Credit Card

[alisonbestford]

Hi there,
Just a quick word of advice.
I'd heard that it's best to let your credit card issuers know if you're travelling abroad, and intend to use your cards, but I'd never taken much notice
We're off to WDW at the end of Jan so, on Xmas Eve, I used my DH's credit card to buy tickets from MapleLeaf and Universal.
A couple of days later I went online to pay off some of the balance and found that there were no account details to view - just a customer service number to call.
When DH called they said that a 'fraud alert' had been put on his account as a result of the two US transactions.
He just had to give his details and also advised them when we'd be away so it's all sorted now. I'd have hated to have run into problems in Orlando and will be first on the phone to my credit card issuers before we travel
Alison

 

[gilld]

We have always let our CC company know when and where we will be away. Our friends had their card refused in Grenada as they hadn't informed the CC company so if you want to avod embarrassment, and many expensive telephone calls, let them know!

 

[patdavies]

The credit cards are not being 'refused'. The checking software has recognised purchases outside your normal 'pattern' (ie non-UK). This kicks-in additional security. If you travel frequently or regularly to Florida (or anywhere else for that matter) then such transactions would be seen as 'normal pattern' and not trigger the software security processes

Instead of issuing an authorisation number for the transaction, they are issuing a code for the merchant to contact them for verbal authorisation. If the merchant does this, then they will ask you a couple of security questions and all will be OK. If the merchant simply sees non-authorisation as 'refused' and does not contact the credit card authorisers verbally, then the card will be suspended until you contact them.

 

[juliebro]

This can happen to you closer to home too. I recently purchased a new (expensive) widescreen TV and had to answer loads of security questions over the phone to the CC company. It was slightly embarassing as it took ages and the shop was wanting to close for the day! The CC company later rang me at home and said in future I should let them know in advance if I intended to make an expensive purchase.

Julie