International debit cards are one of the most overlooked features of international banking. In fact, most people don’t even ask about obtaining a debit card until after a bank account is opened… and that’s a mistake.

Whether you’re working, traveling, or just need a convenient way to buy everyday essentials, having an international debit card tied to your bank account can be an essential requirement.

But, not all banks offer debit cards, especially to non-resident foreigners or foreign businesses.

So, you’ll need to know which banks to apply to, which fees to watch out for, and how to actually obtain an international debit card that meets your requirements.

International Debit Cards

Foreigners can unlock unique benefits with an international debit card. But, to unlock these benefits, you first need to know which banks accept your client profile. Then, you need to know which banks offer debit cards that meet your needs. Of course, it’s also important to know which benefits you want to unlock, which currencies you need to access, and the fees you’re comfortable paying.

This way, you avoid wasting time and money applying for debit cards that you’re not eligible for.

Fortunately, in this article, we’re going to share everything you need to know to start applying for the best international debit card for foreigners.

In fact, here’s everything we’ll cover…

Table of Contents

1. Reasons to Have an International Debit Card
2. Challenges of Getting an International Debit Card
3. Best International Debit Cards for Foreigners
4. What You Should Know Before Applying

Additionally, we’re going to help you overcome common challenges foreigners face when applying for debit cards. Including how to prepare yourself before applying.

But, before diving in, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE Non-Resident Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents open accounts in top banking hubs around the world.

Reasons to Have an International Debit Card

Working, traveling, or living abroad are just a few reasons why many foreign non-residents are interested in obtaining an international debit card.

That said, not everyone can access the best international debit cards. In fact, not all banks offer them to foreign non-residents when opening accounts.

So, before applying, it’s crucial you know which banks offer international debit cards to foreign non-resident individuals.

Now, if you’re looking to obtain a debit card for business purposes, it’s also important you know which banks cater to foreign businesses and which debit cards match your specific business banking needs.

With that said, let’s look at the many reasons why foreign non-resident individuals (and businesses) are looking to get an international debit card.

Reasons to Have an International Debit Card:

• Frequent international traveler
• Own international real estate
• Regular travelers in need of access to multiple currencies
• Currently living abroad
• Working in a foreign country
• You run an international business

As you can see, there are many reasons why foreigners want an international debit card.

That said, before applying, it’s important to understand your specific reasoning.

Not only will this help you to decide which banks offer the best debit cards according to your client profile, but it’ll also help you determine which benefits you can specifically unlock.

With that said, in addition to the reasons mentioned above, there are benefits non-residents can unlock when getting the best international debit card. More on this below.

Benefits of an International Debit Card:

• Access to foreign ATMs
• Ability to make quick purchases
• Avoid extensive transfer fees
• Access to funds instantly
• Save money on international purchases
• No interest is charged (unlike credit cards)
• And more…

Now, depending on your client profile and banking needs, both the type of international debit card and bank available to you can vary.

And, like banking anywhere, account opening can be a difficult process for a foreign non-resident, let alone getting an international debit card as a foreign non-resident.

So, before applying, it’s important you’re well prepared and understand the specific steps you should take before getting an international debit card. This way, you’ll avoid applying to the wrong banks.

But first, let’s look at the challenges many foreign non-residents face when applying for international debit cards.

Challenges of Getting an International Debit Card

Of course, to get an international debit card, you’ll first need to open a bank account. And, that can be a challenging process in itself.

That said, for the purpose of this article, we’re going to focus on the specific challenges non-residents face when applying for an international debit card.

But, if you’re looking for information on how to open an international bank account as a foreign non-resident, you can get started with: “How to Get an International Bank Account [Free Guide]”.

Now, if you don’t have the right information or understand the challenges you’ll likely face, you’ll limit your chances of obtaining the card you want. Not to mention, limit your chances of unlocking the benefits you’re after.

So, with that said, let’s dive into the challenges non-residents face when getting an international debit card…

Challenges of Getting an International Debit Card:

• Obtaining a debit card that can be used wherever you travel
• Finding an affordable card with no foreign transaction fees
• Finding cards with low (or no) maintenance fees
• Cards that do not force you to convert into local currency
• Cards with low (or no) services charges
• Unable to use a debit card for online purchases
• Cards with unlimited monthly transaction limits
• And more…

As you can see, there are some challenges foreign non-residents face when finding the right international debit card for their needs.

In fact, one common mistake many non-residents make when applying for debit cards is not requesting a breakdown of the fees. Instead, they are left with a list of charges that they were not aware of.

Here’s a list of some of the fees you could be charged when using your international debit card overseas…

International Debit Card Fees:

• Nonbank Usage Fee
• ATM Conversion Fee
• ATM Operator Fee
• Foreign Transaction Fee
• Monthly Maintenance Fee
• Service Charges
• Exchange Rate Fees

Of course, some fees are unavoidable. That said, depending on your client profile, some banks will offer low-fee options.

So, to avoid any surprises, ask your bank for a breakdown of the fees associated with the debit card you’re interested in. This will help determine whether or not it’s the right debit card for you and your banking needs.

That said, if you’re not sure where to get the best international debit card for foreigners, we outline a few options below.

Best International Debit Card for Foreigners

Knowing where and how to apply for the best international debit card are two important factors foreigners should understand.

In fact, successfully obtaining a debit card highly depends on where you apply. And, of course, whether or not the bank accepts your client profile.

But, since not all banking institutions offer international debit cards to foreigners, knowing where to apply can be a difficult task.

With that said, let’s look at three options where foreigners can apply for an international debit card…

Offshore Banks

Many foreigners can obtain an international debit card through offshore banks. In fact, whether you’re working, traveling, or hoping to retire offshore, there are many offshore banks to choose from.

That said, not all offshore banks offer foreign non-residents international debit cards. Let alone, open non-resident bank accounts.

But, with the right information, foreign non-residents can open bank accounts offshore, obtain international debit cards, and benefit from banking offshore.

If you want to learn more about how you can get the best international debit cards for foreigners with offshore banks, you’re in luck. We share everything you need to know in our premium members-only report “International Banking Blueprint – How to Start Banking Overseas”.

This report shares the dos and don’ts of the offshore world. Including everything, you need to know to start opening accounts today. Including, how to unlock international debit cards.

You can access this report immediately when you join GlobalBanks IQ.

Traditional Banks

Another alternative for foreigners to obtain international debit cards is through traditional brick-and-mortar banks. Specifically, banks that have multiple branches.

That said, while some traditional banks don’t accept remote account opening, many do accept foreigners to open accounts in person.

Additionally, non-residents are more likely to experience fewer withdrawal fees as many traditional banks operate and carefully place their own ATMs across several countries.

Of course, like banking anywhere, opening accounts with traditional banks as a foreign non-resident has its challenges. For instance, it can be difficult to know which traditional banks offer international debit cards that fit your client profile and banking needs.

Fortunately, GlobalBanks IQ can help.

GlobalBanks IQ helps foreign non-residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses get international bank accounts in the fastest and most effective way possible. 

Not to mention, when you join GlobalBanks IQ, you immediately unlock the GlobalBanks Database of 250+ international banks in 50+ countries.

And, within each bank profile, we list not only the debit card options available to foreign non-resident customers but also the credit cards.

EMIs & Fintechs

Lastly, many foreigners that struggle to open with traditional or offshore banks, look to open accounts with online banks. Specifically, EMIs and Fintechs.

Especially, for foreigners interested in EU banking.

Not only do many online banks offer clients free worldwide ATM withdrawals and less expensive international transfer fees, but they allow foreigners to obtain international debit cards.

That said, opening accounts with EMIs and Fintechs, as a foreigner, has its challenges. But, these challenges can be overcome and sometimes completely avoided if you have the right information.

We share everything you need to know in our two in-depth premium members-only reports “European EMIs for Non-EEA Residents” and “European EMIs for Non-EEA Businesses”.

These reports include everything you need to know to find and open the best online bank accounts in Europe as a non-resident. Including, the account opening process, which jurisdictions are acceptable, which clients benefit the most, and how to obtain an international debit card as a foreigner.

You can access this report immediately when you join GlobalBanks IQ.

What You Should Know Before Applying

Now, before you start applying for an international debit card, you should get familiar with the important questions you’ll need to ask the bank.

In fact, by asking questions, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of what the debit card can and cannot do for you. In other words, understand the restrictions the card has and what fees are associated with using the card.

This way, you’ll be able to ensure you’re choosing the best international debit card that’s suited to your banking needs.

To help you with this, we’ve put together a list of key questions you should ask the bank before applying. Again, this will help you decide whether or not the bank you’ve chosen has the best international debit card for your client profile.

Questions to Ask Before Applying for an International Debit Card:

1. Does the bank have ATMs in multiple countries?
2. Does the debit card come with travel insurance?
3. Are there restrictions on where you can and cannot use the debit card?
4. Does the bank charge foreign transactions fees when a debit card is used?
5. Does the bank charge exchange rates when a debit card is used?
6. Is there a monthly or annual fee? If so, how much?
7. What currencies are available to you?
8. What security services and protections come with the debit card?

Of course, the process of calling banks to ask these questions can be annoying and time-consuming.

Fortunately, we can help.

So, if you’re looking to get the best international debit card for your client profile today, here’s how to start…

How Can GlobalBanks Help?

Whether you’re ready to get an international debit card today or you’re just starting to explore your options, we can help.

GlobalBanks IQ gives you everything you need to start finding and opening accounts. 

When you join GlobalBanks IQ, you immediately unlock the entire GlobalBanks Database of international banks. It’s home to 250+ banks in 50+ countries.

And, you get access to our library of premium (members-only) reports. These include proven account opening strategies, country-specific banking options, and lists of banks for specific client types.

Plus, you unlock our account opening checklists, dedicated account opening alerts, and much more.