HDFC Bank offers a range of international debit cards for convenient cash withdrawals and online purchases abroad. However, various charges apply for usage based on the card type. Besides joining and annual fees, HDFC international debit card charges include costs for ATM withdrawal abroad, cross-currency markup charges, and currency conversion fees.
You may also be charged decline fees when making transactions with insufficient balances. Knowing about the charges and limits is important to avoid piling up these charges. Various strategies also help in minimising these costs. So, let’s explore the HDFC international debit card charges and how to manage the costs.
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HDFC International Debit Card Charges
HDFC international debit card charges vary based on the type of debit card variant you have. The transaction type and service availed when swiping abroad also determine the charges on HDFC international debit cards. Here’s an overview of the most common charges applicable-
Annual Fees
HDFC Bank charges a nominal annual fee for card maintenance and service offered. It varies based on the type of international debit card you hold and the type of account it is associated with. Usually, the annual fees under HDFC International Debit Card charges range between INR 100 and 850 + applicable taxes.
| Type of HDFC International Debit Card | Annual Fees |
| EasyShop International Debit Card | Rs. 150 + applicable taxes |
| GIGA Business Debit Card | Rs. 250 + applicable taxes |
| Platinum Debit Card | Rs. 850 + applicable taxes |
| Imperia Platinum Debit Card | Free for HNW (High-net Worth) customers |
| Millennia Debit Card | Rs. 500 + applicable taxes |
| MoneyBack Debit Card | Rs. 300 + applicable taxes |
HDFC Debit Card Forex Charges & Cross-Currency Mark-up Fees
For every foreign currency transaction, HDFC International Debit Card charges include a markup fee of 3.5% of the transaction amount, along with applicable taxes. This fee compensates for the conversion of foreign currency into Indian Rupees.
The transaction amount will be converted to Indian Rupees based on the VISA/MasterCard wholesale exchange rate at the time of the transaction or when the merchant settles the payment.
These charges are the same for most debit cards, including HDFC Millenia Debit Card international transaction charges. However, if you use an Infiniti Debit Card, a reduced cross-currency markup fee of 0.99% will apply instead of the standard 3.5%.
ATM Withdrawal Fees
HDFC International Debit Card charges also include a withdrawal fee for cash withdrawals abroad. This is usually around INR 125 plus applicable taxes per transaction for cash withdrawals. Additionally, a balance enquiry fee of INR 25 + taxes is charged per enquiry.
For the managed segment, the cash withdrawal charges are INR 110 + application taxes on cash withdrawals abroad. Balance enquiry charges apply INR 15 + taxes per enquiry.
| Segment | ATM Cash Withdrawal Charges | Balance Enquiry Fees |
| Non-managed segment | INR 125 + applicable taxes | INR 25 + applicable taxes |
| Managed Segment | INR 110 + applicable taxes | INR 25 + applicable taxes |
Decline Charges
If a transaction is declined due to insufficient funds, you may be charged INR 25 plus applicable taxes for each failed attempt as part of HDFC International Debit Card charges. This applies to non-HDFC Bank domestic as well as international ATMs at international merchant outlets and online stores.
Currency Conversion Fees
When you make transactions in a currency other than your loaded or default currency, a currency conversion fee is charged. This additional fee accounts for the exchange rate and conversion service.
Dynamic Currency Conversion Fees
With effect from February 2025, HDFC International Debit Card charges will also charge a dynamic currency conversion fee of 1% + taxes. This applies to all foreign transactions carried out in INR at international locations via HDFC international debit cards.
Also Read: Check this blog to learn how to check HDFC Forex Card balance for simplified international travel and financial transactions.
HDFC International Debit Card vs. HDFC Forex Card vs. HDFC International Credit Card
When making international transactions, choosing the right payment method can significantly impact your overall costs. HDFC offers three primary options: International Debit Cards, Forex Cards, and International Credit Cards—each with different charges, benefits, and limitations.
The table below compares these options based on forex charges, ATM withdrawal fees, annual costs, and overall suitability, helping you decide which one works best for your international spending needs.
| Feature | HDFC International Debit Card | HDFC Forex Card | HDFC International Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Occasional international spending using a bank account | Frequent travelers who want to avoid forex markups | High spenders looking for rewards and better exchange rates |
| Cross-Currency Markup Fee | 3.5% + GST on every foreign transaction | 0% (No forex markup) since the currency is preloaded | 0% on select cards (e.g., Regalia/ Infinia), else 3.5% |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee (Abroad) | INR 125 – INR 150 + taxes per withdrawal | INR 75 – INR 100 per withdrawal | INR 300 – INR 500 per withdrawal |
| Currency Conversion Fee | 1% + GST (Dynamic Currency Conversion) | No additional conversion fees if used in the preloaded currency | Forex markup of up to 3.5% |
| Exchange Rate Used | Visa/Mastercard wholesale rate + markup | Locked-in rate at the time of loading the card | Visa/Mastercard rate (Better for large transactions) |
| Annual Fees | INR 150 – INR 850 + taxes (varies by card type) | INR 500 – INR 1,000 (one-time issuance fee) | INR 1,000 – INR 10,000 (premium cards have higher fees) |
| Spending Limit | Linked to available bank balance | Preloaded amount in foreign currency | Based on the credit limit assigned |
| Fraud Protection | Low – Directly linked to your savings account | High – Card is not linked to a bank account | High – Fraud liability cover available |
| Cashback/ Rewards | No cashback or rewards | No rewards, but you save on forex charges | Reward points, travel benefits, lounge access |
| Ideal for Long-Term Use? | ❌ No – High forex fees & markup make it costly | ✅ Yes – Best for regular international spending | ✅ Yes – Offers rewards & benefits for frequent travelers |
Key Takeaways: Which One Should You Use?
- Use HDFC Forex Card if you travel often and want to avoid forex charges entirely.
- Use HDFC International Credit Card if you prefer rewards, travel perks, and lounge access.
- Avoid using an HDFC Debit Card for major international expenses due to high forex markup fees & withdrawal charges.
Tips to Minimize HDFC International Debit Card Charges
Now that we know about the HDFC International Debit Card Charges and additional fees for using international debit cards abroad, it is important to follow some practical tips to help you save on these charges. By planning smartly and making informed choices, you can minimize these expenses and manage your finances efficiently during international trips.
Avoid ATMs with High Fees
When using your HDFC Bank international debit card abroad, look for ATMs that belong to networks with lower fees or none at all. Some banks may charge additional fees for foreign cardholders, which can stack up with the already applicable charges. Research beforehand to find partner banks or ATMs that minimize costs.
Select the Right Currency During Payments
While paying abroad, you may be asked whether you want to be charged in the local currency or Indian Rupees (INR). Always choose the local currency.
Opting for INR activates dynamic currency conversion (DCC), which often includes hidden mark-ups and unfavourable exchange rates. Selecting the local currency ensures that you’re charged the Visa/Mastercard exchange rate, which is typically more competitive.
Choose Alternatives Like Forex Cards or International Credit Cards
HDFC Forex cards and zero Forex markup credit cards often provide better rates and lower fees than using a debit card for international transactions. Forex cards come with preloaded foreign currency, eliminating cross-currency markup fees.
Similarly, certain international credit cards offer benefits like reduced transaction charges, rewards, and even fee waivers. Before travelling, compare the costs and benefits of these options to make an informed decision.
Also Read: Interested in studying abroad but a bit worried about the finances? Escalate your career to the next level with HDFC Bank personal loans for education.
Refunds & Dispute Resolution for International Transactions
Using an HDFC International Debit Card abroad comes with the possibility of transaction issues such as overcharging, duplicate charges, or even unauthorized transactions. If you notice an incorrect charge on your account, it is important to act quickly to dispute it and request a refund.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling such situations:
1. Identify the Issue & Gather Proof
Before initiating a dispute, check your transaction history via HDFC NetBanking or Mobile Banking. Common issues include:
- Being charged more than the billed amount.
- A failed transaction where money was debited but not received by the merchant.
- A duplicate charge for a single transaction.
- Unauthorized transactions that you did not make.
If the issue is merchant-related (e.g., incorrect billing), first try contacting the merchant for a refund. If the issue persists, proceed with raising a dispute with HDFC Bank.
2. Contact HDFC Bank Customer Support
For immediate assistance, you can reach HDFC Bank through:
- Phone Banking: Call the HDFC International Helpline or 24/7 customer support at +91 22 6160 6161 (for international customers).
- Email Support: Write to HDFC customer care explaining the issue, transaction details, and supporting documents.
- Visiting a Local Branch: If you’re back in India, you can visit an HDFC branch to report the dispute.
3. Raise a Chargeback Request
A chargeback is a formal dispute where the bank reverses the transaction if it is found to be invalid. To raise a chargeback:
- Fill out the Dispute Form: HDFC provides a debit card dispute form that must be submitted along with transaction details.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Provide proof such as transaction receipts, emails from merchants, or screenshots of discrepancies.
- Timeframe for Filing: You must file a dispute within 30-120 days from the transaction date, depending on the issue type.
4. Investigation & Resolution Time
Once a dispute is raised, HDFC will initiate an investigation with the payment network (Visa/Mastercard). The process includes:
- Acknowledgment of the dispute within 7 working days.
- Investigation, which can take 45-90 days, depending on the complexity of the case.
- If the dispute is valid, a temporary credit may be issued while the investigation is ongoing.
- Final resolution and refund (if applicable) within up to 120 days.
5. Fees & Charges for Dispute Resolution
- Dispute Investigation Fees: HDFC Bank does not charge customers for raising a dispute. However, if the chargeback claim is found invalid, a dispute-handling fee of INR 250 + taxes may be levied.
- Currency Fluctuation Consideration: If a refund is issued, the refunded amount may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations between the transaction date and the refund date.
6. Preventing Unauthorized Transactions & Fraud
To minimize risks, consider these precautions:
- Enable international transactions only when required and disable them after use via NetBanking.
- Use HDFC Debit Card Control to set transaction limits for international use.
- Immediately block a lost/stolen card using HDFC Mobile Banking or by calling customer care.
- Subscribe to instant transaction alerts for every international transaction.
By following these steps, you can efficiently manage refunds and disputes while using your HDFC International Debit Card abroad. If you’re a frequent traveler, you might also consider using Forex Cards or Zero Forex Markup Credit Cards to avoid excessive charges and simplify dispute handling.
FAQs on HDFC International Debit Card Charges
Yes, you can use an HDFC international debit card for purchases and cash withdrawals abroad. However, you need to enable international transactions on your card, which can be done through net banking, mobile banking, or by contacting HDFC customer care.
HDFC International debit card charges for international use are:
– Cross-currency markup Fee of 3.5% of the transaction amount, plus applicable taxes.
– ATM Withdrawal Fee of INR 125 per withdrawal, plus applicable taxes.
– Balance Enquiry Fee of INR 25 per enquiry, plus applicable taxes.
– Decline Charge of INR 25 per failed transaction due to insufficient funds, plus applicable taxes.
– Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Fee of 1% plus taxes starting February 2025.
The annual fees vary by card type, ranging from INR 150 for the EasyShop International Debit Card to INR 850 for the Platinum Debit Card, plus applicable taxes.
The cash withdrawal fee for HDFC international debit cards is typically INR 125, plus applicable taxes, for non-managed segments. For managed segments, it is INR 110.
Yes, HDFC charges INR 25, plus applicable taxes, for balance inquiries at international ATMs.
If a transaction is declined because of insufficient funds, a charge of INR 25, plus applicable taxes, will be applied for each failed attempt.
Yes, when making transactions in a currency other than the default currency loaded on your card, a currency conversion fee may apply.
Starting February 2025, HDFC will charge a dynamic currency conversion fee of 1%, plus taxes, on foreign transactions conducted in Indian Rupees (INR).
To minimize charges, choose local currency for transactions instead of INR, use ATMs with lower fees, and consider alternatives like Forex cards or international credit cards.
Yes, you can enable international transactions via net banking, mobile banking, or by contacting HDFC customer care.
While there are no specific fees for using the debit card at merchant outlets domestically, foreign transactions may incur cross-currency markup and dynamic conversion fees as mentioned above.
To learn more about education loans, the best bank accounts for students, forex, banking experience for global students, or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your experience with studying abroad.
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