How to Activate Your Credit Card for Overseas Use (2025)

Planning a trip? The last thing you want is your credit card getting declined just when you’re about to pay for that dreamy croissant in Paris or your long-awaited Shinkansen ticket in Japan. Here's your all-in-one, no-fluff guide to how to activate credit cards overseas—because holiday bliss shouldn’t be interrupted by an unresponsive tap.

TL;DR

• Yes, you do need to activate your card before going overseas.

• Most banks let you do it via app, online banking or SMS.

• Avoid ATM withdrawals and Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fees.

• Always carry a backup card or use a multi-currency wallet.

» MORE: Best annual travel insurance plans in Singapore for frequent travellers (2025)

Credit cards issued in Singapore have their magnetic stripe disabled by default—this is a security measure from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to prevent fraud in countries using older card terminals.

If you don’t activate your card before travelling, it may be declined when you try to pay or withdraw cash.

Activate overseas use if:

• You plan to use your card in foreign shops or ATMs

• You intend to withdraw cash while overseas

• You're shopping on foreign websites that may require extra activation

» Not sure whether to earn points or miles? Learn how to compare their value here

Here’s how to do it for the major banks in Singapore:

DBS/POSB

1. Via digibank app 

1. Log in > More > Manage Cards & Loans > Payment Controls

2. Toggle on Overseas Contactless and Magnetic Stripe (if needed)

3. Set activation period or no expiry > Confirm

2. Via digibank online

1. Log in with User ID & PIN

2. Cards > Manage Debit/ATM Card > Overseas Magnetic Stripe

3. Toggle on/off, set dates > Confirm

3. Via DBS/POSB ATM 

1. Insert card > Enter PIN > More Services > Magnetic Stripe for Overseas Use

2. Select preference > Follow prompts

UOB

1. Open UOB TMRW app > Accounts > select your card

2. Go to Manage Overseas Use > enable Magnetic Stripe, set duration, and save

OCBC

1. Via OCBC website

1. Go to https://internet.ocbc.com/cardactivation/magstripeCard

2. Enter card details > Follow steps

2. Via OCBC online banking

1. Log in > Customer Service > Manage Overseas Card Usage

2. Select card, set usage period, and submit

3. Via OCBC digital app

1. Open app > Menu > Card Services > Manage Overseas Card Usage

2. Enable Magnetic Stripe and authenticate

4. Via SMS 

1. Text MAG <NRIC> <last 4 digits> <start DDMMYY> <end DDMMYY> activate to 72323 (or +65 9327 2323 overseas)

Citibank

1. Via Citi Mobile® app 

1. Log in > Profile > select card > toggle Overseas Use

2. Authenticate with OTP or Mobile Token

2. Via Citibank online

1. Visit www.citibank.com.sg 

2. Go to Services > My Profile > Overseas Card Activation

Standard Chartered

1. Via SC Mobile / Online Banking

1. Log in > Help & Services > Card Activation & PIN Set

2. Follow on-screen steps to activate instantly

2. SMS activation

1. Text ACT <Name on card> <last 4 digits> to 75722 (or +65 9617 6495 overseas)

HSBC

1. Call 1800-HSBC NOW (1800-4722 669) or +65 6472 2669 overseas

2. Press ‘*’ then ‘5’ for Overseas Enrolment, follow voice instructions

Maybank

1. Via Maybank2u SG app

1. Log in > Maybank2u > Cards > Manage Magnetic Stripe for Overseas Use

2. Via Online banking

1. Log in at maybank2u.com.sg > Settings

2. Under Cards Tab, choose your card and activate

Trust 

1. Log in to the Trust app > View Card > Transaction Controls > Physical Card Use

2. Enable Overseas Usage

Usually, activating your credit card doesn’t automatically enable overseas use for mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Wallet.

You’ll need to enable overseas contactless usage separately in your banking app.

Example: DBS/POSB requires you to activate "Overseas Contactless" even if magnetic stripe is enabled.

Check your bank’s app or FAQ for mobile-specific toggles before you fly.

» Explore the best travel credit cards in Singapore that offer complimentary lounge access in 2025

• Foreign transaction fees: Most cards charge 2.5%–3.5% on overseas spend.

• ATM withdrawal fees: You may face cash advance charges, interest, and local ATM fees. Avoid unless it’s an emergency.

• DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion): Always choose local currency instead of “Charge in SGD” to avoid poor rates and extra fees.

» How to reduce foreign transaction fees with credit cards

• Turn on app or SMS alerts for each transaction

• Set spending caps in your banking app

• Keep your card in sight during payments

• Don’t share OTPs

• Save emergency hotline numbers in your phone

If you want more control and fewer surprises on your bank statement when spending overseas, try one of these multi-currency solutions. These aren't credit cards, but smart digital wallets with linked debit cards that offer excellent exchange rates.

• Eligibility: Open to residents of Singapore with a valid ID.

• How it works: Top up in SGD via bank transfer or PayNow. (Exchange and hold 10 major currencies in-app, or spend in 150+ currencies with automatic conversion.)

• Fees: 0% foreign exchange fees on spending (No annual fee.)

• Rewards: Excellent exchange rates (Direct control over budgeting.)

• Perks: Instant spending notifications (In-app currency exchange.)

YouTrip is an excellent choice for frequent travellers and online shoppers who want to avoid traditional bank FX fees. Its straightforward interface and transparent exchange rates make it easy to manage your overseas spending and stick to a budget.

» Read Full Review

• Eligibility: Open to residents in Singapore with a valid ID.

• How it works: Top up via bank transfer or credit/debit card. (Hold and exchange 30+ currencies in-app, spend in 150+. Offers global transfers.)

• Fees: 0% FX fees ((Limits apply, especially on weekends for Standard plan); no annual fee for Standard plan.)

• Rewards: Competitive interbank exchange rates (And budgeting tools.)

• Perks: Free international transfers (limits apply) (Overseas ATM withdrawals (limits apply).)

Revolut is a strong contender for expats, frequent travellers, and anyone managing international finances. Its extensive currency support, competitive exchange rates, and range of money management features make it a versatile tool for cross-border transactions.

• Eligibility: Open to residents in Singapore (Requires linking an underlying Mastercard or Visa credit card.)

• How it works: When you spend overseas, Amaze charges your linked card in SGD, converting the foreign currency with its own FX rate. (Link up to 5 underlying credit cards.) 

• Fees: Varies ((Often 0% FX promos; otherwise depends on underlying card's FX fee for foreign currency transactions if not used for direct FX). No annual fee.)

• Rewards: Converts foreign spend to SGD (Allowing you to earn rewards on your linked credit card. Offers 1% cashback on foreign currency transactions.)

• Perks: Consolidates multiple cards (Offers Instarem points on transactions.)

The Amaze Card is an innovative solution for those who want the convenience of using their existing credit cards overseas without incurring high foreign transaction fees. It's particularly appealing for miles chasers who want to ensure their overseas spending contributes to their credit card rewards.

• Eligibility: Open to residents in Singapore with a valid ID.
• How it works: Top up in SGD. (Hold and manage over 40 currencies in-app, send money globally, and spend with a linked Visa debit card.)
• Fees: Low, transparent markups on currency exchange (No annual fee.)
• Rewards: Mid-market exchange rates (Transparent fees.)
• Perks: Seamless international transfers (Local bank details for many countries.)

Wise is an excellent choice for expats, freelancers, or anyone who frequently sends or receives money internationally, as well as those who shop online from overseas merchants. Its commitment to transparent, low-cost currency exchange makes it a standout option for managing cross-border finances.

Travelling with your credit card? Here’s how to avoid surprises and get the most out of it while abroad.

1. Activate early – don’t wait till you’re overseas

2. Pay in local currency – decline SGD conversion prompts

3. Watch out for fees – or use wallets with 0% FX fees

4. Avoid ATM use wherever possible – use your card for purchases only

5. Turn on alerts – keep track of every transaction

6. Bring a backup card – in case one gets lost or blocked

7. Set a limit – control spending via your app

8. Save bank support numbers – for quick help while abroad

» Top travel credit cards Singapore (2025): miles, perks & more

Travelling should be about good memories—not card issues. Activate your card early, know your settings, and bring a backup. A few minutes of prep can save hours of stress later.

Happy travels, and spend smart!