Ready for a Vacation? Consider the Following Tips

Below are some of our favorite tips for dealing with your money when you’re enjoying your vacation. If you need to contact your bank while traveling, help is just a phone call away – just dial the number on the back of your card or on your bank’s website.

Check your bills.
Don’t let your cable bill ruin your vacation. Make sure any bills due while you’re away are paid or scheduled for payment beforehand. If you pay online, be sure to log in and schedule your payments or consider this an opportunity to set up automatic bill payments through your Bank’s online banking.

Don’t forget your cash.
Debit and credit cards provide a secure transaction however, some stores could be cash-only so it’s important to have some cash on hand too. Be safe and limit how much cash you carry at any given time and consider keeping extra cash locked in your hotel safe.

Set-up your Digital Wallet.
Digital wallets are electronic versions of your physical wallet and allow you to pay for things without using physical cards or cash. They are designed with your security and privacy in mind, making it a simpler and more secure way to pay than using your physical debit card. Digital Wallet apps have security features built-in to the hardware and software of your device to help protect your transactions.

Need foreign currency?
If you’re traveling abroad, you might have to exchange your U.S. dollars for the local currency. To help you stay on budget and be prepared before you leave, check with your bank, and find out if they offer foreign currency services. Many Banks will offer the service to their customers, it can be as easy as ordering the currency you need through your online banking account and requesting a secure delivery to your home or local branch.

Use mobile or online banking.
Monitor your accounts and review your spending while on vacation by using mobile or online banking. If you haven’t already, download your bank’s mobile app to your smartphone or tablet before you leave so you can easily access your account information while away. Remember, wireless data charges may apply, especially if you’re traveling internationally.

Notify your Bank.
Sometimes debit card activity that occurs while your traveling could by viewed as out of character and trigger a fraud alert with your bank, potentially causing transactions to decline. This hassle can be avoided by calling your bank and notifying them of your travel dates and location before you leave. Your bank will note your account with the details you provided alleviating unnecessary fraud alerts. Its also important to make sure your contact information is up to date so your bank can reach you in case they detect suspicious activity.

Ready to plan your travel?
Going on vacation requires a lot of planning. But don’t forget to do these simple financial tasks before and during your trip so your finances won’t interrupt your much-earned time off. Check out our vacation affordability calculator to start planning your next vacation.

Check on your accounts anywhere and anytime by downloading our mobile app at the App Store or GooglePlay.

« Back