Summer travel should be about making memories, not worrying about missing cards, suspicious charges, or account surprises. Whether you’re heading to the mainland, island-hopping, or taking a long-awaited vacation, a little financial prep can help keep your trip smooth and stress-free.

Before you pack your bags, here are seven smart ways to protect your money while traveling.

1. Turn on Account Alerts Before You Go
   Before your trip, make sure you’re set up to receive account and card alerts. Real-time notifications can help you spot unusual activity quickly, whether it’s a purchase you forgot about or one you definitely didn’t make.With UHFCU Online Banking and Mobile Banking, you can monitor your account activity, check balances, and stay connected while you’re away.
2. Use Card Controls for Extra Peace of Mind
   The UHFCU Card Control App makes it easier to monitor and manage your UHFCU debit and credit cards, whether you’re across town or across the ocean. Manage your location & travel settings, set spending limits, receive alerts, and quickly turn your cards off if it’s misplaced.
3. Pack More Than One Payment Option
   Even if you plan to use one main card, it’s smart to bring a backup. Cards can be lost, blocked, damaged, or declined for reasons outside your control.Consider carrying a mix of payment options, such as a debit card, credit card, and a small amount of cash. Just be sure not to keep everything in the same wallet or bag. If one item goes missing, you’ll still have another way to pay.
4. Add Your Card to Your Mobile Wallet
   A mobile wallet can be a convenient backup when you’re on the go. It allows you to pay using your phone or smartwatch at participating merchants, which can come in handy if your physical card is tucked away or temporarily misplaced.UHFCU members can add eligible debit and credit cards to Mobile Wallet for a faster, easier way to pay in stores, in apps, or online.
5. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
   Airport, hotel, and coffee shop Wi-Fi may be convenient, but public networks can also be risky. Avoid logging in to financial accounts, entering passwords, or making purchases on unsecured public Wi-Fi.When possible, use a secure connection or your cellular data when accessing financial information. And always make sure you’re using the official UHFCU website or app before entering your login information.
6. Watch Out for Travel ScamsScammers know people are busy and distracted while traveling. Be cautious of unexpected texts, calls, or emails claiming there’s a problem with your account, booking, delivery, or payment.A good rule of thumb: don’t click suspicious links or call numbers provided in unexpected messages. Instead, contact the company or financial institution directly using a trusted phone number or official website.
7. Know What to Do if Something Goes WrongIf your card is lost, stolen, or used without your permission, act quickly. Turn off your card if you have that option, review recent transactions, and contact your financial institution right away.Having important contact information saved before your trip can save time and stress if something happens. Bookmark UHFCU’s Contact Us page or save the appropriate lost/stolen card phone number before you leave.