GUIDESDEBIT CARDS
How to Enable Your Debit Card for International Transactions?
4 MIN • 
LAST EDITED BY PRANAV KARNAD ON APRIL 30, 2025.
LAST EDITED BY PRANAV KARNAD ON APRIL 30, 2025.
GUIDES LAST EDITED BY PRANAV KARNAD ON APRIL 30, 2025.
In this globalised world, citizens travelling abroad require the utmost convenience in conducting transactions. While many opt for unique cards, few debit card owners know how to enable a card to facilitate international transactions.
If you also plan to travel abroad, try and make the most of your existing card. Here's everything on how to enable debit cards for international transactions.
Understanding the steps to enable international transactions brings several advantages. Besides purchases abroad, activating global transactions allow customers to utilise international payment gateways.
Obtaining a global transaction permit on your debit card is a simple process. Banks have varying steps, but the general ways to enable your card for international use are:
Banks provide a toll-free customer support number to address your queries. Ensure you convey your requirements after calling the number assigned by your bank.
Select your activation medium at your convenience and the bank process. Also, for international transactions, there are specific requirements you need to meet.
Going on an international trip? Check out the Fi Federal Zero Forex* Debit Card.
Learning how to enable international transactions on debit cards can only be completed if you know the criteria too. Some of the requirements to be eligible for conducting global transactions are:
Remember to keep your PAN, Aadhar, and Travel Visa (if needed) for a smooth transition.
Understanding how to enable cards for international transactions can be helpful when managing your finances. Further, you can also disable the feature anytime you wish to in the way you activate it.
Fi Money offers an online savings account in partnership with Federal Bank, a licensed bank. You can quickly sign-up for free & open a savings account online in 3 minutes. You can also use this savings account to stash your savings in deposits safely, earn additional interest, send/receive payments instantly, analyse expenses, or budget smarter.
If you upgrade to other account plans within Fi — you get access to premium features like zero forex*, US Stocks, Mutual Funds, etc. & rewards!
*Note: Any mention of zero forex linked to the Fi-Federal Debit Card in this blog implies Zero Forex is available on select account plans.
While most banks provide this facility, it also depends on the type of card you opt for. You can review international transactions online or using your phone app. You can also visit your bank to check.
A card might not work for several reasons like restrictions or limited network acceptance.
Activation via the Fi Money app is usually instant. Once you toggle the setting on, your card should be ready for international use within moments.
Yes, absolutely. For security, it's recommended to keep international transactions disabled when you don't need them. You can easily toggle the feature off again anytime using the same Card Settings section in your Fi Money app.
Yes, enabling international transactions generally covers both payments made physically abroad (at shops, restaurants - POS transactions) and online payments made to websites or services based outside your home country. Your app settings might allow enabling these types separately.
