How to activate Maybank debit card for overseas use and spending abroad

Planning a trip abroad and want to use your Maybank¹ debit card overseas? You’ll have to activate your debit card first, whether you want to make payments abroad, or transact in foreign currency online.

Here is a guide on how to activate a Maybank debit card for overseas use, via MAE. We will also break down the fees, like the overseas transaction fee, withdrawal or overseas charges so that you are not caught off guard. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Can I use a Maybank debit card overseas?

Yes, most Maybank debit cards² can also be used overseas, outside of Malaysia. You will need to activate your Maybank debit card’s overseas usage if you want to make online purchases on overseas websites, and spend while abroad.

Popular Maybank travel debit cards for overseas use or spend include:

• Maybank Global Access Mastercard World Debit Card
• Maybank Visa Platinum Debit Card with paywave
• Maybank World Elite Mastercard
• Maybank Mastercard Platinum Debit
• Maybank Visa Debit
• Maybank MAE Visa Debit Card³

But just because your card works abroad doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest option. It could be subject to fees and other charges. This includes bank exchange rates, overseas withdrawal fees, and foreign transaction fees on MYR-only debit cards or non-multi-currency cards.

Maybank debit card overseas transaction fee

When you use your Maybank debit card overseas, transaction fees are payable. In some cases, currency conversion components are imposed.

The Maybank Global Access Mastercard World Debit card has zero fees if there are sufficient funds in the transacted currencies. However, snsupported foreign currencies or insufficient funds in the transacted currency will result in currency conversion components of 1% imposed by Visa or Mastercard; and a foreign currency conversion cost of 1%.

Other Maybank debit cards are subject to a foreign currency cost of 1% on top of being subjected to Mastercard and Visa exchange rates, and a small fee from Maybank. Meanwhile, MAE Visa Debit card holders might incur the same type of fees but the percentage varies based on the payment type.

Dynamic currency conversion (DCC)⁴ also comes into play here. This is one of the most common Maybank debit card overseas charges. While in another country or when shopping online, you might be asked if you want to pay in MYR. If you choose to do so, you will be charged through DCC, and this is usually higher than paying in the foreign currency itself. That’s because the exchange rate set is likely to include a markup or hidden fees – you are paying for a service after all.

Maybank debit card overseas withdrawal

When you use your Maybank debit card for overseas withdrawal, it might cost more as ATM withdrawal fees are payable. In some cases, this ATM withdrawal fee might be waived.

For those using the MAE Visa Debit card, the ATM withdrawal fee varies, with free withdrawals within Malaysia at Maybank ATMs, and a small fee when withdrawing abroad.

Maybank Global Access Mastercard World Debit Card holders, and other Maybank cards typically get 4 free withdrawals at any Maybank ATM in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and Cambodia. If you’re travelling, it’ll cost MYR 1 at MEPS network and MYR 12 for overseas ATMs. Subsequent withdrawals (5th withdrawal) will be charged MYR 0.50 per withdrawal.

This fee is waived if you have a balance of above MYR 5,000 at time of withdrawal (optional) or single transaction of maximum withdrawal of MYR 1,500 and above.

If you would prefer unlimited ATM withdrawals, there is an optional MYR 8 annual fee for unlimited cash withdrawals at Maybank ATMs.

💳 Looking for a card to use overseas with no foreign transaction fees and markups? Get the Wise card for seamless overseas payments and low, transparent conversion fees from 0.71%.

🚀 Get Started with Wise

How to activate Maybank debit card for overseas use?

Before you pack your bags for your globetrotting journey, make sure you complete your Maybank overseas debit card activation. Here’s how to activate overseas transactions for your Maybank debit card.

1. Log in via www.maybank2u.com.my.
2. Go to your 'Settings'.
3. Select 'Cards'.
4. Click 'Manage Debit Cards'.
5. Click 'Overseas Debit Card Activation' > 'Enable' or ‘Disable’.
6. Select your 'Effective date' (Maximum 1 year).
7. Request for 'Secure2u’.
8. Select 'Confirm' to complete the changes.

You can also activate your Maybank debit card for overseas use via a Maybank ATM⁵, or contact Maybank’s Customer Care hotline⁶ for assistance. For the Maybank MAE Visa Debit Card, you can also do so via the Maybank MAE app⁷, which we will elaborate in more detail in the next section.

How to activate Maybank debit card for overseas use via MAE

MAE is Maybank’s e-wallet, and you can get a linked MAE Visa Debit Card that can be used for transactions at home or abroad.

Read more: Maybank MAE card review - a great multi-currency debit card in Malaysia?

Via the MAE app, activate your MAE Card for overseas use in three easy steps:

1. Go to ‘Cards’ and tap on ‘MAE Visa Card’
2. Tap the toggle to activate ‘Overseas Debit’
3. Enter the start and end dates, and you are good to go!

How to use Maybank debit card overseas

In conclusion, you may use your Maybank debit card overseas as per normal as long as the ‘overseas flag’ has been activated as per the guides above. Some Maybank debit cards, such as the MAE Visa Debit Card have security features that can freeze and unfreeze transactions for peace of mind.

You can easily track your spending via the Maybank2u or on the MAE app so that you don’t exceed your budget while on holiday.

Remember to look out for exclusive Maybank travel deals too, one of the perks of having a Maybank debit card!

Get the Wise card and enjoy zero foreign transaction fees and the mid-market exchange rate when spending abroad

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including CNY, JPY, GBP, and SGD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up MYR to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 13.7 MYR. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as two free ATM withdrawals to the value of 1,000 MYR each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in MYR and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.77%.

Know how much you're spending upfront with no hidden fees and markups with Wise

💳 Get your Wise card today

1. Maybank
2. Maybank Debit Cards
3. Maybank MAE Visa Debit Card
4. What is dynamic currency conversion (DCC)? - Wise
5. Overseas Withdrawal Services - Maybank Malaysia
6. Customer Service - Maybank Malaysia
7. MAE by Maybank2u
8. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information