Overseas Usage Guide

Via OCBC Online Banking
Via SMS
Via Mail in forms
Via OCBC.com
Via OCBC Online Banking
Via SMS Banking
  • Activation/deactivation of cards for overseas usage

    As part of the bank's security measures, it is necessary to activate your OCBC ATM, debit or credit cards' overseas ATM cash withdrawal or magnetic stripe feature if you wish to use your cards overseas.
    You may refer to the guide below on what you should do for your intended overseas usage.

    Type of overseas usage What should you do

    Withdraw cash via ATM

    1. ATM card
    2. Debit card
    3. Credit card (linked to current/savings account)
    Activate overseas ATM cash withdrawal feature
    Learn how

    Withdraw cash via ATM

    1. Credit card (Cash advance)
    Activate magnetic stripe feature
    Learn how

    Make retail purchases

    1. Debit card
    2. Credit card
    Activate magnetic stripe feature
    Learn how

How to activate/deactivate overseas ATM cash withdrawal

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  • Via OCBC Online Banking (immediate activation or deactivation)

    OCBC Internet Banking

    1. Log in to OCBC Online Banking with your access code and PIN or Singpass
    2. Scroll over “Customer Service” then “Cards” and select “Overseas card usage”
    3. Select card to link/delink to account for ATM transactions
    4. Select account to link. Tap on the "Next" button to confirm

    OCBC Business Debit Card customers without OCBC Online Banking will not be able to activate the overseas ATM cash withdrawal on their card via Online Banking. Should you wish to activate overseas cash withdrawal, please submit the OCBC Business Debit Card Maintenance form below.​

    OCBC Digital app

    1. Log in to OCBC Digital app​
    2. Tap on the menu bar on the top left of the screen​
    3. Tap on “Card services”​
    4. Select “Manage overseas usage”​
    5. Select card to enable/ disable overseas cash withdrawal ​
    6. Indicate the period for overseas usage​
    7. Tap on the “Next” and “Agree” button ​
    8. Tap on the “Submit” button after reviewing the changes​
  • Via SMS (immediate activation or deactivation)
    1. Via SMS
    2. Send an SMS to 72323, or if overseas, +65 9327 2323 in this format:

      • To activate
        ATM<space>NRIC/Passport<space>Last 4 digits of card number<space>start date in DDMMYY<space>end date in DDMMYY<space>activate
        Example: ATM S7612345X 1234 011216 311216 activate
      • To deactivate
        ATM<space>NRIC/Passport<space>Last 4 digits of card number<space>deactivate
        Example: ATM S7637838X 1234 deactivate

    This option is available for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents until further notice.

  • Via Mail in forms (activation or deactivation within 7 working days)

How to activate/deactivate overseas purchase feature (magstripe)

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  • Via OCBC.com (immediate activation or deactivation)

    Visit https://internet.ocbc.com/cardactivation/magstripeCard to activate or deactivate the overseas purchase feature.

  • Via OCBC Online Banking (immediate activation or deactivation)

    OCBC Online Banking

    1. Login with your OCBC Online Banking Access Code and PIN.
    2. Select "Customer Service" > "Overseas card use".
    3. Key in the OTP (One-Time Password).
    4. Under the Overseas Shop purchases column, check/uncheck the box for the relevant card(s).
    5. Indicate a start and end date.
    6. Key in the OTP.

    *OCBC Business Debit Card customers without OCBC Online Banking will not be able to activate the overseas ATM cash withdrawal on their card via Online Banking. Should you wish to activate overseas cash withdrawal, please submit the OCBC Business Debit Card Maintenance form below.

    OCBC Mobile Banking

    1. Login to mobile banking.
    2. Tap on the menu bar on the top left of the screen.
    3. Tap on "Card services" > "Manage overseas card usage"
    4. Key in the OTP* (One-time Password).
    5. Check / uncheck the box under Overseas magnetic stripe transaction for the relevant card(s).
    6. Key in the OTP.**

    *If you have not registered for our SMS-OTP service, you will not need to enter OTP. The request will be processed within one working day.

    **If you have activated OCBC OneToken, you'll not be required to enter OTPs for both Online and Mobile Banking, as authentications are done seamlessly in the background. Please visit www.ocbc.com/personal-banking/digital-banking/onetoken.page for more information.

  • Via SMS (immediate activation or deactivation)

    SMS

    1. Send an SMS to 72323, or if overseas, +65 9327 2323 in this format:

      • To activate
        MAG<space>NRIC/Passport<space>Last 4 digits of card no<space>start date in DDMMYY<space>end date in DDMMYY<space>activate
        Example: MAG S7612345X 1234 230917 231017 activate
      • To deactivate
        MAG<space>NRIC/Passport<space>Last 4 digits of card no<space>deactivate
        Example: MAG S7612345X 1234 deactivate

    Via other channels

    Visit your nearest OCBC branch, or call us (phone banking) at 1800 363 3333. If overseas, call +65 6363 3333.

  • Security Tips

    For your security, it is recommended to deactivate your overseas ATM cash withdrawal or purchases feature upon returning to Singapore to prevent unauthorised usage.

    Adopt these security measures when you travel overseas:

    • Update your mobile number to receive real-time SMS alerts on overseas transactions.
    • Change your alert settings on your overseas transaction
      • Overseas ATM cash withdrawal: Auto-enrolment for SMS alerts when you activate your card(s) for overseas ATM cash withdrawal. The default amount to receive SMS alerts is set at S$1.
      • Overseas purchase: Auto-enrolment for SMS alerts when you activate your card(s) for overseas purchase. The default amount to receive SMS alerts is set at S$1,000.

      You may change your SMS alert settings via OCBC Online Banking.

    • Beware of any unusual objects placed on or around the card insertion slot on the ATM. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN. If you suspect you have used your card at a suspicious ATM, contact us immediately at +65 6363 3333.

    Please note that telecommunication charges for overseas SMS alerts are applicable.