Ahhhh, summertime! Pool time … picnic time … sports time … and vacation time!
You’ve booked your time off work; reserved the hotel, flights, car rental, tours and cruises; stopped your mail and paper: you are ready to get out of town! But, have you thought about how you will manage your money on vacation? Whether your travels take you across the globe or across state lines, ESB Financial wants to remind travelers to plan carefully to keep their money safe and summer vacations on track.
Most financial experts advise limiting the use of cash and paying with a debit or credit card for major purchases. That’s because credit and debit cards come with additional protections, such as zero-liability for fraud-related charges, which can offer greater peace of mind while traveling. But don’t leave home without a plan and inform your bank of your plans so you will be able to use your credit and debit cards.
Here are some travel tips for consideration before taking off for a much-anticipated vacation.
Share your travel plans with your community bank to avoid account holds or transaction rejections when out-of-the-ordinary transactions are presented for processing or posted.
Make sure your bank has the best phone number to reach you while traveling
Contact your bank to request a chip-enabled card particularly if your travel plans take you overseas where chip-enabled technology is quickly becoming a card acceptance requirement, for all card transactions.
Carry at least two cards with you so you have a backup. Families or couples may get even greater backup coverage if each person takes a different card.
Set up transaction alerts for credit and debit cards. If you suspect your information has been compromised contact your bank and credit card provider as soon as possible.
Bring a list of emergency phone numbers, but remember, 800-numbers can only be used in the United States and Canada. Be sure to get a number for your bank that you can call if you are out of the country.
Inquire whether your credit card provides travel accident insurance and traveler’s assistance. Ask your community bank what special services are available.
Know the limits on how much you can withdraw and save your receipts.
Thoroughly check any ATMs that you use. Ensure the card reader does not look like it has been tampered with. When in doubt choose another terminal.
Lock away valuables such as passports, backup credit cards, copies of financial information and extra cash in your hotel safe.
Use social media with care. Posting your pictures or whereabouts during travel could leave you susceptible to home invaders.
Don’t wait for your monthly statement. Upon returning from your vacation, review your purchases and ATM withdrawals with your bank and credit card companies.
Don’t conduct banking on public Wi-Fi networks: these are not safe.
Carry your cards in an RFID sleeve to protect from fraud.
When using your debit card while traveling use your pin number when available so the fraud department knows you have your card in hand
Get ESB Financial’s free Card Valet App to receive alerts when your debit card is used, get real-time balances for your accounts and turn your debit card on and off to prevent fraud.
Remember, in the event that an emergency does occur, reach out to ESB Financial where Team ESB is ready to help you! For after-hours help, phone 620-342-3454, and listen to our after-hours prompts, including emergency help.
Have fun and safe summer travels!