O2 has launched a new service called Travel Alerts, which will allow the mobile operator to alert your credit card issuer or bank if you're smartphone is currently roaming abroad. This will then allow you to use your cards while away without fear of having them decline because your provider believes it to be a fraudulent transaction. Initially, O2 will be partnering with UK credit card issuer MBNA.
This service will save the customer some time from setting their account to away through online banking or having to call a center to explain the dates you will be travelling abroad. Simply head out with your smartphone and everything will be handled automatically by O2 and supported partners, should you opt-in for Travel Alerts. If your provider or bank spots a transaction from a different country to where your mobile is located, it will then flag it for review.
It's a neat new service we're sure many will appreciate if they're with MBNA. Hopefully, we'll see O2 expand Travel Alerts to include other providers and banks as the year progresses. Just make sure you don't forget to take your smartphone with you before you frantically rush to the airport.
Source: O2
