Purdue Federal Credit Union Shares Tips for Safer Summer Travel
- By: Claire Kenney
- Last Updated: June 5, 2026
With summer travel season in full swing, many people are preparing for trips near and far. While travel is exciting, a little financial preparation can go a long way in helping you avoid disruptions like fraud or declined transactions—so you can focus on enjoying your plans.
Before you leave, make sure you have more than one way to pay. Bringing both a credit card and a debit card provides flexibility and fraud protection while traveling. Credit cards are especially helpful for larger purchases; earning rewards; and avoiding foreign transaction fees, if you have a qualifying card like Purdue Federal’s Visa Signature Credit Card. Debit cards are useful for everyday spending and ATM access. It’s also smart to store cards in separate places so you have a backup if one is lost or stolen.
While it may seem convenient, carrying cash isn’t always the safest option. If cash is lost or stolen, it generally cannot be recovered. Cards, on the other hand, include fraud-monitoring tools and liability protections that help safeguard your money.
One of the most important steps before traveling with your cards is submitting a travel notification. This lets your financial institution know where and when you’ll be traveling so your transactions are recognized as legitimate. It can also help prevent your card from being temporarily blocked due to unusual activity.
Purdue Federal Credit Union (Purdue Federal) members can easily submit travel notifications through digital banking.
While you’re logged in to submit a travel notification, it is a great time to make sure your mobile number and contact details are up-to-date. This allows you to receive real-time alerts about suspicious transactions and quickly verify purchases if needed—especially helpful when you’re on the go.
With today’s digital banking tools, you can monitor accounts, transfer funds, and submit a lost or stolen card notification in real time—no matter where you are. This added visibility helps you stay in control of your finances throughout your trip.
With a little preparation and the right financial tools, you can travel confidently and focus on making the most of your summer adventures. Learn more at purduefed.com.
