Travel Tips to keep Your Money Secure
Planning a trip usually means creating multiple lists, and checking them (at least) twice. There’s a lot to consider when booking your flights, deciding where you’ll stay, and narrowing down the sites you’ll visit, but many travelers forget one very important aspect of trip planning: keeping their money secure. With countless years serving credit union members on the teller line, I’ve heard all of the great…and not so great stories about the importance of financial prep before takeoff.
Here are a few travel tips to make sure your adventure story is picture perfect.
1. contact your financial institution
Perhaps one of the most common and easily avoidable travel issues is having your card blocked for suspected fraud while you are away from home. Before you leave your home state, contact us to tell us you’ll be traveling. We need every state and country you’ll be passing through, as well as the dates you’ll be gone. Also confirm the phone numbers and email addresses listed on your account are correct. The fraud department would use the information they have on file to confirm purchases before your card is locked.
Pro Tip: Give yourself a few extra days when providing your travel period, you never know when a flight will be delayed. Also, don’t forget to list any states or countries you’ll have a layover in, so you can safely purchase something at the airport.
2. upload cards to your digital wallet
One of the simplest ways to keep your money secure is by ditching the extra bulk that may go unnoticed if lost or stolen. The majority of the world is equipped to take contactless payment, and in fact, it is preferred over swiping your plastic! All our Visa debit and credit cards are compatible with Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, which you can easily set up on your phone’s mobile wallet in under five minutes.
3. bring a little cash
Don’t carry too much, but be sure to have enough, just in case you get stranded. If you lose it, there is no recouping that cash back, so keep it modest.
4. bring your debit card
A convenient way to have easy access to cash via ATM withdrawal while also acceptable as payment at most stores and restaurants.
5. Bring a credit card (or two)
If you experience a fraud problem, you will have an alternative card to use. While debit and credit cards both offer fraud protection and full liability, most prefer to use a credit card when traveling abroad. If a fraud occurs, the money is coming from a line of credit and not directly from your personal checking or savings account.
6. Take at least two forms of identification
Any government issued ID is preferred. If traveling abroad, it would be best to keep your passport in a safe location (such as the safe within your hotel room) and use your driver’s license or state issued ID on the day to day basis as you explore magnificent places. If traveling within continental U.S. and your ID is lost or stolen file a report with local police immediately. If you lose your ID/passport internationally notify the closest U.S. embassy. If you have reasons to believe your identity is compromised at any time notify credit bureau agencies and place a fraud alert or a freeze on your credit report.
a few additional considerations for travelers:
If using a credit card to book a trip or rent cars, check out travel or rent insurances your card issuer may offer.
Check your medical coverage with your insurance company. Especially if traveling abroad. Additional travel insurance may be an option to consider.
Don’t forget your prescription medications. Taking more than needed for the days you are away in case you are stranded due to flight delays or other unpredictable matters.
If checking in a bag, make sure to take valuables with you on your carryon bag. (including all forms of ID and payment)
For International Travelers: Be sure to check your passport expiration date and ask a travel agent or search for minimum requirements from the countries you are traveling to. Some may require that your passport does not expire within 6 months. Some countries require US citizens to have a visa- check the process ahead of time as some visas can take a while to receive.
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The information provided is not intended to constitute legal advice and is intended for general informational purposes only.