Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tommy]

I wanted to get a KEB debit card so when I go to the grocery store or somewhere, I can swipe the card, enter my pin, and be on my merry way. I have this feature on my KB card but those guys are completely useless (that's a whole other story)..

Anyhow, after speaking to the nice lady at the KEB counter I received a new card that says 'KEB Check' but it has the VISA logo on it, and on the back has the PLUS logo and the visa hologram. I was a little late for work so I didn't have time to inquire.. So, what does your KEB debit card look like?

[call_the_shots]

[OculisOrbis]

if you plan to use that card to take cash from outside korea, make sure you go to your bank and verify that it has been set-up to allow for overseas cash withdrawls. if you didnt specifically ask for it, they may not have validated that function.

[Tommy]

Visa function.. hmm? Not really what I wanted. Was aiming for a debit card that directly deducts from my account. Don't want a monthly bill coming my way.

[TDR]

Hey Tommy,

I have the same card that you described and I just got it prior to my trip to Australia and New Zealand (I got back a week ago). I specifically asked if it would work overseas. I'm happy to report that it did work almost every time when I was abroad and it wasn't on a credit system. It withdrew from my account. The reason I say "almost" was because I had to use machines located at banks (not convenience stores) and I had to keep in mind the Korean bank blackout times after midnight. I was informed that the fee for this was 5000won plus 1% of the withdrawal amount.

I have to agree with OculisOrbis, though. Go and ask at the bank if that function was enabled before you try to use it overseas. I know you wanted a check card to debit your account and it sounds like you got one. I, too, asked about the VISA logo on the front and she assured me that was just what the card looked like and that it was certainly not a credit card.

Hope this helps.

-TDR-

[typo]

My KEB debit card has a VISA logo as well. No problems functioning as a debit card. I also have a KEB credit card that has a VISA logo. No problems functioning as a credit card.

[oldtactics]

KEB check card with the Visa logo is a debit card - you don't use your pin number here, you sign a screen (or occasionally a paper) after you use the card, same process as a CC back home. Nothing to worry about, the money comes out of your bank account!

[OculisOrbis]

[Tommy]

Ahh, very cool. Thanks for all the info.

I've always entered my pin at stores with KB's card and I like the security it provides. Signing for a debit card leaves me feeling a little uneasy. It's pretty well known that if there's any unauthorized use, the banks don't hold the business responsible for not checking the signature - the individual is left to recoup the costs. Well.. that's been the experience for people I've known anyway.

[Ukon]

Get the international card from KEB.....it does allow overseas withdrawals...

[Tommy]

Cheers, I'll look into that. I already have an international one with Standard Chartered that I know works for sure, but would be nice to go exclusively with KEB.

[losing_touch]

My KEB Card is Purple. It says 'GLOBAL' on it. It says 'Check' in the upper right corner. There is a Visa logo at the lower right. The back is gray and it has the Plus symbol. The text reads "Valid for overseas ATMs (must register for FX transactions) but invalid for overseas purchasing merchandise.

It works as a check card. I have taken money out internationally. It is a wonderful little piece of plastic freedom.

[Big Mac]

My KEB card says "GLOBAL" in big letters on the front and I've used it overseas and it works fine.

The Visa function on this card is not really the same as a Visa credit card. It's more like a glorified debit card. As long as you have enough money in your account you can use it like a credit card. That means you can use it to buy things over the phone (within Korea) and you can also buy things on the internet with it (if you can find a website that will accept your Alien Registration Card). You can also buy things in a store with it.

But as others have said you can not use it like a visa or debit card overseas. You will only be able to withdraw money from an ATM overseas with it.

[cdninkorea]

I also have the purple Global KEB check card with the VISA and Plus logos. The card worked in Thailand but not in Canada. I'm going to the bank soon to inquire why.

[Big Mac]

That's interesting that it didn't work in Canada. I also tried mine in Thailand. I'd be interested to find out why it didn't work in Canada.