Ikobo Visa Debit Card

For over two years now, Ikobo has been a regular advertiser in this blog. Though I’ve never used them as a remittance service, I’ve heard from fellow bloggers that they offer one of the more convenient ways to process transactions — via an int’l ATM debit card.

Here are some of the things you’ll need to know about Ikobo Money Transfer service:

The Visa Debit card is for electronic use only. It may be used on any merchant that accepts Visa.
You get the Ikobo Visa prepaid card the first time you receive money. Subsequent remittances goes thru there. You can withdraw money form any ATM machine that has the Cirrus logo.
Your 4-digit PIN will be sent to you separately, in an email. You will then need to call their toll-free number to activate your card before you can withdraw money from your ATM.
You can check your balance and transaction history online at www.ikobo.com.
Transaction charges are as follows — ATM Balance Inquiry: Free; POS Purchase: Free; Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0.99PHP 58INR 84EUR 0.94CNY 7; ATM Withdrawal: $1.99PHP 117INR 169EUR 2CNY 14 and Declined ATM Withdrawal: $0.99PHP 58INR 84EUR 0.94CNY 7

The only other service I know that used a debit card tied up to your account is Paypal. And though Ikobo’s ATM prepaid card has some attached charges, it sure is very convenient to be able to gain access to your account anywhere there’s a Visa/Cirrus ATM around.

Abe Olandres

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

https://www.yugatech.com

17 Comments

Dexter | Techathand.net says:

17 years ago

If this can be used with Paypal it will be good since as of to date the only debit card that I heard can be used is EON.

Is this also available to OFW.. Will it be delivered in Saudi ??
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Abe Olandres says:

17 years ago

Technically, yes, it can be used with Paypal. This has to be veriefied yet though. As for delivery to Saudi, yup, Ikobo is worldwide.
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Dexter | Techathand.net says:

17 years ago

Thanks for info. I will try to use this as another ID for use to verify Paypal. If i am succesful in getting one.
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Alibata says:

17 years ago

This sounds cool, thanks for that head’s up Yuga. ;-)
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otoyreyes says:

17 years ago

been using this for almost 2 years and the service is GREAT!
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aczafra says:

17 years ago

Tried using with PayPal but was unsuccessful. It would be good if your contacts overseas know and use it as well.
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secret says:

17 years ago

Who is SASA???? :)
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jhay says:

17 years ago

I wonder if Western Union will follow suit and offer a similar debit card-based service? :P
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Andre says:

17 years ago

I used Ikobo before xoom, but i found there is a lot of processing and verification, some i found just too tedious and the transfer time too long.
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Dennis says:

17 years ago

I used ikobo like 2 years ago and I already got a debit card from them.

The only thing that stopped me from using them was that, under their terms, they don’t transfer money if it’s a payment for a ‘professional fee’.

Im using payoneer.com now.
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BrianB says:

17 years ago

Abe, you’re forgetting epassporte. This is actually from Visa itself, also called electron Visa. Very popular among online gamblers. You know.
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Jaypee says:

17 years ago

I just recently got my PayPal Debit Card and it works exactly like this. Although ATM withdrawal fee is only $1 and there is no annual or monthly fees.

If only the PayPal Debit Card is available in the Philippines, it would make accessing and withdrawing funds much faster and easier.
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Abe Olandres says:

17 years ago

@jaypee, unfortunately, that Paypal Credit/Debit Card is not yet available for the Philippines.
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MAMOO says:

16 years ago

do not use iKobo they are very unreliable i just used it last 9/24/08 sending money from USA to NOrway. my recipient didnt receive the card, it is good i only put 50$ since that was the first time i use it and i want to see how it works.

they never even let me know it was not delivered and i paid around 27$ for express delivery through FEDEX, it was good i called iKobo and asked then i would never know about it, they told me it was sent back to US the card, so i was told it will be sent to me so i can send the card to the recipient.

i didnt received any card so i called again 10/18/08 i was told another story , the card was still undelivered. i was so upset, the recipient thought i was lying about the card and the money.

IKOBO CANT BE TRUSTED ITS SERVICE IS UNRELIABLE, THEY WILL NEVER LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOUR MONEY AND YOUR CARD, I HAD USED MONEYGRAM AND I LOVE IT , USED XOOM ALSO THE SERVICE IS GOOD AND SO IS WESTERN UNION BUT IKOBO THEY ARE NOT GOOD WHATEVER THEY TELL YOU IS NOT TRUE. TRUST ME I HAD THE WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFETIME, THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT REPENTANT AND SORRY AND IT IS ONE OF THE WORST CUSTOMER SERIVE EVER. I HAD BEEN USING MONEYGRAM , XOOM AND WESTERN UNION FOR YEARS . MY FAULT I TRIED IKOBO BUT I WILL NEVER NEVER USE IT AGAIN.

DO NOT EVER USE IKOBO SERVICE IF YOU DONT WANT TO BE DISAPPOINTED .SERVICE IS NOT GOOD AT ALL..I WILL RATE IT A -10 (MINUS 10)
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shrimani says:

16 years ago

What is the withdrawal procedure for this ikobo card at Indian ATMs.. Somebody say it is using “Credit” option Some says “Current” option to withdraw..

What is prefect?
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EZINE.PK says:

15 years ago

Thanks for the useful info!
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Mickey says:

15 years ago

How to get an Ikobo Visa Card?
Please HELP.
Thanks
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