Smart Travel Tips to Save & Stay Secure

Whether you’re jetting off to paradise or road-tripping to a nearby gem, planning a vacation should be exciting—not stressful. At Jordan Credit Union, we’re all about helping you enjoy every moment of your trip while keeping your money safe, secure, and working for you.

So before you pack your bags and hit the road, check out these smart travel tips that can save you time, stress, and maybe even a few bucks along the way.

1. Pack Multiple Cards (and Mix It Up)

Don’t rely on just one card while traveling! Bring both a debit card and a credit card, ideally from different banks. That way, if one card is lost, stolen, or flagged for suspicious activity, you’ve got a backup ready to go.

Bonus Tip:

Some credit cards also offer fraud protection and travel benefits that debit cards don’t—making them ideal for big-ticket purchases on the go.

2. Book Rental Cars with a Credit Card

Planning to rent a car? Always use a credit card to book it. Why? Most credit cards include built-in rental car insurance coverage—saving you from having to buy it at the counter.

3. Use Reward Points to Offset Costs

Before swiping your card for that hotel or flight, check your credit card or checking account rewards. You may be able to redeem points or cash back to cover travel expenses. That’s free money, and we say yes please to that!

4. Check Your Accounts Daily (But Securely!)

It’s a good habit to monitor your accounts while traveling—but do it safely. Avoid public Wi-Fi when logging into your banking app or making purchases online. Use a secure network or mobile data for financial activities.

5. Notify Your Credit Union Before You Travel

Let us (or your card issuer) know about your travel plans. This can help prevent your cards from being flagged or frozen due to unusual activity. And don’t forget to use Card Controls to manage and monitor your card activity in real-time for extra peace of mind.

6. Keep an Emergency Fund Handy

Unexpected expenses can pop up anywhere—missed connections, medical issues, or spontaneous must-do excursions. Have a little emergency stash ready (cash or easily accessible savings) so you’re covered when surprises come knocking.

7. Find a CO-OP Branch on the Go

Traveling across the U.S.? You’re still covered! Use the CO-OP Shared Branching Network to access your money at thousands of credit union branches nationwide. It’s like bringing Jordan Credit Union with you, wherever you go.

8. Keep the Pics Private—For Now

As tempting as it is to post vacation selfies in real-time, wait until you’re home to share. Broadcasting your absence online can make your home a target for theft. Snap away—but post later!

Plan Ahead, Travel Easy

At Jordan Credit Union, we want you to enjoy every second of your well-earned break—without worrying about your wallet. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, your vacation can be both memorable and money-wise.

Bon voyage, happy budgeting, and don’t forget to send us a postcard (once you’re back)! 🧳✨