For international students and frequent travellers, managing money abroad is a big part. Debit card withdrawal limits are a key detail that may be overlooked. These limits decide how much cash you can take out each day or month when making foreign transactions via international debit cards.
Understanding these debit card withdrawal limits can help you avoid running into issues when paying for essentials like rent, groceries, or tuition. International transactions often have lower limits than domestic ones, and additional fees can add up quickly. By knowing your card’s limits, you can plan better and avoid financial stress. Let’s explore the details in this blog.
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Debit Card Withdrawal Limits Abroad
Debit card withdrawal limits abroad can significantly differ from domestic limits, particularly for Indian banks. Many Indian banks offer higher withdrawal limits for domestic transactions. For instance, some premium debit cards allow withdrawals of up to INR 1 lakh per day within India.
However, international debit card withdrawal limits are generally lower. For example, IndusInd Bank’s Platinum Debit Card permits a maximum withdrawal of INR 25,000 per day when used internationally.
| Bank | Debit Card Type | Withdrawal Limit (per day) |
| State Bank of India | SBI Global International Debit Card | INR 40,000 |
| State Bank of India | Platinum International Debit Card | INR 1,00,000 |
| HDFC Bank | International Debit Card | INR 25,000 |
| HDFC Bank | Titanium or Gold International Debit Cards | INR 50,000 |
| HDFC Bank | Platinum and Imperia Platinum Chip Debit Cards | INR 1,00,000 |
| ICICI Bank | Coral International Debit Card | INR 1,00,000 |
| ICICI Bank | Expressions Coral Debit Card | INR 1,50,000 |
| Punjab National Bank | International Debit Card | INR 25,000 |
| Axis Bank | International Lounge Access Debit Card | INR 50,000 |
| Axis Bank | Liberty and Titanium Rewards Debit Cards | INR 50,000 |
| Bank of Baroda | BOB International Debit Card | INR 25,000 |
| Standard Chartered Bank | Standard International Debit Card | INR 40,000 |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank | International Debit Card | INR 50,000 |
| Federal Bank | International Debit Card | INR 25,000 |
| Union Bank of India | International Debit Card | INR 25,000 |
| IDBI Bank | International Debit Card | INR 25,000 |
Also Read: Discover the step-by-step process of securing an education loan. From application to disbursal, learn how to navigate the education loan journey.
Foreign Transaction Fees and Withdrawal Charges
Using Indian debit cards at international ATMs often incurs additional debit card foreign transaction fees. Banks may charge a flat fee for each withdrawal—typically around INR 150, along with foreign transaction fees that are 3.75% of the transaction amount. These debit card withdrawal limit costs can add up quickly, impacting your overall budget.
- ICICI Bank charges a 3.5% markup fee on foreign currency transactions.
- State Bank of India (SBI) has a similar charge of 3.5% for international Point of Sale (PoS) and e-commerce transactions.
Payment networks such as Visa and MasterCard also impose a 1% fee for converting foreign currencies into your home currency (e.g., Indian Rupees). This fee is charged to the card issuer, who may choose to pass it on to the cardholder along with any additional fees.
Some merchants offer the option to charge you in your home currency instead of the local currency, a service known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). While this may seem convenient, it often comes with higher exchange rates and extra fees that can exceed 5%.
Given these fees, travellers should plan their budgets accordingly. For example, if you withdraw INR 25,000, you might incur:
- A flat withdrawal fee (e.g., INR 150).
- A foreign transaction fee (e.g., 3.5% of INR 25,000 = INR 875).
This means that a single withdrawal could cost you approximately INR 1,025 in total fees alone, not including any additional costs associated with currency conversion or other banking services.
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Factors Affecting Debit Card Withdrawal Limits
Understanding the factors that influence debit card withdrawal limits is essential, especially for international students managing their finances abroad. These limits can significantly impact how much cash you can access, which is crucial for covering everyday expenses like rent, groceries, and tuition fees. Here are the key factors that determine debit card withdrawal limits-
Account Type
Different account types come with varying withdrawal limits. For instance, premium accounts often have higher limits compared to standard accounts. For example, banks like Axis Bank international lounge access debit cards offer daily withdrawal limits ranging from INR 40,000 to INR 3,00,000 depending on the card type.
Bank Policies
Each bank has its own set of policies regarding withdrawal limits. These policies are influenced by factors such as customer risk profiles and historical account activity. For example, Kotak Mahindra Bank sets a daily withdrawal limit of INR 25,000 for regular accounts but allows up to INR 1,00,000 for premium accounts.
ATM Limitations
The specific ATM being used can also affect withdrawal limits. Some ATMs may have lower cash availability due to their cash reserves, which can restrict how much you can withdraw in a single transaction.
Daily and Per Transaction Limits
Banks typically impose both daily and per-transaction limits on debit card withdrawals. Daily limits dictate the total amount you can withdraw in a day, while transaction limits specify how much can be taken out in one go. For example, many banks allow a maximum of INR 10,000 per transaction at non-bank ATMs.
Security Measures
To protect against fraud and unauthorized access, banks implement withdrawal limits as a security measure. This helps minimize potential losses if your debit card is lost or stolen. For instance, a limit of INR 20,000 per day may be set to safeguard your funds.
Currency Conversion Rates
For international transactions, withdrawal limits may also be affected by currency conversion rates and fees associated with using Indian debit cards abroad. Fluctuating exchange rates can impact how much local currency you receive from your withdrawals.
Emergency Withdrawal Options
In emergencies where you need more cash than your limit allows, some banks offer options to temporarily increase withdrawal limits or provide alternative methods for accessing funds.
This was all about debit card withdrawal limits. Understanding these fees can help you make informed decisions about using your debit card overseas and managing your travel budget effectively.
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.
FAQs
International debit card withdrawal limits vary by bank and card type, generally ranging from INR 25,000 to INR 1,00,000 per day.
Foreign transaction fees typically range from 2% to 4% of the transaction amount, adding to the cost of using your debit card abroad.
Dynamic Currency Conversion allows merchants to charge you in your home currency, but it often comes with higher fees and exchange rates exceeding 5%.
Yes, you can often request changes to your debit card withdrawal limits through your bank’s mobile app or customer service.
Yes, most banks charge a flat fee (around INR 150) for each ATM withdrawal made internationally, in addition to foreign transaction fees.
Withdrawal limits are influenced by account type, bank policies, ATM limitations, and security measures implemented by banks.
No, different banks and debit card types have varying withdrawal limits; for example, SBI offers up to INR 1 lakh for some cards.
Understanding your debit card’s withdrawal limits and associated fees can help you plan your budget effectively while travelling abroad.
Exceeding your withdrawal limit may result in additional charges or declined transactions at ATMs.
It’s generally better to withdraw cash in local currency to avoid unfavourable exchange rates and extra fees associated with DCC.
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