6 Things To Know Before Traveling With Your Credit Card
BENGALURU: Most travelers often travel with plastic money instead of paper money for many reasons which include theft. Here, credit cards serve their purpose in accommodating a travelers needs but he doesn’t think about the mistakes he is doing while using credit cards. There are still some critical mistakes to watch out for while using credit cards, according to about.com.
No Access Of Customer Care Service:
If your credit card is lost or stolen, you will need to contact your credit card issuer as soon as possible to reduce your liability for fraud. Copy the customer service number from the back of your credit card and store it separately from your credit card. That will let you easily and quickly contact your card issuer if you need to.
You want to enjoy your trip and the days following - without dealing with major credit card issues. Follow these tips to avoid major credit card mistakes while you are traveling.
Remember To Always Let Your Bank Know About Your Travel Plans:
Forgetting to call your bank before traveling abroad is a common error that even frequent international travelers make; it slips your mind until the plane touches down, and by then it's often too late. These days banks have almost zero lag time in noticing a credit card being used abroad, so you will get shut down on pretty much your first swipe in a foreign country.
No Protection Against Theft:
There is literally no protection against your credit card as it can easily be lost if you are not careful with it. If you leave your credit card in your hotel, put it in a locked safe and never leave your credit card in your car, even if it’s locked. Many travelers wear a money belt which allows credit cards to be kept close to the body. Before traveling, research the areas that are known for theft and be extra careful in those places.
Overlooking Foreign Transaction Fees:
Credit cards provide an alternative to cash, but you will likely pay a fee on these transactions. With credit cards, a foreign transaction fee of 1 percent to 3 percent of the purchase amount is usually applied and appears as a separate charge on your statement which is a harsh surprise if you have not budgeted for it.
If you use either card to withdraw local currency from an ATM in a foreign country, not only will you be charged the foreign transaction fee, but you may also be subject to additional fees for using an ATM not affiliated with your home bank.
Backup Source Of Funds While Travelling:
Always don’t assume that your credit card will be accepted everywhere you go. In some international locations, only chip and pin credit cards are accepted. Your particular credit card may not be accepted at all or there may be certain vendors that only accept cash or local currency. If your credit card is lost or stolen, you need to have access to a backup source of funding so you can still enjoy your vacation.
Non-Usage Of Rewards On Credit Card While Travelling:
Credit cards basically redeem rewards which are added to your credit card periodically. Plane tickets and hotel stays are big ticket items that can help you maximize the points you earn. If you have a rewards card, use it for your trip to earn more.
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