Spring break is just around the corner. Are you planning a big trip this year? Whether you’re leaving the country or the state or staying close to home, it’s important to keep your money safe and secure while you’re away from home. Here are a few precautions you can take to secure your cash, your checking account, and your credit cards while on spring break.
Keeping Cash Safe on Spring Break
While many people rely on credit cards and virtual wallets these days, having some cash on hand during vacation can be helpful. Cash works well for tips, quick purchases, emergencies, and is still the preferred payment method in certain countries and parts of the United States.
If you’re planning on taking cash with you on your vacation, don’t carry all of it with you when you are out and about. Instead, only carry the cash you intend to use that day, plus a little more for emergencies. Stash the rest in the safe in your room or divide it among several personal items, such as your luggage, a shoe, and your toiletry bag. By separating out your cash, you are less likely to lose all of your money in the event of a theft.
Intend to visit a country where pickpocketing is a problem? Consider stashing your cash in your shoe, an anti-theft bag, or a money belt. A dummy wallet is a smart option, too. Take an old wallet and add a few small bills, expired credit cards, old gift cards, or fake credit cards that you may have received in the mail. In the event you are mugged, you can hand over the dummy wallet and keep your cash (and your cards) safe and secure.
Securing Your Checking Account on Vacation
If you are planning a big trip outside of Minnesota, we recommend that you give us a call to let us know. That way, we can keep an eye on any suspicious debit card purchases attached to your checking account.
Before you leave, snap a picture of the front and back of your debit card. That way, if it’s lost or stolen, you can still access your money. You can also call the number on the back to put a freeze on the card. If you intend to use your debit card to withdraw money from an ATM, be cautious about which machines you use. Try to stick to ATMs inside banks, as ATMs near tourist sites may have skimmers installed on them that will steal your banking information.
Protecting Your Credit Card on Spring Break
When you use your Lake Region Bank credit cards on vacation (or any other time), you are never responsible for fraudulent purchases if your card is lost or stolen. That’s why they are a great choice for funding your spring break spending, especially if you plan to make larger purchases. As with your debit card, take a picture of the back and front of your credit cards so you have access to the fraud prevention phone number if your card is lost or stolen.
We hope you’re looking forward to your spring break getaway! Protecting your money and your bank accounts doesn’t have to be stressful. Get in touch with our personal banking team today to protect your money.
