For those traveling overseas for work or vacation, it can sometimes be tricky to use a U.S. credit card.
That's because the magnetic stripes on the back of most American credit cards sometimes don't work in Europe, where the cards typically use a different, microchip technology. Try to swipe your U.S. card at an Italian train ticket kiosk, for instance, and it might get rejected.
But that problem could disappear. Some major U.S. credit card issuers are now offering chipped cards to their overseas travelers, says Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com.
It's only on select credit cards, such as Citi bank's Platinum Select and Thank You Preferred cards. Chase has chipped its Hyatt Visa Signature and its British Airways Signature cards.
Last week, Bank of America announced it is adding the chip to a number of its credit cards, including its BankAmericard Travel Rewards, BankAmericard Privileges and Virgin Atlantic Travel cards. The bank will upgrade existing customers who have been identified as international travelers.
If you're a frequent traveler to foreign destinations, it might be worth it to ask your credit card issuer if they've got the microchip technology. If not, take a look at some of the options out there.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.