SBI Credit Card International Transaction Charges

SBI Credit Cards come with annual and renewal fees, both of which are one-time charges. These fees can vary depending on the type of card and the individual cardholder. The applicable charges are communicated to the cardholder at the time of application. Once applied, the fees are directly billed to the cardholder’s account and reflected in the statement for the month in which they are charged.

Updated On - 11 Sep 2025

For Additional Cards issued to the Primary Cardholder, different fees can apply.  Forex mark-up fees, which are 3.5% of the foreign currency transaction's total value plus any relevant taxes, apply to the foreign currency transaction.

How to Activate SBI Card for International Transactions

If you want to activate your SBI card for international transactions, you can do it through the methods mentioned below - 

SBI Internet Banking:

To activate your SBI card through internet banking, log-in to your SBI internet banking. After logging in, follow the steps mentioned below - 

Step 1: Go to the home page of SBI internet banking 

Step 2: Next, click the ‘Services’ option. 

Step 3: Then click on the ‘Manage Card Usage’ option. 

Step 4: Change the transaction type to "International" from "Domestic." 

SBI Card App:

To activate international transactions through SBI card app, first log-in to your account on the app. Next, follow the steps mentioned below - 

Step 1: Open the main menu 

Step 2: Select the ‘Services’ option. 

Step 3: Next, select the ‘Manage Card Usage’ 

Step 4: Change the transaction type from Domestic to International under Manage Usages.

Through SBI Website: 

To activate your card for international transactions, follow the steps given below: 

Step 1: Log in to your SBI Card account on the official website 

Step 2: Visit the main menu and choose ‘Manage Card Usage’. 

Step 3: Click on 'Manage Card Transactions' and select 'International’. 

Step 4: Activate the 'International Usage' option. 

Through SMS:

You can send an SMS message to authorize international payments on your SBI card using a mobile device. Send the following text to 5676791 with ease: SMS INTL. 

Your card will then be enabled for use in overseas point-of-sale transactions as well as online and ATM withdrawals. 

At SBI Branch:

To activate your card for foreign transactions, visit your nearest State Bank of India branch in India. If you want the activation to be completed by a bank employee using their computer system, bring your account details, identification, and any necessary cards.

Best SBI Credit Cards for International Usage

There are two cards provided by SBI that the customers can use for international uses. These credit cards are - 

  1. KrisFlyer SBI Credit Card: The SBI KrisFlyer credit card is designed for individuals who frequently fly with Singapore Airlines and desire a co-branded travel card. You get 3,000 KrisFlyer miles upon payment of the annual fee and first transaction within 60 days of card issuance. Moreover, you also get 5 KrisFlyer miles for every Rs.200 spent on Singapore Airlines Group (Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Pelago, Kris+, and KrisShop website), 5 KrisFlyer miles for every Rs.200 spent on international transactions and 2 KrisFlyer miles for every Rs.200 spent on other eligible transactions.
  2. SBI Miles Elite Credit Card: The SBI Miles Elite credit card is positioned as a premium travel credit card offering a range of benefits focused on rewards, lounge access, and low foreign exchange markup. With this card you earn 6 travel credits for every Rs.200 spent on travel. This is a key highlight for travel enthusiasts and 2 travel credits for every Rs.200 spent on all other purchases. You also get 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year, with a maximum of 2 visits per quarter. You can also earn additional visits based on your spending milestones.

FAQs on SBI Credit Card International Transaction Charges

  • Are finance charges applicable if the complete bill amount is paid?

    No, finance charges are not applicable if the complete bill amount is paid. The cardholders need to pay the finance charges in case of the non-payment of bills or cash withdrawals.

  • What is Minimum Amount Due?

    This is the bare minimum that a customer must pay in order to avoid paying late fees or having their card disabled. It is typically 5% of the outstanding amount plus taxes (if applicable) + active EMIs + fees and penalties (if applicable).

  • What should I do if I lose my SBI credit card?

    If you lose your SBI credit card, then you need to call the SBI Card customer care center to block it. The customer care numbers are 1860 180 1290 and 1800 180 1290.

  • Does SBI credit card charge for international transactions?

    Forex mark-up costs of 3.5% of the transaction value plus relevant taxes apply to foreign currency transactions.

  • How can I activate or deactivate my international credit limit?

    You can activate or deactivate your international credit limit by logging into sbicard.com.

  • What are international transaction charges on an SBI credit card?

    When you use your SBI credit card for purchases made outside India or on foreign websites, a currency conversion charge and a foreign transaction fee are applied. These are collectively known as international transaction charges. 

  • Are cash withdrawals done abroad using SBI Credit Card also charged international fees?

    Yes, if you withdraw cash from an ATM abroad, it will attract not only cash advance fees and interest but also the international transaction charge. 

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