Inform CC of Vacation?

[Kevenswife2]

While planning this trip, I had a hold put on my charge card because my spending (rental car, airline tickets, meal vouchers, etc) alerted them to the possibility of the card being stolen.

Do you think I should call them today to inform them that it WILL be ME using my card during the next ten days? It sure would be embarrassing to try to pay for something and be told I can't use my cc. Then I'd have to call them to tell them it's me doing the spending.

Do any of you ever call your cc company to inform them of your vacation?

 

[swilshire]

The only time I've heard this was necessary is traveling overseas. I read that it was recommended and my credit union confirmed that. When I called the credit card company, they also agreed that it was a very good idea as foreign spending could flag it and it would be harder to make a phone call from there.

Domestically, I've had phone messages more than once wanting to confirm purchases were really mine. I guess the companies are tired of losing money. I'm sure it couldn't hurt to let them know.

Sheila

 

[PrincessDadx2]

It can save you a little embarrasment. DW had a charge of $8 declined while we were at WDW. It turned out that AMEX saw our charges in Florida for APs, Room, etc. They were suspicious and called our home LOL and when we didn't answer because we were in Florida they froze our account. It just takes a phone call to unfreeze the account, but it can be a little embarrassing if you are in a line.

 

[Kevenswife2]

When I used my Target card I never had a problem. The card I have now is a Disney card (go figure...I'm using their card for a Disney vacation and they put a hold on it). Guess I should be thankful though as they are looking out for my best interests.

I'll call them before I leave.

 

[CynJ]

This has happened to me a couple of times, traveling for home and work. A quick phone call to the CC company and they should be able to give you the Fraud Prevention department. Just let them know about the trip.

Not a big deal

 

[wuv tigger]

Originally posted by PrincessDadx2
It can save you a little embarrasment. DW had a charge of $8 declined while we were at WDW. It turned out that AMEX saw our charges in Florida for APs, Room, etc. They were suspicious and called our home LOL and when we didn't answer because we were in Florida they froze our account. It just takes a phone call to unfreeze the account, but it can be a little embarrassing if you are in a line.

This was ME! And it was embarrasing! I needed a bottle of Benadryl as our youngest DD was having an allergic reaction to a Rx drug. Our card was declined in EPCOT (can't remember the store name).

Princessdadx2 was with the 2 princesses @ The Garden Grill waiting for me!

The Mngr was kind enough to give me the benadryl & told me to come back after dinner & pay for it. He didn't have to do that but HE did! I should have gotten his name to pass on to his supervisors!

Judy

 

[Buttercup26]

If you don't normally use your card a lot, or travel much I would definitely call and alert them. Most credit card companies/banks now have software that monitors your spending patterns and alerts them when charges occur outside that "normal" pattern. Many automatically put a hold on your card after a certain number of "unusual" charges.

I work for an organization that organizes conventions & conferences and this happens to our particpants all the time. They go out of town for a convention, start using their card more than normal and boom, their card is frozen. It's always easy to fix with a phone call, but it can be really embarassing!!

 

[ruebeesoho]

I work for a large credit union and we always suggest to our members that they call to let us know if they will be travelling and making multiple purchases. Especially if they are going out of state or overseas. Most companies have hired an outside vendor to watch for suspicious activity. If it's a card you don't use frequently or if you are going to be using the card heavily definitely call to let them know. It will save you the hassle and embaressment of calling from your vacation. Don't forget to call for your Visa Checkcards too.

 

[tinaluis]

It couldn't hurt. Have a great trip!

 

[Magickndm]

The only reason my CC Co. would call was if we stopped going and spending money there. They'd probably assume it was stolen.

 

[disneysteve]

I use my CC so much and in so many different places that this has never been a problem. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing .

Seriously, if you don't travel often and your trip would generate charges well above your usual spending habits, then a pre-trip call to the CC company is a great idea. Really no downside to doing this.

 

[chasbos]

We had this happen in St. Maarten last year - BUT! I had used my CC many times while on the island (mine gets used very, very often at home!) but the first time my husband went to use his (they are on same account) his was denied! I found it very amusing - hubby did not.

Not sure how much of a protection this is because when his card was denied I just whipped mine out and the transaction went through without hassle. Go figure.

We also had a loverly call from Visa waiting on the answering machine when we got home wanting us to call them back!

 

[CarolA]

If you have the Disney card I would call.... They seem to have screwed things up in the recent merger with whoever they merged with (Chase, citi???)

They put a hold on my SW Visa the other day becasue I charged a few hundred dollars. WHen I called they said it was out of line... HUH? I once charged 100 DVC points on the card?

 

[Kevenswife2]

I did call to inform them and my vacation dates were noted on my account. The girl I spoke to asked where I was headed and when I told her Orlando/WDW she said, "That's where I'm at right now!" She lives in Orlando and she said the weather was beautiful. I can't wait, as we're expecting an inch of snow tonight (Ohio).

Thanks for your replies.

 

[Cora]

Whenever I go out of the country I call our credit card company. I also call if I am traveling without my DH (visiting family west coast). When I have called, AMEX asks me to give them an estimate of what I will be spending.
Cora

 

[brivers222]

I have only had one problem and that was when we were buying all the items for our wedding and new house. They froze my account because DisneyVisa thought someone stole my card. I also believe Discover Card did this as well.

We just went do Disney and spent about $2000 on the credit card and nobody even blinked at it.

I think it is totally up to you, if you want piece of mind, I would call.

 

[SusanD]

We frequently recieve calls when our charges are unusual. We charged two sets of airline tickets online (different locations) and they called. We charged our son's tuition one term and they called two minutes after I hit the submit button. It is a little comforting (we've had our cards stollen before) and a little frustrating that I could be denied the use of my card if they aren't the common sort of purchases I make.

 

[Belle1962]

I used to have this problem with one of my cards. It was something about being outside my "normal purchase zone" (or some other words to that effect) It used to embarass my son because EVERY store we would go to at the Outlets would ask for id. I finally started calling my company before each trip and the problem was resolved.

Since I RARELY use my card at "home", and I go to Disney so often, they now consider Orlando my "normal zone" and my card isn't flagged anymore.

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

I just got back and used my taget charge a bunch, when I got home they called to make sure I was the one making the purchases.(it was a short weekend mickey-quickie) It wouldn't hurt to let them know, and might even save you a little embarassment

 

[Brian Noble]

I called AmEx once to let them know I'd be travelling to Geneva via Amsterdam. Normally, they get these sorts of things right, but my card was *still* declined with an ID hold when buying jewelry in the Amsterdam airport. So, know that even if you do call, it might not help.