Making big purchase abroad

Alisha2008

Hi,

I have a NW credit card that I use only when I travel abroad, to avoid fees. I usually spend around £300 every 2 months. Next month I'm planning to buy something expensive with it (about £1600), do I need to inform my bank beforehand?

I'm worried they might think it's a fraudulent operation and block it..

unimaginative_user_name

Alisha2008 wrote: »

Hi,

I have a NW credit card that I use only when I travel abroad, to avoid fees. I usually spend around £300 every 2 months. Next month I'm planning to buy something expensive with it (about £1600), do I need to inform my bank beforehand?

I'm worried they might think it's a fraudulent operation and block it..

They might if it's an unusual transaction so I would inform them.

dalesrider

I take it that you will be there when the payment is being made? If you are then just take the contact details for NW and any issues contact them.

Advising them of waht you are planning will not stop any security block.

Alisha2008

Yes, of course I'll be there. The phone no. is on the CC, so I might do that and just contact them if there's a problem. My worry here would be remembering all the security details they ask! I've only spoken to them once, and it was really difficult!

Careful_ly

If its Nationwide you are talking of, then they actually ask you to inform them before each trip abroad.

Click on going abroad let us know.

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/current_account/travel/usingYourCardAbroad.htm

TadleyBaggie

I brought a laptop in the US and managed to block two credit cards in the process.

InsideInsurance

Alisha2008 wrote: »

do I need to inform my bank beforehand?

You dont need to but it is advisable to do so to reduce the risk of it being blocked. That said, just because you inform them doesnt mean it wont be blocked either.

Hopefully your buying from another European country otherwise you'll need to budget for taxes to bring the item in

Alisha2008

Yes, I'm buying a watch from Spain (considerably cheaper than in the UK!). I've never told them before and the card has always worked ok.. I'm just worried because this will be well over £1000 in one operation.

Will give them a ring before, just to make sure I can "pass" the security exam in case I need to ring again from the shop once I'm trying to pay...

No taxes involved, and in any case the watch will come back on his new owner's wrist!!

redpete

Advising them won't make it any more likely to be blocked and might make it less likely. So I would inform them (and whilst on the phone ask if there is any chance it could get blocked, and if so what they suggest).