Travel Planning Tips

Before You Go

Make reservations using a credit or debit card. Document any confirmation and cancellation numbers.
Contact CEFCU for information on purchasing foreign currency.
Visit the U.S. Department of State website for updates on security issues in the areas you plan to visit.
Purchase a security pouch to carry your cards, cash, and valuables. Wear it tucked under your clothing.
Contact CEFCU before you travel to make us aware of trip locations and dates.
Find and verify your passport is up-to-date.
- Apply for or renew a passport at least three months in advance. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for details.
- Take a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate location from your passport. Leave a copy with someone who can fax it to you in case you lose your passport.
Make a copy of everything in your wallet and any contact numbers for those items. Pack the copies securely and separately.
Contact CEFCU at least three weeks before your trip if you need to replace debit or credit cards.
Take several forms of payment—including credit card, debit card, cash, or prepaid gift card—and keep them separate.
Put a travel alert on debit and credit cards before you leave.

Use your CEFCU Debit Card to access CEFCU accounts at 30,000 surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs throughout the United States.
Be aware of currency conversion fees for ATMs and debit/credit card purchases, as well as fees from your financial institution at foreign ATMs because they are not owned by your financial institution.
Keep all receipts and verify them against your statements/eStatements.
Check merchant purchase requirements before using a credit or debit card.
Carry only small amounts of cash or the cards you will need. Lock extra cash and cards, plus your passport, in the hotel safe.
Take precautions at ATMs and protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN) during any transaction.
Carry a wallet in a front pocket and a purse cross-body style to make them harder to steal.
Be sure any Wi-Fi you use is secure.

Monitor account history online and with statements/eStatements to ensure no unauthorized activity appears.
Contact CEFCU if you find any irregular or suspicious activity on your account.