What is an international debit card? Directions: Instructions for opening the card and safe use

icon calendar11/04/2025

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.

Thẻ ghi nợ quốc tế Visa SeAPremium cung cấp dịch vụ miễn phí phát hành thẻ, mang lại sự tiện lợi và tiết kiệm chi phí cho người sử dụng.
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 có nhiều chương trình ưu đãi dành cho thẻ ghi nợ nội địa khi thanh toán du lịch quốc tế.
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.
Khách hàng sử dụng thẻ ghi nợ nội địa để thanh toán khi mua sắm trực tuyến.
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.

Trường hợp rút tiền ở cây ATM, hãy cẩn trọng và quan sát xung quanh trước khi nhập mã PIN, dùng tay hoặc vật dụng để che chắn khi nhập mã PIN.
 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

Thẻ ghi nợ SeABank Visa SeAPremium là dịch vụ cao cấp dành riêng cho KHƯT tại SeABank.
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.

To learn more, please refer to the International debit card fee schedule at the bank's official website.

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 
  • Call Center: KHCN 1900 555 587 / (024) 39448702 – KHDN 1900 599 952/ 024-32045952
  • Customer care email: contact@seabank.com.vn
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