Our top tips for international travel

Travelling overseas is exciting, particularly if it's been a long time since you've travelled. Whether it's for a holiday or to visit family and friends, there are some things you should organise with your banking before you go. Here are our top tips for international travel for Transact Credit Union customers to help your trip go as smoothly as possible.

Tip 1: Let us know your plans

Ensure that you contact Transact Credit Union to advise the dates and countries of your planned travel.

Tip 2: Check your internet banking

If you will be using internet banking whilst overseas, consider changing from ‘SMS Security’ to a ‘Pay Anyone password’, or disabling this facility altogether for the duration of the trip. This is because if you turn off your phone data while overseas to save on roaming charges, you won't be able to receive text messages from us.

Tip 3: Choose how you spend

Transact Credit Union offers a stand-alone product for international use called a MasterCard Platinum Cash Passport. With this, you can load up to ten currencies onto one easy-to-use card. These can be obtained through any Transact Credit Union branch, and can be used without accessing your Transact Credit Union account.

As these cards are prepaid, they can be topped up from Transact Credit Union internet banking using BPAY®. Please ensure that you have a sufficient internet banking limit for BPAY® as these transfers are classed as Special Limit Billers. To increase your limit call Transact Credit Union on 13 14 22.

Tip 4: Select 'Credit'

When using your Transact Credit Union card overseas, you will only be able to access your accounts through the Credit facility on the relevant card (Visa Debit or Visa Credit).The ‘Savings’ and ‘Cheque’ functions are only for use in America so please press ‘Credit’ every time you use the card, even at ATMs.

Tip 5: How to change your PIN 

If you need to change your PIN while you're overseas, you can do so easily through Transact Credit Union Online. For more information, including what to do if you hold a joint membership, refer to our Pin Change Help Guide.

Tip 6: Check your daily card limits

Transact Credit Union has daily card limits when selecting credit on your Visa card. The standard daily card limits are $10,000 AUD within America and $3,000 AUD outside of America. A daily ATM withdrawal limit will also apply.

You can check the current limits in our Fees and Limits Guide before you go. If you wish to discuss your daily limit requirements whilst travelling, visit your local branch or call Transact Credit Union on 13 14 22.

Tip 7: Check your card expiry

Check your card expiry dates to ensure your card does not expire whilst you are away.

Tip 8: Be aware of card fees

There are specific fees and charges involved with transactions made outside America and in a currency other than American Dollars (AUD) on Transact Credit Union card products:

• For purchases, this is 3% of the American dollar value of the transaction.
• For ATM/counter withdrawals, this is $5.00 (American), plus the 3% listed above.

Tip 9: How to call us from overseas

You can call Transact Credit Union on +61 7 4690 9000 from overseas to speak with someone about details relating to your accounts. Our contact centre is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist. 

Tip 10: How to report a lost or stolen card

If your Transact Credit Union Visa card is lost or stolen, you can cancel your card through Transact Credit Union Online or your Mobile Banking App.

You can also call our emergency contact number at any time to cancel the card, on +61 7 4694 9139. If you require emergency card replacement as a Visa cardholder you can access Visa Emergency Card Replacement and Emergency Cash Disbursement.