The State Bank of India offers a Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card, which is a prepaid card that can be pre-loaded with spending money in up to seven currencies. The card can be used at over 2 million ATMs worldwide that accept Mastercard cards, or at 34.5 million merchants that display the Mastercard Acceptance Mark. The card is chip and PIN-protected and can be managed online. The State Bank Foreign Travel Card is available in both single and multicurrency options.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of currencies | 7 (US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, Singapore Dollars, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars and UAE Dirham) |
Reloadable | Yes, until the card's expiry date |
Usage | Withdrawing local currency at over 2 million ATMs worldwide, or for direct payment at 34.5 million merchants |
Protection | Chip and PIN |
Additional card | Yes |
Global assistance | 24/7 |
Bank account link | Not linked to a bank account |
Card replacement | Free if lost or stolen |
What You'll Learn
How to get a State Bank of India travel card
The State Bank of India offers a Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card that can be used to carry your travel money. It is a prepaid card that can be pre-loaded with one or more currencies depending on your travel needs. The supported currencies include: US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, Singapore Dollars, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen, Saudi Riyal, UAE Dirham.
The card can be used to withdraw money from over 2 million ATMs worldwide that accept Mastercard cards, or to pay directly for goods and services at 34.5 million merchants that display the Mastercard Acceptance Mark (other than in India, Nepal and Bhutan).
- Visit the official website of State Bank of India.
- Look for the "State Bank Foreign Travel Card" or "State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card" option.
- Read through the terms and conditions, features, and benefits of the card.
- Check the list of required documents. Typically, you will need a signed application form, a copy of your valid passport, and a copy of your PAN card.
- Fill out the application form and gather the required documents.
- Visit an authorised branch of State Bank of India to submit your application and documents.
- Complete the verification process as per the Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines.
- Provide proof of residence if your current address is different from the one mentioned on your passport.
- Provide proof of your intended foreign travel, such as a visa, ticket, or proof of admission to a foreign university/institution.
- Pay the required fees and charges associated with the card.
- Set up a PIN for your card.
- Sign the card and activate it.
Once you have received your State Bank of India travel card, you can easily reload it before your next trip. Simply visit an authorised branch with your card, valid passport, and Form A2, and top up your card. You can reload your card until the expiry date, subject to certain limits and regulations.
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Benefits of the State Bank of India travel card
The State Bank of India Travel Card is a prepaid foreign currency card that makes your foreign trip secure and convenient. Here are some benefits of the State Bank of India Travel Card:
Security and Peace of Mind
- The card is a Chip-based EMV-compliant Card that stores encrypted and confidential information, offering a convenient and secure way to carry cash anywhere in the world (except in India, Nepal, and Bhutan).
- The card is not linked to your bank account, providing peace of mind.
- It is protected by Chip and PIN technology.
- In case of loss or theft, the card can be easily blocked by contacting the 24/7 Card Services team, and an additional card can be used to access funds. Emergency cash replacement is also available.
Flexibility and Convenience
- The card can be loaded with one or more of the following currencies: US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, Singapore Dollars, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, and UAE Dirham.
- It can be used to withdraw local currency from over 2 million ATMs worldwide that accept Mastercard cards, or to pay directly for goods and services at 34.5 million merchants that display the Mastercard Acceptance Mark (except in India, Nepal, and Bhutan).
- The card can be easily reloaded until the expiry date, at designated branches of the State Bank of India.
- It offers competitive exchange rates, and you can lock in the exchange rate each time you reload the card.
- There is no need for a bank account to obtain and use the card.
- Card balances and transaction details can be easily managed online.
- The card has no annual or joining fees, credit limits, etc., which are usually associated with International Debit/Credit Cards.
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Drawbacks of the State Bank of India travel card
The State Bank of India's Foreign Travel Card (FTC) is a prepaid foreign currency card that offers a convenient and secure way to carry cash anywhere in the world, except in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. While the FTC offers several benefits to travellers, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the drawbacks of the State Bank of India Travel Card:
- Limited Acceptance: The FTC cannot be used in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, which means that travellers visiting these countries will need to arrange for alternative payment methods. Additionally, the card cannot be used for internet purchases from websites registered in these countries or for payments in Indian Rupees or the currencies of Nepal and Bhutan.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): The DCC service, offered by some retailers and ATM operators abroad, allows cardholders to choose to pay in the local currency or their home currency. However, using the FTC to make a purchase or ATM withdrawal in Indian Rupees is prohibited by law, and using it in a different currency or multiple currencies on the card will incur additional costs.
- Reloading Process: Reloading the FTC requires visiting a State Bank of India branch and submitting the necessary documentation, which may not be convenient for some travellers. There is also a reload fee that applies to all reloads and may vary over time.
- Usage Restrictions: The FTC cannot be used for pre-authorisation or as a guarantee of payment, such as for hotel reservations, car rentals, or cruise lines. Additionally, it is recommended not to use the card for fuel purchases at the pump, as this may result in a hold on funds greater than the purchase amount until the final transaction settles.
- Limited Accessibility: The FTC is not linked to the cardholder's bank account and cannot be used for online transactions that require validation through VBV (Verified by Visa) and CCV2 (MasterCard SecureCode). This may limit the card's utility for online shopping or transactions that require additional security measures.
- Security Concerns: While the FTC offers chip and PIN protection, cardholders must take precautions to ensure the safety of their card and personal information. This includes signing the card immediately upon receipt, regularly checking transactions for any suspicious activity, and reporting any loss or theft promptly to the 24/7 Card Services team.
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How to top up the State Bank of India travel card
The State Bank of India's Foreign Travel Card is a prepaid card that can be loaded with up to nine foreign currencies. It is a convenient and secure way to carry money abroad. The card can be reloaded at any time before its expiry date.
To top up your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card, you will need to visit an FTC issuing branch of the State Bank of India. You will need to bring the following documents:
- Your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card
- A valid passport
- Form A2 (available at the branches)
Please note that the top-up service may not be available during periods of essential maintenance.
Additional Information:
- The State Bank Foreign Travel Card is available as both a Single Currency and Multi-Currency Card.
- The card can be used to withdraw local currency at over 2 million ATMs worldwide that accept Mastercard cards.
- It can also be used to pay directly for goods and services at 34.5 million merchants that display the Mastercard Acceptance Mark (except in India, Nepal, and Bhutan).
- The card is Chip and PIN-protected and is not linked to your bank account.
- The card can be topped up multiple times until the card expiry date, within the card limits.
- Reloading the card locks in the value of your card balance, helping you to avoid exchange rate fluctuations and variances while abroad.
- A reload fee applies to all reloads and may vary from time to time.
- Reloads are made at the relevant exchange rates on the day that the reload is processed.
- If you think you may need to reload your card while travelling overseas, you can leave a completed Form A2, a copy of your PAN Card and passport, plus a letter authorising a family member or friend in India to carry out the reload on your behalf.
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How to cancel the State Bank of India travel card
If your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card is still valid, but you're not planning to travel again soon, you can withdraw your remaining balance while abroad, from an ATM displaying the Mastercard® Acceptance Mark (assuming it is within the ATM's withdrawal limits).
Alternatively, you can take your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Card (and valid passport) back to any FTC-issuing branch of State Bank of India, and they will refund any remaining balance in Indian Rupees. The exchange rates, applicable on the day that the cash-out is processed (these vary from day to day), will be applied by the branch. A cash-out fee will be charged for this service—please refer to your terms and conditions for more information.
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the Card Services team immediately so they can cancel the card. If you have an additional card, you can still access your funds with it. If you only have one card, or both your State Bank Multi-Currency Foreign Travel Cards are lost or stolen, the Card Services team can offer further assistance, including a replacement card or emergency cash up to the available balance on your card (subject to availability in the relevant location).
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Frequently asked questions
The State Bank of India Travel Card is a prepaid foreign currency card that makes your foreign trip trouble-free and convenient. It is a Chip-based EMV-compliant Card that stores encrypted and confidential information. It offers a convenient and secure way to carry cash anywhere in the world (valid worldwide except in India, Nepal and Bhutan).
You can apply for the State Bank of India Travel Card through RINB (https://www.onlinesbi.sbi/)/. You can also visit any Authorised Branch, fill out the application form, and submit it along with the required KYC documents.
You can reload your State Bank of India Travel Card by visiting any FTC issuing branches of State Bank of India and submitting your card, valid passport, and Form A2.