Contact your bank before traveling

It’s always exciting to travel and explore new places. But before you can jet off, there’s the tedious task of completing documents and other formal preparation. Taking measures like contacting your bank to tell them you’ll be traveling is a necessary inconvenience. Here’s why it’s worth taking the time to do this admin before hitting the road.

Do I need to tell my bank I’m traveling?

Yes, one of the most important things you need to do before traveling is inform your bank. You want to make sure you’ll be able to access your funds and use your debit or credit card while you’re on vacation. Telling your bank you are traveling can help prevent your card from being declined or blocked while you’re traveling.

Always tell your bank when you’re going abroad.

When your bank sees that you’re using your card in a different country, it may interpret this as unusual or suspicious activity. If you haven’t notified them that you’re traveling, they may assume that your card has been stolen and block it for your protection. This can be a major inconvenience, especially if you’re in a foreign country and don’t have access to your funds.

What to communicate with your bank before going abroad.

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. 

Be sure to provide them with the dates of your trip and the countries you’ll be visiting. It’s also a good idea to verify the phone number you have on file in case you need to be reached while you're traveling.

Keep your bank’s contact information handy

In case of an emergency, it’s important to have your bank’s contact information with you. Keep a record of their phone number and website, in case you need to contact them while you’re traveling.

When it comes to traveling, there are some banking rules that customers of US banks should be aware of. 

For example, many banks will require customers to inform them of their travel plans in advance, as this helps the bank to flag potential fraudulent activity on the account. 

Additionally, banks may place limits on the amount of money that can be withdrawn or spent while the customer is traveling, in order to protect against unauthorized transactions. 

It is also a good idea for customers to carry multiple forms of payment while traveling, in case their primary card is lost or stolen. By following these rules, customers can ensure that their accounts remain secure and that they have access to the funds they need while traveling.

Be aware of any limits on the amount of money that can be withdrawn or spent while you are traveling. By taking the time to contact your bank before you travel, you can ensure that your accounts remain secure and that you have access to the funds you need while you are away. Happy travels!