Learn about the applicable fees and mark-ups when using your SBI credit card for international transactions.
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.
Ranges between 1.99% and 3.5% of the transaction amount, depending on the card variant
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
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:
Always choose the local currency instead of INR to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees
Using international ATMs attracts a 2.5% fee (minimum ₹500), along with finance charges until repayment
Premium cards attract a lower foreign currency mark-up of 1.99%
Keep track of foreign transactions in your monthly statement to identify additional mark-ups or charges
Use the ‘Manage Card Usage’ feature to control your transaction categories and prevent unauthorised usage
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:
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.
If you pay in INR at an international store or website registered overseas, a DCC fee is charged on transactions above ₹1,000.
The final INR amount may vary from the amount shown at the time of purchase due to rate fluctuations between authorisation and posting.
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.
Several SBI credit cards offer international transaction features with varying joining fees and foreign currency mark-ups.
The table below outlines some popular options and their associated charges:
| SBI Credit Card | Joining Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|
₹499 + GST |
3.50% of the transaction amount |
|
₹2,999 + GST |
3.50% of the transaction amount |
|
₹499 |
3.50% of the transaction amount |
|
₹4,999 |
1.99% of the transaction amount |
|
₹499 |
3.50% of the transaction amount |
|
₹500 |
3.50% of the transaction amount |
|
₹1,499 |
3.50% of the transaction amount |
|
₹1,499 |
3.50% of the transaction amount |
Disclaimer: Joining fees and foreign transaction charges are subject to change as per the bank’s policy. Please refer to the official SBI Card website for the latest schedule of charges.
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:
Visit the official website: sbicard.com
Log in using your User ID and Password
Go to the ‘Manage Card Usage’ section under the main menu
Select ‘Manage Card Transactions’
Choose the transaction category you wish to enable (Domestic/International)
Activate international usage and set your preferred transaction limit
Log in to the SBI Card app
Navigate to ‘Manage Card Usage’ and tap on ‘Manage Card Transactions’
Select ‘International’ under transaction type
Enable or disable the feature as required and set a limit
Visit the SBI Card website and click on the ILA chatbot icon
Type ‘Manage Card Usage’ and log in using your credentials
Choose the transaction usage type (Domestic or International)
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:
International transactions may take up to 2–5 business days to reflect in your account statement after authorisation
The transaction amount is converted to INR based on the exchange rate prevailing on the posting date, not the purchase date
If a transaction is posted close to your billing date, it may appear in the next billing cycle
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:
Actual cost, subject to a minimum of $175 for VISA and $148 for Mastercard
Between ₹100 and ₹250; ₹1,500 for AURUM
₹99 for physical products, statement credits, or vouchers (not applicable for AURUM)
Discrepancies must be reported within 90 days of the transaction date for both domestic and international transactions
Between 1.99% and 3.5%, depending on card type, applied to INR-denominated transactions at overseas merchants
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.
Yes, SBI credit cards are accepted worldwide for online, POS, and contactless payments. You can use your card across international stores and websites that support Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, or American Express networks.
Yes. SBI credit cards attract a foreign currency mark-up fee, typically 3.5% of the transaction amount, depending on the card type. Premium cards such as AURUM and Elite have a lower mark-up of 1.99%.
The foreign exchange rate is determined by the respective card network (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, or Amex) on the transaction’s posting date. SBI then adds the applicable mark-up fee as per your card variant.
You can set transaction limits for international usage under the ‘Manage Card Usage’ section on the SBI Card app or website. The maximum limit can be up to your total credit limit, while ATM cash withdrawals are restricted to your available cash limit.
Some premium SBI credit cards, such as Elite, and Prime NRI Secured, have lower mark-up fees of 1.99% compared to standard cards. However, all international transactions attract some level of mark-up charge.
Yes. International cash withdrawals attract a 2.5% fee (minimum ₹500), along with finance charges from the date of withdrawal until the balance is fully repaid.
Yes, these charges apply to all foreign currency transactions made outside India or at international merchants registered overseas, except for transactions in Nepal and Bhutan.
From time to time, SBI Cards may offer limited-period promotions or cashback schemes on international spends. It is advisable to check the official SBI Card website or app for the latest offers before travelling.
You can view all international transaction details in your monthly statement or by logging in to your SBI Card account. Charges are displayed under the transaction summary, showing both the foreign currency amount and the corresponding INR amount with applicable mark-ups.