Wrapping up the summer with a big trip? Your bags are packed and plans are made, but are you really ready? Below are some tips for before and during the trip to keep your money safe, especially if you're traveling internationally.

Before You Travel

Prepare your finances for the big trip.

• Make your cards travel-ready: With the TBK Bank My Card feature in mobile banking you can utilize Manage Travel Plans to set up travel plans before you leave. This will avoid disruption when using your debit card while traveling. Some other issuers ask you to notify them if you are going out of state.

• Set up Mobile Banking: Install your bank apps, making sure to set up electronic banking before you travel. This enables you to monitor your account, check transactions, and receive alerts for any suspicious activity while on the go.

• Check your IDs: Consider carrying at least two valid permanent forms of ID with you. Carry one ID in your wallet and one in your luggage in case your wallet is lost or stolen.

• Set your PIN: It’s a good idea to prepare your PIN before traveling abroad as some international ATMs and credit card transactions require a four-digit PIN. Try to memorize your PIN and avoid writing it on your card or keeping it in your wallet. Be sure your PIN does not start with a zero and know your PIN by the numbers, as some foreign ATMs do not have letters on the keypads.

• Pay your bills: Take care of bills before you travel. Using the Bill Pay feature within online banking, you can schedule payments to be sent while you’re away. Also, consider signing up for paperless billing so you’ll have less paper waiting for you when you return.

• Secure & update device settings: Ensure all your devices have up-to-date antivirus software and strong passwords. Update your device settings to avoid public Wi-Fi, as this will prevent strangers from seeing what you’re doing on your device.

  • Consider using tools that help protect your card transactions from fraud while you travel. For example, when turned on, your phone’s location services may be able to verify card transactions when you make a purchase in an unusual place.

  • Good News – Your TBK Bank account is secured by multi-factor authentication as an additional security feature and countries that are reported with high fraud volume are blocked by default!

• Determine your spending: If you’re traveling internationally, check to see if U.S. dollars are widely accepted in your destination. If you identify the need for foreign currency, you may want to visit an exchange before you travel. This way, when you land, you’ll have local currency ready to go so you can pay for taxis, snacks, and other incidentals without having to track down a currency exchange.

• Hold your mail: Contact the post office about holding your mail for a period of time. In addition to keeping your mailbox clear, this helps keep sensitive information in your mail, like bank and credit card statements, more secure.

• Be careful what you share online: Posting updates or photos to social media about your travel plans may be a fun way to share the experience with others, but it’s important to make sure you’re aware of who can see them. Update privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure you’re only sharing with those you know and trust.
  
  
  

While You Travel 

• You’ve made it to your destination! What should you keep in mind?

  • Carry multiple payment options: Carry more than one form of payment, such as credit cards, debit cards, and a small amount of cash. Consider carrying one card in your luggage in case your wallet is lost or stolen.

  • Use chip cards: The chip data is more difficult to capture for bad actors to create a new fraudulent card than data on a magnetic stripe card. More terminals and ATMs are becoming chip-enabled throughout the U.S. You’ll also enjoy greater acceptance when traveling: Chip technology is common in over 130 countries around the world, including Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

  • Use your digital wallet: Consider adding your eligible TBK Bank debit and credit cards to your device’s digital wallet to pay for purchases using a virtual card number on your phone so merchants don’t receive your actual card number.

  • Use secure ATMs: When withdrawing cash, use ATMs located within reputable banks or well-known establishments. Always tug on the card reader before inserting your card for signs of tampering. When using the ATM, shield the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN, and be aware of your surroundings. Make sure your transaction is complete before leaving the ATM. If the ATM appears suspicious or tampered with, find another one.

  • Be mindful of Wi-Fi networks: Avoid public Wi-Fi to prevent strangers from seeing what you’re doing on your device. When public Wi-Fi cannot be avoided, look for https:// in your browser window for a secure connection or use a virtual private network (VPN).

  • Check your statement: During and after your trip, review your transaction history and bank statements to spot any unauthorized activity. Report any discrepancies to your bank immediately.

Safe travels!