Summer is the season for adventure—whether you are visiting friends, exploring a new city, or relaxing on a sunny beach. However, amidst the Mai Tais and museums, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about protecting your identity and finances. Traveling often makes us vulnerable to scams, identity theft, and cyber threats. Before you book that trip, memorize this summer travel safety checklist so you can safeguard your money and have peace of mind while traveling.
1. Notify Us
Before you travel, notify your credit union or card issuer about your plans. This will reduce the likelihood of your cards being flagged for suspicious activity when used in different locations. You can do this in person at any branch, over the phone, or in the Maps online or mobile app.
2. Use Travel-Friendly Payment Methods
When traveling, opt for credit cards instead of carrying cash. They are convenient, more secure, and often carry perks like travel insurance and purchase protection. Need a better credit card for travel? Check out the Maps World Mastercard. It offers everyday flexibility as well as comprehensive travel benefits like points on airfares, hotels, restaurants, and car rentals. You’ll also get low foreign transaction fees, 24/7 travel assistance, and identity theft resolution services.
3. Protect Your Personal Information
While traveling, be cautious of public Wi-Fi networks—especially when shopping or accessing your financial accounts. Whenever possible, use secure connections or a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your personal and financial information from potential hackers.
4. Scan and Keep a Spare Copy of Vital Documents
Losing a passport, ID card, or credit card can be a massive headache when traveling. Before you embark, save copies of them to a secure online storage platform. Having the information readily available and accessible can be critical in getting new copies made.
5. Research Local Customs and Exchange Rates
When traveling to a foreign country, research local norms—including rideshares, taxi payments, and tipping. A little preparation can help you avoid getting swindled in ways you wouldn’t expect. It’s also wise to check the current foreign exchange rates (so you know how much that trinket will cost you in U.S. dollars).
6. Break Up Your Spending Options
Avoid carrying all your credit cards, cash, and payment options with you while you explore. Keep a few on your person and backup payment options locked somewhere secure—like a hotel safe. Or, if you are traveling with a companion, split the valuables between you so one person isn’t left vulnerable.
7. Find a CO-OP ATM
No one wants to pay heavy fees while traveling. If you need cash, look for an ATM with the CO-OP logo. There are over 30,000 CO-OP ATMs across the United States and in multiple countries that are free to use for Maps members. (That’s almost twice as many surcharge-free ATMs as Starbucks locations in the U.S.!) You can even make surcharge-free deposits at 9,000 CO-OP ATMs.
8. Add Your Primary Cards to Your Digital Wallet
If you lose your wallet while traveling, having a digital payment option can save a lot of hassle. Plus, once it’s set up, you can shop almost anywhere just by holding your phone near a payment device. So, less to carry. Digital wallets also offer enhanced security through a process called tokenization—and, unlike misplaced cash or a lost credit card—digital wallets require biometric authentication before your cards can be accessed.
9. Be Wary of Scams and Skimmers
Tourists (even savvy ones) are easy targets for scammers, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your belongings and cash. Watch for pickpockets and keep your wits about you when transacting with merchants. Also, pay special attention when using your cards to make purchases or withdraw cash. Card skimmers—devices that fit over card terminals at ATMs and registers—put your personal information at risk. To reduce the risk, stick to ATMs located in banks, restaurants, or other high-traffic areas, as they are less likely to be compromised.
10. Keep an Eye on Your Accounts
Take a lesson from Snoop Dog and keep your mind on your money and your money on your mind while traveling. Periodically check your credit reports, bank accounts, and other financial accounts for any activity you may not recognize. If you see anything suspicious, report it right away.
11. Download Your Bank’s Mobile App
If you haven’t already done so, add the Maps Credit Union mobile app to your phone. Within the app, you can transfer funds, pay bills, check balances, and even alert us about your travel plans.
12. Set Up Account Notifications
Whether or not you use the Maps mobile app, it’s wise to monitor your account through automatic notifications. For example, in the Maps app, you can set up balance alerts, payment reminders, and transaction notifications. It’s also smart to turn on purchase notifications for your credit cards. While it might feel mildly annoying to get a push notification after every sandwich or souvenir purchase, it’s worth the peace of mind. If you misplace or lose your card, these notifications will instantly alert you to fraud, so you can alert your financial institution and freeze the account.
13. Be Careful What You Share on Social Media
It’s fun to share travel photos and other travel details while you’re away but be cautious—especially if your social media accounts are not private. You could alert potential thieves that you’re away from home.
14. Consider Getting Travel Insurance
Booking a trip comes with elements of uncertainty—some exciting, others stressful. Travel insurance could be a lifesaver if something goes wrong on your trip—including missed flights, lost baggage, and major issues like injuries or illnesses. So, give yourself an extra layer of protection by opting in for insurance whenever possible. It’s often offered when you book a flight, rent a car, or make a reservation with a travel agent. A number of credit cards—including the Maps World Mastercard—even offer varying levels of travel insurance for purchases made on your card. Before you purchase insurance, take a little time to get familiar with different types of travel insurance. Compare products and how the insurance is priced. Make sure you know what the policy covers and what it excludes.
Use this summer travel safety checklist, to significantly reduce the risks to your personal information and finances—not just while traveling, but in everyday life. From securing your devices to monitoring your accounts regularly, these simple strategies will help ensure that your adventures are safe and worry-free. So, stay safe this summer—and remember, a little precaution goes a long way in ensuring your financial well-being.
Want to learn more summer travel money tips?
- Learn how to save for that dream vacation with our Summer Travel Savings Tips.
- Find out how to make the most of your money while traveling with our 12 Money-Saving Travel Tips.