Overview of International Debit Cards:

Journeying frequently (especially on a budget) literally translates to keeping track of every dime (without getting obsessed of course). It can be especially hard when you have to keep converting currencies. It is better to rely predominantly on debit cards rather than carrying cash or even credit cards. No matter where you go, ATMs can be easily accessed. At any bank's ATM, you may utilize your international ATM card to get money converted in the local currency, on condition that you have sufficient balance in the account. Debitcards are a good choice if you would rather use cash in your savings account.

Let us now check out international Debit card choices offered by India’s top five banks.

Top 5 Banks Offering International Debit Cards:

• State Bank of India
• ICICI Bank Limited
• HDFC Bank
• Axis Bank
• YES Bank

1. State Bank of India (SBI):

i. State Bank Silver International Debit Card:

• Can shop at more than five lakhs domestic mercantile as well as over three crores outlets globally.

• Cashless shopping with State Bank Silver International Debit Card can fetch you FreedomRewardz points. You get one point every time you spend INR 200 using your card.
• 50 Bonus FreedomRewardz points on initial transaction within 30 days of getting the card.
• 100 Bonus FreedomRewardz points on third transaction in the first month.

Usage Limits & other particulars:

Fees & Charges for issuing and yearly maintenance:

ii. State Bank GLOBAL International Debit Card:

• Can shop at more than six lakhs domestic mercantile as well as over three crores outlets across the world.
• Cashless shopping with State Bank Global International Debit Card can fetch you FreedomRewardz points. You get one point every time you spend INR 200 using your card.
• Your first three card transaction will earn you additional points. The bonus points as of now is 50 points each for the first two times you swipe your card and 100 points for the third transaction. This is applicable only if you shop this in the first month of getting the card issued.
• If you keep using your State Bank Global International Debit Card for a minimum of three shopping transactions in three months, the points earned will be doubled.

Usage Limits & other particulars:

Fees & Charges for issuing and yearly maintenance:

iii. State Bank GOLD International Debit Card:

• Can shop at more than five lakhs domestic mercantile as well as over three crores outlets across the world.
• Cashless shopping with State Bank Gold International Debit Card can fetch you FreedomRewardz points. You get one point every time you spend INR 200 using your card.
• Your first three card transaction will earn you additional points. The bonus points as of now is 50 points each for the first two times you swipe your card and 100 points for the third transaction. This is applicable only if you shop this in the first month of getting the card issued.
• If you keep using your State Bank Global International Debit Card for a minimum of three shopping transactions in three months, the points earned will be doubled.
• Your assimilated FreedomRewardz Points can be exchanged for awesome gifts listed in the bank’s reward catalogue.
• The State Bank Gold International Debit client is entitled to complimentary insurance cover of up to INR 2 lacs (only for accidental demises).

Usage Limits & other particulars:

Fees & Charges for issuing and yearly maintenance:

iv. State Bank PLATINUM International Debit Card:

• Can shop at more than five lakhs domestic mercantile as well as over three crores outlets across the globe.
• Cashless shopping with State Bank Platinum International Debit Card can fetch you FreedomRewardz points. You get one point every time you spend INR 200 using your card.
• Your first three card transaction will earn you additional points. The bonus points as of now is 50 points each for the first two times you swipe your card and 100 points for the third transaction. This is applicable only if you shop this in the first month of getting the card issued.
• If you keep using your State Bank Global International Debit Card for a minimum of three shopping transactions in three months, the points earned will be tripled.
• Your assimilated FreedomRewardz Points can be exchanged for awesome gifts listed in the bank’s reward catalogue.
• The State Bank Gold International Debit client is entitled to complimentary insurance cover of up to INR 5 lacs (only for accidental demises).
• The SBI platinum debit card is also endowed a purchase cover for mugging / damage up to three months from the day you bought the item(s) of up to INR 50,000.

Usage Limits & other particulars:

Fees & Charges for issuing and yearly maintenance:

2. HDFC International Debit Cards:

3. ICICI Bank International ATM cum Debit Card:

• All clients having a reasonable Savings Bank account or Current Deposit Account functioned individually shall be provided with a Debit Card.
• Money withdrawal limit per day is up to INR 15,000.
• Cashless shopping limit (retail and online) is INR 25,000.
• Your ICICI Bank Debit Card shall be utilized for global transactions at foreign ATMs as well as PoS across the world.
• An ICICI debit card holder need only make a call at their customer service center and follow the instructions for using it internationally at any Visa/ MasterCard friendly payment gate.

4. Axis Bank International Debit Cards:

• Axis Bank’s premium debit cards can be used internationally, which are Burgundy World Debit Card, Privee Debit Card, Wealth Debit Card and Priority Platinum Debit Card.
• You can enjoy an improved money withdrawal limit per day of up to INR two lacs and shopping (retail and online) limit of up to INR six lacs on your Burgundy World Debit Card and Privee Debit Card.
• Privileged lounge access, fuel surcharge waivers and reward point programme are other perks.

5. YES Bank International Debit Cards (Gold & Silver Debit Cards):

• The YES Bank Gold Debit Card, YES Business Gold Debit Card and World Debit Card offer no additional charges on fuel purchase using your YES Bank ATM Card.
• Free money withdrawals on Gold Debit Cards from ATMs with the Maestro, MasterCard, NFS, Cirrus, and CashTree stamps.
• Daily shopping limit hiked to INR 75,000 on Gold and INR 25,000 on Silver debit cards from any mercantile with the MasterCard logo
• Personal Accident Cover of up to INR five lacs on Gold and up to INR two lacs on Silver Debit Card.
• Purchase Protection Indemnity for up to INR 25,000 on Gold and Silver Debit Cards.
• Lost Card Accountability
• Immediate updates on of your account to keep track of your debit card transactions.