Should I Notify Credit Card Company When Traveling?

When you are excitedly planning for a big trip, there is a lot to keep on track of. Getting your luggage organized, transport booked, and vacation itineraries set can take up most of your attention. But if you want to avoid a major disappointment when you arrive at your destination, you need to notify your credit company that you are planning on using credit cards overseas.

Making sure that you notify your provider that you will be using credit cards internationally will ensure that you can pay for your activities and meals while abroad and enjoy your vacation exactly as you planned.

Why Should I Notify Credit Card Company That I Am Traveling?

So, why exactly do you need to tell your company that you intend to use your card while you are traveling? Well, credit card companies are always on high alert for signs of credit card fraud. When you suddenly use your card to make unusual purchases in a completely different location, your card provider may suspect that your details have been stolen and take action to prevent further spending.

This can result in stress and embarrassment when your card is declined as you try to pay for a meal at a fancy French restaurant or pay for tickets for the bullet train in Japan!

To avoid this potential fate, you need to give your card issuer notice that you will be traveling, so they won't suspect fraud when you start spending. To do this you need to set a travel notice.

What is a Travel Notice for Credit Cards?

A credit card travel notice will alert your credit card company to the fact that you are going to be using credit cards internationally, or to a faraway state in the US. By taking the time to set a travel notice ahead of time, you will lower the chances of experiencing difficulties when you make use of credit cards abroad.

Are You Required to Notify Your Provider if You Will Be Using Credit Cards Overseas?

Notifying your card provider that you will be using credit cards internationally is not a legal requirement, but it is best practice if you want to avoid issues and stress while traveling. Informing your card company that you will be making use of credit cards abroad and detailing when and where this will be will only save you trouble.

If your credit card provider notices card transactions in Spain when you normally spend in Milwaukee, they will be able to check the travel notice alert and know that the spending is unlikely to be a result of fraud.

Should I Notify Credit Card Company When Traveling?

Below we will give you a breakdown of when you should notify credit cards when traveling to a different city, state, or country.

Should I Notify Credit Company When Traveling Outside of My Home City?

If you are traveling not too far from home, it is unlikely that your credit card will immediately suspect fraud. So, it is not usually necessary to set a travel notice.

Should I Notify My Credit Company When Traveling Out of State?

The larger the distance from your home location, the higher the chances of sudden spending in a faraway state being flagged as fraud. Therefore, it is always best to play it safe and avoid any stress trying to sort out declined cards while away from home.

Should I Notify Credit Company When Traveling Abroad?

If you plan on using credit cards internationally, then you should always err on the side of caution and set a travel notice with your provider. As we discussed above, if you make use of a credit card abroad suddenly, your provider may suspect this is fraudulent and decline all further payments.

If this does occur you will have the headache of trying to rectify the situation in the middle of your vacation when you have time zones and international call tariffs to make the situation even more difficult!

So, it is best to plan ahead and take action to make sure the chances of this occurring are reduced to a minimum.

How To Notify a Card Provider You Will Be Using Credit Cards Overseas.

The practice of setting a travel notice before using credit cards internationally is usually quick and simple and can be done in person, through your credit card issuer's mobile app, online account portal, or by calling customer service.

Setting Your Travel Notice Online or Through Your Mobile App

Notifying your provider that you will make use of credit cards abroad should only take a couple of minutes and should be quicker than phoning your notice through or making a trip to your local branch.

You simply need to log into your account online and then use the search box to search the term "Travel Notice". This should bring up the relevant pages and instructions. If you can't find any information online, then you should contact customer service by phone.

How to Set a Travel Notice for Your Card Over the Phone or In Person

If you would prefer to receive verbal confirmation of your travel notice, then you can either call the customer service department on the number on the back of your card or visit your local branch. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, these may be the most reassuring methods for you.

Should I Notify Credit Card Company When Traveling?

Notifying your card provider that you will be using credit cards internationally or in a different US state is the best practice if you want to avoid dealing with extra stress and problems while traveling. A few minutes spent logging into your account before you leave could save you from embarrassment and disappointment when you find you can't pay for anything abroad.

So, make sure you include notifying your provider that you will make use of credit cards abroad on your list of things to do before you leave.