Travel Advisory
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Are you planning to take a trip outside of the country and intend to use your credit or debit card? If so, don't forget to add Travel Notifications to your cards.
When a credit or debit card is used in a new location, especially in a foreign country, card issuers see that as a huge red flag for potential fraud. For example, let's say your normal debit card usage is primarily in Iowa. But today, a debit card transaction has been attempted at a business in Sweden. The card issuer recognizes this is not a normal location in which you use your card. That triggers a fraud alert on your account and the suspicious transaction may be declined. That's exactly what you want to happen when you're not the person in Sweden making the purchase.
However, what if that was you enjoying the captivating cities and picturesque towns in Sweden? Your purchase transaction may have been declined, which creates an embarrassing situation.
Travel Notifications can help avoid these embarrassing moments.
- Call the phone number on the back of our credit card to notify them of your plans.
- Contact First National Bank at 515-232-5561 to notify the bank that you will be traveling. OPTIONAL: Rather than calling Customer Service, you can add your travel plans to Card Management within online or mobile banking. Card Management allows you to monitor all of your debit card transactions.
ADDING YOUR TRAVEL PLANS TO CARD MANAGEMENT
Card Management is a valuable free tool for First National Bank online and mobile banking users, Within Card Management you can add your domestic and international travel plans. Card Management will use that information when monitoring your debit card usage for potential suspicious activity.
See page 6 of the Card Management Getting Started Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to add travel plans. If you need assistance setting up Card Management, contact Customer Service at 515-232-5561 during normal bank business hours.
USING YOUR DEBIT CARD WHILE TRAVELING: BEST PRACTICES
Domestic Travel: If you are traveling within the continental United States, it isn't necessary to place a travel alert on your debit card(s). Your card activity will continue to be monitored, as usual, for possible suspicious activity. We encourage you to consider these best practices as you travel.
International Travel: If you are traveling abroad, please notify the bank so that we can place a travel alert on your debit card(s) to avoid any problems as you travel (or you can set your own Travel Plans in Card Management). Even with the travel alert, your card activity will continue to be monitored as usual for possible suspicious activity. We encourage you to consider the following best practices as you travel.
ATM-only cards do not work when traveling internationally. If you have an ATM-only card and you plan to travel, we recommend that you upgrade your ATM card to a debit card.
BEST PRACTICES
- To avoid issues at point of purchase, select DEBIT opposed to CREDIT, and use your PIN whenever possible.
- Add the following debit card customer service phone numbers and text alerts to your phone's CONTACTS. This will help you recognize the numbers if you are contacted about a suspicious transaction.
VOICE
833-763-2031
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TEXT (Short form)
37268
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TEXT (Long form)
833-763-2033
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REPORT FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY OR A LOST OR STOLEN CARD
Visit a First National Bank location during business hours or call Customer Service at 515-232-5561 or 641-342-6581 (available 24/7).
If you have any questions about setting up your travel plan notices, don't hesitate to call Customer Service or email [email protected]. We're here to help!