Using Permata Bank Cards for Flight Bookings

While Permata bank cards offer convenient payment options for various transactions, there are certain limitations and considerations when using them for flight bookings. Here's what you need to know:

Online Flight Bookings:

Green Permata Card: This card has a daily online purchase limit of 10 million IDR. If the flight ticket cost exceeds this limit, you may encounter payment errors.
Red and Black Permata Cards: These cards have higher daily limits (20 million IDR for Red and 50 million IDR for Black). However, they may still have restrictions depending on the merchant and transaction type.

Workarounds for exceeding online limits:

Bank Account Transfer: Many Indonesian travel websites offer the option to pay via bank transfer, which usually has higher limits. You can initiate the transfer from your Permata bank account through the platform's virtual account.
Multiple Transactions: If the ticket price is below the daily limit for each card, you could split the payment into multiple transactions using different Permata cards.
Contact Permata Bank: Some users have reported success with requesting a temporary limit increase from Permata bank for specific purchases.

Offline Flight Bookings:

Physical Ticket Offices: You can use your Permata card at physical airline ticket offices or travel agencies within Indonesia.
Cash Payments: If online or card payments are not feasible, consider paying for your flight ticket with cash at the airline's office or a travel agency.

International Travel and Permata Cards:

Notify Permata Bank: To avoid potential card blocks due to suspected fraud, it is recommended to inform Permata bank about your travel plans before leaving Indonesia. You can do this by visiting a branch, calling their international support line (+6221 29850611), or emailing their customer service.
Currency Conversion: Keep in mind that even with a multi-currency account, Permata cards primarily process transactions in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). This may lead to additional conversion fees when used abroad.

Alternative Banks and Payment Methods:

Other Indonesian Banks: Consider exploring options with other Indonesian banks like BCA, Mandiri, or OCBC. They may offer higher limits, multi-currency features, and more convenient online banking platforms.
International Payment Solutions: Explore international payment solutions like Wise or Revolut, which provide multi-currency accounts and competitive exchange rates for international transactions.

Recommendations:

Plan Ahead: Check the flight ticket cost and your card's limits before attempting to book.
Explore Alternatives: Consider alternative payment methods or banks if you face limitations with your Permata card.
Contact Permata Bank: Reach out to Permata bank's customer service for assistance with specific issues or concerns.

By understanding these factors and considering your specific needs, you can make informed decisions about using your Permata bank card for flight bookings and ensure a smooth travel experience.