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International Debit Cards in India - Features, Benefits & Charges

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Last edited by

Pranav Karnad

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September 18, 2023

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Created on

June 28, 2023

If you're planning to travel abroad, you might want to consider getting an international debit card. These cards are designed to make your life easier while you're overseas. With an international debit card, you can pay for your hotel, meals, and even shop online without worrying about currency conversion. Plus, you'll be able to withdraw cash from ATMs whenever you need it. Some banks in India are now offering international debit cards, so it's worth checking out the features and benefits to see if it's right for you.

If you’re on the fence about getting an international debit card vs a forex card, read this blog.

International Debit Cards: Features and Charges

International debit cards are designed to make your life easier while you're overseas by allowing you to pay for your hotel, meals, and even shop online without worrying about currency conversion. Here are some features of these cards:

You can easily make online payments in a foreign currency and make smooth offline payments at stores and restaurants by just entering your 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number).
There is usually a foreign exchange markup fee when you carry out international transactions, but this fee is usually lower than 3% for most cards, with some even levying no charges. In fact, the Fi-Federal debit card offers zero forex charges depending on the account type you've chosen.
You can use your international debit card to withdraw money from foreign ATMs.
Most international debit cards offer cashback and reward points for every purchase you make using them. This can help you make great savings on your expenses.

You can activate your debit card for international usage online by visiting your bank's website or downloading the banking app and following the required process. So, if you're planning to travel abroad, getting an international debit card might be worth considering.

Benefits of International Debit Cards

If you're planning to travel abroad, you might want to consider getting an international debit card. Here are three reasons why international debit cards can make your overseas transactions seamless:

You don't need a separate debit or forex card for your overseas transactions. You can simply activate international usage on your local debit card to make international payments with the same card.
With international debit cards, the hassles of currency conversion are a thing of the past. You can simply use your debit card to make all your payments. This is not just convenient but also a more secure way to handle your money.
You can use your international debit card as an international ATM card and get access to cash anytime you want.

Forex Cards Vs. Zero Forex Debit Cards

	Forex Cards	Zero-Forex Debit Cards
Convenience	Safer than carrying cash, easy to handle, accepted almost everywhere internationally	Accepted worldwide, but not as widely accepted in some countries
Currency	Can be single or multi-currency	Only in the local currency
Issuing Fees	One-time fee charged by the bank	No fee charged by most banks
Cross-currency Transactions	Most banks charge a fee	No fee charged by most banks
Cash Withdrawal	Can withdraw local currency from an ATM, but most banks charge a fee	Can withdraw local currency from an ATM, but most banks charge a fee
Forex markup	Ranges from 3-8%	0%

Try Fi Money for your next international holiday

Fi-Federal co-branded debit card is a great option for your next international trip! It offers several features such as zero Forex charges on select plans, the ability to make contactless payments using the "Tap and Pay" feature, and transaction limits that you can set from the app. Plus, you get access to a range of offers from top brands in food, shopping, travel, and entertainment. The best part? You can even freeze or unfreeze your card from the app, making it a convenient option for those who may have trouble sticking to a budget. So why not try Fi Money for your next international holiday and enjoy a seamless experience!

Conclusion

If you're planning to travel abroad, it's a good idea to get an international debit card. It can make your life easier by letting you pay for your hotel, meals, and shopping without worrying about currency conversion. Plus, you can withdraw cash from ATMs whenever you need it. Most international debit cards even offer cashback and reward points for every purchase, helping you save on expenses. While there may be some minimal charges for foreign exchange, the benefits of using an international debit card outweigh the costs. So, before you go on your next trip, consider getting one and enjoy a worry-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any charges for international debit cards?

International transactions usually have a foreign exchange markup fee, but most cards charge less than 3% and some have no fees at all. The Fi-Federal debit card offers zero forex charges depending on the account type.

2. What are the charges for using a debit card at an international ATM?

On the Fi-Federal Debit Card, you can withdraw money from any ATM abroad for a flat fee of ₹100. Other cards have varying fees depending on the issuer.