If you aren’t a frequent traveler, you might be wondering about all the things you need to do to prepare for a trip abroad. Of course you’ll consider things like what to pack and adding an international cell phone plan, but what about your bank?
One of the things you might want to think about is adding a travel alert notification to your credit cards. While this isn’t required, it can be helpful to avoid the unnecessary hassle of credit card problems while traveling.
In this post, I’ll show you why you might want to add an alert the next time you travel internationally, exactly how to set up a travel notification on your Chase account, and some helpful tips (including how to avoid foreign transaction fees).
Why Would You Want to Notify Chase of Your Travels?
So, why would you even want to add a travel notification to your accounts in the first place?
If you rarely travel outside of the country, new charges from outside the U.S. could trigger a fraud alert that temporarily shuts down your credit card. That’s not the way you want to start your vacation!
An easy way to avoid that risk is to place a simple travel notification on your Chase account. This allows your credit cards to be used outside the U.S. with no problems.
If you are a seasoned traveler who frequently leaves the country, this step might not be necessary. The bank can track your habits, so frequent charges outside of the country might not trigger a fraud alert if that is typical behavior for you.
It’s a good idea to put a travel alert on your Chase account before you travel abroad. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.comHow to Add a Travel Notification to Your Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
You can set up a travel alert on your Chase account up to 1 year before your trip, and your notification can last for up to 1 year. If you are traveling longer than that, you will want to extend your alert while you’re on your trip.
Hot Tip: If you are already abroad and need to set up a travel alert, you can call Chase directly at 1-302-594-8200.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Travel Notification to Your Chase Account: Online
Step 1: Log in to your Chase online account and click on the menu icon in the upper left corner.
Image Credit: ChaseStep 2: Click on Profile & Settings in the drop-down menu.
Image Credit: ChaseStep 3: Scroll all the way down on the menu until you see Travel under More Settings.
Image Credit: ChaseStep 4: To set up your alert, click Update on the right side of the screen next to the credit card section.
Image Credit: ChaseStep 5: Next, you will see a list of all of your Chase credit cards. Input your departure and return dates along with all of your destinations from the drop-down boxes. You can input more than 1 destination in the box. Then click Save.
Image Credit: ChaseStep 6: You will see a note confirming the travel notice on your account. Now you should have no problems using your Chase credit cards during your international travels.
Image Credit: ChaseStep-by-Step Guide to Adding a Travel Notification to Your Chase Account: Chase Mobile App
Step 1: Sign in to your Chase mobile app account. Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner.
Image Credit: Chase mobile appStep 2: Click on My settings at the top of the screen.
Image Credit: Chase mobile appStep 3: Scroll down until you get to Travel under More Settings.
Image Credit: Chase mobile appStep 4: Click on Update next to the credit card section.
Image Credit: Chase mobile appStep 5: Next, you will see a list of all of your Chase credit cards. Input your departure and return dates along with all of your destinations from the drop-down boxes. You can input more than 1 destination in the box. Then click Save.
Image Credit: Chase mobile appStep 6: You will see a note confirming the travel notice on your account. Now, you shouldn’t have a problem using your Chase credit cards while traveling internationally.
Image Credit: Chase mobile appBottom Line: You can add a travel alert to your Chase account through their website or on the Chase mobile app up to 1 year before you travel.
How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
Now that your credit cards will be all ready to go for your trip abroad, it’s important to avoid foreign transaction fees by choosing the right credit card.
Certain cards carry a 3% foreign transaction fee anytime you use them outside the U.S. The good news is there are plenty of cards that waive this fee — just be sure to know which of your cards are fee-free, and use those on your trip.
Personal Chase Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees
There are plenty of Chase credit cards that waive the standard 3% foreign transaction fee. Be sure to carry at least 1 of these with you while traveling abroad.
The following Chase credit cards do not have any foreign transaction fees:
Business Chase Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Final Thoughts
While it’s not a requirement of travel, adding an alert on your Chase account before you travel internationally can be a good idea. This lets Chase know that you will be out of the country, so the international activity on your card won’t trigger a fraud alert.
With these instructions, a travel alert is quick and easy to set up on your computer or through the Chase mobile app.
Featured Image Credit:
Jirapong Manustrong via Shutterstock.com
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