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Credit card alerts that’ll make your life easier

Stay on top of your credit card activity with phone notifications.

Kliment Dukovski
Kliment Dukovski

Updated

Fact checked

Staying on top of your credit card activity is so important, but it can be difficult to remember to check accounts all the time. That’s why credit card alerts can be a useful tool for keeping you constantly informed when changes to your credit card account happen.

For example, you can activate fraud alerts to know if someone’s been using your card without your consent. You can also set up an alert to be notified every time you’re getting close to reaching your credit limit.

Note that the range of credit card alerts you can get often depends on your card issuer.

Common credit card alerts

Not all credit card issuers provide all types of credit card alerts, but these are the most common:

Alert Who it’s best for
Payment due or overdue reminder Those who often forget to pay the balance on time or don’t use the autopay option
Approaching credit limit Those who spend a lot and without tracking their purchases
Purchases over a certain amount Those who tend to buy expensive items
Fraud alerts, including ATM withdrawals, foreign transactions and purchases without the card present Everyone
Declined transactions Everyone

Bank of America alerts

Here are a few of the alerts you can expect from Bank of America:

  • Your available balance
  • Security concerns
  • Deal expiration dates
  • When new BankAmeriDeals are available

Chase text alerts

Here are a few alerts offered by Chase:

  • Low balance warnings
  • Large transaction alerts
  • Unusual account activity
  • Cleared payments

Amex alerts

Here are a few alert options you can sign up for with American Express:

  • Spending alerts
  • Account status
  • Spend tracking
  • Near limit alerts

Capital One alerts

Capital One purchase notifications are one of several types of card alerts you can receive with this provider. You may also receive alerts for:

  • Security and fraud warnings
  • Balance statements

Citi alerts

Citi offers a variety of alert options, including:

  • Statement availability
  • Payment reminders
  • Overlimit spending

Discover alerts

Here are a few of the email and text alerts you may receive from Discover:

  • Purchases made outside of the US
  • Purchases made by phone, online or mail
  • Spend tracking

USAA alerts

USAA seems to primarily offer alerts for security and fraud monitoring. There isn’t an option at this time to customize your alerts for spending or similar events.

Compare top credit cards

Name Product Filter values Rewards Purchase APR Annual fee
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
6% on select US streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, 6% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that and on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Apply now
View details
Perfect for families: Get up to 6% on everyday purchases and a welcome offer worth $300. This heavy-hitter rewards card has uncontested value. Rates & fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
20% at Amazon.com up to $200 back in the first 6 months, 2% at US gas stations and select US department stores, 3% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that and on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
$0
Apply now
View details
This everyday cashback card is ideal for Black Friday and holiday shopping with 20% back at Amazon.com up to $200 back in the first 6 months. Rates & fees
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Chase Freedom Flex℠
5% back in rotating categories up to $1,500 combined each activated quarter (then 1%), 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 14.99% to 23.74% variable)
$0
Apply now
View details
Get up to 5% cashback in rotating and newly added everyday categories. The refreshed Freedom Flex card has lots of earning potential.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
5x points on Lyft, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases
15.99% to 22.99% variable
$95
Apply now
View details
Earn a signup bonus worth $750 with this popular travel card. Combine with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards for even greater value.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
N/A
0% intro for the first 18 months (then 14.74% to 24.74% variable)
$0
Apply now
View details
An impressive 18 months intro APR on balance transfers and purchases, as well as no annual fee make this one of the top 0% APR cards available.
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Compare up to 4 providers

Setting alerts

Setting up credit card alerts is as simple as checking your credit card account online. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Sign in to your online banking account or download your bank’s mobile app.
  2. Depending on the card issuer, you should choose Customer service, Card alerts or Profile & settings.
  3. Select the alerts you wish to receive.

Bottom line

Setting up credit card alerts is a useful way of staying on top of your credit card activity. You can choose to receive notifications on possible fraudulent activity or to be informed whenever you’re reaching your credit limit or spending more than you want to.

Most cards offer this perk, so be sure to compare credit cards so you can choose the one that best fits your financial needs.

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