As a State Bank of India (SBI) account holder, you might be planning to travel abroad or shop on international websites. But here’s the catch: not all SBI debit or credit cards work outside India by default.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re buying from Amazon US, paying for online courses, booking flights, or freelancing for overseas clients, this article explains everything you need to know about using your SBI Debit and Credit Cards as an indian customer internationally.
Which SBI Debit and Credit Cards Can Be Used Internationally?
Most regular SBI debit cards are locked to domestic use only. They won’t work at foreign stores or on global websites unless they’re explicitly designed for that.
However, SBI offers several card types that are suitable for Indian users who need international access:
✅ SBI Debit Cards for International Use:
- SBI International Debit Card
- SBI Platinum International Debit Card
- SBI Debit Card for International Websites
These cards are embedded with EMV chips and are accepted at international Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals, ATMs, and e-commerce sites.
✅ SBI Credit Cards for International Use:
Most SBI credit cards, including the SBI SimplyClick, SBI Elite, and SBI Prime, can be used globally, but international usage must be manually activated by the cardholder.
How to Activate SBI Debit and Credit Cards for International Transactions
You can’t use your SBI card internationally unless you turn on the “International Usage” feature.
Here are four reliable methods Indian users can use to activate international transactions on SBI cards:
1. Activation at an SBI Branch
Walk into your local State Bank of India branch. Bring your:
- SBI debit or credit card
- Account information
- Valid ID proof
Ask a bank staff member to enable international usage. This method is quick and handled in person.
2. Activation via SBI Internet Banking
If you use SBI’s online banking platform, follow these steps:
- Visit onlinesbi.com and log in.
- Click ‘e-Services’ or ‘Services’ in the side menu.
- Choose ‘Manage Card Usage’.
- Select your debit or credit card.
- Toggle the transaction setting from Domestic to International.
- Confirm and save changes.
If it’s already set to International, you’re ready to go!
3. Activation via SBI Card App (for Credit Cards)
For credit card users, the SBI Card app offers a simple way to manage global transactions.
Here’s how to enable it:
- Download and log into the SBI Card App from the Play Store or App Store.
- Open the menu and select ‘Services’.
- Tap on ‘Manage Card Usage’.
- Find ‘International Transactions’ and switch it ON.
This applies to both POS and e-commerce transactions.
4. Activation on the YONO SBI App (for Debit Cards)
If you’re using a debit card, and already have the YONO SBI app, follow these steps:
- Open the YONO app and sign in.
- Tap ‘Services’ > ‘Manage Debit Card’.
- Choose the correct account.
- Select your debit card number.
- Under usage settings, turn on ‘International Usage’.
- (Optional) Activate ‘E-commerce CNP Transactions’ to enable foreign online shopping.
International Transaction Fees on SBI Debit and Credit Cards
When you make an international payment with your SBI card, two types of charges may apply:
1. International Transaction Fee (3%)
This is a flat 3% fee applied to the total value of your overseas transaction — whether it’s online or in-store.
Example:
- Foreign purchase: \$100
- SBI charges 3% = \$3
- Final debit: \$103 (converted into INR at SBI’s exchange rate)
2. Exchange Rate Markup
SBI doesn’t use the real exchange rate (like what you’d see on Google). Instead, it adds a markup — often 2% to 3% — on top of the mid-market rate.
This difference is a hidden charge and can add up quickly if you’re making frequent purchases.
Example:
- Google rate: \$1 = ₹82
- SBI rate: \$1 = ₹84.50
- You lose ₹2.50 per dollar spent
Over \$500, that’s ₹1,250 lost just to exchange fees!
Can You Avoid These Charges? Yes — with Wise
If you’re an Indian freelancer, remote worker, or business owner receiving money from clients abroad, SBI fees might cost you a lot over time.
An alternative is Wise (formerly TransferWise), a money transfer service that offers:
- Multi-currency accounts (USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, etc.)
- Local bank details for clients to pay you easily
- Real-time currency conversion with no markup
- Direct deposit into your INR bank account
- eFIRC documentation for compliance
Wise helps you save big on hidden fees, especially when compared to SBI’s foreign transaction rates.
Visit Wise to explore international business payments.
Summary: SBI Debit and Credit Cards Indian Users – Key Takeaways
If you’re in India and plan to travel, shop globally, or receive foreign payments, you need to understand how your SBI card works internationally.
✅ What You Should Remember:
- Not all SBI cards are enabled for international usage by default.
- You can activate global usage via SBI branch, Internet Banking, SBI Card App, or YONO App.
- Watch out for the 3% international transaction fee + exchange rate markup.
- Wise is a solid alternative for receiving and managing international payments at a low cost.
FAQs – SBI Debit and Credit Cards Indian Users
1. Can I use my SBI debit card on foreign websites like Amazon US?
Only if it’s an SBI International or Platinum card, and you’ve enabled international usage.
2. How do I activate international transactions on my SBI card?
Through Internet Banking, SBI Card App, YONO app, or by visiting a branch.
3. What is the fee for using SBI debit/credit card internationally?
SBI charges a 3% international transaction fee plus a currency exchange rate markup.
4. Can I withdraw cash from ATMs abroad with my SBI debit card?
Yes, but only if it’s an internationally-enabled card and you’ve turned on global ATM usage.
5. What’s a cheaper way to receive international payments in India?
Wise provides real exchange rates, no hidden fees, and is ideal for freelancers and SMEs.
6. Google Snippet (Featured Answer Style)
Can Indian SBI Debit and Credit Cards Be Used Internationally?
Yes. SBI offers specific debit and credit cards that Indian users can use for international transactions, but most standard cards require activation. You can enable international usages through SBI Internet Banking, the SBI Card App, the YONO App, or by visiting your nearest branch. Once activated, these cards work for in-store and online foreign purchases. However, SBI charges a 3% international transaction fee and includes a markup on currency exchange rates.
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