5 Money Tips to Stay Safe on Vacation
If you have exciting travel or vacation plans, there is much to look forward to! Whether you’re planning to hang on a beach, explore unique cultures or spend time with loved ones, time away on vacation is always a treat. Don’t let money woes get in the way of having a wonderful time and making special memories. Here are five things to help keep you safe while traveling this vacation season.
1. Watch Out for Vacation Rental Scams
If there are few to zero photos of the property or the price is too good to be true, that’s likely a warning sign. Take a moment to look up the address and confirm the property exists, see if there’s any reviews from past renters, and make sure you use a trusted website when renting online. Make sure your rental agreement specifies the property address and dates you’re booking, as well as details of all costs you can expect before you sign or accept anything.
2. Make Reservations With a Credit Card
When you are booking any rentals or tours in advance of your trip, using a credit card will offer higher levels of fraud protection. If you’re asked to wire money, send cash or mail prepaid gift cards these are warning signs that the rental may be a scam.
3. Protect Your Investment
Trips are expensive and can be unpredictable, so adding travel insurance may provide peace of mind that all money spent will not be lost. Considering your possible needs, check to make sure the coverage matches what makes sense. A plan could specify what is and isn’t included, or a “Cancel For Any Reason” policy could be an additional fee, so review the terms carefully should you opt to include travel insurance.
4. Have Card Contact Information Handy
In the case of a situation like a lost credit card, know how to contact your card issuer and what information you should know to connect with your account. On the back of your card is the number to contact; having a copy of the card number written down or with a trusted person would help you find this information quickly if necessary. If you are traveling internationally, make sure you know note the appropriate number to contact if you are outside of the country.
5. Plan Ahead to Avoid Money Woes
If you are traveling abroad or to a destination that is not a normal visiting place, your card issuer will flag transactions coming from these origination points. Avoid any denied charges or fraud concern communications by letting your card issuer know about plans to travel. That will help make sure your card is accepted when you are traveling. Especially in the case of international travel, alert your card issuer of where (and when) you will travel so they can make note in your account. Using a credit card that’s not tied to your checking or savings account is a good idea, due to the additional protections against fraud.
Related: Credit Card vs. Debit Card
Don’t carry large amounts of cash that would make you vulnerable to theft, and don’t put all your payment cards in one place. Consider carrying a payment card or cash in a money belt, so that you have a back up method of payment should your wallet or purse be lost. If you do need to use an ATM, check with your bank about using a foreign ATM or one that’s out of your network. There may be fees or other considerations. If you do utilize an ATM during your travels, select an option that is in a safe location or within a financial institution. As a Fidelity Bank customer with a personal account, you can use any ATM that is part of the SHAZAM Privileged Status nationwide network without incurring fees. Find your nearest ATM on the SHAZAM website.
For additional information about checking account options that Fidelity Bank has available, visit our webpage and open a new account online in minutes.
GET STARTED
Fidelity Bank does not control the content of or approve any website that is linked through this browser. Search results are not filtered or screened by the bank or any of its agents, representatives or service providers. Users, who search the Internet using their browser, do so at their own risk, and are responsible for the results. The portals and links are provided by an outside source. Fidelity Bank is not responsible for the content.