Be careful when using bank issued travel money cards - not as safe as you may think

[Jeremy S]

Re: Be careful when using bank issued travel money cards - not as safe as you may thi

Hi, I'm involved in the product management of the ANZ Travel Card and I can assure you that we take many many precautions to protect our customers from fraudulent activity. While the bank has those precautions, there's also a role that travellers play in keeping their cards safe too. Some travel tips that are always worth remembering are:

• 
  [*=left]Know where your cards are at all times. For example, when you're in a restaurant, if possible walk to the counter or cash register to pay your bill instead of giving your card to the waiter, and never leave your card behind a bar.
  
  [*=left]If your card is lost or stolen, or you believe someone has unlawfully obtained or used your card details, it is essential you contact ANZ immediately. We will then put a stop on your credit card, preventing it from being used, and can arrange for the card to be replaced.

There's more info on the anz.com website if you go to the Travel section and follow the link called "Travel Smart with your credit card". (I'd post the link but I haven't posted enough times yet)

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Re: Be careful when using bank issued travel money cards - not as safe as you may thi

I'll post the link for these tips below:


Travel credit card tips | ANZ

 

[Sprucegoose]

I don't sign the back of the cards preferring to put "ask for photo ID"

 

[DeKa]

I don't sign the back of the cards preferring to put "ask for photo ID"

By doing that you typically aren't accepting the T&C's of the card...

 

[Sprucegoose]

By doing that you typically aren't accepting the T&C's of the card...

In a strict sense no, however I feel this provides overall better protection for MY money. Lets not forget it is OUR money we are safeguarding against

 

[oldies on tour]

Re: Be careful when using bank issued travel money cards - not as safe as you may thi

Unfortunately Sprucegoose most times they didn't even look at the back of the card when I used the CBA travel card in the USA, or ask me to use a pin, they just swiped the card!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Unfortunately Sprucegoose most times they didn't even look at the back of the card when I used the CBA travel card in the USA, or ask me to use a pin, they just swiped the card!

Yes that's my experience as well. So the lesson is efficient notification of lost or stolen cards.

 

[sanchdog]

Re: Be careful when using bank issued travel money cards - not as safe as you may thi

Make sure you check your statements. I recently used an OzForex Travel Card and I found that there was a withdrawal from an ATM of 400 euros that I didn't make. (I had tried to withdraw 400 euros but the transaction was declined as the daily limit is 300 euros). I put in a claim to OzForex when I returned. They were most helpful and researched it and recredited it back to my account - but it did take nearly a month.

 

[NFF]

Re: Be careful when using bank issued travel money cards - not as safe as you may thi

I'm not so sure about using travel card as a backup anymore. Do Australian bank issued handy and credit cards always work in Singapore, Hong Kong and New Zealand ?

 

[sanchdog]

Re: Be careful when using bank issued travel money cards - not as safe as you may thi

Certainly ANZ and OzForex cards work in Singapore and Hong Kong as well as Europe.

 

[NFF]

Re: Be careful when using bank issued travel money cards - not as safe as you may thi

What about Westpac handy and Visa cards ?

 

[markis10]

Re: Be careful when using bank issued travel money cards - not as safe as you may thi

What about Westpac handy and Visa cards ?

I am sure they work but why not just go for the Citi Plus debit visa with its excellent exchange rate, using the Westpac products or travel money will see you hit with severe commission/profit on the currency rates at time of exchange.