I just got a notice/alert from XCEL FCU that it has issued a fraud alert for several countries and will block use of credit cards or debit cards in those countries.
So, especially if you use XCEL cards, but actually a wake up call no matter the card you use, if you are planning a trip out of the country, you better check first with your card issuer(s) if you might have any need to use a credit card or debit card -- or you might find out the hard way that it is being blocked.
The notice:
XCEL Federal Credit Union has issued fraud alerts for the following countries for both credit cards and debit cards. As a result of this fraudulent activity, we are BLOCKING USAGE of both your DEBIT and CREDIT cards if you are traveling in one of these countries.
The countries are:
BULGARIA
CANADA
CHINA
CYPRESS
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
EGYPT
FRANCE
MEXICO
QATAR
SAUDI ARABIA
SINGAPORE
SPAIN
THE UNITED KINGDOM
(Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
In SOME instances, we can make an exception if you are travelling to one of the above countries, but you must let us know before you leave that you are travelling.
Once your travel plans have been confirmed, please call us at (973) ASK XCEL then Option 5 to discuss your options.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this will cause you.