Travel Tips

Before you leave, notify MCU. Advance notification will help ensure that legitimate purchases are approved. In addition, you should discuss the daily spending or cash withdrawal restrictions with our staff.

Check the expiration date of your card to make sure it won't expire while traveling

Memorize your MCU CheckCard Personal Identification Number (PIN). Memorizing your PIN will help you easily obtain cash from local ATMs. CAUTION:  Never write your PIN on your Visa CheckCard and always sign your card.

During your trip:

• Monterey Credit Union uses a security system to help detect fraud called OmniShield. In the event you are denied while making transactions during your trip, please call 800-889-5280 to confirm your account activity.
   
• Keep your Visa CheckCard account number and the lost/ stolen customer service number 800-528-2273 in a safe place (separate from your wallet or handbag)
   
• It's a good idea to bring a credit card as a back-up. (Keep in mind that hotels and car rental agencies may place large holds for incidentals)
   
• Card Suite Lite gives you the ability to instantly freeze a lost or stolen card, set spending limits, get real- time transaction alerts, block international or out-of area purchases, and customize how card can be used-all designed to keep your money secure and your finances easy to manage. Download Card Suite Lite App today!

International Travel:

• In some countries, you may be prompted to enter your PIN at a merchant terminal. While cardholders do need to enter a PIN at an ATM, it is not necessary to enter a PIN at a merchant location  for your MCU Visa CheckCard. You should be able to bypass the PIN request and proceed with the transaction by clicking "OK" on the terminal.
   
• Foreign currency is converted to US$ once it gets to Visa, the exchange rate may not be the same as on the day of the purchase. We do not charge additional fees for transactions out of the country like most financial institutions.
   
• If, for some reason, you are unable to use your Visa card to make a purchase at a merchant location, you should be able to obtain cash from a local ATM. Confirm access  to the ATM by  matching the logos on your card to those on the machine (e.g. Visa & Jeanie)
   
• If any problems or concerns arise pertaining to your Visa CheckCard, contact Monterey Credit Union at 831-647-1000. You may also contact Visa Global Customer Care Services. Visit www.visa.com to locate the toll-free number appropriate for the country in which you are traveling.
   
• International Fraud Detection OmniShield: In the event you are denied while making transactions during your trip, please call 513-900-3014 to confirm your account activity.
   
• International lost/stolen cards: To report your card(s) lost or stolen, International Cardholders may call 812-647-9794