Ta alltid med kreditkortet på utlandsresan

Today we present a guest article

There are several advantages to using a credit card rather than cash or a debit card to pay for all your expenses when travelling abroad. The main one is increased security - but the card can also make travelling cheaper and more convenient.

Table of contents

1. Security through the credit

The risk of skimming and other card fraud is often greater abroad than in Sweden. This is primarily because tourists are not familiar with what can be expected in different cultural situations. In Sweden, for example, card payments in restaurants are almost exclusively made at the table directly via a card terminal. However, in several countries the card still needs to be handed to a waiter who swipes it behind the counter.

A clear way to protect yourself against fraud is to make all purchases with a credit card. All purchases are presented on the monthly invoice, which is sent out a few weeks after the purchases have been made. This makes it possible to review all transactions, after the holiday, to identify any fraudulent transactions. Using a credit card while travelling, from a security perspective, is also recommended by the Swedish Anti-Theft Association in an interview with Aftonbladet.

If incorrect transactions are found, this amount does not have to be refunded to the credit card company after a complaint has been made. So the cardholder never has to bear the loss - as happens with a bank card.

2. Supplementary travel insurance

Almost all credit cards have supplementary travel insurance. Paying for travel and accommodation with the card gives you access to, for example, cancellation protection and compensation for delayed flights or delayed luggage. However, the insurance applies regardless of whether the credit card is used for travelling or not.
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However, some card insurance policies are activated on the spot. Travel cardi.e. credit cards with multiple travel benefits, often have insurance policies that can be used at the destination. One of the most common examples is "car hire excess reduction". If a rental car is paid for with a credit card, the excess is reimbursed in the event of compensable damage. Given that the deductible abroad can be significantly higher than in Sweden, this provides security in that a larger sum does not have to be paid if the car is damaged.

2. More comfortable travelling with travel benefits

Many travel cards also provide access to several travel benefits. For example, they may offer discounts with partners, making the trip or accommodation slightly cheaper. Some of these benefits are therefore available before departure. Other benefits become available during the trip, provided the credit card is taken along.

Get access to airport lounges, FastTrack, etc. by presenting the card at the entrance to the lounge or security checkpoint. If you are a frequent traveller, it may be worth taking out a 'premium card' as it offers the most travel benefits. However, access to airport lounges may also be available in the
cheaper credit cards.

Supplement with cards and cash

Whatever the payment option, at least one additional option should be taken on the trip. Relying solely on a credit card is taking an unnecessary risk. Should it be stolen or broken, there could be major problems buying tickets, food and other necessities until a new card is obtained. A complementary card, such as a debit card, may be an option, but a few thousand dollars in cash can also make such a situation much easier to handle.

Choose a primary payment option and think of a situation where it cannot be used. Add an alternative that covers this situation. Also remember that in many parts of the world "Cash is King" still applies.

Extra security via:

Whether a debit or credit card is used when travelling, it should be ensured that fraudsters can steal a limited amount if they get hold of the card. This is even if the bank can pay compensation in case of theft.

Single card

Use a specific card when travelling abroad. For example, a credit card that hasn't been used for other purchases that month or a debit card to which money is swiped for purchases. The worst thing to do is to use a card linked to your salary account.

Blocking

Block the card for international payments and unlock only the geographical areas where it will be used. An even safer option is to block the card and only unlock it for card purchases, after which it is blocked again. It is usually possible to temporarily block the card in the card app.

Have the blocking number available

Keep the card number and unblocking service number available. For example, it can be saved in a file in your email or in a cloud service. The same applies to copies of passports, tickets and valuable documents. This makes it easier to block them if they get lost.