New Rules for Cards Abroad | Nuevas reglas para tarjetas en el exterior

By Juan Carlos Salinas, El Deber:

Keys to understanding the new regulation of cards abroad

Claves para entender la nueva regulación de tarjetas en el exterior

The ASFI has already issued the regulation so that banks reactivate transactions with cards abroad /Photo: Internet

The rule was issued by the Financial System Supervisory Authority. Learn what changes for online purchases and payments

The Financial System Supervisory Authority (ASFI) modified the regulation of rates, commissions, and fees for card operations abroad, establishing new rules that directly impact Internet purchases, international payments, and the use of cards outside the country.

The regulation, approved through ASFI Resolution 299/2026, mainly seeks greater transparency in costs and clearer control over transactions in foreign currency.

One of the central points is that card operations—both debit and credit—will be carried out using as a reference the selling exchange rate of the dollar published by the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB), which standardizes the criteria for charges.

In the case of Internet purchases or payments abroad, the rule establishes that variable commissions may be applied, which in some cases reach up to 3% of the amount when dealing with transactions linked to specific payments, such as imports or services.

Likewise, limits are set for other international operations, such as transfers abroad, where commissions can vary between 5% and 10%, and even reach up to 20% for larger amounts.

The regulation also clarifies that financial entities must clearly and in advance inform all conditions, commissions, and charges associated with these services, reinforcing the user’s right to make informed decisions.

In summary, the provision does not prohibit the use of cards abroad or online purchases, but it does introduce clearer rules and defined costs, in a context where the use of dollars and international transactions are under greater supervision.

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