What is an international debit card? Directions: Instructions for opening the card and safe use
11/04/2025
An international debit card is a convenient payment tool, allowing users to make transactions and withdraw money at global ATMs. The popularity of international debit cards is increasing thanks to their convenience and safety. This article will guide customers on how to open a card and provide important notes to use the card safely and protect their account from risks.
Readers should note: The data and information in the article are compiled from general market sources and do not apply specifically to SeABank's products or services.
1. What is an international debit card?
An international debit card is a type of payment card that allows the cardholder to use the amount of money available in their bank account, including overdraft limit (if any), to make payment transactions for products and services globally. This card is directly linked to a bank account, allowing users to withdraw money, transfer money, shop and pay online at stores, ATMs or via international electronic platforms.
International debit cards bring flexibility and convenience to customers when making international transactions, helping to save time and currency conversion costs.
Visa SeAPremium international debit card provides free card issuance service, bringing convenience and cost savings to users.
Outstanding features of international debit cards:
Link to bank account: International debit cards are linked directly to your bank account. Cardholders, deduct money immediately when making a transaction.
Spend within available balance: The cardholder can only spend within the amount of money available in the account. No more spend now, pay later function like a credit card.
Global usage: International debit cards can be used to pay in stores, withdraw money at ATMs, and transact online worldwide, providing flexibility when traveling or shopping internationally.
There is no payment feature: Unlike credit cards, international debit cards require the cardholder to deposit money before use, and do not allow spending first and then paying later.
International transaction fees: When using an international debit card at ATMs or in international transactions, users may be charged additional fees, depending on each bank's regulations.
2. Distinguish international debit cards from domestic debit cards
When it comes to debit cards, customers often confuse international debit cards and domestic debit cards. In this section, we will clearly distinguish between international debit cards and domestic debit cards to help customers better understand the characteristics of each type of card and choose the right card for their needs.
Criteria
International debit card
Domestic debit card
Issuing unit
Links between domestic banks and international financial institutions such as: VISA, JCB, MasterCard...
Issued by a domestic bank.
Scope of use
Global use, can make domestic and international transactions.
Limited to country (Vietnam).
Card structure
Most are chip cards. Information on the card includes: name, logo of card issuer, cardholder name, validity date, card number, customer care phone number, name of international card issuer.
Most are NAPAS cards. Information on the card includes: name, bank logo, cardholder name, validity date, card number, customer care phone number, logo of domestic card switching organization.
Annual fee and card maintenance
Annual and card maintenance fees are higher than domestic debit cards.
Annual fee ranges from 50,000 - 100,000 VND. Card maintenance fee/year ranges from 20,000 - 50,000 VND (some banks waive the fee).
Promotion program
There are more incentives and promotions.
A few incentive programs and promotions are included.
Maximum withdrawal amount at ATM/day
Maximum from 50 - 100 million VND/day (may vary depending on customer registration and each bank's regulations).
Maximum 50 million VND/day (may change depending on customer registration and bank regulations).
Transfer limit
From 100 million VND/day to unlimited, depending on each bank's regulations.
Maximum 100 million VND/day.
Function
Payment at supermarkets, restaurants, services, international and domestic online shopping.
Payment at supermarkets, restaurants, domestic services, and domestic online shopping.
Thus, international debit cards and domestic debit cards each have their advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different usage needs. International debit cards stand out with global payment capabilities, high security, and many incentives, however, international transaction and maintenance fees are quite high. Meanwhile, domestic debit cards have low costs, are easy to use domestically and have no international transaction fees, but can only be used within Vietnam and are less secure.
If customers need to make international transactions or frequently go on business trips or travel abroad, an international debit card will be the right choice. On the contrary, if your usage needs are mainly for domestic transactions, you want to save maintenance costs and do not need to make international payments, a domestic debit card will be a more reasonable choice.
3. Types of international debit cards
Currently, there are two popular types of international debit cards: Visa cards and MasterCard cards. Each type is designed to meet the user's needs and intended use.
Criteria
VISA international debit card (VISA Debit)
MasterCard international debit card (Mastercard Debit)
Issuing organization
Issued by the VISA International Service Association company.
Issued by MasterCard Worldwide.
Scope of use
Present in more than 190 countries and territories worldwide.
Present in more than 210 countries and territories.
Security technology
Using Verified by VISA security technology.
Using SecureCode security technology.
Payment range
Payment is accepted at stores or service providers with the VISA logo worldwide.
Payment is accepted at stores or service providers with the Mastercard logo worldwide.
Use at transaction points
Used at stores, websites, and services with the VISA logo.
Used at stores, websites, and services with the Mastercard logo.
Payment method
Pay directly at the store, via POS machine, or online.
Pay directly at the store, via POS machine, or online.
Thus, international debit cards VISA and MasterCard are both popular and widely used worldwide, with high security features and wide acceptance at stores and services. Each type of card brings maximum convenience to users in international and online transactions.
4. Benefits of international debit cards
In this section, we will learn about the outstanding benefits that international debit cards bring, helping customers better understand the convenience and security when using this type of card.
Pay easily when traveling internationally: The card helps customers pay for shopping, dining, and transportation in many countries without having to exchange cash, bringing convenience and flexibility.
Safe online payment: Users can comfortably shop internationally on platforms such as Amazon, eBay or use other online services with high security.
Effective spending management: International debit cards help control the amount of money in your account easily, limiting overspending like when using a credit card.
Fast transaction support: The card allows you to withdraw money at international ATMs and pay at stores quickly and conveniently.
SeABank has many incentive programs for domestic debit cards when paying for international travel.
5. International debit card limit
Currently, the usage limit of international debit cards is quite diverse and is flexibly adjusted depending on each bank.
Withdrawal limit: International debit cards allow withdrawals ranging from 5 - 20 million VND per transaction and from 50 - 100 million VND per day. For over-the-counter transactions, most banks allow withdrawal of the entire amount in the account, except in certain cases with specific limits.
Money transfer limit: Money transfer limits via cards usually range from 500 million VND to 1 billion VND per transaction, with VIP customers enjoying higher limits according to each bank's policy.
Example of international debit card limit SeABank:
Debit card
Maximum withdrawal/transfer limit
Limit on foreign currency cash withdrawal abroad
BRG Elite
50,000,000 VND/day
30,000,000 VND/day
SeABank MasterCard Gold
100,000,000 VND/day
30,000,000 VND/day
SeABank Visa SeAPremium
200,000,000 VND/day
30,000,000 VND/day
SeABank Visa Gold
100,000,000 VND/day
30,000,000 VND/day
6. Functions of international debit cards
International debit cards are not only a convenient payment tool but also integrate many useful functions to meet a variety of users' financial needs. In this section, let's explore the outstanding functions that international debit cards bring.
Online and direct payment: The card allows for quick payments at stores or websites, helping users make transactions without carrying cash.
Deposit, transfer, withdraw money at ATM: Supports easy deposit, transfer, and withdrawal operations at domestic and foreign ATMs.
Balance inquiry: Users can quickly check their account balance through ATMs or e-banking applications.
Print statement: International debit cards provide statement printing features, help track and manage transaction history, and support effective personal financial control.
E-wallet link: The card can be linked to e-wallets, providing convenience when paying online without having to re-enter card information multiple times.
Customers use domestic debit cards to pay when shopping online.
7. Notes when opening and using international debit cards
Things to note when opening an international debit card
Choose a reputable bank: Choose a bank with good service, high security, and reasonable fees.
Read the terms carefully: Before opening a card, customers should carefully learn the terms, service fees, withdrawal and transfer limits, as well as accompanying incentives.
Confirm card limit: Ask the bank clearly about withdrawal limits, money transfers, and related costs such as ATM withdrawal fees and annual card maintenance fees.
Notes when using international debit cards
Protect card information: Do not share your card number, PIN, or any card information with strangers to avoid the risk of fraud.
Register for transaction notification service: To easily monitor and detect unusual transactions, customers should register for transaction notification service via SMS or email.
Change your PIN periodically: To protect card security, change your PIN periodically and avoid using PINs that are easy to guess.
Only transact at reputable websites: When paying online, choose websites with SSL security certificates to minimize the risk of fraud.
Track balances and transactions: Regularly check account balances and transactions to detect invalid transactions early.
Managing international transaction fees: Be careful with withdrawal and foreign currency conversion fees when using your card abroad.
In case of withdrawing money at an ATM, be careful and look around before entering the PIN code, and use your hand or an object to shield yourself when entering the PIN code.
8. SeABank - A bank providing reputable international debit cards
SeABank is one of the most popular commercial banks in Vietnam, famous for its reputation and diversity of financial products. Among them, the SeABank international debit card stands out thanks to its superior features and outstanding utilities, meeting all transaction and payment needs of domestic and international customers.
Benefits when using the SeABank international debit card
Global transactions: SeABank international debit card supports payments at international stores, restaurants and services around the world. In addition, customers can comfortably shop online at international platforms such as Amazon and eBay without worrying about geographical barriers.
Convenient and fast: With withdrawal features, international transfers, and direct payments at card acceptance points, SeABank debit cards help optimize transaction time, bringing convenience to users.
Easy financial management: Customers can easily track spending and check account balances through SeABank's Mobile Banking application or SMS Banking service. This supports transparent and effective personal financial control.
High security: The card integrates 2-layer security technology and authenticates transactions with OTP code, ensuring absolute safety in all transactions, helping customers feel secure in use without worrying about the risk of information theft.
With outstanding utilities and advantages, SeABank international debit card is the ideal choice for customers who need flexible and safe transactions globally.
Special incentives for international debit card holders issued by SeABank
Card type
Endow
BRG Elite debit card
Refund all spending transactions
Discount up to 70% at partners of SeABank and BRG Group
SeABank MasterCard Gold debit card
Cash back up to 1% for every transaction
Discount up to 70% at SeABank partners
SeABank Visa Gold debit card
Cash back up to 1% for every transaction
Discount up to 70% at SeABank partners
SeABank Visa SeAPremium Debit Card
Cash back up to 1% for every transaction
Free annual fee for life with SeABank Rewards
High-class service exclusively for KHUT
SeABank Visa SeAPremium debit card is a premium service exclusively for customers at SeABank.
You can refer to how to open a SeABank international debit card
Step 1: Go to a SeABank branch or register online through the bank's website.
Step 2: Provide necessary documents (ID card/Passport, banking service registration form, if a foreigner, a visa or customs declaration is required).
Step 3: Wait for the bank to process the application and issue the card. Card issuance time is usually 3 - 7 working days.
International debit cards are a convenient, safe and useful payment tool, especially for those who frequently make international transactions. Choosing the right bank to open an international debit card will help customers take full advantage of the benefits the card brings, from quick payment, high security to effective financial management.
If customers need support, please contact SeABank via Hotline 1900 555 587 or visit the website www.seabank.com.vn for detailed answers.
Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank SeABank
Address: BRG Building, 198 Tran Quang Khai, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
