Traveling Abroad? You'll Need These Credit Tips

Numerous things are taken into consideration by consumers when they are about to head to another country for a trip. But there are also things travelers should keep in mind in regards to their credit cards.

A number of credit cards issued by banks and credit unions carry fees when they are used abroad. A study by The Pew Charitable Trusts found that more than nine in 10 bank cards and more than half of credit union cards will be levied charges when used in other countries.

Because of this, cardholders may want to look into certain types of credit products specifically to utilize when traveling outside the United States. Many cards come with no foreign transaction fees, but consumers need to look for them.

Additionally, the source advises consumers to get into touch with their credit card company prior to heading outside the country. Alerting a credit card issuer should be a major task cardholders conduct, as issues could arise with their credit card if they start using it in other nations.

Should a credit card company be unaware of one’s intentions to visit other countries, when charges are made, they may think they are fraudulent purchases being made and may decide to freeze the card until it is verified with the cardholder that they are indeed the ones making the buys.

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Passports are also vital at all times when in other countries. Because the European chip-and-pin credit card system is considered safer than the system used in the U.S., American travelers are often advised to carry their passports with them at all times.

The magnetic-stripped credit cards Americans use are not as trusted in many areas of Europe. In turn, many places where purchases with credit products can be made throughout the continent require buyers to have their passports as proof of identity.

Image: Richard Kelland, via Flickr