The holidays should be full of happy gatherings with friends and family, but they can be a stressful time, especially if you are traveling. Your mind is keeping track of so many things that it is easy to become a bit careless. That’s why scammers often “work” overtime to take advantage of travelers whose defenses might be down. If you have that feeling that you might be forgetting something really important as you prepare to leave town for the holidays, then check out this list of travel tips for financial safety.
- Notify your community bank of your travel plans to avoid account holds or declined transactions when unusual transactions are presented for processing.
- Carry a chip-enabled card or contactless card, particularly if your travel plans take you overseas where chip technology may be a prerequisite for card acceptance.
- Bring backup payment methods in case one is misplaced or restricted. Families or couples can carry different cards for added security.
- Use Card Valet to create transaction alerts for credit and debit cards so you can respond quickly to unusual activity. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank and credit card providers immediately.
- Inquire about special card features like travel accident insurance and traveler’s assistance.
- Plan ahead for currency needs for more favorable conversion rates and lower fees when traveling outside the country.
- Check card readers for signs of tampering. When in doubt, choose another terminal.
- Lock away valuables such as passports, backup credit cards, financial information, and cash.
- Use social media with care. Posting your pictures or whereabouts during travel could leave you susceptible to security risks back home.
- Monitor account activity. Regularly check for unauthorized transactions and when you return home review your statements and compare charges to saved receipts. Mobile Banking allows you to check your balance and transactions whenever or wherever you need to.
No one wants to spend their holidays trying to get back lost cards or stolen valuables. The best way to protect yourself is to stop and take a little bit of time before you embark on any holiday travel. Remember that Federated Bank is always here to help in any way we can. Merry Christmas!
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender