₽Payments Bible
Card Controls

How to Enable or Disable a DBS Card for Overseas Use

Turn overseas contactless, chip and magnetic-stripe payments on or off for a DBS/POSB card, and set an expiry — handy before a client travels.

SG flagSingaporeDBS Bank2 min readUpdated 15 Jul 2026

Agent guide. Use these steps to walk the client through the process — the screenshots show exactly what they’ll see on screen.

For security, DBS keeps overseas magnetic-stripe payments off by default. Use this to switch a card's overseas in-store functions (contactless, chip, magnetic stripe) on or off — and set start/end dates — in the digibank app or on digibank Online.

Before you start

  • The client's DBS/POSB debit or credit card
  • The digibank app, or access to digibank Online
  • Their digibank User ID and PIN (or Touch/Face ID)

💡 Tip: Magnetic stripe is off by default because it's the least secure method (skimming/cloning) — prefer chip and contactless. Advise the client to disable overseas use again once they're back in Singapore.

Frequently asked questions

Does this affect online (e-commerce) purchases?

No — this controls overseas in-store use. To allow or block online/e-commerce transactions, use Payment Controls → Online (see the Customise card functions guide).

Why is magnetic stripe off by default?

It's the least secure method. Only enable it if a destination requires it, then disable it afterwards.

  1. 1

    Log in to the app

    Log in to digibank mobile with Touch/Face ID or the digibank User ID and PIN.

    Log in to the app
  2. 2

    Open Payment Controls

    Tap "More", then "Payment Controls" under Manage Cards & Loans.

    Open Payment Controls
  3. 3

    Toggle overseas contactless & chip

    Select the card and toggle "Overseas contactless and card chip" on or off.

    Toggle overseas contactless & chip
  4. 4

    Toggle magnetic stripe

    For magnetic stripe, tap "Overseas magnetic stripe" and toggle it on or off.

    Toggle magnetic stripe
  5. 5

    Set the dates

    Choose a start and end date, or "Start now with no expiry", and tap Next.

    Set the dates
  6. 6

    Confirm

    Review the details and tap Confirm.

    Confirm

Reference for assisting clients. Bank screens, steps and limits change often — always confirm the current process with DBS Bank before advising the client.