ABTA have advised that they are aware of the fact that many customers credit and debit cards have been refused while on holiday. It is important to be aware that some credit card companies need their customers to advise them if they’re going to be using their cards abroad as fraud-detection software checking for unusual spending patterns can prevent transactions from going through. If a card is not normally used abroad then the software will spot this and their transaction may be held up while the card company makes checks to see if the transaction is genuine or not.
Customers should also be aware that card issuers add on a foreign usage loading to transactions made abroad. Foreign usage loading on cards averages 2.75%. It should also be noted that if we are withdrawing cash whilst abroad, the usual cash withdrawal fee will apply, which averages 2%. Therefore, cash withdrawals of £1,000 would typically receive a charge of 4.75% - £47.50.
Tips for using your credit card abroad:
• Only take cards you intend to use – keep the rest at home.
• Keep a note of emergency contact numbers for your card issuers.
• Treat your cards and travellers cheques as carefully as you would cash.
• Don’t keep your cheque book or emergency contact numbers with your cards.
• Don’t leave cards unattended in a hotel room or anywhere else – many hotels have safety deposit boxes.
• Always remove cards from parked cars.
• Keep an eye on cards when paying in shops and restaurants and remember to check your statement carefully when you return home.
• Do not tell anyone you’re PIN – even if they claim to be police or bank officials.
• Do not write your PIN number down.
