Smart Tips For Banking On-the-Go
Summer is the perfect time for road trips, vacations, and family visits, including trips abroad. As you plan your getaway, think about how you’ll manage your money while you’re away from home, especially when you’re far from your local bank and usual banking routines.
With a little preparation, you can keep your bank account safe and stay in control of your money no matter where you are. Here are three simple, practical tips to help ensure your money is secure while you're on the go.
1. Call Your Bank Before You Travel
One of the smartest things you can do before leaving town is to call your bank and let them know about your travel plans. This is especially important if you’ll be heading out of state or visiting another country.
Most banks keep an eye out for unusual activity on customer accounts. If your bank spots purchases from a city or country you don’t normally visit, it might freeze your account to protect you from fraud. Although this is a helpful security measure, it can cause a hassle if you haven’t shared your plans in advance.
A quick phone call lets your local bank know where you’ll be and when, helping to keep your debit or credit card working without interruptions. Some banks also let you set a travel notice through your online or mobile banking account, so you can skip the call if that’s more convenient.
2. Stay Connected With Mobile Banking
Even when you’re miles from home, mobile banking makes it easy to manage your money. Most banks now offer secure apps that give you access to your account from your smartphone.
With a mobile banking app, you can:
- Check your account balances.
- Transfer money between accounts.
- Pay bills while you’re away.
- Set up account alerts and notifications.
- Review recent transactions for unusual activity.
- Control your card, including turning it off or on as needed.
This is especially useful when traveling because you can monitor your account in real time. If you spot anything unexpected, quickly reach out to your bank.
3. Use a Mobile Wallet Instead of Carrying Cash
Carrying a lot of cash while traveling can be risky. If it’s lost or stolen, there’s no way to recover it. A safer option is to use the mobile wallet on your smartphone.
Mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, or Samsung Pay®, let you store your debit or credit card information securely on your phone. You can pay by holding your phone near a payment terminal, with no need to swipe a card or hand over cash.
Many restaurants, shops, and attractions accept mobile payments, making it a convenient and easy choice for travelers. Mobile wallets are also designed with strong security features. If you ever misplace your phone, you can lock it or remotely erase your payment information.
Make a Bank Plan Before You Travel
Even a weekend trip can come with surprise expenses or situations where you’ll need quick access to your banking account. Planning ahead helps you avoid the stress of declined cards, frozen accounts, or lost funds.
By notifying your bank about your travel plans, using a mobile banking app to keep an eye on your account, and choosing a secure mobile wallet for payments, you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing your finances are protected.
If you aren’t sure what services your bank offers, it’s a good idea to ask before you leave. Many banks offer travel notices, mobile check deposit, and other tools designed to make managing your money easier when you’re traveling.
Keep Your Money Safe
Travel should be about making memories, not worrying about your money. A little preparation can help you avoid common banking account headaches and give you peace of mind while you’re on the go.
To recap:
- Let your bank know about your travel plans.
- Use mobile banking to manage your account from anywhere.
- Choose a mobile wallet instead of carrying cash.
These easy steps can help you stay on top of your finances while you’re away and keep your vacation running smoothly. For details about the tools and services available with your banking account, reach out to your local bank before you hit the road. Safe travels!