Planning your next trip? Exciting! But before you jet off, there’s one crucial thing you don’t want to forget—letting Chase know you’re traveling. Whether you’re using your Chase Sapphire or any other Chase card, notifying Chase of your travel plans can save you from the headache of declined transactions, blocked cards, or unnecessary fraud alerts while you’re abroad.
Here’s your quick and easy guide to notifying Chase of your travels. Let’s dive in!
Why Notify Chase Before Traveling?
Before we jump into the steps, let’s talk about why it’s important to notify Chase about your trip:
- Prevent Your Card From Being Blocked: If Chase notices a transaction from a foreign country that seems out of the ordinary, they might think it’s fraudulent activity and block your card.
- Avoid Embarrassing Declines: Imagine you’re trying to pay for a hotel, and boom—card declined! Not fun, right?
- Ensure Smooth Transactions Abroad: By notifying Chase, they can track your card’s usage internationally without raising red flags, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without disruptions.
- Peace of Mind: One less thing to worry about on your trip! Knowing your bank is aware of your travel plans lets you focus on the fun stuff.
Now that you know why it’s so important, let’s go through the steps on how to notify Chase of your travel plans.
Step 1: Log Into Your Chase Account
Start by logging into your Chase account, either on the Chase website or the mobile app.
Step 2: Navigate to “Profile & Settings”
Once logged in, head to your profile by clicking on the three bars in the top left corner (on the mobile app) or selecting “Profile & Settings” from your dashboard (on the website).
Step 3: Select “Travel Notification”
Under “Profile & Settings,” you’ll find an option labeled “Travel Notification” or “Travel Plans.” This is where you’ll want to go.
Step 4: Add Your Travel Dates
Next, you’ll be prompted to enter the dates of your trip. Make sure to include both your departure and return dates so Chase knows the exact time frame for your travels.
Step 5: List the Countries or U.S. States You’re Visiting
Whether you’re staying local or traveling abroad, you need to list all the countries (or U.S. states) you’ll be visiting. If you’re hopping between multiple locations, no worries—Chase allows you to add multiple destinations.
Step 6: Confirm Your Contact Information
Chase may want to reach out to you during your trip if they detect anything unusual. Double-check that your phone number and email are up to date in case they need to contact you.
Step 7: Submit Your Travel Plans
Once you’ve entered your travel details, click “Submit,” and voila! Chase is now aware of your upcoming trip.
Step 8: Double-Check Your Card Status
It’s always a good idea to double-check that your card is active and there are no issues. If your card is nearing expiration, ask Chase to issue you a new one before you leave.
Step 9: Enable Travel Alerts on the Chase Mobile App
For extra protection, you can enable travel alerts on your Chase mobile app. This feature will notify you of any suspicious activity or potential fraud while you’re traveling.
Step 10: Keep Emergency Contact Info Handy
Always have Chase’s international contact number on hand in case your card is lost or stolen abroad. The number can be found on the back of your card or on the Chase website.
Step 11: Bring a Backup Card
While notifying Chase of your travel plans should ensure your card works without issues, it’s always smart to carry a backup card just in case.
Step 12: Enjoy Your Trip!
Now that Chase is aware of your travel plans, you can relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about unexpected card blocks or declines.
Common Questions About Chase Travel Notifications
Still have questions? Here are some FAQs that travelers often ask when it comes to notifying Chase of their travel plans.
1. Do I Really Need to Notify Chase of My Travel Plans?
Yes! While some banks have implemented systems that automatically track your spending patterns, it’s always a good idea to manually notify Chase. This helps prevent any unnecessary blocks on your card, ensuring your trip goes smoothly. Plus, it only takes a couple of minutes to set up!
2. What Happens If My Card Gets Blocked While I’m Traveling?
If your card gets blocked, don’t panic. Call the number on the back of your card or use the Chase mobile app to get in touch with customer support. They can quickly verify your identity, remove the block, and allow you to resume using your card. This is why having Chase’s international contact number handy is crucial.
3. Can I Notify Chase of My Travel Plans Over the Phone?
Yes, if you prefer, you can always notify Chase of your travel plans by calling their customer service. Just make sure you have your travel dates, destinations, and account information ready when you call.
4. Can I Add Multiple Trips to My Travel Notification?
Absolutely! If you’re planning to visit multiple destinations, you can add them all in one notification. Just be sure to include every country or state you plan to visit to avoid any hiccups with your transactions.
5. Is There a Time Limit for How Long My Travel Notification Can Last?
While there isn’t an exact limit, you should aim to keep your travel dates accurate. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, simply set the correct dates when entering your travel plans. If your trip is extended unexpectedly, you can always update your travel notification from the Chase mobile app or website.
6. Do I Need to Notify Chase for Domestic Travel?
Not necessarily, but it’s still a good practice if you’re traveling out of state or to places where you don’t usually spend. Chase may flag unusual purchases, even domestically, if they’re far from your normal shopping area.
7. Will Chase Charge Me for Using My Card Abroad?
If you’re using a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve card, there are no foreign transaction fees. However, some other Chase cards might have a small foreign transaction fee. Always double-check your card’s terms before you go abroad so you’re not hit with unexpected charges.
What Happens If You Don’t Notify Chase of Your Travel Plans?
Imagine this: You’re on the beach, ready to pay for a refreshing drink, and suddenly your card gets declined. Frustrating, right? This is what happens when Chase detects an unfamiliar location and suspects potential fraud.
By not notifying Chase of your travel plans, you run the risk of having your card blocked. While Chase does have some smart fraud detection systems, it’s always better to be proactive. Here’s why:
- Avoid Awkward Situations: Getting your card declined abroad can be embarrassing and inconvenient, especially when you need to make a purchase or withdraw cash quickly.
- Save Time on Customer Service Calls: Trying to resolve a blocked card while overseas can mean long international calls to Chase. Why waste your vacation time waiting on hold?
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your card will work wherever you go is a great feeling. Don’t let financial stress take away from your trip.
Can You Still Use Chase’s Mobile App When Traveling?
Absolutely! The Chase mobile app is your best friend when traveling. With the app, you can:
- Check Your Balances: Quickly view your available credit or funds while abroad.
- Monitor Transactions: Keep track of your spending and watch out for any unusual activity.
- Pay Bills: Even on vacation, you might have bills due. Take care of them on the go.
- Update Your Travel Plans: Forgot to add a new destination? No worries, you can easily update your travel notification from the app.
Just make sure to have an internet connection, whether through Wi-Fi or an international data plan, to access the app while abroad.
Is Your Card Already Blocked? Here’s What to Do
If you’re traveling and your card has already been blocked, here are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:
- Call Chase Immediately: Use the international phone number on the back of your card to contact customer service. Explain the situation, and they’ll work with you to unblock your card.
- Verify Your Identity: Be prepared to answer some security questions to verify your identity. They may ask for details about your last few purchases or other account-related information.
- Reactivate Your Card: Once Chase verifies your identity and confirms the travel details, they can unblock your card so you can continue your trip without any further hiccups.
Tip: Always keep a backup card or some cash handy in case this happens, just to avoid being stuck in an uncomfortable situation while abroad.
Final Travel Tip: Check Your Account Before You Go
Before you embark on your trip, it’s always a good idea to double-check your Chase account. Ensure that:
- All Payments Are Up to Date: No one wants to deal with an overdue bill while enjoying their vacation.
- Your Credit Limit is Clear: Knowing how much you can spend gives you financial flexibility during your trip.
- Your Chase App is Updated: Make sure you have the latest version of the Chase mobile app for smooth access to all features.
Being prepared ensures a hassle-free travel experience, and you won’t need to worry about unexpected issues.
Wrapping It Up
Traveling should be about exploring new places and having fun, not stressing over finances. By taking just a few minutes to notify Chase of your travel plans, you can avoid the headaches of declined transactions, blocked cards, and awkward moments. Plus, with Chase’s mobile app and travel features, managing your account while on the go has never been easier.
So, whether you’re heading off for a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, make sure notifying Chase of your trip is at the top of your checklist. Safe travels!