Planning Ahead Can Help You Keep Your Money Safe

Source: ICBA - Independent Community Bankers of America

Tips to help you protect your money while traveling:

• Let your community bank know when and where you will be traveling to avoid account holds or transaction rejections when out-of-the-ordinary transactions are presented for processing or posted.
• If you're traveling overseas, keep in mind that ATMs in many countries only accept four-digit personal identification numbers (PINs) and some countries have keyboards with numbers only, while others do not acknowledge zeros. Ask your community bank if you should create a new PIN for your account before you take your trip.
• Carry a back-up card that you keep in a separate place. Families or couples may get even greater back-up coverage if each person takes a different card.
• Make copies of all the cards you’ll be carrying. Be sure to copy the front and back of the card. Take a copy with you and give a copy to someone you trust back home. Be sure to also include the security code for the card and the customer service phone number.
• Set up transaction alerts for credit and debit cards. This will allow you to be informed much faster of any transactions that occur on your cards and shut down fraudulent activity.
• Bring a list of emergency phone numbers, but remember, 800 numbers can only be used in the United States and Canada. Be sure to get a number for your bank that you can call if you're out of the country.
• Many credit cards provide travel accident insurance and traveler's assistance. Ask your community bank what special services are available through your card.
• Check your balance before you leave. Know the limits on how much you can withdraw. Save all your receipts.
• Thoroughly check any ATMs that you use; fraudsters are increasingly altering the facades of ATMs in an effort to capture card data. Ensure the card reader does not look tampered with and pull on it to ensure it’s not a layover.

For more information about what to do if your card is lost or stolen or if you need additional help, visit https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/travel-support.html or http://www.mastercard.us/support/lost-card.html.

To learn more about ICBA, visit www.icba.org. To find a community bank or download our free community bank locator mobile apps for your iPhone, Android or BlackBerry, visit www.banklocally.org.