Calling your credit card companies before international travel...

I take about 3-4 international vacations a year. Before each one, I call/email my credit card companies and bank to let them know of my travel plans and to "put a note in my account." I've read that you should do this, and they all seem appreciative when I contact them.

This time, however, when I emailed Amex, they sent me the note below.

Are we not supposed to let them know anymore? Am I out of the loop?

Thank you for informing us that you will travel to Italy and Germany.

It is not necessary for you to notify us of your travel plans as our systems recognize when you are using your card away from home.

In the event that we have a concern with a transaction on your account we may still require a Merchant to contact us for approval to ensure your security and convenience while you travel. A phone call or email in advance will not prevent this from happening. This is our way of helping to protect the security of your account.

However, I have now noted your account records with the details you provided.

Message edited 9/1/2009 11:16:46 AM.

Re: Calling your credit card companies before international travel...

I never had an issue with a card credit- only my debit card

Re: Calling your credit card companies before international travel...

Thats funny b/c once when I was in Europe, ( about 2 years ago) I did have trouble with my amex. Their security team called my home to report suspicious charges and when I didn't call back (LOL), they suspended my card. So I called them from Prague and straightened everything out, but when I call them now, they ask me to specifically tell them what countries I'd be in.

Re: Calling your credit card companies before international travel...

DH and I travel a lot as well overseas and have never called amex to let them know we were traveling. No issues so far.

Re: Calling your credit card companies before international travel...

I have never called, but this past trip DH called when we were going to be in London and Paris. Amex told us the same thing, that we didn't need to call.

Re: Calling your credit card companies before international travel...

We travel a lot. I never notify the credit card company.

Re: Calling your credit card companies before international travel...

i actually called AMEX before we went to Italy at the end of August and they took the info with no problem, never saying we didn't need to call. I'm surprised they would say that, but it's better to be safe than sorry anyway!

Re: Calling your credit card companies before international travel...

My Citibank MC keeps blocking all my charges that I am making for our trip to Spain.

I've called numerous times, I've given them the dates of travel and advised I would have charges before then, I travel internationally a few times a year.....yet they still do this!!!

I would call your cc company before your trip JUST IN CASE.....Lord knows I will be calling mine to give them yet ANOTHER reminder!

Re: Calling your credit card companies before international travel...

I have Amex too and always call.