Keep Your Money Safe on Vacation

Safe (Money) Travels

Your vacation awaits—but should you pack cash or cards? Your credit and debit cards are the best option because they feature built-in protections if your cards are lost or stolen. Here’s a few more ways to keep your money safe on the road:

• Contact your card issuer and tell them when and where you’ll be traveling. Doing so keeps credit and debit cards from being shut down for potential fraud concern if they are used in unexpected locations. To do so, call the number on the back of your card or see if you can set up an alert within online banking.

• If your cards are lost or stolen, report them to your bank immediately.

• Make copies of your cards and leave them with a trusted friend or family member in case you need access to the card numbers.

• Consider carrying more than one credit card to have a spare if one is lost, stolen, or rejected, because not all merchants take all credit card types.

• Don’t carry all your cards in the same place. Keep the extras in the safe at your hotel room or, at least, in a separate pocket.

• Use your debit card at ATMs when getting cash. Use ATMs you trust, preferably ones at financial institutions.

• To help protect yourself from pickpockets or purse snatchers in crowded, unfamiliar areas, keep your wallet in a zip-up pocket or pouch and keep your purse zipped or latched while carrying it close to your body.

Few things derail a fun vacation more than money troubles. So be vigilant, keep your money safe, and have a wonderful trip!