Summer is here, and it’s time to hit the road or take to the skies. Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe, road-tripping with friends or soaking up sun at the local beach, you don’t want to bring home a financial headache. Don’t forget to keep your finances safe while traveling!

Travel can expose you to a host of financial risks, including stolen credit cards, hacked accounts, shady ATMs and travel scams. However, with a little awareness and preparation, you can keep your finances as secure as your passport

Here are 10 tips for keeping your finances safe this summer while traveling:

1.  Notify your credit union Before you hop on a plane or cross state lines, let Directions know! You can notify us through our app, give us a call at 888.508.2228 or email us at [email protected]. This helps Directions avoid flagging or freezing your card for suspicious activity while you’re traveling.

2.  Use credit over debit Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards, and they don’t give scammers direct access to your checking account. If your credit card is compromised, you can always dispute the charges, but if your debit card is hacked, the money is gone until your financial institution investigates.

*Pro tip: Carry more than one card in separate places, just in case one gets lost or compromised.

3.  Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions That free airport or café Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it’s also a hotspot for hackers. Never access checking accounts, make purchases or enter personal data over unsecured public networks. If you must connect to one, use a VPN to encrypt your data.

4.  Beware of skimming devices When using an ATM, stick to machines inside financial institutions or well-lit, secure areas. Wiggle the card reader — if it feels loose or bulky, walk away. It’s also a good idea to cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN.

5.  Don’t post travel plans publicly It might be tempting to share your every move on social media, but announcing that you’re on vacation tells potential thieves that your house is empty — and that you’re distracted. Save the photo dumps for after you get home.

6.  Carry a mix of payment methods It’s best to bring a combination of cash, credit and debit cards with you on vacation, especially when traveling internationally. Some places may not accept cards, and others may not take cash. Keep a small stash of emergency cash separate from your wallet in case it’s lost or stolen.

7.  Set up transaction alerts Most financial institutions and credit card companies allow you to set and receive real-time transaction alerts via text or mobile app. This way, you’ll know immediately if there’s any suspicious activity on your account. To learn more about transaction alerts with Directions, visit: Directions CU Card Controls – Directions Credit Union

8.  Limit what you carry Leave unnecessary cards, checkbooks and documents at home. Carry only what you need: one or two credit cards, photo ID and insurance info. Keep photocopies or digital backups of these items stored securely, preferably in secure, password-protected cloud storage.

9.  Be cautious with currency exchange Avoid airport kiosks or hotel front desks for currency exchange as they tend to have poor rates and high fees. Instead, withdraw local currency from a bank-affiliated ATM or exchange money at a reputable financial institution in your destination country.

10.  Monitor accounts Don’t let your guard down, even after you return home. Monitor your accounts regularly for any unauthorized transactions. Sometimes, fraud doesn’t happen immediately; instead, criminals wait several weeks before using your stolen information.

Safe travels!