Ever heard of skimming? This is a fraud type where card data gets read without your knowledge, for example at a manipulated ATM. The copied data is then copied onto a faked card in order to withdraw cash in countries outside Europe. The free GeoControl function protects you from this.
GeoControl
Last Article Update 20.08.2026
GeoControl is automatically activated for your debit card and is therefore protected against this form of misuse. It is therefore not possible to withdraw cash from ATMs outside Europe with your debit card. To still have enough cash on holiday, you can suspend the GeoControl function for a maximum of three months. You can suspend the function again at any time.
Why GeoControl?
GeoControl offers you more security by preventing withdrawals with counterfeit cards in high-risk countries. This saves you from potential inconveniences such as damage reports or reports to the police as well as blocking of cards.
Deactivate GeoControl
If you want to withdraw cash with your debit card outside Europe, for example on holiday, this is possible without any problems if you deactivate GeoControl beforehand. You can pause GeoControl for a maximum of 3 months. If you are planning a longer stay abroad, deactivate GeoControl again after the 3 months to continue using the card for cash withdrawals.
App
How it works
- Tap the card symbol (💳) in your overview.
- Choose your debit card.
- Go to GeoControl in "Functions" to suspend it.
Then in the next step, select the date until which you would like to withdraw cash with your debit card outside Europe. You can suspend the function for a maximum of 3 months. After that, a new deactivation is necessary.
Confirm the action with your chosen signing method (e.g. George ID). The GeoControl function is now suspended and will be reactivated automatically after the period you have selected.
Web Browser
How it works
- Click on "Your Products" in the header.
- Select your debit card from the list.
Then in the next step, select the date until which you would like to withdraw cash with your debit card outside Europe. You can suspend the function for a maximum of 3 months. After that, a new deactivation is necessary.
Confirm the action with your chosen signing method (e.g. George ID). The GeoControl function is now suspended and will be reactivated automatically after the period you have selected.
For which countries is GeoControl activated?
Let's take a more positive view of things and look at the countries and overseas territories where you can use your card without restrictions, WITHOUT having to suspend GeoControl. It covers a lot of ground.
Where you do not need to suspend GeoControl:
Albania, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Andorra, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guyana, Georgia, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Great Britain, Guadeloupe, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Réunion, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Helena, Tajikistan. Helena, Tajikistan, Czech Republic, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Belarus, Cyprus.
This means that nothing will stand in the way of your next holiday trip outside Europe – at least as far as withdrawing cash is concerned.
Author: Tamara Berger-Feichter