Getting an Israeli debit or credit card

Israeli cards work a little differently than American ones, and knowing the system makes life easier. HOW IT WORKS • Most bank cards are "debit" in name but behave like credit cards. Your purchases are totaled and charged to your account once a month, on a set date. • Cards are issued by card companies such as Isracard, Cal, and Max, and your bank connects you to one. • Cards are usually contactless and work with Apple Pay and Google Pay. HOW TO GET ONE • When you open your account, request a card. • The bank may set a spending limit at first. You can ask for it to be raised later. • Activate the card through the app or at an ATM. TIPS • Check the monthly card fee. Some cards are free if you meet certain conditions. • Keep your American card as a backup. Foreign cards are widely accepted, but they often charge a foreign-transaction fee of around 3%. • When a terminal asks for "payments" (tashlumim), choose the regular, one-time payment unless you want installments.