Summer is right around the corner, and for many of our valued customers, that means it’s time to hit the road, take to the skies, or sail into adventure. Whether you’re headed across the state or across the globe, your team at Midwest Bank wants you to enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, especially when it comes to protecting your finances.
Fraudsters love to take advantage of distracted travelers, but with a little preparation, you can stay one step ahead. Here are seven essential travel safety tips to help keep your accounts safe while you relax and explore:
Let Us Know Before You Go
Before leaving town, use our mobile app or give us a quick call to set a travel notice. This helps us recognize when foreign or out-of-state charges are legitimate and prevents your card from being accidentally flagged—or worse, frozen—mid-trip.
Use a Digital Wallet
Using mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay adds an extra layer of security. These platforms use tokenization, which means your actual card number is never shared with merchants, reducing the risk of fraud if your phone is lost or compromised.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking
Free airport and hotel Wi-Fi can be convenient, but they’re not secure. Avoid logging into your mobile banking app or making purchases on open networks. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or switch to your cellular data for sensitive tasks.
Enjoy the self-service features of our mobile banking app, giving you the control to set travel notices and alerts, turn your card on and off, and more. Making it easy to prepare for vacation and keep your accounts safe.
Monitor Your Accounts Daily
Check your accounts frequently through our mobile banking app. If you spot any suspicious activity, report it immediately—we’re here 24/7 to help.
Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Bring a list of important phone numbers with you, including our Lost/Stolen Card line and your travel insurance provider (if applicable). Store a copy in your luggage and a digital copy in your secure email or cloud account.
Don’t Post Your Location in Real-Time
We get it—your vacation photos are Instagram gold! But oversharing while you’re away can alert criminals that your home is empty. Save the highlights for when you’re safely back home.
Carry a Backup Payment Option
Always bring a backup credit or debit card in case one is lost, stolen, or declined. Keep it in a separate, secure place from your primary wallet.
Bonus Tip: Enable Transaction Alerts
With our mobile app, you can enable real-time transaction alerts by text or email. This allows you to instantly spot any unusual charges while you’re on the move.
At Midwest Bank, your financial well-being is our top priority—no matter where your travels take you. If you have any questions before your trip, stop by your local branch or give us a call. We’re happy to help you get ready for a safe, stress-free vacation.
Safe travels and happy adventures!