Bank Card Suggestion

[Mr. Bill]

“My bank” is very good about monitoring charges and withdrawals on my debit card. If anything other than “normal” transactions appear they will call me. If they can not reach me the account is frozen. With everything one hears about identity theft and fraud on bankcards, I appreciate the service. I carry very little cash and rely on the card exclusive.

At the suggestion of a banker friend, I notified my bank of my pending vacation where out-of-the country expenses will appear. This will prevent them from freezing my account when “abnormal” charges appear during that time frame.

Just thought I’d pass along this suggestion.

Bill

 

[ivanova]

good suggestion!! If you let your credit card company and bank(s) know where specifically you'll be (i.e. Bahamas, Mexican Riviera) they'll let those charges go through - but still put a halt on "funny" charges coming in from Bangkok or Timbuktu.

 

[Greysword]

I used a credit card when I moved to Colorado from Florida. before I left, I informed the company I was moving, and they would see some usual charges to the account in the US. I asked them to please not freeze the account.

Guess what happened.......yep! They froze the account as I was checking out of my hotel! I got on the phone and it took an hour to clear it up. I hope they don't freeze the card when it will cost a lot to call home.

 

[jgalecpa]

I do the same thing with all my accounts also.

I also do something else....

I hide one credit card (both my wife's and my copy of it) wrapped in a sheet of paper that has all the other cards numbers printed on it. I usually stick it in a zip lock bag and hide it in someplace like my wife's makeup kit, etc.

IF the worst should happen and we lose everything (street robbery, etc) I still have this one card to fall back on.

I can also use the sheet of paper to call in the other cards quickly.

I know many cards PROMISE quick replacement, but you know when you are travelling froom port to port it will be a mess.

Just remember NOT to report that one stolen!

Jim