SBI Credit Cards International Transaction Charges

Using your SBI credit card abroad allows you to make purchases and withdrawals globally with ease. However, these international transactions attract specific charges such as foreign currency mark-up fees and conversion costs. Understanding these helps you manage your overseas expenses better and avoid unexpected deductions.

SBI credit cards can be used for contactless, online, and Point of Sale (POS) transactions across the world. You can enable or disable international usage anytime and set transaction limits to manage your spending.

The SBI credit card international transaction charges generally include a foreign currency mark-up, dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fee, and cash advance fee for ATM withdrawals abroad. These vary depending on the card type and transaction category.

Here are some of the key points to remember:

• Activate or deactivate international usage through the SBI Card website, mobile app, or chatbot ILA
  

• Set limits for different categories such as online, POS, or ATM transactions under the ‘Manage Card Usage’ section
  

• Transactions made in foreign currency or INR outside India (except Nepal and Bhutan) are considered international transactions

The international transaction charges on SBI credit cards depend on your card type and the nature of the transaction. These include foreign currency conversion, DCC, and cash advance fees.

Foreign Currency Transaction Fee

• Ranges between 1.99% and 3.5% of the transaction amount, depending on the card variant

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Fee

• Applied on transactions of ₹1,000 or more made in INR at overseas or internationally registered merchants
  

• Charged at the same rate as the foreign currency mark-up, ranging between 1.99% and 3.5%
  

• DCC fees are non-refundable even if the transaction is reversed

Cash Advance Fee (International ATMs)

• 2.5% of the withdrawal amount or ₹500, whichever is higher
  

• Finance charges apply from the date of withdrawal until full repayment

International spending can become costly due to multiple mark-ups and conversion fees. However, with a few practical steps, you can minimise or avoid some of these charges.

Here’s how you can reduce your SBI credit card international transaction charges:

• Pay in local currency

Always choose the local currency instead of INR to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees

• Limit cash withdrawals

Using international ATMs attracts a 2.5% fee (minimum ₹500), along with finance charges until repayment

• Use eligible card variants

Premium cards attract a lower foreign currency mark-up of 1.99%

• Monitor your spending

Keep track of foreign transactions in your monthly statement to identify additional mark-ups or charges

• Manage limits smartly

Use the ‘Manage Card Usage’ feature to control your transaction categories and prevent unauthorised usage

• Report discrepancies early

If you notice a mismatch, raise a billing dispute within 90 days of the transaction date

Note: Fees and benefits may differ depending on your card variant. Always review the latest schedule of charges before travelling abroad.

Every international transaction on your SBI credit card involves currency conversion. The conversion rate depends on the global card network (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, or American Express) and the exchange rate on the date the transaction is posted.

Here’s how conversion and exchange rates work:

• Standard conversion

When you pay in a foreign currency, the card network converts the amount to INR using its prevailing exchange rate. SBI then applies the applicable mark-up fee based on your card type.

• DCC transactions

If you pay in INR at an international store or website registered overseas, a DCC fee is charged on transactions above ₹1,000.

• Exchange rate differences

The final INR amount may vary from the amount shown at the time of purchase due to rate fluctuations between authorisation and posting.

• Non-reversible mark-ups

DCC and foreign currency mark-up fees are not refunded even if the transaction is later reversed.

Disclaimer: Exchange rates are dynamic and determined by the card network. The total amount payable in INR will depend on the rate applicable on the posting date.

You can activate or deactivate international usage on your SBI credit card easily through multiple channels. SBI offers flexibility to set transaction limits and control card usage for enhanced security.

Here’s how you can activate your SBI credit card for international transactions:

Through the SBI Card Website

1. Visit the official website: sbicard.com
   

2. Log in using your User ID and Password
   

3. Go to the ‘Manage Card Usage’ section under the main menu
   

4. Select ‘Manage Card Transactions’
   

5. Choose the transaction category you wish to enable (Domestic/International)
   

6. Activate international usage and set your preferred transaction limit

Through the SBI Card Mobile App

1. Log in to the SBI Card app
   

2. Navigate to ‘Manage Card Usage’ and tap on ‘Manage Card Transactions’
   

3. Select ‘International’ under transaction type
   

4. Enable or disable the feature as required and set a limit

Using Chatbot ILA

1. Visit the SBI Card website and click on the ILA chatbot icon
   

2. Type ‘Manage Card Usage’ and log in using your credentials
   

3. Choose the transaction usage type (Domestic or International)
   

4. Enable or disable the required category and authenticate using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number

Important Note: If you attempt a transaction higher than the set category limit, it will be declined. To complete such a transaction, you must increase your limit or perform it within your set threshold.

Disclaimer: Always ensure you activate international usage only when required and monitor your statements regularly to identify any unauthorised transactions.

When you make an international purchase or cash withdrawal using your SBI credit card, the transaction is processed through the respective card network (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, or American Express). The processing time can vary depending on several factors.

Here’s how it typically works:

• Transaction posting

International transactions may take up to 2–5 business days to reflect in your account statement after authorisation

• Currency conversion

The transaction amount is converted to INR based on the exchange rate prevailing on the posting date, not the purchase date

• Billing date alignment

If a transaction is posted close to your billing date, it may appear in the next billing cycle

• Reversals or refunds

Refunds from international merchants can take longer, usually 7–10 business days, due to currency conversion and settlement delays

Note: Processing time also depends on the time zone and the card network’s settlement schedule. Always check your statement for final billed amounts and applicable foreign exchange mark-ups.

Apart from standard transaction fees, SBI credit cards attract other foreign exchange-related charges that cardholders should be aware of. These charges ensure compliance with international payment processing norms.

Here’s an overview of common additional charges:

• Emergency Card Replacement (Abroad)

Actual cost, subject to a minimum of $175 for VISA and $148 for Mastercard

• Card Replacement (Domestic)

Between ₹100 and ₹250; ₹1,500 for AURUM

• Rewards Redemption Fee

₹99 for physical products, statement credits, or vouchers (not applicable for AURUM)

• Billing Dispute Window

Discrepancies must be reported within 90 days of the transaction date for both domestic and international transactions

• Dynamic Currency Conversion Fee

Between 1.99% and 3.5%, depending on card type, applied to INR-denominated transactions at overseas merchants

• Finance Charges on Cash Advances

Applicable from the date of withdrawal until the date of full payment

Disclaimer: All fees and charges are subject to change at the discretion of SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd. Please refer to your card’s terms and conditions for the most recent updates.