Great Basin Federal Credit Union ::/ Travel Tips

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, Great Basin Federal Credit Union recommends using a blend of two to three payment options to ensure your trip is free of money worries.

Cash
It's always wise to have a set amount of cash on hand when you travel.

ATM/Debit Card
Free with all Great Basin Federal Credit Union checking accounts, your ATM/Debit Card may be used at ATMs to get cash or to make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted.

There are a variety of ATMs in the US and abroad. They dispense American dollars and/or Euros and/or the local currency.
When using a debit card at an ATM in a foreign country, you may be charged service fees, surcharge fees (fees set by the ATM owner which could be as high as 10% of the amount drawn) and applicable currency conversion fees. You may choose to incur these fees and withdraw funds as needed instead of carrying a large amount of cash.
Using a Debit Card is a safer alternative than carrying large sums of cash or several gift cards. Secure access to your funds is one of the many benefits of your Great Basin Federal Credit Union Debit Card.
If a Debit Card is used for a purchase outside the US, a conversion fee (ISA fee - usually 1%) is charged on each purchase.
Before using your Debit Card as payment for a hotel reservation, we recommend you ask whether the hotel puts a hold or freeze on Debit Card funds. Some hotels hold or freeze funds for up to 10 days, which could result in a charge double the actual amount of your room rate being placed on your Debit Card and a negative impact on the available balance in your checking account.
Visa's zero liability policy applies to all purchases made with a Debit Card so you are protected in case of a lost card or fraudulent use.
Great Basin Federal Credit Union recommends you contact us any time you plan to travel outside your normal spending area.
Notifying us in advance allows us to note your travel route and destination and avoid denying transactions in the event you're traveling in areas of the country or abroad that are considered high-fraud areas.

Visa Gift Card
Pre-Paid Visa Gift Cards can be purchased at any Great Basin Federal Credit Union location for $3.00. Pre-Paid Reloadable Visa Gift Cards can be purchased for $0.00 and loaded for $2.50. Cards may be loaded with amounts ranging from $10 up to $1,000.

Visa Gift Cards can be used anywhere Visa Debit Cards are accepted.
If a Visa Gift Card is used outside the US, a conversion fee (ISA fee - usually 1%) is charged on each purchase
Visa Gift Cards cannot be used at an ATM for a cash withdrawal. If an ATM attempt is made, it automatically freezes the card from any use until you contact the credit union.
Visa Gift Cards could also serve as "back-up" in case your ATM/Debit Card was lost or didn't work for some reason.
Register your Visa Gift Card before travelling. Registering your card allows Member Services to locate your card account and send you a Replacement Card in the event that your card is lost or stolen. Note: a $5.00 per-card Replacement Card Fee applies. Registering your card is easy-just visit http://www.myprepaidbalance.com/ and enter your name and address, or call toll-free 1-866-496-6183.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are a convenient payment option that may be used during trips.

One of the primary benefits of using a credit card on trips is that if there is fraudulent use against your card, it will not affect your checking account. Most credit card companies offer fraud prevention and detection services and do not hold customers liable for unauthorized charges. Contact your credit card provider for information about fraud protection.
Great Basin Federal Credit Union offers Visa Credit Cards* for members. Applications are available at any Great Basin Federal Credit Union location.

*On approved credit.

If you have additional questions or concerns regarding financial safety and security during travel, please contact:

Great Basin Federal Credit Union
Toll-Free: 1-800-545-4228
Local: 775-333-4228
Email: info@greatbasin.org

To report lost or stolen Visa Debit, Credit or Gift Cards:
1-800-682-6075