When Do Banks Charge Debit Card Fees? Everything You Need To Know

Debit card s, commonly referred to as ATM cards , have become essential for day-to-day money transactions. Whether for shopping, withdrawing cash, or making UPI payments, these cards play a major role in our financial activities. Most people receive a debit card when they open a bank account, but many are unaware of the various charges associated with its usage. These fees can vary depending on the bank. In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of fees banks levy on debit cards and when these charges come into effect.

1. Annual Maintenance Charges

Banks charge an annual fee for maintaining your debit card. This charge typically ranges from ₹100 to ₹500, and the amount varies between different banks.

2. Card Replacement Charges

If your debit card gets damaged or lost, you may need to replace it, which could come with a fee. Some banks waive this charge for physical damage, but in cases of loss, the replacement fee is generally around ₹200. Card replacement charges typically range from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on the bank.

3. PIN Re-generation Fee

Forgetting your ATM card’s PIN means you’ll need to re-generate it, and this service comes with a fee. Banks usually charge between ₹50 and ₹100 for issuing a new or duplicate PIN.

4. Cash Withdrawal Charges

If you withdraw cash from your bank's own ATM, there is no additional fee, and in most cases, there’s no limit to the number of withdrawals. However, using another bank's ATM for cash withdrawals may incur a charge of ₹10 to ₹30 per transaction, depending on the bank and the number of transactions made.

5. International Transaction Charges

Using your debit card abroad for payments or cash withdrawals comes with international transaction fees. The charges differ from bank to bank and are generally higher than domestic transaction fees.

6. POS Transaction Fee

Purchases made via debit card typically do not incur extra charges, except for fuel transactions. When using a debit card to buy fuel, a 1% surcharge (cess) is applied to the transaction.

Understanding these charges can help you manage your debit card usage more effectively and avoid unnecessary fees. Always check with your bank for the exact rates applicable to your account.