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Travel Smart with Your Debit Card

Here are 5 important tips to keep in mind when traveling with a debit card.

Tell Your Bank You’re Traveling

By clicking a few buttons in Card Central, you can tell us where you’re going, when you’re leaving, and when you’ll be back. This helps us look for possible fraudulent transactions and allows you to use your debit card, no matter where you are in the world. Just click ‘Cards’ at the bottom of our mobile banking app, find the card you’re looking for, scroll down to Manage Card and click ‘Manage Travel Plans,’ to get started. Click ‘Add Travel Plan’ and follow the prompts to add your travel to your debit card for seamless use while on the go.

Set Up Real-Time Account Alerts

You can set up real-time account alerts in Card Central to let you know where money was spent and how much. This helps you detect fraud if it occurs. Card Central also allows you to track how much you are spending so you can keep your trip on budget. To get started, click ‘Cards’ at the bottom of the mobile banking app, find the card you want to put controls and alerts on, scroll down to Manage Card and click ‘Controls & Alerts.’ Click through the different control and alert options to set up real time notifications that fit your lifestyle.

Only Use Secure ATMs

Only withdraw cash from ATMs in safe, well-lit areas – preferably inside or near a bank. Be careful using ATMs in convenience stores or tourist areas, as these are often targets for skimming devices that can steal your debit card information. If you don’t want to use your physical card, Card Central allows you to store and access your card’s credentials without needing your physical card. You can easily access your card in your mobile wallet, allowing you to withdraw cash without using a physical card. This offers you an extra layer of security, so you can avoid skimming and scams while you’re on the go.

First State is also a member of the MoneyPass ATM network, which gives you the benefit of accessing cash from ATMs nationwide without paying surcharge fees. To find the nearest MoneyPass ATM wherever you go, just visit MoneyPass.com and search your location.

Check Your Bank Account Often

While traveling, you should check your bank account often to ensure that no fraudulent transactions have occurred that you did not authorize. You can also manage your card in Card Central, where you can turn your card on and off with a few clicks if you suspect fraud or misplace your card. Just click ‘Cards,’ find the card you’re looking to turn on or off and click the on off switch under the card to adjust.

You can also set spending limits based on location, amount, merchant type, and transaction type for each individual card on your account. These spending limits add an extra layer of security to ensure that your card can’t be used above a certain amount without your authorization in Card Central, allowing you to watch for and catch fraudulent transactions. To get started, click ‘Cards’ at the bottom of the mobile banking app, find the card you want to put controls and alerts on, scroll down to Manage Card and click ‘Controls & Alerts.’ Click through the different control options to set limits that fit your lifestyle.

Keep Your Bank’s Contact Information Handy

You can access First State’s contact information within our mobile banking app in case you need assistance during your trip. Card Central also has a two-way fraud alert system, so no matter what happens, we’ll help you keep your finances safe and secure.

Have questions about Card Central? Click here for more information about the services that Card Central offers, or visit your local First State branch for assistance. No matter where you go or what you’re doing, First State can give you peace of mind during your next adventure.