Do I need to notify a credit card company when traveling? | Chase (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to notify a credit card company when traveling? | Chase? ›

You can travel with your Chase credit cards without a travel notification, but there are a couple of things you should do before you go. Start by setting up fraud alerts on your phone. Here's how: Log in to your Chase account.

Most credit card issuers no longer require notification before you go on a trip; however, some card companies still ask you to notify them when you're traveling internationally. At Experian, one of our priorities is consumer credit and finance education.

Your credit card company or bank may not need to be notified before you take a trip. That's because of improvements in fraud detection technology and security. If you choose to set a travel alert, you can usually do it over the phone, online or in your bank's or credit card issuer's mobile app.

There's no need to tell us you'll be travelling, but we do recommend allowing location sharing in the app. You'll also need to check that payments abroad are switched on in the app.

Generally, you should tell your bank the locations you are traveling to and the dates/duration of your travels. This will allow you to continue using your credit cards and debit cards without the fraud detection on your accounts being triggered, preventing you from using your cards.

You're not required to notify your credit card company when you're going away on vacation, but it is highly recommended. By letting your credit card company know where you're going and for how long, your company will know that any card transactions from that location were likely authorized by you.

As a safety measure, make copies of your cards to store your card information for reference in case you lose your physical cards. Don't rely on using a mobile wallet rather than your physical cards, in case you lose your phone while traveling.

How to set travel notifications with common credit card issuers. “The easiest method of placing a travel alert is to call the number on the back of your credit card,” Huffman says. “You can also send a secure message through the bank's online portal.”

Check with your bank to see if you can sign up for SMS transaction alerts today. Transaction alerts are triggered whenever your card is used. This way, you can detect fraudulent activity—anytime and anywhere. If you're alerted to potential fraudulent activity, give your issuing bank a call to check.

We use industry-leading fraud detection capabilities that help us recognize when our Card Members are traveling, so you don't need to notify us before you travel. We recommend: Keeping your contact information updated in case we need to contact you while you're away.

Do I need to tell Capital One I'm traveling? ›

Do I need to notify Capital One of my travel plans? No, You don't need to notify us about your travel plans because of the added security of your Capital One card. You can use your card abroad the same as you use it at home. Make sure you update your email and phone number in case we need to reach you.

Notify Your Bank

Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they do not flag charges you make in another country as fraudulent. Some companies allow you to enter travel dates online, or call your bank directly.

Contact your bank before you leave, call your bank to let them know that you'll be traveling. They'll usually ask for your destination, the dates of your trip, and the type of card you'll be using.

You may also be able to use your credit card to withdraw cash at most ATMs overseas, which may come along with fees. Depending on your credit card issuer, you may need to notify them that you're traveling abroad. Chase, however, no longer requires cardmembers to set up travel notifications.

Whether you should use a debit card for travel depends on your own circ*mstances. For instance, you should avoid using a debit card in another country if you'll be hit with high foreign transaction fees and ATM fees.

You may bring into or take out of the country, including by mail, as much money as you wish. However, if it is more than $10,000, you will need to report it to CBP. Use the online Fincen 105 currency reporting site or ask a CBP officer for the paper copy of the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105).

If you intend to use your personal debit or credit card abroad it is best that you let us know. Telling us in advance that you're travelling will notify our transaction monitoring systems you will be using your debit or credit card abroad.

You don't need to let your credit card company know you're traveling, but it's always a good idea. To protect you from fraud, credit card issuers look for charges that seem to be out of the ordinary, or “suspicious activity”.

“If you are not able to make your payments — and like not even the minimum payments — and you're running in the negative every month, then you probably shouldn't be traveling,” says Grant. “Or if you do, something that's super low cost.” Also consider if it's possible to cut back in certain areas to accelerate savings.

Credit cards typically provide better exchange rates than what you'll get from ATM machines and currency stands. Depending on your card issuer, your purchases might automatically qualify for insurance. This coverage doesn't simply apply to consumer goods — it also covers travel delays and lost luggage.