Safe Travels: How to Keep Your Finances Safe
07/31/25
Summer is here, and so are your travel plans! But don’t hit the open road just yet! Travel can expose you to many financial risks. With a little awareness and preparation, though, you can keep your finances as secure as your passport.
Here are 10 tips for keeping your finances safe this summer while travelling
1. Notify your credit union
Before you hop on a plane or cross state lines, let us know! You can notify us through our SecurLock Equip, our card control app, give us a call at 973-576-2000, or email us at [email protected]. This prevents your card from being flagged or frozen for suspicious activity while traveling.
2. Use credit over debit
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards, and they don’t give scammers direct access to your checking account.
3. Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions
That free airport or café Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it’s also a hotspot for hackers. Never access checking accounts, make purchases or enter personal data over unsecured public networks. If you must connect to one, use a VPN to encrypt your data.
4. Beware of skimming devices
When using an ATM, stick to machines inside financial institutions or well-lit, secure areas. Wiggle the card reader — if it feels loose or bulky, walk away. It’s also a good idea to cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN.
5. Don’t post travel plans publicly
Announcing that you’re on vacation tells potential thieves that your house is empty — and that you’re distracted. Save the photo dumps for after you get home.
6. Carry a mix of payment methods
It’s best to bring a combination of cash, credit and debit cards with you on vacation, especially when traveling internationally.
7. Set up transaction alerts
Most financial institutions and credit card companies allow you to set and receive real-time transaction alerts via text or mobile app. This way, you’ll know immediately if there’s any suspicious activity on your account.
8. Limit what you carry
Leave unnecessary cards, checkbooks, and documents at home. Carry only what you need: one or two credit cards, photo ID, and insurance info.
9. Be cautious with currency exchange
Avoid airport kiosks or hotel front desks for currency exchange as they tend to have poor rates and high fees.
10. Monitor accounts
Don’t let your guard down, even after you return home. Monitor your accounts regularly for any unauthorized transactions.
Safe travels!