Do You tell your Credit Card Company...

[Mpet]

Hi

If you want to use your Credit/Debit Cards in Florida (who doesn't!!), do you tell your Credit Card Company/Bank that you are going on holiday?

I seem to remember some posts where people have had cards stopped for 'unusual' usage. I have always used either my Visa Debit or Credit Card in Florida (without telling the issuer) and had no problem. Admittedly I don't usually make HUGE purchases on them - probably $100 would be the largest transaction, but I was wondering if Banks/Card issuers have tightened up more recently.


Maxine

 

[UKDEB]

Yes, we've started to do this. And, yes - I do think they've started to tighten up.

 

[UKANGEL]

I actually had some problem when I started using mine in the UK for larger amounts than normal (all due to the wedding of course!)...so I've let mine know we'll be away just in case!

 

[squitty]

Yes, we also tell them.
It saves all the embarassment of having to speak to you CC company to verify it is you, when making a purchase in FL.

 

[UKPhil]

I always do but have had mixed responses ranging from 'Thank you for letting us know. We'll make a note on the account.' through to 'We don't need to know that. It won't make any difference.'

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

If I'm going to decline my car insurance and the comany wants a imprint for $1,500 as a deposit I normally tell my credit card company in advance. Like Phil I've had the response "thanks we'll make a note of it" and "not absolutely necessary".

Regards

Rob

 

[Mpet]

I think I'll go with the consensus here and tell my bank. I would hate to be in the position where my card was declined. No doubt it would happen if we had an 'emergency' - not that we've had one yet, but you can't plan too much for all eventualities


Maxine

 

[bengunn]

Yes, I told mine last year and had no problems at all.

 

[kazzie]

I was one of the people that had problems with their card in the US a couple of years ago.
I defintely tell the card company now when I'm going away and they seemed pleased that I do it.

You've got nothing to lose by doing it

 

[neilybealy]

we told them last year just to save any hassle when in florida

 

[mike230652]

The only "unusual usage " my Credit Card company would contact me about would be if DW didn't use the blooming thing for two days in a row!

Seriously, we took out an American Express card solely for our last trip to Florida and never got asked once....despite some heavy duty spending!!


mike230652

 

[Carol Ann UK]

I make a point of phoning the card companies before we go. I have one credit card I use specifically when abroad. I take the other one with me of course, but leave it in the hotel safe. That way if I manage to lose my handbag I still have another card I can use.

The worst and most embarrasing problem was when we came home! I usually use my main credit card for everything, but hadn't used it for 2 weeks as we were in Florida using the other card. I had great trouble in WH Smith when the card was refused when I tried to buy a magazine for about £3.50. Had to go to the other end of the shop where the assistant had to ring the company. She also managed to shout out my card number which could be heard at the other end of the shop!!

Carol

 

[neo's white rabbit]

I think it depends on where you are going (anyone planning a trip to Northern France to stock up definitly contact yor CC company!).

The USA doesn't seem to be such an issue and I've never had a problem there but I called our cc co's as I prefer to be on the side of caution after recent French experiences.

 

[Penny12]

I've not bothered myself and never had any problems, but I <i>do</i> try to use the CC at the airport before I leave which kinda indicates to the CC company if they look that it all fits in that I've left the country. That's my excuse for always spending in Duty Free anyhow