Financial services

[rsdata]

I have been using Citi bank card exclusively for going on 3 years now. I travel from Cleveland to the Keys and places in-between several times a year. I use the card for nearly everything and never have had to prove anything, other than to enter my home zip code into machine when making a fuel purchase.

One thing that many people do not know about is that on the bank website, you can tie an email and/or mobile phone number for CC purchases, ie. send txt IF card NOT present when making a chg, send txt for ALL purchases OVER $20, and many other situations. Makes my phone beep a lot, but it keeps me in the LOOP constantly whenever the card is used for any purchase over $20. Also lets me know when a recurring monthly chg hits the card. This service has alerted me once, that a CC charge was made for $65 worth of gas, after my card had been skimmed at a gas station. I reported back to Citi within minutes that I had my card in my possession and I did NOT make the charge. No repercussions for me and chg never made it onto my account.

Plus cash back... card is through Costco. Very happy with it.

[Crossfire8207]

Perfect this is great information really appreciate your experience with all the tips guys and girls thank you very much.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Crossfire8207

I was thinking of keeping a local bank as well but don't they always most of time need to know where your traveling?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I’m very inconsistent with letting my banks and credit card companies know about travel plans and remembering to update my travel notes. Fortunately, when I do- the online sites usually have that feature and I don’t have to call.

We rarely get hit by fraud protection. Whenever possible, I use my pin with the debit card so that it’s an “authorized transaction” vs. just a swipe. I don’t know if it helps.

Times that it has definitely been an issue: gas oumps that stop at a specific dollar amount and you have to re-swipe. I found that the second swipe is often declined if I don’t use my pin. And the France Pavillion bakery in EPCOT; I cant ever buy treats at that damned place without my credit union declining it.

[ependydad]

One tip to travel notes if you call to have them added. Say every state- not that “I’m driving from Florida to Texas.” Alabama and Lousisana both blocked me for fraud alerts. I called in and the rep had only out FL and TX. Not everything in between!

[dblr]

Another option is you can use a credit union but look for one that offers Shared Branching, that allows you to use any credit union that offers it for you banking needs. We have been doing this for years now but you will need to plan ahead some as to check if there are branches near where you will be, so not fool proof but so far has worked well for us. Good luck on your travels.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

When traveling to Canada with BOA (Bank of America), BOA ends at the border but not entirely. BOA gave me a list of banks that has agreements with BOA where I could use their ATM's and banking services at no additional FEES. This was very helpful for changing dollars, getting extra cash with no fees charged.

[pgandw]

When I was traveling a lot for work, I had the corporate travel card for hotels and rental cars. But for meals and personal use, I had a BOA "military" account. BOA was everywhere in the US and Canada, and therefore very convenient. The account started giving me no end of problems (and fees I had to dispute). I started logging in and screen shotting the figures. Found out BOA was sliding the charges and deposits in time by a day or two to run me out of funds. BOA denied it, even when I showed written proof.

I have banned myself from ever using BOA for that reason. Now use a local credit union (ENT), and it's become a much better deal than BOA ever was. Practically all credit unions allow fee-free withdrawals from their ATMs from any other credit union. For me, credit unions have always had (except sometimes for USAA) the best rates on car and RV loans, and good rates on credit cards.

I don't have to give my travel plans - the credit union will usually call me if the charge is coming from a location they don't think I'm at. Like when they see an attempted charge from Atlanta, and I just bought gas in Nebraska. No fuss or false charges or cutting off my card, ever. Left the card at the restaurant by mistake - go into a local branch and get a new card issued on the spot.

As a friend once said, banks are a McDonald's for money. The money doesn't change from one bank to another - just the service, and the costs.

just my experiences
Fred W
2019 Flagstaff T21TBHW A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan
camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time

[Crossfire8207]

Thank you for information