Credit Cards and travelling

[markopolo]

I'm sure I've read this on forums before - but I forgot to do it

I just got back from a trip and a replacement credit card arrived in the mail. The enclosed letter stated that my credit card "might have been compromised".

I suspect they issued a new card because the pattern of my transactions (on the trip) did not match my usual credit card activity.

I called the card company to activate the new card and asked if I should notify them when I am going on a trip. They said yes, notify them and they make a note on your file.

[julievojo]

I think they're used to it with us, the quit calling.....

[ennajean]

Our credit card companys hav never called us. But then again they wouldnt get ahold of us cause we'd be on the road.

[dutchduo1990]

Last year when we traveled to the southwest USA the credit card company put a hold on our card after 2 days. Service stations along the way would not accept it anymore until I called the card company and then they explained that because there was unusual activity on the card they were giving instruction not to accept it until I gave them personal information to prove that it was me using the card. Now I inform them when I will be travelling. Now I appreciate their security.

[g1g]

What cards do you have that have these calls?

[markopolo]

Mine is a Mastercard.

[Bobbi]

When we go to Canada every other year for a Rally, I always call the company (Discover & Visa) so that they know there might be more activity on our cards.

[PattyMatt]

I've got a Discover as well. They denied my card when I tried to check into my hotel in ... wait for it ... Vegas. I got a call not 30 seconds later; Discover rep confirming I was there. Once we talked they re-ran the card and I was approved.

Small inconvenience for some solid security checks and balances. Here's where I applied: www.myrateplan.com

[Davydd]

It's wise to notify your credit card company if you travel to a new location you haven't gone to before, especially if out of the country. We have had to verify a couple of times when we've been denied. So, we have learned.