Yep Discover cut me off on two trips in a row. I had to run from Colorado Springs to Tulsa and back last week and called them before I left. That worked, and I proved I can be taught. Just takes a few tries for me to catch on.

 

As far as traveling goes. It is a good idea to inform them of your upcoming trip. That will stop the card from shutting down.

On a similar topic. When paying for something, like a meal, there is a tip line to be filled out. Make sure that you fill this out, and add a total. I also make sure to put a $ on the left side, close to the total. The wife has a friend that use to work as a waitress. Whenever the customer failed to fill in all the lines, she would take it upon herself to give herself a very nice tip. Just a FYI.

 

....and for good reason. Most card issuers have more safeguards and security checks built into their processing for internet transactions. In reality, it IS easier for a card number to be pirated, stolen, or misused when given via phone or swiped in person.

 

Why the Hell would anyone use a CC at a Taco Bell?

 

I prefer to use my "debit-card" anywhere and everywhere I go as it makes banking easy. I can't stand writing checks and if I have cash in pocket it becomes liquid and is gone in notime. Debit typically keeps me better on track for things. I have 2 CCs but don't use 'em. They are only for the utmost in emergencies (ie relative in the hospital and have to fly around the country). Makes me budget monies better and with cash I end up spending it on stupid stuff.

Funny how this thread has gone. My Debit was just cut off 2 weeks ago for 'strange spending'. Since it is a bank card which is also a visa ... the bank can't re-activate it. So I had to order a new one..... Went with the Harley Davidson Debit card.... kinda cool. For every dollar charged (non pin transaction) an 'entry' goes in for winning a bike every month. More you spend... more entries are entered. Figured what the heck.... why not try and win a bike every month since I'm already spending money. I'm also one of those who looks at the bank account on a daily basis just to make sure there aren't strange charges on it for the most part.

 

Be sure to call your credit card company before traveling overseas. I called my card company to see if traveling to London was a problem. They told me that if I hadn't called, they would have voided my card immediately once a charge was attempted in London. I would have had to call from my home phone to get reinstated. The card company noted my dates of travel and I didn't have a single problem.

Better to make the call in advance rather than get aggrevated while trying enjoy yourvacation.

Andy

 

I love my current bank. We use the PD Credit Union for all our banking needs (cept home loans).

There are bout 500 or so regular customers, and I know the manager/asst manager and board of directors on a first name basis, as they do me.

Back in March, the Mrs was in Florida, and made a charge. The C.U. called me on my cell, to verify that my card should in fact be in use there.