Tell Chase about travel before you leave
Chase lets you notify the bank of upcoming travel so your card won't be blocked when you use it abroad or in an unfamiliar location. You can set a travel notice through the Chase mobile app, the online portal, or by calling customer service. The notice tells Chase's fraud detection system that charges in a specific location during specific dates are legitimate, which reduces the chance your card gets declined at a restaurant, hotel, or ATM.
You don't have to notify Chase to travel — the bank won't stop you from spending money. But if you don't, and you make a purchase in a new country or state, Chase's system may flag it as suspicious and temporarily block the card while they verify it's really you. That verification call or text can take hours, and in the meantime you're stuck without access to your funds.
Key Takeaways
- You can set a travel notice through the Chase app, online at chase.com, or by calling 1-800-935-9935 without visiting a branch.
- The notice should include the countries or states you're visiting and the dates you'll be there, so Chase knows when to expect charges in those locations.
- A travel notice typically takes effect within minutes if you set it through the app or online, and lasts for the duration you specify.
- You can set multiple travel notices for different trips, and you can cancel or extend a notice at any time through the same method you created it.
Set a travel notice through the Chase mobile app
Open the Chase mobile app and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then scroll down and select "Travel Notifications" or "Travel Notice." You may see this option under "Account Services" or "Settings" depending on your phone and app version.
Tap "Add a Trip" or the plus icon. Enter the country or countries you're visiting, then enter your departure date and return date. Some versions of the app let you add specific cities; if that option appears, fill it in. Review the information and tap "Confirm" or "Save." The notice is now active and will remain in effect through your return date.
Set a travel notice on Chase.com
Go to chase.com and log in. Click "Account Services" or "Settings" in the top menu, then look for "Travel Notifications" or "Travel Notice." Click "Add a Trip" or a similar button.
Enter the destination country or countries, your departure date, and your return date. If the form asks for a specific card, select the card you'll be using for travel — if you're bringing multiple Chase cards, you can set separate notices for each one. Click "Save" or "Confirm." The notice takes effect when ready and you'll see a confirmation message on screen.
Call Chase customer service to set a travel notice
Call the number on the back of your Chase card, or call 1-800-935-9935 if you don't have the card with you. A representative will ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, or other information on file.
Tell the representative the country or countries you're visiting and the dates you'll be there. They'll confirm the information and set the notice on your account. Ask them to note the confirmation number or reference code in case you need to reference it later. The notice is active as soon as the call ends.
What happens after you set a travel notice
Chase's fraud detection system receives the notice within minutes. When you use your card in the location and dates you specified, the system recognizes the charge as expected and allows it to go through without a block. You can still use your card outside the dates or locations you listed — the notice doesn't restrict where you can spend — but charges outside those parameters may trigger a fraud review.
If Chase does flag a charge while you're traveling, they'll try to reach you at the phone number on file. Make sure your phone plan works internationally or that you have access to WiFi calling, so you can answer if they call. If you can't answer, the charge may be declined temporarily, but you can call Chase back to confirm it's legitimate and have it processed.
Extend or cancel a travel notice
If your trip runs longer than expected, you can extend the travel notice through the app, online, or by calling customer service. Open the app or log into chase.com, find the active travel notice, and select "Edit" or "Extend." Change the return date to the new date and save the change.
If you return early or cancel your trip, you can delete the notice the same way. Find the active notice, select "Delete" or "Remove," and confirm. Deleting the notice doesn't affect your card — you can still use it anywhere — but it tells Chase's system to resume normal fraud monitoring for charges in unfamiliar locations.
Travel notices for different types of Chase cards
Chase issues travel notices the same way across most of its cards: personal credit cards, business credit cards, and debit cards all use the same app, website, and phone number. If you have multiple Chase cards, you can set separate travel notices for each one, or set one notice that covers all your cards. When you're setting the notice, the system will ask which card or cards the notice applies to.
Some Chase business cards may have slightly different steps — the business portal sometimes separates travel notices into a different menu. If you can't find the travel notice option on the business app or website, call the business customer service number on the back of your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to set a travel notice to use my Chase card abroad?
No. Your card will work without a notice. But without one, Chase's fraud system may flag international charges as suspicious and block your card temporarily while they verify the purchase is legitimate. A travel notice prevents this delay.
How long does it take for a travel notice to start working?
If you set it through the app or online, it's active within minutes. If you call, it's active as soon as the call ends. You don't need to wait for an email confirmation or approval.
What if I use my card in a country I didn't list on the travel notice?
The card will still work, but charges in unlisted countries may trigger a fraud review. Chase may call or text to confirm the charge is legitimate before processing it. If you're adding a country mid-trip, you can update the notice through the app or by calling customer service.
Can I set a travel notice for someone else's card?
No. Only the cardholder can set a travel notice. If you're traveling with a family member or colleague, they need to set their own notice through their account.
What if Chase calls while I'm traveling and I can't answer?
The charge may be declined temporarily. Call Chase back at the number on your card or at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the charge is yours, and they'll process it. Make sure your phone plan supports international calls or that you have access to WiFi calling before you leave.