along with this if there are any service charges of the payment gateway you are using. Then even that will be added to your final deduction of money from the account.
And in case you are using your card to withdraw money in another country. Then even the ATM machine or the ATM network will have to have their own fees that you have to pay. (excluding currency conversion charges)
You have to be very careful when you are converting the currency. Because if you are taking the help of any third party for the conversion.
Then you will be charged extra. So you should always convert the currency with your bank. What I mean is if the payment gateway or the ATM machine you are using asks you to select the mode of currency conversion.
Then you should always select “Convert with Card Issuer”. By doing this you will save a good amount of extra charges that you will be made to pay.
Why Should I Convert Currency with My Card Issuer?
Now you might be thinking about why you are being advised to convert with your bank or the card issuer. Let me tell you why.
The machines will have bad currency conversion rates. Basically, if you don’t convert with your bank. Then you will endup paying more than what you should pay.
You can refer to the image above in which an ATM machine is asking if the customer wants to withdraw with or without conversion.
This image is sourced from TheFamilyWithoutBorders.com.
You will get a similar type of prompt while making payments using PayPal as well. Even while using PayPal I recommend you to convert with your card issuer. (bank)
By default, it will be set to “Convert Currency with PayPal”. But you can change this by click on the “Change” button. Set the settings to “Convert with Card Issuer” and click on the “Next” button.
How to Check Forex Markup of my Debit Card? (International Transaction Charges)
There are two ways by which you can check the forex markup fee of your debit card. The first way is with the help of the Schedule of Charges page.
You can find this page on the official website of your bank. To explain you let me take the example of IndusInd Bank.
First of all, I need to open the official website of IndusInd Bank and look for the Schedule of charges link. Usually, this can be found in the footer part of the website.
So I will have to open the schedule of charge page and select “Debit Cards”. After that, I will get a page in which all the debit cards that are issued by the bank are listed.
On this page, I need to look for “Forex Markup Fees” or “Cross Currency Markup Fee” of the debit card that I own.
What are the Different Channels of International Transactions?
There are 4 different channels that you can use to make international transactions. In fact, these remain the same for the domestic transactions within India as well. I have explained all of them below.
1. ATM Withdrawals
The first channel that you can use is the most basic one and that is the ATM withdrawal. With the help of this channel, you can withdraw money from your bank account.
But for this, the ATM machine which you are using should support the payment processing network of your debit card.
You can check this by looking at the logos that are mentioned in the ATM machine lobby. Usually, it is written as “Cards Accepted Here”.
If you find the logo of your payment processing network. Then you can use your card to withdraw money using the machine.
2. POS Machine (Swipe or Dip the Card)
If you want to make the payment to the merchant from whom you have purchased something. Then you can pay him or her using your card with the POS machine.
If the POS Machine of the merchant supports your card. (payment processing network) Then you can swipe the card or dip into the machine, enter your debit card PIN Number and make the payment.
3. Contactless Payment (Tap and Pay)
If you have a card that supports contactless payment then you can make the payments using this technology as well. Make the purchase and tap your card on the machine and your payment will be done.
If you using this mode of payment then you need not enter your PIN number into the machine. The payment will be automatically done.
But you have to keep track of the maximum value of the contactless transaction you can do with your card. In India, the maximum value is Rs. 5,000. But every country has its own limit on contactless payment.
4. Online or E-Commerce Transaction
This is the most used channel of international transactions that are used in India. If you want to purchase something from international websites.
The website or the app you are using will redirect you to the payment gateway. There you will have to enter your card details and proceed with the payment.
Can I Perform International Transactions Without OTP?
Yes, you can perform international transactions without receiving and entering the OTP. This is possible when you are using the payment gateway that is based out of India.
In India, the Reserve Bank of India has made it mandatory for all payment gateway to use two-factor authentication to complete the payment.
These rules and regulations of the Reserve Bank of India are applicable only for the payments gateways that are based in India. And not on those which are based out of India.
So in such cases, your payment will be processed without entering the OTP. You just have to enter your debit card number, expiry date, and CVV to complete the payment.
If you want to learn more about this then you can watch the YouTube Video inserted below. This video is uploaded by a YouTube channel by name Gadget Gyan.
What are the Different Ways to Enable International Transactions on Debit Card?
There are two different ways that you can follow to enable international transactions on your debit cards. And they are using the internet banking portal and the mobile banking app of the bank.
Using Internet Banking
Follow the instructions given below.
Open the Official Website of the Bank → Login into your Account → Click on Services → Select Debit Card Services → Select your Debit Card from the List → Toggle the button of International Transaction to “On” → Click on the “Submit” button.
Using Mobile Banking App
Follow the instructions given below.
Open the Mobile Banking App of your Bank → Login into your Account → Open Debit Card Services → Select your Debit Card → Toggle the Button of International Transactions to “On” → Click on the “Submit” button.
Choose Your Bank Here
I have covered almost all the major Indian Banks. Choose your bank below to learn how you can enable international transactions on your debit card.
Here the banks are arranged in alphabetical order.
How to Enable International Transactions on Axis Bank Debit Card?
Axis Bank has a variety of debit cards that it issues to the account holders. But here we have to keep in mind that not all cards support international transactions.
So you will have to check if your card supports it before you can start using it. If your card does supports still you can not use it for international transactions.
The reason is this channel of usage is disabled by default. And this is done to keep your card safe and avoid any potentially unauthorized transactions.
You can enable this usage on your debit card online. There is no need to visit your home branch or call the customer care of the bank.
You can make use of the internet banking portal and the official mobile banking app of the bank. The instructions of the internet banking method are mentioned below.
- Open the official website of Axis Bank.
- Click on the Login button.
- Enter your account details and login into your account.
- Click on “Services” → “Click on “Debit Card”.
- Select your debit card from the lost and click on “More Services”.
- Select “Manage Usage” and click on the “Go” button.
- Look for “International Usage”.
- Toggle the button to “On”, the bank will send you a NETSECURE code via SMS to your registered mobile number.
- Enter the NETSECURE code and click on the “Submit” button.
If you wish you can also make use of the official mobile banking app of the bank. The steps remain very similar. Once you click on the “Submit” button, the changes you have made will be applied instantly.
For more details call the customer care of Axis Bank on 1860 419 5555.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on Bandhan Bank Debit Card?
If you want to use your Bandhan Bank debit card to make international transactions. Then first you will have to activate it on your card.
This can be done online, there is no need to visit your home branch. You can use the internet banking portal or the official mobile banking app.
I recommend you use the mobile banking app to manage your debit card. The reason is the mobile banking app is very handy. You can access your bank account anytime very easily with the app.
At the same time if you want to use the internet banking portal properly. Then you will need a stable internet connection and a computer with a good anti-virus. But this is not the case with the app.
- Open the official mobile banking app of Bandhan Bank.
- Enter your login details into the app.
- Tap on “Cards” from the dashboard of the app.
- Choose your debit card from the list.
- Select “Debit Card Services” from the next screen.
- Look for “International Usage”.
- Select the channel you want to enable. (ATM, POS, E-Commerce)
- Toggle the button of the channel you wish to use.
- Tap on the “Submit” button and enter your transaction PIN.
You can set a different maximum limit for every international transaction channel. But to apply the changes you have made. You have to enter your correct transaction PIN.
The changes you do will be applied instantly. If you wish to use the internet banking portal then you can do that as well. The steps are very similar to what is mentioned above.
For more details call the customer care of Bandhan Bank on 1800 258 8181.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on Bank of Baroda Debit Card?
If you have a debit card that is issued to you by the Bank of Baroda which supports international transactions. Then you can enable international usage online. This can be done with the help of internet banking.
And also with the help of the official mobile banking app of the bank. The instructions for the mobile banking method are given below.
- Open the official mobile banking app of Bank of Baroda.
- Enter your login details into the app.
- Tap on “Debit Card Services” in the dashboard of the app.
- Select “Manage Debit Card” from the list of debit card services.
- Choose the debit card of your choice. (if you have multiple cards)
- Tap on “Manage Channel”.
- Scroll down and look for “For International Transactions”.
- Toggle the button to enable the transactions.
- Tap on the “Proceed” button and enter your MPIN.
You will get different options in step number 8. You can enable or disable for individual channels like POS, ATM, and Online.
For more details call the customer care of Bank of Baroda on 1800 102 4455.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on Bank of Maharashtra Debit Card?
The customers of the Bank of Maharashtra can enable international transactions on their debit card online. This can be done with the help of the internet banking portal of the bank.
When you try to enable this on your debit card. Then the bank will ask you to set the maximum limit of the international transactions.
There are different types of cards that are issued by the bank. And every card has a different maximum limit. So before you set the limit you will have to check the maximum of your card.
There is no need to worry as the maximum limit of your card will be mentioned in the debit card management section.
- Open the official website of the Bank of Maharashtra.
- Log in to your internet banking account.
- Click on “Service Requests”.
- Select “ATM Card Transactions Limit – View/Modify” from the left sidebar.
- Choose your debit card.
- Click on “View/Modify Limits”.
- Now enter your international transaction limit.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
The changes you make will be applied instantly. If you wish to enable or disable international transactions using the mobile banking app you can do that as well.
For more details call the customer care of Bank of Maharashtra on 1800 233 4526.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on Canara Bank Debit Card?
If you want to enable international transactions on your Canara Bank debit card. Then first you will have to make sure that your card supports it.
If yes then you can do it online with the help of the internet banking portal. And the official mobile banking app of the bank.
I recommend you to use the official mobile banking app as it makes things easy. Even in the future if you want to manage your bank account. Then you can do it using your smartphone.
- Open the official mobile banking app of Canara Bank.
- Login to your account.
- Tap on “Cards”.
- Choose your debit card.
- Tap on “Internationa Usage”.
- Toggle the button to “On”
- Set your international usage limits.
- Enter your MPIN.
You will see the “International Usage” option in Step Number 5 only if your card supports it. Just toggle the button, and enter your limits.
For more details call the customer care of Canara Bank on 1800 425 0018.
How to Enable International Transactions on Central Bank of India Debit Card?
You can enable international usage of your Central Bank of India debit card online. This can be done from the comfort of your home.
To do this you can make use of the internet banking portal. And also the official mobile banking app of the bank.
I recommend you use the bank’s mobile banking app to enable this on your debit card. You can install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. (as per your smartphone)
- Open the official app of the Central Bank of India.
- Enter your account details to login into the app.
- Tap on “Cards”.
- Select “Debit Card Control”.
- Choose your debit card.
- Tap on “Modify Limit”.
- Select the transaction type as “International”.
- Toggle the button of the usage channel you want to enable.
- Enter your maximum limit of transaction for various channels and tap on the “Submit” button.
Here you can set different limits for different channels. (ATM, POS, Online, and Ecom) If you don’t want to use one or more channels, you can disable them or set the limit to zero.
For more details call the customer care of Central Bank of India on 1800 22 1911.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on Federal Bank Debit Card?
You can use your Federal Bank debit card for international usage. But to do so you will have to enable this for your debit card.
This can be done online using the internet banking portal and the official mobile banking app of the bank. I recommend you to use the mobile banking method.
But before you do it you will have to check if your card supports international transactions. If your card does not then you will not get the option to enable or disable it.
- Open the official mobile banking of Federal Bank.
- Enter your login details into the app.
- Tap on “Settings” from the dashboard. (3 lines on left top corner)
- Select “Card Management”.
- Choose your debit card from the list.
- Tap on “Enable/Disable Card”.
- Scroll down and look for “International Usage”.
- Toggle the button.
- And set your transaction limits.
You are allowed to set your own transaction limits. Different limits can be set for different channels like ATM, POS, and E-Commerce.
For more details call the customer care of Federal Bank on 1800 420 1199.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on HDFC Bank Debit Card?
If you have an HDFC Bank debit card and want to enable international transactions. Then you can do it online. This can be done with the help of the internet banking portal and also using the mobile banking app.
But before you follow the instructions given below. Check if your card supports international transactions. If it does then follow the steps to enable it.
- Open the official website of HDFC Bank.
- Log in to your internet banking account.
- Click on “Cards” from the top menu.
- Scroll down to “Debit Card Section”.
- Click on “Request” under the debit card section.
- Click on “Set International/Domestic Usage Limits”.
- Select your debit card from the drop-down menu and click on the “Continue” button.
- Select “Card to be Enabled for International” and click on the “Continue” button.
- Authenticate yourself by entering your card details.
Once you authenticate yourself the international transactions will be enabled on your debit card. You can later set your own maximum limits for each channel of usage.
If you don’t want to use the internet banking portal. Then you can also use the official mobile banking app of HDFC Bank. In both cases, the changes will be applied instantly.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on ICICI Bank Debit Card?
The customers of ICICI Bank can enable the international transactions or usage of their debit card online. This can be done with the help of internet banking. And also using the official mobile banking app.
I recommend you to use the official mobile banking app of the bank. Almost all the latest cards that are issued by ICIC Bank support international usage.
But still, I recommend you to check before you try to enable it on your card. Because in case if your card does not support. Then you will not find the option to enable it.
- Open the official mobile banking app of ICICI Bank.
- Enter your account details and login into your account.
- Tap on “Services”.
- Select “Card Services” from the list of Services.
- Tap on “Modify Debit Card Limit”.
- Tap on “International”.
- Choose your bank account number and then your debit card number.
- Now tap on “Activate” international usage.
- Set your limits and tap on the “Submit” button.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on IDFC FIRST Bank Debit Card?
You can change the international usage of your IDFC FIRST Bank debit card online. This can be done with the help of internet banking and mobile banking app.
I recommend you to use the mobile banking app of the bank. If you don’t have the app installed. Then install it from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the official mobile banking app of IDFC FIRST Bank.
- Enter your login details into the app.
- Tap on “Have”.
- Select “Cards” from the top menu.
- Choose your debit card from the list.
- Choose between “Purchase Limits” and “ATM Limits”.
- Tap on “Manage”.
- Toggle the button of “International Usage”.
- Tap on the “Confirm” button.
You can also use the internet banking portal of the bank. The steps are similar starting from step number 3. The only change is you will be using the internet banking portal in the place of the app.
For more details call the customer care of IDFC FIRST Bank on 1800 419 4332.
How to Enable International Transactions on Indian Bank Debit Card?
You will find the settings of international usage if your card supports it. If your card does not support then you won’t see this option.
I recommend you to use the official mobile banking app. But if you want you can also make use of the internet banking portal of the bank.
- Open the official mobile banking app of Indian Bank.
- Enter your login details into the app.
- Tap on “Cards”.
- Select your bank account number.
- Choose your debit card from the list.
- Tap on “Payment Channel Settings”
- Look for “International Usage”.
- Enter your limits and tap on the “Submit” button.
- Enter your 4 digits MTPIN.
As soon as you enter your MTPIN your limits will be updated. And you will be able to your card on international websites and locations.
For more details call the customer care of Indian Bank on 1800 4250 0000.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on IndusInd Bank Debit Card?
If you have an IndusInd Bank debit card that supports international transactions. Then you can enable it online. This can be done with the help of the internet banking portal.
And also using the official mobile banking app of the bank. I have mentioned the step-by-step instructions of the internet banking method below.
- Open the official website of IndusInd Bank.
- Click on the Login button.
- Enter your account details and proceed with the login.
- Click on “Cards” → “Debit Cards”.
- Click on “Debit Card Limit Management”.
- Choose your debit card from the drop-down list.
- Click on “Edit Debit Card Limit”.
- Tick “International Usage”.
- Enter your desired limits and click on the “Submit” button.
The changes you make will be applied instantly. If you are more comfortable using the app. Then you can use it, the steps are very similar.
For more details call the customer care of IndusInd Bank on 18602677777.
How to Enable International Transactions on Karnataka Bank Debit Card?
You can use your Karnatak Bank debit card to make international transactions. But before that, you have to check if your card supports it.
By default this will be disabled on your card, you can enable it by yourself online using internet banking. And the mobile banking app of the bank.
- Open the official mobile banking app of Karnataka Bank.
- Enter your login details into the app.
- Scroll down and find “Services”.
- Tap on “Debit Card Settings”.
- Select your debit card from the list. (if you have multiple cards)
- Look for “International Usage”.
- Tap on the “Enable” button.
- Enter your debit card PIN.
- Tap on the “Ok” button.
If you don’t have the app installed on your smartphone. Then you can install it from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
You should not use any third-party sources to install the banking apps on your smartphone. Doing so can put your account in danger.
For more details call the customer care of Karnataka Bank on 1800 425 1444.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on Karur Vysya Bank Debit Card?
Almost all the cards that are issued by KVB support international transactions. But still, I recommend you to check before you try to enable it on your card.
Even if your card supports it. The bank disables it by default, but you have the option to enable it. And for this, you can use the internet banking portal of the bank. Or the official mobile banking app.
I recommend using the official mobile banking app of the bank. The reason is the app is handier and is easy to use when compared to internet banking.
- Open the official mobile banking app of Karur Vysya Bank.
- Enter your account details and login into the app.
- Tap on “Card Control”.
- Choose your debit card.
- Tap on “Settings”.
- Toggle the button on “Block International Transaction” to “Off”.
- And enter your MPIN.
The changes will be applied instantly. And After you enable the international transaction you can also set the maximum limit for each transaction channel.
For more details call the customer care of Karur Vysya Bank on 1860 258 1916.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on Kotak Mahindra Bank Debit Card?
Kotak Mahindra Bank allows the customers to enable or disable international transactions by several methods. You can choose any method which you want.
If you wish you can use the internet banking portal. And in the other case, you can use the official mobile banking app of the bank.
- Open the official mobile banking app of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
- Enter your account details and login into the app.
- Tap on “Debit Cards”.
- Select “Activate / Deactivate Debit Card”.
- Enter your MPIN.
- Toggle the button of “International Usage”.
- Tap on the “Submit” button.
The settings will be applied instantly. And you can start using your debit card to make international transactions.
For more details call the customer care of Kotak Mahindra Bank on 1860 266 2666.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on PNB Debit Card?
If you want to use your PNB debit card to make international transactions then you need to enable it by yourself. This can be done online and there is no need to visit your home branch.
I have given the instructions that you need to follow to enable it using the mobile banking app of the bank. But before you begin make sure that your card supports international transactions.
- Open the official mobile banking app of Punjab National Bank.
- Enter your account details into the app.
- Tap on “Debit Card”.
- Select “International Usage”.
- Select “Bank Account Number”.
- Toggle the button of “International Transaction”.
- Tap on the “Continue” button.
- Authenticate yourself to apply the changes.
If your card does not support you will get an error in step number 6. The app will tell you that the card only supports domestic usage.
For more details call the customer care of Punjab National Bank on 1800 180 2222.
Video Tutorial
How to Enable International Transactions on RBL Bank Debit Card?
If you want to use your RBL Bank debit card for international transactions you can do that. But for that, you need to enable it on your card.
You can enable international transactions online. This can be done with the help of internet banking and the official mobile banking app of the bank.
I recommend you to use the mobile banking app as it makes the process very easy. The step-by-step instructions that you need to follow are given below.
- Open the RBL Bank official mobile banking app.
- Enter your login details into the app.
- Tap on “More”.
- Open the “Debit Cards Management” menu.
- Choose the debit card of your choice. (if you have multiple cards)
- Now open the “Debit Cards Security Settings” of the selected card.
- Select international usage.
- Choose the channel you want. (ATM, Swipe, Online, and Tap and Pay)
- Toggle the button to “On”.
The settings you change will be applied instantly. You can also set your own maximum limits for each channel of transaction.
For more details call the customer care of RBL Bank on 022 6115 6300.
How to Enable Transactions on Standard Chartered Bank Debit Card?
You can use your Standard Chartered Bank debit card to make international transactions. But before that, you need to activate it by yourself.
This can be done online using internet banking and the official mobile banking app of the bank. The steps of both methods are very similar. You can use any method of your choice.
The changes you make will be applied instantly. And you can start using your debit card for making international transactions. If you want you can also set the limits for each channel.
- Visit the official website of Standard Chartered India.
- Log in to your internet banking account.
- Click on “Help & Services”.
- Select “Manage Debit Card Usage”.
- Select your debit card from the list.
- Click on “International Transactions”.
- Toggle the button from “Disable” to “Enable”.
- Click on the “Save” button.
The changes you make will be applied instantly. And you can start using your debit card to carry out international transactions.
How to Enable International Transactions on SBI Debit Card?
If you have a State Bank of India debit card with you. Then you can use it online and also offline for international transactions.
But there are two things you need to know. The first thing is not all cards support international usage. So you will first have to check if your card supports it.
The second thing is even if your card supports international transactions it will be disabled by default. You will have to enable it for your card.
This can be done with the help of the internet banking portal of the bank. (SBI Online) And also with the help of the official mobile banking app of the bank. (YONO)
- Open the official website of the State Bank of India.
- Log in to your internet banking account.
- Click on “e-Services” → “ATM Card Services”.
- Select “ATM Card Limit/Channel/Usage” from the services.
- Select your bank account in case you hold multiple accounts and click on “Continue”.
- Choose the card of your choice from the list.
- Select “Change Usage Type” from the drop-down menu.
- Select “International” from the drop-down menu.
- Change the current status to “Enable” and click on the “Submit” button.
When you click on the submit button, the bank will send you a high-security password or OTP to your registered mobile number. You have to enter the OTP correctly to apply the changes.
For more information call the customer care of State Bank of India on 1800 425 3800.
Video Tutorial
My Bank’s Name is Not Mentioned Here
As I have already mentioned that the major banks are covered. I was not able to cover all the banks because of a lack of available information online.
But still, if you have a debit card with you that you believe supports international transactions. Then there is no need to worry.
What you have to do is login into your internet banking account or mobile banking app. And go to the debit cards section.
Select the debit card which you want to use for international transaction. And look for “International Usage” or “Manage Limits”.
You will be able to find the “On” or “Off” and in some cases “Enable” or “Disable”. Just toggle the current status of the card and authenticate yourself to apply the changes.
If you wish set your maximum limit for each channel. Here I am talking about the maximum transaction limit for POS, ATM, and Online transactions.
Why My International Transaction Got Declined?
Sometimes you will receive this error while making international transactions. It says “Payment Declined by Bank”. There are 4 major reasons for the decline of payment.
Let me explain all of them to you.
1. International Payments Might be Disabled on your Card
Your payment will be declined by the bank if you have not enabled international transactions on your debit card. So the first thing you have to do is check if you have enabled or disabled it for your card.
2. The Transaction Value Exceeds Your Card’s Set Limit
Every card has its own limit of domestic and international transactions. So you have to make sure that the value of the transaction does not exceed your card’s limit.
If it does then you can check if it is possible to increase the limit in the “Debit Card Limit Management” section. You can access this using the internet banking portal and mobile banking app of your bank.
3. You Don’t Have Sufficient Balance in your Account
If you don’t have sufficient balance in your bank account with which your debit card is linked. Then your bank will decline the transactions. So check your account balance and try again to perform the transaction.
Also, be aware of the charges that you have to pay for the declined transaction.
4. Your Card Might Have been Blocked or Hotlisted
If you have blocked your debit card then you can not make any kind of transactions with it. In fact, you can not make any domestic transactions as well.
You can check your debit card’s current status using internet banking and mobile banking app. The status should be “Active” and not “Blocked” or “Hotlisted”.
Conclusion
This is everything about the usage of Indian debit cards for international transactions. I recommend you disable this feature of your card when not in use. And make sure that you never share your card details or any kind of your account details with anyone. If you have lost your debit card somewhere the learn how to block it here. For more help or information call the customer care of your bank.