Top 6 International Debit Cards 2024

Managing money is one of major priority when travelling abroad. Earlier, people were mostly dependent on cash or credit cards, but now you can even make transactions with your Debit Card across the globe. Also, debit cards are a good choice rather than keeping a huge liquid use cash in the pocket.

An international debit card allows you to withdraw money from abroad ATM centres. It also offers attractive rewards and discounts on transactions. So one who doesn't prefer credit cards, can easily use debit for money withdrawals when travelling abroad.

This article will give you detailed information about leading Indian banks Offering international debit cards. Know their features and pick the one that suits you the best.

Best International Debit Cards Offered by Indian Banks

• SBI Global International Debit Card
• ICICI Bank Sapphiro International Debit Card
• Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card
• HDFC EasyShop Platinum Debit Card
• Yes World Debit Card
• HSBC Premier Platinum Debit Card

1. SBI Global International Debit Card

With SBI Global International Debit Card, you can access your fund whenever and wherever you want. The card comes with an EMV chip, which provides additional security. You can shop at over 6 Lakh merchant outlets in India, and over 30 million worldwide.

The card offers attractive reward points on spends like fuel, dine, travel, etc.

Reward Points

• 50 Bonus SBI Rewardz points on first transaction within 31 days of card issue.
• An additional, 50 Bonus SBI Rewardz points on second purchase transaction within 31 days of card issue.
• Another 100 Bonus SBI Rewardz points on the third purchase transaction within 31 days of card issue.

Charges & Withdrawal Limit

The banks charges an annual maintenance fees of Rs. 175 + GST.

Usage limits are given below-

2. ICICI Bank Sapphiro International Debit Card

This is one of the top international debit card designed to deliver superior value through its various rewards points and on-going benefits. Some of the joining benefits offered are-

• Kaya gift voucher worth Rs. 1,000
• Savaari cab rental voucher worth Rs 500 on outstation cabs
• Rs. 500 Central voucher with a minimum spend of Rs. 2,500

Benefits

• Buy 1 Get 1 free on movie tickets purchased at Carnival Cinemas multiplexes, BookMyShow or INOX Movie multiplexes.
• Save a minimum of 15 % on well-known restaurants in India.
• Get complimentary insurance on purchase protection, personal accident and air accident.
• Earn reward points for every Rs. 200 spent.
• Zero surcharge on fuel purchases.

Charges & Withdrawal Limit

The bank will charge a joining fee of Rs.1999 + 18% GST only for the first year. Annual fee will be charged from the second year, i.e., Rs.1499 + 18% GST.

Usage limits are given below-

3. Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card

With Axis Bank Burgundy Debit Card, you can enjoy higher withdrawal and purchase limits. The card offers contactless feature and safer shopping experience. The bank offers free ATM withdrawals from any Bank’s ATMs across the globe.

You can enjoy complimentary movie tickets and access to exclusive airport lounges.

Withdrawal Limit & Other Particulars

You can enjoy daily cash withdrawal limit of Rs. 3 lakh and purchase limit of Rs. 6 lakh. The debit card also offers personal accident insurance cover of Rs. 15 lakh and air accident cover of Rs. 1 crore.

Other charges and benefits are given below -

4. HDFC EasyShop Platinum Debit Card

This international debit card makes your spending easy by offering amazing Cash Back. You can use HDFC EasyShop Platinum Debit Card for various shopping needs, such as Airlines, Electronics, Education, Tax Payments, Medical, Travel, and Insurance.

Cash withdrawal is available across merchant establishments with a maximum upper limit of Rs.1, 000 per day.

Benefits

• 2 complimentary access to clipper lounges in India per quarter.
• cashback point on every Rs. 200 spent on groceries, apparels, supermarket, restaurant and entertainment.
• Cashback points on every Rs. 100 spent on telecom and utilities.
• Zero surcharge on fuel purchases.

Withdrawal Limit & Other Particulars

Both Residents and NREs can apply for this debit card. Resident Indians should hold one of the following: Savings Account, Current Account, SuperSaver Account, Loan Against Shares Account (LAS) and Salary Account.

Other usage limits and benefits are given below -

5. HSBC Premier Platinum Debit Card

The internationally valid debit card offers you convenience and privileges on various transactions. You can access to HSBC Group ATMs and ATMs affiliated to the visa network and visa merchant outlets worldwide.

Resident and Non-Resident Individuals (excluding minors) who are an account holder of HSBC Premier Savings Accounts can apply for this debit card. Domestic debit cards are issued to the NRI customers holding NRO accounts with HSBC India.

Benefits

• Access to HSBC's global network of premier centres.
• Avail 24-hour premier phone banking, along with internet banking and mobile banking Facility.
• Get assistance with your child’s overseas education programme.
• 24x7 international concierge services.
• Enjoy attractive dining privileges at Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata.

Withdrawal Limit & Other Particulars

The bank offers protection from any financial liability arising from purchase transactions done from your debit card. Ensure you report before 30 days of the loss to the bank. The maximum cover per card is Rs. 1,00,000.

Other usage limits and details are given below -

6. Yes World Debit Card

Yes World Debit Card is the right choice if you are looking for lifestyle benefits and privileges like complimentary access to domestic airport lounges, discount on movie tickets, passes of golf courses, etc.

The bank gives assured YES Reward Points on domestic spends and accelerated Reward Points on International transactions.

Benefits

• Free and unlimited ATM withdrawals at all Mastercard accepting ATMs in India and globally.
• Get instant savings up to Rs. 2.5% on fuel purchase at any petrol pump.
• Exclusive welcome aboard offers worth Rs. 14,000.
• Complimentary access to domestic airport lounges.
• Rs. 250 off on movie tickets booked through BookMyshow.
• Green fee waiver for accessing selected premium golf courses in India.
• Comprehensive Insurance coverage for personal accident and fraudulent transactions.

Withdrawal Limit & Other Particulars

YES FIRST Debit Card comes with an annual fee of Rs. 2499 per annum.

Other usage limits and details are given below -

How to Avoid Debit Card Fraud While you are Abroad?

To avoid any fraudulent activities while travelling abroad, it is important to cautions while using the debit card. Some of the major rules while you must always follow are:

• PIN- The most known safety measure is to keep your PIN private. In any situation ensure you don’t reveal your PIN to anyone. Instead of writing down anywhere, try to memorize your PIN.

• CVV number: In the back of your card, there is a 3 digit CVV number, which is very critical information and you should keep it protected. The first thing you should do after getting the debit card is memorize and write it down somewhere and then scratch it or put a sticker. This step will secure your CVV.

In case of any unauthorised transaction, get in touch with your respective bank block the card.

Conclusion

International debit cards would be extremely beneficial since they are helpful to keep a check on your spending while also allowing you to enjoy cashless transactions across the globe.

FAQs

1. Are International credit cards exclusive?

A: Yes, these are exclusive cards, and you will need to have a certain amount maintained in your account. For example, if you want to apply for the SBI Global International Debit Card, you must have more than Rs.50,000 daily balance in your SBI account. Other than that, you must fulfill other criteria as fixed by the bank.

The bank decides whether or not it will grant the account holder the international debit card. Thus, all of these cards are exclusive, and giving of the card is entirely up to the respective banks' discretion.

2. Can I use the card to convert INR to local currency?

A: Yes, you can use the international debit card to convert INR to the local currency at any ATM outlet in the country.

3. Are there any maximum transaction limits for the cards?

A: Yes, all the cards have specific transaction limits for domestic and international withdrawals or purchases. For example, with a Yes Bank World Debit Card, you can enjoy a domestic and international cast withdrawal limit of Rs. 1,00,000. With the same card, you can make domestic purchases up to Rs. 5,00,000 and international purchases Rs. 1,00,000.

4. How are these cards protected against fraud?

A: The cards come with an EMV chip which cannot be copied or cloned. This protects your card against fraudulent activities even when you use it at POS or make withdrawals at international ATM counters.

5. Do these cards offer reward points?

A: Compared to regular debit cards, international cards offer higher reward points. The primary reason for this is that these cards are usually used to make high-value transactions and are often used internationally. Hence, you will receive high reward points if you use your international debit card for domestic and international purchases.

6. Will I be charged if I use the card to make withdrawals internationally?

A: This depends on the card you use. Not all international debit cards charge transaction fees for ATM withdrawals. However, if you use the HSBC Premier Platinum Debit Card, you will have to pay Rs.120 for every international ATM withdrawal.

7. Do international debit cards have CVV numbers?

A: Yes, the international debit cards also have CVV numbers at the back of the card. These numbers are required when you make online transactions.