Summer is coming, and many of us are eager to make the most of the warmer months with vacations, road trips, and time away with family and friends. As you plan your summer adventures, UKRFCU is here to help you stay financially prepared, safe, and stress-free.

Here are some important travel tips to make this summer your best yet.

1. Notify UKRFCU Before You Travel
Before you take off, let us know about your travel plans! Notifying UKRFCU in advance of your trip helps us monitor your accounts for unusual activity while avoiding the inconvenience of your debit or credit card being declined. You can easily submit your travel notice through Card management in UKRFCU Online Banking, Mobile Banking, or by calling our Member Services.

2. Enroll in Online and Mobile Banking
Stay connected to your finances wherever you go by enrolling in UKRFCU Online Banking and downloading our Mobile Banking app. Easily check balances, transfer funds, deposit checks, and manage your accounts from your smartphone or tablet — anytime, anywhere.

3. Take Advantage of UKRFCU Services
Planning a big trip? UKRFCU can help! From competitive-rate credit cards to savings accounts and travel planning tips, we have the tools you need to finance your fun responsibly. Visit your local branch or explore our financial products online.

4. Set a Vacation Budget — and Stick to It
Start by setting a realistic budget for your trip, factoring in transportation, lodging, meals, entertainment, and unexpected expenses. Keep track of your spending during your travels to stay on course. Sticking to a plan will help you avoid financial stress when you return home.

5. Use Credit and Debit Cards Wisely
Carrying large amounts of cash isn’t necessary — and it’s risky. Instead, rely on your UKRFCU debit and credit cards for secure purchases. Many cards offer built-in fraud protection, and using your card can also help you track your expenses easily. Make sure you know your daily spending limits before traveling. You can leave it at home or in the room safe and have your cards in your mobile wallets. Or send money to split the cost of a meal or the trip securely in minutes with Zelle®️.
If you lose or have your credit or debit card stolen or start seeing transactions that are not yours, use the UKRFCU Online Banking or Mobile App to manage your cards to easily turn them on/off, report them stolen or lost, and cancel them.

6. Protect Your Finances Online
Travel often means connecting to public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, or restaurants. Always be cautious when accessing your financial accounts or making purchases online while on public Wi-Fi. Use a secure, private network whenever possible, and enable two-factor authentication on your UKRFCU accounts for extra protection.

7. Plan for Emergency Access to Funds
Unexpected expenses can pop up during travel. Consider setting aside an emergency fund in your savings account before your trip. You may also want to carry a backup credit card or arrange for mobile payment options like Apple Pay®️ or Google Pay™️ to ensure you have flexibility if needed.

8. Review Travel Insurance Options
Whether you’re taking a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, travel insurance can offer peace of mind. Coverage options like trip cancellation, lost baggage, or medical emergencies can help protect you financially if the unexpected happens.

High Yield Savings Accounts are ideal if you want to earn a higher dividend than a standard savings account while maintaining easy access to your funds. For full terms and conditions, please click here.

9. Secure Important Documents
Keep copies of your passport, travel itinerary, hotel reservations, and emergency contacts in a secure but accessible place. Consider saving digital copies in a secure cloud service in case your physical documents are lost or stolen.

10. Watch Out for Travel Scams
Unfortunately, scammers often target travelers. Be wary of unsolicited emails, calls, or social media messages offering deals that seem “too good to be true.” Stick to reputable booking sites and trusted vendors when making reservations. Read these common travel scams provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Wherever your adventures take you, UKRFCU is here to support you every step of the way. Safe travels!