Should I notify my bank?

[malmalthekiller]

I'm going away for almost a week in September, across the country, and I was wondering if you normally should tell your bank that you'll be out of town? I know out of country, for sure, but I've never been this far away and I wasn't sure.

[jnd4rusty]

Are you going to use your debit card alot? I would probably tell them that you will be making purchases with your card in other states so they don't get suspicious, especially if you are making purchases that are not in the norm. I could be wrong but better safe then sorry.

[wolfie]

Depends on what type of banking you do with that institution. If your credit card is through them, definitely (transactions appearing in out-of-pattern places may be flagged as potential fraud). If you're driving there, tell them that too, since you're likely to have en-route transactions. If it's just a savings account (that you won't be using debit card for), no problem.

My brother ran into trouble a few years back because he didn't notify his credit card company. He was on a trip to a place in Asia notorious for card fraud, and bought some clothing. Zap! His card was locked by the issuer for possible fraudulent use, and the only resource he had available was a "call me" card from our mother - took a bit of doing via third-party calls to get his card unlocked.

[Evil Queen]

If you're working with a small town bank, tell them you're going out of town.

National Bank (like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, etc) then it's not necessary.

If you're thinking of going out of the country, inform the bank just in case you plan on making any purchases in said country.

[ravevolution]

I didn't notify my bank but I did close the over draft protection on my account, in case I went over my limit (which would be my dumb spending) they don't slam me with fees

Best thing todo prior to traveling is budget what your expenses will be

[KiaKat]

If your bank is Capital One, you MUST notify them. Check with your branch, though, and see what they say. Some banks don't care, others need notification so they don't see out-of-pattern spending & lock the card.

[BookstoreEscapee]

I say let them know. Better safe than sorry. Don't want to find out your card was blocked when you're out of gas in the middle of nowhere.

I never had a problem like that traveling, though when I bought my computer I got a call from Discover to authorize that and the other two or three smaller charges I made on the same day. If you're using a regular credit card, they may just call you to verify (especially if you charge something big); if they have your cell phone number and can reach you it probably wouldn't be a big issue, but it can't hurt to just let them know ahead of time.

[malmalthekiller]

Good advice from everyone. I think I'll call them and ask their opinion on the matter.