So, you have packed suitcases and planned a detailed itinerary. You’ve even checked in to a flight and are ready to enjoy an awesome travel experience. You believe you have done everything necessary in preparation for a great vacation. But, there is something you may have forgotten as part of your preparation. That’s notifying your bank. 

Talk to Your Bank Before You Use a Debit or Credit Card when Traveling 

Your bank is very determined to ensure your protection against identity theft. However, failing to inform your bank that you intend to travel is a mistake. The eagerness of your bank to protect you against identity theft can backfire once you travel. If your bank spots a transaction done from an unfamiliar location, it will consider a fraudulent use. Thus, the bank will shut off your card.

Informing your bank that you will be traveling enables it to add a record of the account. It also shares this information with the fraud detection system. As such, the system won’t consider your spending pattern abnormal and trigger a block on the card. 

How to Inform Your Bank about Your Plans to Travel 

Banks operate in different ways. If you have used online banking in the past, there might be an online travel notice system. This enables you to enter the information on your trip including your destination and duration of the trip. If you intend to travel to multiple countries, the system allows you to specify them too. 

If you’ve not used online banking, talk to your bank about your travel plans. You can call the bank or visit their office. A representative of the bank at your branch can help you. 

It’s also crucial to have copies of information and documents like the 24-hour telephone number of your bank. You should also have a copy of your account numbers. Bring one debit or credit card if possible. Stash a card outside the wallet in a safe place. This will enable you to access your money even if your wallet is stolen or lost.