Cardholder Travel Information

SECU always takes extensive measures to minimize and prevent fraud. However, there are precautionary measures that cardholders should take, as well. Check out our travel checklist and tips!

Travel Checklist

Contact the Credit Union Before Leaving for Any Extended Travel
Keep your accounts accessible while traveling by setting up a Travel Notice with SECU! This online form allows you to provide us with advance notice of your travel details and indicate the debit and/or credit cards you plan on using while traveling. SECU monitors your account activity daily and may potentially decline a card transaction from an unusual location. Providing your travel details in advance may prevent your card from being declined if an unusual transaction occurs from a new location. To ensure your card(s) are available and ready to use while you travel, set up a Travel Notice now.

Set Up a Travel Notice Through Member Access Today »

---

Enroll in Member Access
Enroll in Member Access before you leave for a trip so you can send and receive encrypted messages through our online Message Center. We do not use email, which is not encrypted, to correspond with members who have account-related questions or issues.

---

Ask Your Credit Union About Potential Fraud Blocks in Other Countries
Contact us when you plan to travel internationally. This allows us to give you up-to-date information we have for that region and modify the fraud protection strategies used for your card to avoid impacting your trip.

Transactions in certain countries may also be limited by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). In these instances, the Credit Union will not be able to remove card restrictions. For example, your ability to use your cards in Cuba remains extremely limited due to the US trade embargo against Cuba, as well as the developing payment landscape in that country. While some aspects of the embargo have been lifted, many remain. It is important to note that there is a high likelihood your cards will not be accepted or function in this area. Furthermore, the Credit Union will not be able to bypass any restrictions to allow your card transactions. Anyone traveling to Cuba should be prepared for these limitations.

---

Test Your Card Before Leaving
It is important to make sure that your card is not damaged, you know the correct PIN, and the card is not going to expire while you are away. Test the card before trusting it with your trip.

---

Always Bring Alternative Payment Methods
Problems can always happen with debit and credit cards, ATMs and payment systems. It’s a good idea to be prepared and bring additional debit or credit cards along with some cash.

---

Keep Your Cards and Cash in Different Places
Luggage, briefcases, articles of clothing, purses and wallets can all be easily lost or stolen. It is a good idea to separate your cash from your payment cards and put your various payment cards in different places such as in your luggage, in your briefcase, or in a wallet or purse you carry separately. This way, if one of your cards is lost or stolen, you will still have access to funds when needed.

---

Have All Financial Information Readily Available
Upload your card to a digital wallet such as Apple Pay and get the additional security benefits at merchant locations that take mobile payments. Add 24/7 Member Services to your phone contacts (888-732-8562). If your card(s) are lost or stolen on your trip, you will be able to contact SECU to close your card(s) and prevent additional fraud.

---

Travel Tips

Be Aware of Pick-Pocketing
Protect your wallet and purse while sightseeing. Pick-pocketing is very common with international travel.

---

International Car Rentals
Where possible, stick with reputable companies. When booking online, read the terms and conditions of your rental agreement carefully before confirming your reservation. If you’re booking over the phone, ask questions regarding penalties and fees for late returns or no shows. Make sure you understand what charges you may be agreeing to. Verify state and local taxes, airport surcharges, gas, and drop off charges to prevent unexpected extras. Inspect the car with the rental car representative upon pickup. Make them document any dings, scratches, or other damage prior to leaving the rental site. Also confirm that the odometer reading and gas gauge are properly recorded on your contract. Take photos of the odometer, the gas gauge, and any damage upon pickup that may help dispute any unwarranted charges.

---

Explore an International Calling Plan
Most cell phone providers offer a temporary international calling plan that can be added to your existing plan. This option will allow you to place international calls at a much lower cost than if you try to place or receive a call without an international option.¹