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On The Road with Confidence: Credit Union of Georgia’s Holiday Travel Tips

The holidays are right around the corner, bringing festive gatherings, road trips, and maybe even a much-needed escape from the daily routine. But before you pack up and hit the road, it’s worth making sure your finances are just as ready for the trip as your suitcase.

Whether navigating busy airports or cruising down I-75, Credit Union of Georgia can help you stay organized, spend smart, and keep your financial information protected every step of the way.

Budgeting for Your Trip

Before packing your bags, it’s smart to pack a budget. Creating a travel budget helps you avoid post-holiday financial stress and keeps your spending on track. Start by estimating your total travel costs, including transportation, lodging, meals, entertainment, and gifts.

Set aside funds in a dedicated savings or checking account to separate travel spending from everyday expenses. Credit Union of Georgia offers easy-to-manage accounts and financial tools to help you track spending and set realistic goals before you go. Planning ahead means you can focus more on making memories with your loved ones and less on worrying about your finances.

Managing Your Finances on the Go

Even while you’re away, keeping an eye on your finances ensures your trip goes smoothly. Take full advantage of Credit Union of Georgia’s mobile banking app to check balances, transfer funds, and review transactions anytime, from anywhere.

Consider setting up account alerts for large purchases or low balances so you can stay informed and in control. If you know you’ll need extra flexibility, schedule automatic transfers or payments before your trip to avoid missing due dates or incurring late fees.

By managing your money in real time, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your finances are right at your fingertips, no matter where your travels take you.

Convenience of Digital Wallets

Digital wallets like Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay® and more offer a seamless and secure way to pay, even as traditional contactless cards become the norm. With a digital wallet, you don’t have to fumble with your wallet, pull out a card, or worry about leaving it behind. Your smartphone or smartwatch becomes your all-in-one payment tool Protected by built-in security features and ready whenever you are. Whether you forgot your wallet, want an extra layer of safety, or simply prefer a speedy checkout experience, digital wallets make everyday purchases easier, safer, and more convenient.

Digital wallets use advanced security features like tokenization and biometric authentication, protecting your card information from theft or skimming. Before you leave home, take a few minutes to add your CUGA debit or credit card to your digital wallet. It’s a secure and convenient way to make purchases during your holiday trips.

Card and Information Security

While traveling, it’s just as important to prioritize your financial safety as it is your physical safety.

NEVER share your card details or PINs, even if someone claims to be from your bank.

Use ATMs in well-lit, reputable locations and take a moment to check your surroundings as well as for skimming devices.

What are Skimming Devices?

Skimming devices are small, hidden card readers that criminals attach to ATMs or gas pumps to steal your card information. You can avoid them by looking for loose or mismatched card slots, bulky attachments over the keypad, or parts that seem out of place or wobbly. If something looks unusual, don’t use the machine, find another ATM, and report it to the bank or business immediately.

Keep cards in an RFID-blocking wallet to prevent unauthorized scanning.

What is RFID-Blocking?

RFID-blocking is a security feature built into wallets, bags, sleeves, and other accessories that prevents unauthorized devices from reading the information stored on RFID-enabled cards or key fobs.

It works by using special materials, often metal or protective fabrics, to block the radio waves that RFID scanners use. This helps to keep your credit cards, passports, and key fobs safe from electronic skimming or “digital pickpocketing.”

If your card is ever lost or stolen, Credit Union of Georgia’s card management tools make it easy to lock or freeze it instantly through online or mobile banking.

How can I lock my card on the Credit Union of Georgia mobile app?

Open the Credit Union of Georgia App and log in.
Navigate to the Card Controls Section.
Select the card you want to lock.
Tap Lock Card. This will temporarily disable the card for new transactions. (Recurring payments may still go through, so check your card’s specifics.)
Confirm the lock. The app should ask you to confirm that you want to freeze/lock the card.
Check Status. Once locked, you should see a “locked” status icon or message in the app.

Before heading out, let us know your travel plans to help prevent your card from being flagged for unusual activity.

Smart, Secure, and Safe Storage

Keeping your digital information and physical cards safe is just as important as watching your luggage.

Avoid storing passwords in your phone’s notes app or writing them down on paper.

Use a secure password manager to store and autofill your logins safely.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your online banking and payment apps for added protection.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) Verification is an authentication method that requires two or more verification factors to access an online account or a VPN. The security verification is a combination of three factors:

Credentials: Your username and password.
Authenticator apps: Verification codes sent to email accounts, smartphones, security tokens, or other authenticator apps.
Biometric Identifiers: These include facial patterns, fingerprints, and iris scans.

MFA combines credentials, such as your password, with physical items, such as a mobile phone or smart card. The password and username that you use to log into your bank account will be required as usual. However, with MFA, you must also provide a second form of identification. This could be a unique code sent to your mobile phone, a fingerprint scan, or a smart card.

Keep cards you don’t plan to use in a hotel safe or travel money belt rather than carrying them all at once.
Consider keeping encrypted digital copies of important travel documents like IDs and itineraries in case of emergencies.

Simple precautions can help protect your financial and personal information, giving you confidence every step of the way.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Even the best travel plans can hit a few bumps in the road. You may want to consider having a backup payment method, such as an extra debit or credit card, and a small amount of emergency cash kept in a separate location.

If you lose your card or notice suspicious activity, contact our Member Services team immediately for support.

Local Number: 678-486-1111

Toll Free: 1-800-262-2024

Enjoy the Journey

Holiday travel should be filled with joy, not financial stress. By managing your money wisely and using the tools and resources available through Credit Union of Georgia, you can travel safely and confidently this season.

Wherever your holiday adventures take you, Credit Union of Georgia is here to help you stay financially secure every step of the way.