Travel tips: How to protect your cash, cards, and accounts

Nothing puts a damper on a trip like losing access to your wallet or phone. Scrambling to replace a card mid-trip can turn any vacation into a massive headache.

A little planning can help you travel with confidence. Here’s how to protect your cards and accounts, monitor activity, and be financially prepared for the unexpected while you’re away.

Protect your cards and accounts before you travel

Before you leave, take a few simple steps to reduce risk and keep access to your money. These steps won’t prevent every issue, but they can significantly reduce damage if something does happen.

1. Minimize what you carry

• Bring only the credit card you expect to use plus an extra just in case; leave the extras at home.
• Avoid carrying your Social Security card or documents with sensitive personal information (except when legally required).
• Once you arrive, keep cards and cash divided between your wallet, luggage, and hotel safe if possible.

2. Make sure contact info is up to date

• Confirm your credit union has your current phone number and email address.
• Enable alerts for card transactions so you can spot unusual activity quickly. (You can do this through Elevations Digital Banking.)

3. Know how to lock things down

Make sure you know how to temporarily disable your debit or credit card through digital banking or by phone.

Save important numbers, like your credit union’s main line and their card services, in your phone and somewhere offline.

Monitor transactions while you’re on the road

Travel naturally increases activity on your accounts, which makes monitoring even more important.

How to monitor effectively:

• Turn on real‑time transaction alerts for purchases and withdrawals.
• Check your accounts briefly each day instead of waiting until you return home.
• Pay attention to small “test” charges—fraud often starts with low‑dollar activity.

What to do if something looks off:

• Report suspicious charges as soon as you spot them.
• Lock the affected card immediately if possible.
• Keep receipts or confirmations for major purchases in case you need them later.

Catching fraud early can dramatically limit stress and potential losses.

Avoid common fraud risks while traveling

Travel introduces new environments and new risks. A couple of simple precautions can protect your money and offer peace of mind.

Be cautious with public Wi‑Fi

• Avoid logging into financial accounts on public networks.
• If you must connect, use your mobile network or a trusted VPN.
• Log out fully and avoid saving passwords on shared devices.

Choose payment methods intentionally

• Lean on credit over debit: Fraudulent charges on a credit card are usually resolved before funds leave your account.
• Use reputable ATMs, ideally attached to financial institutions.
• Be cautious with card readers or payment terminals that look damaged or unfamiliar.

(Wisely) keep an emergency fund accessible

An emergency fund is especially important when you’re away from home. By preparing this fund, you can lower your stress during time-sensitive situations, like paying for a hotel after your wallet is stolen. 

Keep this account digitally accessible, potentially spread across accounts or cards. (Don’t carry large amounts of cash.)

Aim for enough to cover: 

• Lodging or transportation if plans change
• Food and essentials for several days
• Unexpected repairs or fees

For many travelers, this can mean setting aside a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars specifically for trips, depending on length and destination.

What to do if your wallet, phone, or card is lost or stolen

In one of these situations, having a plan and acting on it quickly can reduce panic and help protect your finances.

If a card is lost or stolen:

• Lock the card immediately through digital banking or by calling your credit union.
• Review recent transactions and report any unauthorized charges.
• Request a replacement card as soon as possible.

If your phone is lost:

• Use “find my device” tools or remote lock features if available.
• Change passwords for financial apps and email accounts.
• Notify your credit union if the phone has digital banking access.

Support that travels with you

In the case of a breakdown, delay, or card issue, built-in support for your everyday accounts can mean one less thing to worry about on the road.

Peak Perks Checking includes everyday support designed for life on the road, such as:

• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Fuel savings
• Travel and leisure discounts

The Elevations Visa® Signature Travel Rewards credit card offers:

• Travel‑related protections, including travel accident insurance and travel and emergency assistance services
• No foreign transaction fees
• 3x travel points on travel purchases

If you need any assistance with your Elevations accounts while you’re away, contact us right away.