Mobile Banking Tips for Travel
Banking Safely on the Go
It’s vacation season! This exciting time hits every summer, and every year we have the same question: Where are we going next? Whether our dreamcation is on a beach or in the mountains, one thing is consistent: We’ll need money to make it happen. Most tourist destinations are not cheap, with expenses like food, gas, lodging, souvenirs, day passes, and the like quickly adding up. With all those fun travel items on the agenda, we’ll need a convenient, safe way to fund our fun on the go.
Mobile Banking to the Rescue
Once upon a time, a traveler would have to carry cash or traveler’s checks for funding their excursions in exotic locales. Today, mobile banking safely mimics this experience, with greater protection for loss and fraud and minus the hassle of cash.
At Iowa State Bank, we offer free, secure, and easy-to-use electronic banking with full services for all customers. Our online banking portal allows you to:
• Access e-statements
• Set up account alerts
• View checks written
• Transfer funds between accounts
• Pay bills and set reminders
With any checking account through us, you also have access to a debit card. A debit card provides 24/7 access to funds while using EMV chip technology for added security. It’s safer than carrying cash, is easily replaced if lost or stolen, and it comes with a Digital Wallet that’s fully integrated with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay and FitBit Pay, including mobile and wearables.
With electronic banking, a debit card or Digital Wallet, and your web-enabled mobile device, you’re ready to bank anywhere you explore. With your funding ready, how do you ensure you’re safe and smart while traveling?
Mobile Banking Tips
There are numerous ways to guard your account (and your budget!) with mobile banking no matter where you are in the world.
Set up account alerts
Setting up account alerts is a great way to make sure you’re notified of anything suspicious on your account. This is not only great during the trip but after as well, to make sure the money you spent on your trip is all you left at your destination.
Notify your bank of travel plans
It can look suspicious (and fraudulent) if you live in Iowa and your account has suddenly spent $300 in Bali. It’s good practice to notify your bank of any travel plans in advance to avoid your charges being flagged or your account put on hold. Vigilance is the price of safety, and safety is now baked into electronic and mobile banking. Ask your bank for specific tips as well, and don’t be afraid to go the extra mile – there’s no such thing as being too protected.
Use secure internet connections and avoid public Wi-Fi
This can be trickier to do when traveling, but it’s worth it to make sure your important financial numbers aren’t floating around for anyone to grab. Use secure internet connections and avoid public Wi-Fi when traveling, especially abroad. You might have to do a little extra to ensure your smartphone or mobile payment device is connected to the internet, but peace of mind is worth the trouble. If desired, cash on hand is a classic backup option as well, with your Iowa State Bank account providing your 24/7 access to funds via ATMs.
Use strong passwords and keep your devices updated
It’s good practice to keep a strong password on all your devices regardless of financial motive, but for your bank account it’s doubly important. Keeping your devices, especially your smartphone, updated before traveling is also good practice.
Protect your phone or payment device
Take steps to ensure your phone or Digital Wallet doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. While many devices are password or fingerprint locked now, that doesn’t mean they’re safe from bad actors with patience and motivation. Similarly, your bank account should have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled.
Ask your bank for specific recommendations
Banks have a variety of clients and satisfy countless customer needs. You’ll find they have experience advising for many situations, and even for many countries. Some destinations are safer than others, with different travel advisories posted or known scams and hacks occurring in routine places. Working with your bank ahead of time can help guard your finances and give you the best footing for your travels.
Travel Confidently
A vacation should be FUN! With your mobile banking and finances in good working order, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the experience. When traveling, you shouldn’t have to worry about your accounts and your passwords. Preparation and wise planning can help mitigate the possible dangers and let you bank and travel with confidence.