Travel Smarter: Tips for Using Credit Cards Safely Abroad

How to use your credit card safely while travelling abroad (U.S., Mexico and Canada)

Credit cards are designed for ease and flexibility – and a few thoughtful habits can help you use them with confidence while travelling.

Choose secure ATMs and trusted payment terminals

If you need to withdraw cash, look for ATMs located inside established banks, hotels or busy airports. Skip standalone machines in dark areas.

Before inserting your card, take a quick look at the atm machine and or Payment terminal If something appears damaged, tampered with, unusually bulky or loosely attached, consider using a different ATM or Payment terminal. When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your free hand for added privacy.

Avoid public Wi-Fi when managing your finances

Connecting to free Wi-Fi at a café or hotel is convenient, but open networks may not always be secure. If you need to check your banking app or make account changes, consider using your mobile data or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

This small step can help reduce the risk of exposing personal information while travelling.

Use contactless and mobile wallet payments

When possible, use tap-to-pay or mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. These methods are much more secure than swiping or inserting your card because they protect your actual card number by encrypting your payment information.

Mobile payments are widely accepted and offer enhanced fraud protection because they require device-level authentication (a PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID) before completing the transaction.

How to prepare your credit cards for international travel

Travelling with a plan can help minimize surprises, especially when it comes to payments.

Check your bank's travel policy and enable alerts

Some Canadian banks no longer require formal travel notifications, relying instead on automated fraud monitoring. Others may still recommend informing them of your plans. A quick check before leaving home can help prevent unnecessary disruptions.

Enable notifications, so you’re notified of purchases as they happen. This makes it easier to spot unfamiliar transactions early.

Bring more than one card

Relying on a single credit card can be inconvenient if it’s misplaced, blocked or declined. Consider bringing a primary and a separate backup credit card – ideally from different networks (for example, Visa and Mastercard) – and store them in different locations within your luggage or wallet.

This gives you flexibility if one card is lost or blocked.

RBC offers a variety of travel credit cards that work well for international trips.

Check foreign transaction fees and exchange rates before you go

Many Canadian credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee (often around 2.5%) on purchases made in another currency. While this percentage may seem small, it can add up over the course of a trip.

Before travelling, review your card’s fee structure and exchange rate policy. Some travel-focused cards offer reduced or no foreign transaction fees, which can extend your spending power.

Compare RBC credit cards to find a card that best fits your travel and spending habits.

What to do if your credit card is lost or stolen abroad

Discovering that your card is missing can be stressful. Acting promptly can help limit financial loss, reduce inconvenience and recover faster.

Lock or freeze your card

Most Canadian banking apps allow you to temporarily lock or freeze your card. If you later find the card, you can often unlock it just as easily.

This feature can help prevent new transactions while you figure out what happened.

Contact your card issuer

If your card is lost or you notice unfamiliar transactions, contact your card issuer as soon as possible. Before your trip, save the international toll-free or collect-call numbers to your phone and keep a physical copy in your luggage.

Many banks offer in-app chat services, secure messaging or collect calls. Check the Credit Card Transaction Help page for international numbers and easy transaction dispute steps.

Understand emergency card replacement options

If you are left without money, some credit card issuers arrange emergency card replacements or cash advances in major cities. Availability and timelines vary, so it’s worth reviewing your card’s emergency support features before you travel.

Keep international support numbers accessible

Store key contact numbers in more than one place – for example, in your phone and in a separate written note. Having backup access can be helpful if your phone is lost or out of battery.

Make the most of your credit card benefits while staying secure

Apart from safety and convenience, many Canadian credit cards include additional perks that may provide added value:

• Travel insurance: Many premium cards include trip interruption, travel medical or rental car collision coverage.
• Purchase protection. Certain cards offer coverage against theft or accidental damage for a limited time after purchase.
• Fraud protection policies: Most major Canadian credit cards include zero liability policies for unauthorized transactions, provided you meet the cardholder agreement terms.
• Real-time tracking: Mobile banking apps allow you to monitor transactions and manage spending while you travel.

Common credit card mistakes to avoid while travelling

A few small oversights can create unnecessary hassle. Here are some common missteps to keep in mind – and avoid:

• Keeping all cards in one place: If your wallet is lost or stolen, having a backup card stored separately can make recovery easier.
• Ignoring account notifications: Reviewing alerts and statements regularly can help you catch unfamiliar transactions early.
• Using only a debit card for major purchases: Debit cards are directly linked to your bank account. Many travellers prefer using credit cards for hotels, car rentals and larger purchases to keep these expenses separate from their primary funds.
• Forgetting to update your contact information: If your bank needs to verify a transaction and can’t reach you, your card could be temporarily restricted.