Best Debit Card in the World? & Why?

[telescope]

This is true... you have to report all your investments or balances to the ITD every year and pay taxes as per Indian law. However, it’s not too complicated… but still, do your own research before proceeding.

Thanks for adding a word of caution.

Also having any kind of foreign assets and not reporting it properly comes under black money act and invites trouble. so, open this account only if absolutely necessary.

 

[telescope]

hi, some ppl in this thread got a brokerage account & some got a checking account on opening this acc. do let us know which one u get.

You can get checking account only if you have US address. Which is what TF dada has. Otherwise for us usual Indians, only brokerage account.

Even those americans that are living outside USA, as per american law is eligible only for international account and not a checking account.

 

[newIntern]

I just applied for a brokerage account, I honestly dont see much benefit of this, specially if you dont take payments from US clients or dont travel International.
I just get some earning from AdSense (300-400 USD), so I will take it there instead of taking it in my Indian bank account.

Furthermore, I understand that I will be taxed in India for all my adsense income.
And I will have to declare all my holding in US account in my ITR here in India.

I am just doing it for the sake of trying something new,

I have just completed my application for brokerage account and W-8BEN form.


Update: in AdSense India, you cannot add a US check-in account. so it was a stupid move from my side it seems.

 

[theglobalinvestor]

Third party deposits/credits to brokerage accounts may also trigger AML audits and reviews. IBKR has closed many accounts for this policy violation.

 

[sourabhjha]

So this account wouldn't be worth for getting that dc for travel expenses, O⁠_⁠o

 

[Riva]

With the initial finding removed, this is totally worth it... The compliance in US and India are the deal breakers for ppl who just want it for the card and other smaller benefits.

 

[telescope]

So this account wouldn't be worth for getting that dc for travel expenses, O⁠_⁠o

If the sole purpose is that dc then not worth it. Because you'll be remitting money from India which will cost you almost 2%. If you discount the atm fee savings then still paying 2%. Better go for indusind exclusive account.

With the initial finding removed, this is totally worth it... The compliance in US and India are the deal breakers for ppl who just want it for the card and other smaller benefits.

Only worth for those investing significant amount in us market.

Also, from January 2026 get ready to pay 3.5% tax for withdrawing money from US accounts. Thanks to the big beautiful bill of Trump uncle.

So withdraw $100, save $3 on atm fees and pay $5 (3.5%+1.5% cost of funding account). Perfect example of penny wise pound foolish.

Perhaps Trump is learning some tricks from our Indian tai.

 

[makman]

But then don't withdraw that way, withdraw from Indian ATM using DC without any 3.5% charges. Should work for 100$ and likewise but not for huge amounts. I don't see ATM withdrawals will be charged 3.5% with the new bill

If the sole purpose is that dc then not worth it. Because you'll be remitting money from India which will cost you almost 2%. If you discount the atm fee savings then still paying 2%. Better go for indusind exclusive account.

Only worth for those investing significant amount in us market.

Also, from January 2026 get ready to pay 3.5% tax for withdrawing money from US accounts. Thanks to the big beautiful bill of Trump uncle.

So withdraw $100, save $3 on atm fees and pay $5 (3.5%+1.5% cost of funding account). Perfect example of penny wise pound foolish.

Perhaps Trump is learning some tricks from our Indian tai