Tell Bank of America about your travel plans before you leave
Bank of America lets you notify the bank that you will be traveling so it does not block your card when you use it in a different location. You can send a travel notice through your online banking portal, the mobile app, or by calling customer service. The bank typically accepts notices for trips within the United States and internationally, and the notice stays active for the dates you specify.
A travel notice is not required — your card will work without one — but it reduces the chance that a legitimate purchase gets flagged as suspicious activity and temporarily frozen. This matters most if you are traveling to a country where you have never made a purchase before, or if you plan to use your card frequently during your trip.
Key Takeaways
- You can set up a travel notice through the Bank of America mobile app, online banking portal, or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
- The notice should include your travel dates and the countries or states where you will be using your card.
- A travel notice typically takes effect within minutes if you set it up online or through the app, or when ready if you call.
- The notice expires automatically on the end date you provide, so you do not need to cancel it when you return.
- If your card is blocked while traveling despite a notice on file, call the number on the back of your card to verify the transaction.
Set up a travel notice through the mobile app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen, then select "Alerts & Notifications" or "Travel Notices" — the exact wording depends on your app version.
Tap "Add a Trip" or "Notify Us of Travel." Enter the start and end dates of your trip, then select the countries or U.S. states where you will be traveling. You can add multiple destinations if your trip spans several locations. Review the information, then confirm. The notice usually takes effect within minutes.
Set up a travel notice through online banking
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Click on your profile icon or account menu, then look for "Travel Notices," "Alerts," or "Card Services." The exact menu path varies slightly depending on your account type.
Select "Add a Trip" or "Notify Us of Travel." Enter your departure and return dates, then specify which countries or states you will visit. You can add multiple cards to the same trip if you are bringing more than one Bank of America card. Confirm your entry. The notice takes effect when ready.
Set up a travel notice by phone
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your card number and a form of identification ready. Tell the representative the dates you will be traveling and the countries or states you plan to visit.
The representative will confirm the information and add the notice to your account right away. This method is useful if you prefer to speak with someone or if you are having trouble using the app or website. You can also call if you need to add a trip after you have already left home.
What happens if your card is blocked while traveling
Even with a travel notice on file, your card may occasionally be blocked if a transaction looks unusual — for example, if you make a very large purchase or if you use your card in two distant locations within a short time. This is a fraud prevention measure and is not a sign that something is wrong with your account.
If your card is declined, call the number on the back of your card when ready. A representative can verify the transaction with you and unblock your card on the spot. This usually takes a few minutes. Keep the customer service number from the back of your card in your phone or wallet before you travel.
Remove or change a travel notice
You do not need to cancel a travel notice when you return home — it expires automatically on the end date you provided. However, if your plans change and you need to end the notice early, you can remove it through the mobile app or online banking.
Log into the app or website, go to your travel notices, and select the trip you want to cancel. Choose "Delete" or "Remove Trip." The notice will be removed from your account when ready. If you need to extend your trip, you can also edit the end date before the notice expires.
Travel notices for different types of Bank of America cards
You can set up travel notices for debit cards, credit cards, and business cards. If you have multiple cards, you can add them all to the same trip or create separate notices for each card. The process is the same regardless of card type.
If you are traveling with a family member who also has a Bank of America card, each person needs to set up their own travel notice. The bank does not link notices between accounts, even for joint account holders. Make sure everyone in your group sets up their notice before the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to set up a travel notice to use my card abroad?
No. Your card will work without a notice. However, a travel notice reduces the chance that the bank will block your card as a fraud precaution. If you do not set one up and your card is blocked, you can call customer service to unblock it, but this takes time and may be inconvenient while traveling.
How far in advance should I notify Bank of America?
You can set up a notice anytime before your trip, even just a few hours before you leave. There is no minimum advance notice required. If you forget to set one up before you travel, you can still call customer service from abroad to add a notice to your account.
Will a travel notice affect my credit score or credit limit?
No. A travel notice is purely an informational alert to the fraud department. It does not change your account status, credit limit, or credit score in any way.
What if I am traveling to a country Bank of America does not recognize?
Enter the country name as it appears on your travel documents or passport. If the app or website does not recognize the name, try an alternate spelling or the country's official name. If you still cannot find it, call customer service and provide the representative with the country name and they can add it manually.
Can I set up a travel notice for someone else's card?
No. Only the cardholder can set up a travel notice on their own account. If you are a joint account holder or authorized user, you can set up a notice for your own card, but not for the primary cardholder's card. Each person must log into their own account to add their own notice.