How to Enable International Transactions on SBI Debit Cards?

Debit cards are mainly issued for domestic usage. Banks provide debit cards primarily for domestic transactions unless you request international usage specifically. The State Bank of India (SBI) requires you to enable international usage to carry out transactions abroad, such as booking flights, dining, shopping or making purchases while travelling overseas. 

Activating your SBI debit card is possible in various ways. This article explains how to enable international transactions on SBI debit cards and provides other important details.  

Activate International Transactions for SBI Debit Card Through Net Banking

The following are the steps you need to follow if you are looking to activate international transactions on the SBI debit card via net banking:

Step 1: Log in to the SBl net banking portal using your credentials.

Step 2: After logging in, click on the ‘e-services’ tab.

Step 3: Select ‘Debit Card services’ from the drop-down list and click on ‘ATM cum Debit Card’.

Step 4: Choose the ‘ATM Card Limit/Channel/Usage Change’ option.

Step 5: Select your account, enter your account number and click ‘Continue’.

Step 6: Select your card number, select service as ‘Change Usage Type’ and click ‘Submit’.

Step 7: Next, select the usage type as ‘International Usage’, select ‘Enable International Usage’ and click ‘Submit’.

Step 8: Enter the OTP received on your mobile phone and click ‘Submit’.

Activate International Transactions for SBI Debit Card Through the SBI Yono App

Here is how to activate your SBI debit card for international transactions through the SBI Yono app:

Step 1: Download the SBI YONO app on your mobile phone.

Step 2: Log in to the app using your 6-digit PIN.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Accounts’ option and click on ‘My Debit Cards’.

Step 4: Select your account, select the card and click on the ‘Manage Usage & Limits’ option available at the bottom.

Step 5: Enable the ‘International Usage’ option, set the limits and click ‘Save Changes’.

Step 6: Enter the OTP and click ‘Submit’.

Enable International Usage for SBI Debit Card Through SMS

To enable international usage for your SBI debit card through SMS, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Ensure your mobile number is registered with the State Bank of India.

Step 2: Send a message to 09223966666 in the following format - SWON INTL CCCC. 

Here CCCC is the last four digits of your debit card in which you want to enable international transactions.

Enable International Usage for SBI Debit Card by Customer Care

You can also enable international transactions on the SBI debit card by calling SBI’s customer care number - 1800 1234, 1800 2100, 1800 11 2211 or 1800 425 3800. Call SBI’s customer care through your registered mobile number, provide your debit card number, and ask them to enable international usage.

Other Ways to Activate or Enable SBI Debit Card

Another way to enable international transactions on SBI debit cards is to visit the nearest SBI branch and ask a bank executive to activate them for you. 

SBI Debit Card International Transaction Fee

The following table mentions the SBI debit card international transaction charges: 

Enabling international transactions on SBI debit cards allows you to do transactions in foreign currencies, eliminating the need to carry cash while travelling abroad. Moreover, in case of loss or theft, you can promptly block the card from anywhere in the world.