Credit and Debit Card Travel Tips

Note: The information below is for educational purposes. Credit and debit card travel features may vary. Contact your financial institution for details. 

Traveling is exciting, whether you’re heading across the country or halfway around the world. But nothing can derail a trip faster than payment problems while you’re away from home. 

On the other hand, nothing can enhance a trip as easily as taking advantage of your built-in travel benefits from your Visa credit or debit card. 

By preparing your Visa credit and debit cards ahead of time, adjusting your card travel settings, and knowing how to take advantage of their built-in travel benefits, you can enjoy a smoother, more stress-free travel experience. 

Below are some essential credit and debit card travel tips to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Prepare Your Card for Travel

Before you pack your bags, take a few important steps to make sure your credit and debit cards are ready for use:

1. Notify Your Financial Institution of Your Travel Plans

Many credit unions and banks monitor unusual transactions to protect you from fraud. Without a travel notice, your purchases in a new city or country might be flagged as suspicious and blocked. 

Setting up a travel alert or adjusting your card travel settings ensures your transactions go through smoothly.

2. Check Your Card’s Expiration Date 

The last thing you want is to be stuck with a card that expires while you’re traveling.

3. Confirm Your Contact Information

Make sure your financial institution has your current phone number and email so they can quickly reach you if needed.

Pro Tip: You can update your address and phone number in Veridian online banking or our mobile app. Just log in and find your contact information under your account settings. 

4. Know Your Daily Limits 

Some debit cards have purchase or ATM withdrawal limits. Ask your credit union about increasing your limit temporarily if you expect higher expenses while traveling.

Take Advantage of Visa Credit Card Travel Benefits

One of the best parts of traveling with a Visa credit card is the built-in benefits that come with it. If you’re a Veridian Visa cardholder, you already have access to many of these valuable perks.

Travel Insurance Coverage

Many Visa credit cards include complimentary travel accident insurance and trip cancellation or interruption coverage. If your trip is unexpectedly delayed or canceled due to a covered reason, you may be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses like flights or hotel bookings. This benefit can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Rental Car Insurance

Paying for a rental car with your Visa credit card may provide collision damage waiver coverage. This means you can often decline the rental agency’s costly insurance and still have protection against theft or damage to the vehicle. Be sure to check the details of your card’s coverage before you travel.

Complimentary Concierge Service

Visa Signature cardholders have access to a complimentary 24/7 concierge service. This service can help with booking tickets, making dinner reservations, or even finding a last-minute hotel room. It’s like having a personal assistant on call, no matter where you are in the world.

International Cash and ATM Access

With your Visa debit or credit card, you can withdraw local currency at ATMs worldwide, often at more favorable exchange rates than airport kiosks or currency exchange counters. This makes it easy to pay in cash when needed while avoiding high exchange fees.

Zero Liability Protection

Visa’s Zero Liability^△ policy ensures that you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card. This adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind while traveling.

Rewards and Cash Back

Vacations are already rewarding. But, with many Visa credit cards, you can earn rewards and/or cash back on the purchases you make abroad. 

This is a great way to start saving for your next vacation before your current trip ends. 

Keep in mind that your travel benefits and features may vary based on your card type and financial institution. Contact your bank or credit union for details before you hit the road. 

Using Your Debit Card Abroad

While credit cards are often the most convenient for booking hotels, flights, and rental cars, your debit card can also play an important role in your travel plans. Debit cards give you direct access to your checking account for 
ATM withdrawals and purchases. Just remember to:

• Use ATMs within your financial institution’s network to avoid unnecessary fees where possible.
• Keep your debit card in a separate wallet or bag from your credit card. This way, if one is lost or stolen, you still have access to funds.
• Enable fraud alerts through text or mobile notifications so you’re notified right away of any suspicious activity.

Veridian Visa Cards: Your Trusted Travel Companion

At Veridian Credit Union, we’re committed to making your travel safer and more rewarding. Our Visa credit and debit cards come with many of the travel benefits mentioned above—like fraud protection, worldwide acceptance, and access to funds at millions of ATMs around the globe. 

With a Veridian Visa credit card, you can also enjoy features like travel insurance, rental car coverage, and Visa Signature concierge service.

Whether you’re exploring new cities or relaxing on a beach, your Veridian Visa card is designed to help you travel with confidence. Plus, our digital banking tools make it easy to manage your card travel settings right from your mobile device or computer.

Ready to Travel Smarter?

Don’t let payment worries hold you back from your next adventure. With these credit and debit card travel tips, you can prepare your cards, adjust your card travel settings, unlock valuable Visa benefits, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with traveling smart.

Explore Veridian’s Visa credit card options and apply today to make sure your next trip is as smooth and rewarding as possible.

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