The answer is YES … definitely take your major credit cards, such as, Visa, MasterCard and American Express when you travel.
Make sure they are really credit cards, though, and not just debit cards with a credit card company’s logo on them. Many locations require a credit card and will NOT accept a debit card, so they may have limited use on your travel.
Leave all your local store credit cards in a secure location at home; there will be no need to carry them with you.
Using your major credit card can be more valuable than using cash, so use it when you can. Internationally, you’ll probably be able to get a better exchange rate than changing money to spend yourself. You’ll be in a stronger position: the credit card company can often charge-back disputed charges.
Many times your credit card will offer an extra guarantee or warranty when you purchase items with your card, but you’ll want to read the fine print for exceptions.
Another, and very important, benefit is that you won’t have to risk your safety by carrying and displaying large amounts of cash. If you lose your card, most credit cards have a low maximum liability limit if you quickly report the card as lost.
So have credit card, will travel!
This just in!
Special thanks to travel colleague, Amber Thomas Ogert, for sharing these additional tips for using your credit card while traveling:
- Before you go, notify your carrier when you are traveling so you don’t trigger a fraud alert that freezes use of your card.
- Consider using a credit card that also features NO international fees to avoid the potential 3-5% or more in surcharges for use.
