Should I Alert Chase if I Plan to Travel With My Credit Card? | The Motley Fool (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to set a travel alert with Chase? ›

There's no need to tell us you'll be travelling, but we do recommend allowing location sharing in the app. You'll also need to check that payments abroad are switched on in the app.

Your credit card company or bank may not need to be notified before you take a trip. That's because of improvements in fraud detection technology and security. If you choose to set a travel alert, you can usually do it over the phone, online or in your bank's or credit card issuer's mobile app.

It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. To avoid the Chase 5/24 rule, wait to apply for a new Chase card until some of your recently opened accounts fall outside the 24-month window. Prioritize applying for the Chase cards that offer the most value to you.

The 5/24 rule is an unofficial policy that dictates that Chase won't approve you for its cards if you've opened five or more personal credit card accounts from any issuer in the last 24 months. Put simply, the number of cards you've opened in the previous two years will affect your approval odds with Chase.

Simply go online or call the customer support number on the back of your card and fill them in on the details of your trip. It's also a good idea to download your card's mobile app before you leave.

Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they do not flag charges you make in another country as fraudulent. Some companies allow you to enter travel dates online, or call your bank directly.

However, if you aren't savvy, you may be greeted at your destination by the word “declined.” If you put your credit card company on notice about your travels, you can fix problems before they begin. But, it's not always necessary to alert your credit card company about upcoming travel.

Using Credit Cards on Vacation

Credit cards may also be necessary when booking a hotel stay or car rental. Also, many credit cards offer travel-related perks for purchases, which can include travel insurance, rental car coverage and access to airport lounges.

Yes, one of the most important things you need to do before going abroad is informing your bank. You want to make sure you'll be able to access your funds and use your debit or credit card while you're on vacation.

Chase 2/30 rule: Too many new cards in one month? Some credit card experts believe that Chase is also likely to decline new card applications if you have opened two credit cards within 30 days. This is known as the "2/30 rule." Because I had just opened two new cards, Chase was reluctant to let me open another.

What is the 2 48 rule for Chase? ›

This is a relatively new Chase rule, but an important one: You cannot receive a Sapphire sign-up bonus if you've already received a bonus from either version (Preferred or Reserve) within previous 48 months. It's important to note it's 48 months or 4 years from the receipt of the statement with the bonus on it.

The Chase 5/24 rule is an unwritten policy that prevents you from being approved for a new Chase credit card if you have opened five or more accounts with any bank in the last 24 months. Even with excellent credit, you'll likely be denied for certain Chase credit cards if you've opened too many credit cards recently.

The 28% rule

The 28% mortgage rule states that you should spend 28% or less of your monthly gross income on your mortgage payment (e.g., principal, interest, taxes and insurance).

The Chase 5/24 rule limits the number of credit cards you can be approved for within a two-year period and still qualify for additional Chase credit cards. Here's everything you need to know about the Chase credit card rules so you can plan your applications.

“One Sapphire Rule”

You cannot apply and get approved for a Sapphire card if you currently have an open one. You can have an open Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, OR a Chase Sapphire card, but not more than one at a time.

You don't need to let your credit card company know you're traveling, but it's always a good idea. To protect you from fraud, credit card issuers look for charges that seem to be out of the ordinary, or “suspicious activity”.

If you intend to use your personal debit or credit card abroad it is best that you let us know. Telling us in advance that you're travelling will notify our transaction monitoring systems you will be using your debit or credit card abroad. This will help us to reduce the likelihood of your transactions being blocked.

Many people enjoy using their points to help pay for travel. There are two ways to do this: Book your travel through the Chase Travel Portal and use your points toward the purchase. Transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to an airline or hotel that has a partnership with Chase.

Account Alerts: There's no charge from Chase, but message and data rates may apply. Delivery of alerts may be delayed for various reasons, including service outages affecting your phone, wireless or internet provider; technology failures; and system capacity limitations.