International Debit Card How Tos

With the intensity of the global financial crisis not showing any signs of calming down and more and more people are becoming unable to make use of their money due to their bank accounts being frozen the use of international debit cards have gained great popularity. International debit cards have become widely accepted as the solution to making sure that one always has enough cash in bank that is completely safe from being frozen.


International debit cards are cards which serve as tools to access ones money anywhere in the world provided that there is an ATM. They are linked to a private offshore bank account, also called a primary account, from which the money is debited whenever the holder makes purchases or withdraws cash through his international debit card. The amount in the primary account belongs to the holder which means even by using the debit card he will still be using his own money, different from credit cards in which you spend the money which you do not have at the period.


With the many benefits an international debit card there are also many things holders and those wanting to be holders should know in order for them to be able to make full use of an international debit cards potential. Also, ignorance may make one commit mistakes which may make an international debit card practically useless or worse, destructive. To help you know more about international debit cards several frequently asked questions are given below for you.


1. How to get an international debit card?

There are some banks who now offer international debit cards for people who open international checking accounts. But, be warned, such international checking accounts usually charge checking account fees and also periodic and other charges with their international debit cards. But if you think the benefits outweigh such charges you can go open your checking account in these banks now. Or, you can go to companies who offer private offshore bank accounts without periodic or extra charges. These banks usually offer more costly debit cards but if you are planning to make use of your debit card for a long time such choice is better.


It usually takes a few days to two weeks for you to receive your international debit card after you order and pay for it. After receipt, sign the back, make sure to affix your signature properly. And dont forget to always bring a photo id with your signature on it whenever you have plans of making purchases with your international debit card. This is because merchants usually want to compare your face and signature to those on your photo id and your debit card so that they can keep themselves safe from debit card fraud.


2. How to choose an international debit card PIN?

Your international debit card will definitely come with a Personal Identification Number which you should change immediately to a number combination you are likely to never forget. If needed, you can write it on a piece of paper which you keep separate from your card and never use obvious combinations like your birthday to mitigate the chances of someone picking up your card and being able to guess your PIN.


3. What if you lose your international debit card?

In case your international debit card is lost or stolen, notify your bank as soon as possible so as not to give any chance for anyone to use your card to spend your money. Time is of the essence and your bank should know of the incident right after it comes to your notice. Either remember your banks customer service hotline or write it down or store it in your cellular phone. Make sure to provide your bank with a snail mailing address where they can send you a new card if needed.


4. When to use your international debit card?

International debit cards are handy in a way that you can withdraw money in any ATM in almost any country in the world. It is also safer than carrying cash and more convenient than using checks. Some international debit card providers also offer transferring your cash to a secure offshore bank account which is protected from estate laws and thus is safe from being frozen due to judicial proceeding or judgment.


5. What are debit card fees and overseas transaction fees?

  International debit cards usually charge cash transaction charges when you withdraw using your card and cash conversion charges when your card is used to pay in foreign currency. There are also periodic fees like monthly and annual charges charged by the international debit card provider. Just keep searching though, the growing business has given birth to growing competition and some offer the same services at lower costs.