Member Education & Consumer Tips

How to Use Your RCU VISA Safely Overseas

When traveling to another country, it’s great to have your RCU VISA on hand. But knowing the ins and outs of using a credit card overseas before you leave will help ensure a smooth trip – and help you avoid surprises.

Credit cards are useful for overseas purchases because:
• Credit card purchases allow you to get the best currency exchange rate available.
• If your credit cards are lost or stolen, you generally cannot be held responsible for more than $50 in fraudulent charges.
• You don't have to carry as much cash or get foreign currency you may not use.
• They are quick and convenient to use and you’ll have a record of all your purchases.


Watch out for these situations:
• If you don’t contact RCU’s Card Services Department before your trip, your purchases may be declined due to fraud alerts. Please contact us at (800) 479-7928 to advise of your travel plans.
• Hotels and car rental companies may put a hold on your card for the cost of your entire stay. To prevent any surprises, ask ahead of time if this has been done.
• Some credit card companies add additional fees when used in other countries as well as the standard 1% fee for the cost of currency exchange. These fees can be as high as 3% or 4%. RCU VISA cardholders do not pay any additional fees, so your RCU VISA is the perfect choice for foreign credit transactions.
• You have more protection from inaccurate charges at home than you do in other countries. Make sure receipts are handed to you and that carbon copies of receipts are destroyed.
• If you are shipping items overseas and they become damaged, you are not protected for those purchases on your credit card.
• Check the records. Visit your assessor's office and ask to see your property record card. Make sure the details listed for your home are correct.

You can learn more about using your credit card overseas by visiting www.independenttraveler.com. To avoid extra fees and hassles, contact us (800) 479-7928 for more information about our low-rate RCU VISA cards, accepted at millions of locations all over the world.