Travel Tips & Card Security

When traveling, it is important to be aware of the ever-growing risks of debit/credit card fraud and identity theft. Only then can you protect yourself, and your accounts, from becoming a victim of fraud.

Use our pre-vacation/travel money checklist to help prepare for your next vacation:

1. Set up a Travel Plan Notice with us. This makes the bank aware of your travel dates and locations to ensure you avoid any disruption of service while you are away. The most secure way to set up a Travel Plan Notice is through Card Safe, our card management and account protection system. Card Safe is easily accessible through Embassy’s Mobile App or Online Banking.
   
   If you are not currently using these services, download the Embassy Bank Mobile App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Use the Sign Up option to register, or visit us at www.embassybank.com/Enroll. If you need any help, please contact us directly at 610-882-8800 so we may assist you.
2. Have a secondary payment method handy. It is a good idea to have more than one form of payment when you are away. This gives you options and flexibility, should there be an unforeseen challenge. Credit cards are a great secondary form, and Embassy's Excursion Visa Signature Credit Card offers a variety of perks and benefits for traveling that can enhance your away from home experience.
3. User Alerts. Ideally you should use alerts so that you are notified anytime, and every time, your card is used. By using Card Safe, you can set up notifications immediately upon authorization. If you didn’t authorize a transaction for which you received a notification, you can immediately inactivate the card and prevent further unauthorized use.
4. User Controls. By using Card Safe, you can control how your card can be used, or not used. You can limit use by location, merchant type, transaction type and even set up spending limits . These controls also allow you to turn your card on/off at your discretion for added security when traveling.
5. ATM usage overseas. While you won’t find an Embassy Bank ATM abroad, if you need to access cash in the local currency of the country you are in, use an ATM of a major bank and NOT an ATM from an independent provider. Look for the MasterCard logo or an ATM that displays the Accel network label.  Keep in mind the daily cash withdrawal limit (usually $500 US). If the currency conversion rate for the local currency is greater than $500 US, the transaction may get declined. Also make sure your PIN does not begin with a zero. Some ATM’s is foreign countries will not recognize a leading zero in the PIN
6. Stay alert.  Be on the lookout for skimming devices to protect your card at all times.
7. Avoid using Wi-Fi networks when accessing your account information. We recommend that you use your phone’s data plan, however, you should check with your wireless provider as carrier fees, data usage fees and web access fees may apply.
8. Plan ahead for bills. Make sure any bills that are due during your trip are paid ahead of time. This way you’ll have a more relaxing time on vacation knowing they are taken care of already. This is also a great opportunity to set up automatic bill payments.

Blocked Countries. With Canada being the exception, we block all countries. This means your debit card may not process certain transactions while visiting other countries. It is important to notify us when traveling outside of the United States so your card may be granted temporary access to overseas transactions for the duration of your travels. You can create a Travel Notice Plan by using our card management system, Card Safe or calling our office at 610-882-8800 during normal business hours. Please note we will not allow card access to any country on the Treasury Sanctioned Country (OFAC) List.

Resources
The following link provides practical tips from the US Department of Homeland Security and the US State Department that will help you take the steps necessary to increase your overall and cyber security while traveling.

• Traveler's Checklist