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Protecting Your Finances While Traveling

Whether you’re heading across the globe or just out of town, follow these expert tips from MIT Federal Credit Union to keep your money and information safe while you travel.

Carry Only What You Need

• Leave your Social Security card, passport, and birth certificate at home unless absolutely necessary.

• Only bring the credit and debit cards you plan to use. Consider using a mobile wallet for added security, but have a backup card in case your digital payment method isn’t accepted.

Use Card Control Features

• With financial fraud and identity theft on the rise, it’s only natural to worry if it will ever happen to you or your loved ones. Thankfully, it’s now possible to protect yourself from fraud while strategically managing your family finances, using a brand new feature in the MIT FCU mobile app called Card Control.

• The MIT FCU mobile app lets you lock and unlock your debit card instantly if it’s lost or stolen.

• Set transaction controls by category or location, and receive real-time alerts for every card use—so you’ll know immediately if there’s unauthorized activity.

Monitor Your Accounts and Credit

• Check your balances and transaction history regularly using MIT FCU’s mobile or online banking.

• Take advantage of daily credit score access and credit report monitoring to spot fraudulent activity early.

Protect Your Mobile Devices

• Use strong PINs with letters, numbers, and special characters.

• Enable encryption and install anti-virus software.

• Set your device to lock automatically after a short period of inactivity.

Prepare for Emergencies

• Make a list of your cards and emergency contact numbers, and keep it separate from your wallet. This will help you act quickly if your cards are lost or stolen.

• Know how to reach MIT FCU to report lost or stolen cards, and familiarize yourself with how to use the mobile app’s card control features before you leave.

Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

• Avoid accessing sensitive financial information over public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN if you need to log in to your accounts while traveling.

Regularly Review Your Credit Report

• Take advantage of free annual credit reports to check for unfamiliar accounts or activity, especially after returning from travel.

Travel with peace of mind by using MIT FCU’s security features and following these best practices. Your financial security is just as important as your travel itinerary, so you can enjoy your adventures knowing your money is protected!

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