Debit cards (also called check cards) are a safe, convenient way of accessing your money on vacation. Instead of racking up debt on a credit card, you can use a debit card to access funds in your account that you already have saved for your vacation.
Benefits
Your debit card is convenient because it works just like a check without the hassle of writing one. Many merchants who won’t accept checks will accept debit cards for payment. Plus, if your debit card is branded with the VISA®, MasterCard® or other major brand logo, it can be used at nearly every ATM in the country as well as millions of locations worldwide. Ally doesn't charge fees to use ATMs nationwide. And, if you are charged ATM fees by other banks in the U.S., we'll automatically reimburse you at the end of your monthly statement period.
Things to keep in mind
Remember to plan ahead to avoid spending unnecessary time searching for ATMs when you need cash. Ally Bank has a convenient ATM locator for U.S. locations. Also, know that while you usually can use your debit card to pay for hotels and rental cars, these types of businesses often place a temporary charge on your account over and above the final cost of the reservation. When you check out or return the rental car, they'll refund the amount to your account, but you won't have access to those funds in the interim. If you keep an adequate balance, it won’t be a problem, but it’s a good idea to call ahead so you won't be surprised.
Using your debit card while on vacation can be a solid strategy for avoiding a serious case of buyer's remorse when you return home.
Wherever you're planning to spend your next vacation, Ally Bank has ways to help you get there. From our Interest Checking Account and Online Savings Account to a full line of CDs and more, Ally Bank is here to help. Get the scoop at AllyBank.com or call live, 24/7 customer support at 877-247-ALLY (2559) today.
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Comments
Peter D. on January 22, 2018 at 6:04pm
This page convienently doesn’t say if Ally charges foreign transaction fees, should we assume that’s because you do?
Ally on January 30, 2018 at 4:42pm
Hi Peter, you will be charged a standard fee of up to 1% of the transaction amount for the currency conversion and/or cross border transaction if you use an ATM or make purchases outside the U.S..
James on October 5, 2018 at 11:54pm
Is there a form to tell Ally in advance that I'm traveling so they know my card number wasn't stolen and being used in a another part of the country?
Ally on October 15, 2018 at 10:13am
Hi James, just give us a call at 1-877-247-2559 or chat with us online at ally.com and we'd be glad to assist you!
garydekko@aol.com on July 23, 2019 at 10:23pm
Traveling to Europe in September. Can I use my debt card?
Darrell S. on July 24, 2019 at 11:57pm
Are there any countries where your card won't work?
Ally on July 31, 2019 at 10:41am
Hi, to ensure no interruptions of service when traveling internationally, please call us at 1-877-247-2559 to set up a travel notice for your account.
Ally on July 31, 2019 at 10:42am
Hi, to ensure no interruptions of service when traveling internationally, please call us at 1-877-247-2559 to set up a travel notice for your account.
Ham on February 2, 2020 at 12:14am
Why doesn't Ally have a feature in the Mobile app or the Full Site (Desktop) for setting Travel Notices? It is really inefficient and annoying to have to call and spend 10 to 15 mins on the phone when it can be done in 2. Other banks do. What is Ally's reason for not doing so?
Ally on February 7, 2020 at 4:18pm
Thanks for the comment, Ham. We will take this back to our team.