Tell Chase about your travel plans before you leave
Chase monitors your card for unusual activity and may block transactions if you suddenly use it in a different country or state. You can prevent this by notifying Chase in advance that you will be traveling. The notification tells Chase's fraud detection system to expect charges from that location during your trip, so legitimate purchases go through without delay.
You have three ways to notify Chase: through the mobile app, through the online portal, or by calling the number on the back of your card. The app and online methods are fastest and let you set exact dates. A phone call works if you prefer to speak with someone, though you may wait on hold.
Key Takeaways
- Chase can block your card abroad if you do not notify them first, even if you have enough money in your account.
- You can add a travel notice through the Chase Mobile App, Chase.com, or by calling the customer service number on your card.
- The notification takes effect when ready and you can set an end date so Chase stops flagging transactions after you return.
- A travel notice covers one card at a time, so notify Chase separately for each card you plan to use on your trip.
How to add a travel notice in the Chase Mobile App
Open the Chase Mobile App and sign in to your account. Tap the card you plan to use while traveling. Look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or a settings option, then select "Travel Notifications" or "Notify Chase of Travel".
Enter the country or countries you will visit and the dates you will be there. Chase will ask for a start date and an end date. Be generous with the end date — if your flight home is delayed, you do not want your card blocked. Confirm the information and Chase will set up the notice when ready.
You can add a travel notice for multiple cards by repeating these steps for each one. Each card needs its own separate notification.
How to add a travel notice on Chase.com
Go to Chase.com and sign in. Click on the card you want to use while traveling. Look for "Travel" or "Travel Notifications" in the account menu or settings section.
Select the option to add a new travel notice. Enter the destination country and your travel dates. Chase will confirm the notice is active. You can manage or cancel the notice from the same menu at any time.
How to notify Chase by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase card. Tell the representative you are traveling and provide your destination and travel dates. They will add the notice to your account and confirm it is active before the call ends.
Keep the confirmation number they give you. If your card is later blocked despite the notice, you can reference this number when you call back.
What happens if you do not notify Chase before traveling
Chase's fraud detection system may block your card the first time you use it in a new country or region. When this happens, your transaction will be declined at the point of sale — at a restaurant, hotel, or ATM. You will then have to call Chase to verify the charge before you can use the card again.
This is inconvenient when you are abroad, especially if you are in a time zone where Chase's U.S. customer service lines have limited hours. Notifying Chase beforehand prevents the block from happening in the first place.
Travel notices expire automatically
When you set an end date for your travel notice, Chase will remove it automatically on that date. You do not have to call or log in to cancel it. If your trip is extended and you need the notice to stay active longer, log back into the app or website and update the end date.
If you return home early, you can cancel the notice when ready through the app or website. This is optional — the notice will expire on its own — but canceling it removes any remaining fraud detection exceptions for that card.
Travel notices and ATM withdrawals
A travel notice covers both card purchases and ATM withdrawals. When you withdraw cash from an ATM abroad, Chase will not block the transaction if you have an active travel notice for that country. Without the notice, Chase may decline the withdrawal just as it would decline a purchase.
Keep in mind that your bank may charge a foreign ATM fee, and the ATM operator may charge a fee as well. These fees are separate from the travel notice and happen regardless of whether you notified Chase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notify Chase if I am traveling within the United States?
No. Chase does not typically block cards for domestic travel. You only need to notify Chase if you are leaving the country or using your card in a territory outside the U.S.
Can I add a travel notice for someone else's card?
No. You can only add a travel notice to a card if you are the primary cardholder or an authorized user on that account. The person whose name is on the card must log in and add the notice themselves, or call Chase and verify their identity.
What if my card is blocked while I am traveling even though I notified Chase?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your travel notice confirmation number ready if you saved it. The representative can verify the notice is active and manually clear the block so you can use the card again.
How far in advance should I notify Chase?
You can notify Chase as soon as you know your travel dates, even months in advance. You can also notify Chase the day before you leave. There is no minimum advance notice required, though notifying a few days early gives you time to confirm the notice is active before you travel.
Does a travel notice affect my credit limit or account balance?
No. A travel notice only tells Chase's fraud system to expect charges from a specific location. It does not change your credit limit, available balance, or any other account feature.