Tell Chase you're traveling before you leave
Chase lets you notify the bank about travel plans through your online account, the mobile app, or by phone. The purpose is to prevent your card from being declined when you use it in a different location or country. Without notification, Chase's fraud detection system may block transactions it doesn't recognize, leaving you without access to your money while traveling.
You can set up a travel notice for a specific date range, and Chase will monitor your card activity during that time with fewer restrictions. The notification stays active only for the dates you specify — after your trip ends, your card returns to normal fraud monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- You can notify Chase through your online account, mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
- Travel notices are free and take effect when ready, though you can set them for future dates if you plan ahead.
- You must specify the countries or regions you'll visit and the exact dates of your trip.
- Chase keeps the travel notice active only for the dates you provide; it expires automatically when your trip ends.
- Notifying Chase does not may provide your card will never be declined, but it significantly reduces the chance of fraud blocks.
Notify Chase through your online account or app
Log into your Chase account on chase.com or open the Chase Mobile app. Look for the card you're taking on your trip. In most versions of the app, you'll find a travel icon or a "Travel Notification" option in the card details or settings menu.
Select the option to add a travel notice. You'll enter the countries or regions where you'll be, the start date, and the end date of your trip. Be specific about locations — if you're visiting multiple countries, list each one. Chase uses this information to adjust fraud detection for those specific areas during those specific dates.
After you submit the travel notice, it takes effect right away. You'll see a confirmation on screen, and Chase will send you an email confirming the dates and locations. Keep that email for your records in case you need to reference it while traveling.
Notify Chase by phone if you prefer to speak with someone
Call the number on the back of your Chase card. A representative will ask for your trip details: where you're going, when you leave, and when you return. They'll add the travel notice to your account while you're on the call.
This method is useful if you have questions about specific merchants or locations, or if you want to confirm that your card will work in a particular country. The representative can also tell you about any foreign transaction fees your card charges and whether Chase has partnerships with banks in the countries you're visiting.
Phone notification takes the same amount of time as online notification — it's active when ready. You don't have to wait for anything to process.
What information Chase needs from you
Chase requires the specific countries or regions you'll visit. "Europe" is too broad — you need to list the individual countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy. If you're staying in one country, that's all you need to provide.
You also need your exact travel dates. Chase asks for the date you leave and the date you return. If you're unsure of your exact return date, add a day or two as a buffer — the notice expires on the date you specify, so if you extend your trip, you can update it.
You do not need to tell Chase which specific cities you'll visit, which hotels you'll stay in, or which merchants you plan to use. The country and date range are sufficient for the fraud system to adjust its monitoring.
Update or cancel your travel notice if your plans change
If your trip dates shift or you're adding a country to your itinerary, go back into your Chase account or app and edit the travel notice. You can extend the end date, add a new country, or cancel the notice entirely if your plans fall through.
If you cancel the notice before your trip, your card returns to standard fraud monitoring when ready. If you don't cancel it and the notice expires on its own, the same thing happens — there's no action required on your part.
If you're already traveling and realize you need to extend your trip, call the number on the back of your card from wherever you are. A representative can update your travel notice over the phone without you having to access your online account.
What happens if you don't notify Chase
Your card may still work without a travel notice, especially if you use it at major merchants or ATMs. However, Chase's fraud detection system is designed to flag unusual activity — a transaction in a country where you normally don't spend money, or a purchase at an unusual time of day, can trigger a block.
When a block happens, your card is declined at the point of sale. You then have to call Chase to confirm the transaction is legitimate before the card works again. This can happen multiple times during a trip, which is why notifying Chase beforehand is the simpler approach.
A travel notice doesn't prevent all declines — if a transaction looks suspicious for reasons beyond location, Chase may still block it — but it removes the most common reason for blocks while traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up a travel notice for a trip that's months away?
Yes. You can create a travel notice as far in advance as you want. Chase will hold the notice and set up it on the start date you specify. This is useful if you book a trip early and want to set it and forget it.
Do I need to notify Chase for every card I own?
Yes. Each card has its own fraud monitoring, so you need to add a travel notice to every Chase card you plan to use on your trip. You can do this in one session by going to each card and adding the same travel dates and locations.
What if I'm traveling to a country that's not listed in the app?
Call Chase using the number on the back of your card. A representative can add any country to your travel notice, even if it doesn't appear in the online dropdown menu. They can also advise you on whether Chase has any restrictions or warnings for that destination.
Will a travel notice stop my card from being declined for fraud?
A travel notice significantly reduces the chance of a fraud block while you're in the countries and dates you specified. It does not may provide your card will never be declined — if a transaction looks suspicious for other reasons, Chase may still block it — but it removes location-based blocks.
Can I add a travel notice after I've already left for my trip?
Yes. You can add or update a travel notice from anywhere using the Chase app or by calling the number on the back of your card. It takes effect when ready, so even if you're already traveling, you can add the notice to prevent future declines.