By Sarah Henshall
It’s a fear that lurks in all of us when we travel (or stay at home).
What happens if my credit card is lost or stolen, especially if I’m traveling internationally?
Before offering some tips to keep any credit card safer, consider AAA’s new Visa® TravelMoney card as a comforting source of financial protection wherever you are.
It’s a prepaid, pre-loadable Visa® card that gives you fast access to foreign currency, allows you to check your balance by phone or online, provides zero liability if the card is lost or stolen, and offers emergency funds or a new card via a network of toll-free customer phone numbers.
Other benefits include lost luggage protection up to $1,000 and Visa® Purchase Security, which pays to replace or repair goods bought with the card that are stolen or damaged while on a trip. Items outside the U.S. are covered, as long as you have proof of purchase, like a receipt.
AAA members load the card with a specified amount of money and can reload it three more times. (It takes about four days for funds to be credited, so plan in advance.)
Cardholders also get free Visa® Travel and Emergency Assistance which will deliver emergency messages home; provide referrals for medical, legal or translation services; replace lost tickets and help with transportation; help obtain prescriptions and retrieve and deliver important documents.
Of course, no one wants to have to trigger these services, no matter what credit card you carry.
Here are some general credit card safety tips:
- Always check your bill for accuracy and report any problems immediately.
- Carry only cards you need. The fewer the better, in case your wallet is stolen or lost.
- Keep your credit card numbers secure in a separate location (and phone numbers for the Visa TravelMoney card).
- Don’t sign your card. Just write: “Ask for photo ID.” A thief probably doesn’t look like you.
- Use your credit card for Internet purchases; don’t use a debit card, which has fewer security provisions.
Lastly, treat your credit card like cash. In essence, that’s what the TravelMoney card is, except when it’s lost, your money is still intact. |
