Unlock the Gold: Four Tips to Keep Your Money Safe This Summer

Summer is here, and so is summer vacation. Maybe you’re headed to the lakes, on a road trip, or even to the 2024 Olympics in Paris! No matter where you travel, keeping your money safe is important. 

Consider these four travel tips to safeguard your accounts while you are on the move. 

1. Let Your Bank Know You're Traveling

Always remember to call Western to let us know of your travels. Communicating with your bank to let them know of travel plans is especially important before traveling abroad. Notifying Western helps us to decline suspicious transactions that can occur overseas. It also helps to ensure that your card will not be declined if you travel outside of your local region.

Note: If you do not notify Western to set up exemptions/alerts for international travel, your card will automatically be declined.

2. When in Doubt: Use Your Credit Card

In most cases, your credit card will offer greater fraud protection than a debit card/cash. If you travel somewhere that requires currency exchanges, a credit card can often be superior to currency stands or ATM fees. 

TIP: It’s a good idea to keep a little cash and a debit card on hand, just in case your credit card becomes compromised. 

3. Be Smart with Your Cash

When traveling to places that are heavily cash-use locations, be sure to take out only what you need or smaller amounts to avoid losing or getting your cash stolen. If you have extra cash in a different currency, find a money exchange for a great rate or take it to your local bank and exchange it upon your return.

4. Be Wary of Tricksters

While in new places, be conscious of your surroundings. Keep your PIN private and cover the keypad while entering it. If you’re traveling somewhere popular, keep watch for shady street vendors or potential pickpockets. It’s best to store money and personal identification in a secure place on your person.