Losing a credit card credit can mean losing access to buying power. Getting a replacement card can take over a week unless you are willing to pay for expedited shipping. Visa has come up with a fast and convenient solution to this problem.

On June 26 this year, Visa announced its Digital Emergency Card Replacement service. Card issuers can now send a digital card through text or email. Once the customer receives the digital card, they can add it to their digital wallet and use it. 

Losing a Card While Traveling Overseas

Losing a credit card while traveling can be a big inconvenience. You’re often in one location just for a few days, which isn’t enough time to send a physical card. Currently, the best thing to do is call your bank or card issuer. That’s if you have the phone number handy, which you probably won’t. You’ll have to look up the number and then remain on hold for a while, waiting for someone to answer. All things you don’t want to be doing while on vacation.

Below are a few tips to follow before traveling that can help speed up the physical card replacement process:

– Keep your card issuer’s customer service number handy.

– Download the issuer’s card app.

– Periodically check that your cards are with you. If they are lost, you can recall the last time they were with you, which can help narrow down the locations you’ll have to look.

The ability to receive a digital card immediately resolves the physical card issue. Additionally, you can report your card as lost through the card issuer’s app, which most now have. In place of your physical card, you’ll have a digital card that can be used right away.

Visa’s Digital Emergency Card Replacement service is great for travelers. With a replacement card immediately available, you don’t have to worry about not having access to buying power or someone using your lost card.