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Card Controls

How to Manage OCBC Overseas Card Usage

Turn overseas magnetic-stripe ATM withdrawals and payments on or off for your OCBC card — handy before a client travels — in the OCBC app or Internet Banking.

SG flagSingaporeOCBC Bank1 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, OCBC keeps overseas magnetic-stripe (magstripe) transactions off by default. Use this to switch overseas magstripe ATM withdrawals and payments on or off in the OCBC app or on OCBC Internet Banking. Chip (EMV), contactless, mobile wallet and online use keep working either way.

Before you start

  • The client's OCBC debit or credit card
  • The OCBC app, or access to OCBC Internet Banking
  • Their access code and PIN (or fingerprint ID / Singpass)

💡 Tip: The EMV chip can't be disabled, so chip, contactless, mobile-wallet and online purchases keep working overseas even with magstripe off. Turn overseas magstripe off again once the client is back in Singapore. OCBC also sends an SMS alert on every overseas ATM withdrawal over S$1, and on purchases above the client's set threshold.

Frequently asked questions

Will my card still work abroad if magstripe is off?

Yes — chip, contactless, mobile-wallet and online transactions still work. Only magstripe swipe transactions are affected.

Why is overseas magstripe off by default?

Magstripe is the easiest method to skim or clone, so OCBC disables it by default and lets you enable it only when a destination needs it.

  1. 1

    Log in

    Log in to the OCBC app or OCBC Internet Banking with your access code and PIN (or fingerprint ID / Singpass).

  2. 2

    Open Card services

    In the app, tap "More", then "Card services" (on Internet Banking, go to Customer service).

  3. 3

    Open Manage overseas card usage

    Select "Manage overseas card usage".

  4. 4

    Select the card

    Choose the card you want to manage.

  5. 5

    Toggle overseas magstripe

    Turn overseas magstripe ATM withdrawals and/or payments on or off.

  6. 6

    Confirm

    Review and confirm — the change takes effect immediately.

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