Ally Bank's Travel Policy: Navigating The Notification Requirement

If you're an Ally Bank customer, it's important to notify the bank when you're travelling internationally. This is to prevent any interruptions to your service, and to avoid your card being flagged for fraudulent activity when there's a sudden change in your location. You can do this by calling 1-877-247-2559 or by using the online chat function. It's also a good idea to download the Ally Bank app before you travel, so you can easily check your balance and watch for fraud.

International phone number: 1-757-247-2559

If you are an Ally Bank customer and are travelling abroad, you can contact the bank on their international phone number: 1-757-247-2559. This number can be called from anywhere outside of the US and is useful to know in case of an emergency, such as a lost or stolen card.

It is recommended that you store this number in your phone before you leave for your trip, as well as bookmarking the bank's website and downloading its mobile app. Knowing how to get in touch with your bank is essential, especially when travelling, as contact information can differ when you are in a foreign country.

To ensure there are no interruptions to your service when travelling internationally, it is also important to set up a travel notice for your account. This can be done by calling the bank or by submitting a notice online or via the mobile app.

Additionally, it is worth noting that foreign transaction fees may apply when using your debit or credit card abroad, so it is important to budget for these additional costs.

Fraud prevention

Ally Bank also offers a 24/7 Fraud Service Center that monitors transactions and automatically sends an email or text alert if any suspicious activity is detected on a customer's debit card. Customers can then quickly verify the transactions and get in touch with the bank if they do not recognize the charge. Additionally, customers can proactively reach out to the fraud hotline if they experience fraud while traveling.

To further enhance security, Ally Bank recommends that customers download their mobile app, which allows users to lock their debit card if it is lost or stolen. The app also enables customers to set up custom push notifications to stay on top of their debit card activity and receive real-time alerts when their card is declined or allowed for specific transactions.

Ally Bank also provides tips for customers traveling abroad, such as researching where their credit card can be used, using secure payment methods like prepaid travel cards, and being mindful of foreign transaction fees. By taking these proactive measures, customers can safeguard their finances and reduce the risk of fraud while traveling.

Foreign transaction fees

Ally Bank charges a fee of up to 1% of the transaction amount for currency conversion and/or cross-border transactions. This is lower than the typical fee range of 1% to 3% charged by many ATMs for foreign transactions.

If you're travelling abroad, it's a good idea to budget for these additional fees. You can do this by researching the fees associated with your specific debit and/or credit cards. Additionally, carrying some local currency can help you avoid foreign transaction fees, as not all merchants accept credit cards or US dollars.

To ensure uninterrupted access to your Ally Bank account while travelling internationally, it is recommended to set up a travel notice by calling their customer service line at 1-877-247-2559. This will prevent your card from being mistakenly flagged for fraudulent activity due to a sudden change in location.

Contactless payment methods

Contactless payments are a secure, cash-free, and efficient way to pay for goods and services. They are made by tapping a contactless card or other devices, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or fitness tracker, near a point-of-sale terminal equipped with contactless payment technology. This technology relies on radio frequency identification (RFID) and near-field communication (NFC).

Contactless payments are faster and more secure than traditional payment methods. They use encryption and one-time codes to protect your data, making it extremely difficult for hackers to duplicate. Additionally, contactless payments do not require a PIN, magnetic stripe, or signature, further reducing the risk of fraud.

Most vendors and merchants now accept contactless payments. Look for the contactless symbol (four curved lines) on the vendor's point-of-sale terminal. You can also use your smartphone to make contactless payments by downloading a payment app such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay. These apps allow you to securely store your credit and debit card information and make purchases by tapping your phone or smartwatch.

While contactless payments have been popular in countries like Australia, Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, they are now gaining traction in the United States, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the use of contactless payments in the US rose by 150% between March 2019 and June 2020. This shift towards contactless payments is expected to continue even after the pandemic, as consumers appreciate the convenience and security offered by this payment method.

When travelling internationally with an Ally Bank card, it is recommended to set up a travel notice for your account by calling their customer service number. This will ensure uninterrupted service while you are abroad. Additionally, letting your bank know your travel plans can help prevent your card from being mistakenly flagged for fraudulent activity due to location changes.

Currency exchange rates

When travelling, it's important to understand the currency exchange rates in your destination country. Currency exchange rates refer to the value of one country's currency in relation to another. This can fluctuate daily, depending on various economic factors.

• Research Current Exchange Rates: Before your trip, check the current exchange rate between your home currency and the currency of your destination. Websites like Yahoo Finance, XE, and the US Treasury Fiscal Data website provide exchange rate information.
• Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank about your travel plans. For instance, if you're an Ally Bank customer, you can call 1-877-247-2559 or notify them via online chat to set up a travel notice for your account. This helps prevent any interruptions in service while abroad.
• Understand Foreign Transaction Fees: Using your debit or credit card abroad may incur additional fees. Most cards charge a foreign transaction fee, typically around 3%, so be sure to factor this into your budget.
• Consider Prepaid Travel Cards: Prepaid travel cards allow you to lock in the foreign currency exchange rate at the time of loading the card. This protects you from potential unfavourable rate changes later on. However, they may not be accepted by all merchants, including car rental companies.
• Withdraw Cash at ATMs: Using your debit card at local ATMs upon arrival can often get you a better exchange rate than currency exchange kiosks, especially those at airports, which tend to charge high fees.
• Monitor Your Spending: Keep track of your expenses and budget accordingly. The fewer times you need to withdraw cash or use your card, the lower your transaction fees will be.
• Use Mobile Banking: Download your bank's mobile app before your trip to easily monitor your balance and transactions while abroad.
• Carry Multiple Payment Options: In addition to your debit and credit cards, carry some local currency for convenience and emergencies.

By following these tips and staying informed about currency exchange rates, you can make the most of your money while travelling and avoid unnecessary fees.

Frequently asked questions