Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, a road trip through the mountains, a visit with out-of-town family, or any other type of vacation, everyone knows that summertime is prime travel season. And while sunscreen and sneakers are travel must-haves, financial prep before you leave is a travel must-do. A little planning before you leave home can protect your money, reduce stress, and help you enjoy your trip with confidence.
Here at Community Bank, we’re all about helping you travel smarter and safer. Before you hit the road, here’s your go-to travel money checklist, packed with tips to keep your budget on track and your finances secure.
Table of Contents
1. Set Your Travel Budget Ahead of Time
Start with a clear, realistic travel budget. Factor in transportation, lodging, meals, activities, souvenirs, and a little wiggle room for surprises. This can prevent overspending and help reduce post-trip financial regret.
Quick Tip: Break your budget down by category: daily spending, one-time costs, emergency funds, etc. Then set a daily limit to help stay on track while you’re away.
Community Bank Tip: Use our CB2GO app to categorize expenses and monitor your spending in real time.
2. Use Travel-Friendly Payment Methods
Cash can be helpful for small purchases, but it’s safer to rely on debit or credit cards for most transactions. Not only are cards easier to replace if lost or stolen, they also offer added protections against fraud.
Quick Tips for Using Your Card During Travel:
- Bring more than one card. If one is compromised or declined, you’ll have a backup.
- Choose cards with no foreign transaction fees if you’re traveling internationally.
- Set card usage limits or alerts in advance for added control.
Community Bank Tip: Make sure your debit card is travel-ready by updating your card settings in the Community Bank app before you go.
3. Set Travel Alerts on Your Accounts
Before you travel, especially across state lines or abroad, let your bank know. Otherwise, unfamiliar activity could trigger fraud alerts or temporary holds on your account.
How-To Set Up Travel Alerts: Call your local office or 1-866-217-3305 to let our team know of your plans and to verify your contact info. This small step can make a big difference in preventing payment interruptions and financial headaches while you’re away.
Why This Matters:
To protect our customers’ accounts from fraudulent activity, we block all foreign transactions outside the USA, and occasionally some states within the US, until you give us a heads-up. By notifying us, we lift any applicable block on your card to avoid the inconvenience of rejected transactions.
4. Use Our Digital Banking Platform to Stay Connected to Your Funds
CB2GO, Community Bank’s secure digital banking platform, lets you stay on top of your finances from anywhere. Check balances, monitor transactions, transfer funds, and even deposit checks, no matter where your summer takes you. With our new CB2GO experience, you can manage your money with ease – anytime, anywhere.
Download the app today:
- Android: Get CB2GO on Google Play
- iOS: Download CB2GO on the App Store
5. Be Aware of Public Wi-Fi Risks
While it’s tempting to log in at the airport or hotel, public Wi-Fi networks can leave you vulnerable to fraud. Avoid accessing financial accounts or entering payment info on unsecured networks.
Quick Tip: If you need to access your financial information in public, use your phone’s data or a secure VPN when logging into digital banking or making purchases.
Community Bank Tip: Community Bank will never ask for personal details or passwords by email, phone, or text. If you receive a suspicious message after logging in on public wifi (or anytime!), contact us directly.
6. Know What to Do in Case of Fraud or Lost Cards
Even with the best preparation, things can go sideways. Before you travel, make a list of contact numbers and account details in case you need to report a lost or stolen card, transfer emergency funds, or remedy any other financial snafu.
Quick Tip: Save the Community Bank support number in your phone (1-866-217-3305). You can also use our CB2GO mobile app to freeze your card or report issues right away.
7. Plan for Currency Exchange If Traveling Abroad
If your summer plans include international travel, don’t wait until you’re at the airport to think about currency. Exchange rates can vary widely, and some services charge high fees.
Quick Tips Before You Leave:
- Exchange a small amount of cash before you leave.
- Use your debit card for ATM withdrawals at your destination (just check for international fees).
- Avoid currency exchange kiosks in tourist-heavy areas. They often have the worst rates.
Travel Confidently With Community Bank
A little financial prep goes a long way, especially when you’re far from home. Whether you’re taking a quick weekend escape or an extended summer trip, Community Bank has the tools to help you manage your money securely and stress-free.
Final Tips Before You Go:
- Set up mobile alerts, both text alerts and push notifications from your CB2GO app.
- Check your digital banking access.
- Review your card limits and backup payment options.
- Make sure to have some cash on hand.
- Install a VPN, just in case.
- Let our team know your travel plans.
Your next adventure should be memorable for all the fun experiences you had, not because of financial surprises. If you need help planning ahead, our team is just a call, click, or visit away.
Explore more travel and budgeting tips on the Community Hub.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Interest rates, terms, and conditions mentioned are illustrative and do not reflect actual rates offered by Community Bank. For detailed information and personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult with a financial advisor.
