Fraud Takes No Vacation

Summer travel is upon us, and there’s a lot to get done before you’re in vacation mode. Preparing to be away from work, making sure pets are taken care of, and the never-ending packing lists are on your mind. As you get ready to leave town, don’t forget to consider your finances. 

According to NerdWallet’s 2026 Summer Travel Report, 84 percent of those surveyed said they plan to use a credit card to pay for vacations this year. With travel volume expected to reach record highs this year, staying alert is key to avoiding financial headaches while away from home. 

Summer travel should be about fun and relaxation, not worrying about card declines or security breaches. If you take a little time before your trip to get your accounts ready and learn how to avoid possible risks, you can travel with confidence knowing your finances are safe.

Here are some tips customers should take into consideration to protect their finances and make the most of their vacation. 

It Starts with Preparation

You have been dreaming of this vacation for months, but there are a few scenarios you may not have considered. Imagine you have just finished a wonderful dinner on the first night at your resort when the waiter returns to the table with bad news: Your card has been declined. Or you’re exhausted after a long day at a theme park with your kids and trying to get out of the gift shop as quickly as possible; a declined card is the last thing you want to deal with.  

Card interruptions often occur due to unexpected out-of-state or international activity. One of the easiest things you can do is notify your credit-card company or bank that you will be traveling, especially if you’re leaving the country. A call before your trip ensures the bank knows to expect transactions from your destination, making it less likely to freeze your card for suspected fraud. If using a credit card while traveling abroad, be sure you’re familiar with any foreign transaction fees you might incur. 

Leverage Digital Tools for Security

When used appropriately, your smartphone and other technology can help safeguard your finances while you’re traveling. 

You may consider using digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, which offer stronger encryption protection than physical cards. A digital wallet is a simple, fast and secure way to pay with a compatible device. Users still get all the benefits of using their card, along with enhanced protection that comes from unique virtual numbers for each transaction. Another helpful tool: Using the tap-to-pay feature at gas stations to reduce the risk of card skimming at the pump. 

Make sure your banking and credit card apps are up to date and accessible on your mobile device, and always avoid using unsecured public networks for financial transactions.

Monitor Accounts

We all know it is important to always monitor our accounts, but it is even more imperative that you are aware of your account activity while traveling. Monitor all your accounts regularly during your vacation, including those you are not actively using. There are many ways to make this manageable, even while on the go.

• Enable push notifications for your accounts. Set up real-time alerts for all transactions to catch unauthorized activity the moment it happens.

• Know how to “lock” your card. If a card goes missing, know how to instantly “lock” it to prevent unauthorized use. If you just misplaced your card and later find it, you can also unlock it in the app to start using it again immediately.

• Report fraud immediately. If you experience fraud while on vacation, contact your credit card company or bank as soon as possible to report the fraudulent charges. Be sure you have your bank and credit card companies’ contact information saved in your phone for easy access. You may also want to report any scams or instances of fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. 

Ultimately, taking these proactive steps requires minimal effort but offers invaluable peace of mind. By securing your financial accounts, leveraging digital tools, and staying vigilant, you can better protect your money.

PUBLISHED JUNE 2026