Digital banking on vacation: 6 features you need

Vacation is supposed to be relaxing. Worrying about a lost debit card, a suspicious transaction or a missed bill payment back home isn’t. 

Fortunately, digital banking services make it easier than ever to manage your finances while you’re away. Whether you’re traveling across the country or internationally, online and mobile banking tools can help you monitor account activity, respond quickly to potential fraud, and keep your trip running smoothly. 

Years ago, managing money while traveling often meant carrying extra cash, finding a branch location, or calling customer service from a hotel room. Today, digital banking platforms from primarily online banks and credit unions, digital-only banks and traditional brick-and-mortar banks or credit unions put many of those same tools in your pocket.  

Here are six digital banking features that can simplify travel, protect your accounts and make managing money on the go a little easier. 

The digital banking features that make travel easier and safer 

One (often-overlooked) travel safety tip is taking a few minutes to review your banking before you head to the airport. Set up these essential mobile banking tools before you leave and you’ll be able to manage your finances easily when you’re away.  

1. Card controls 

One of the easiest ways to protect your debit cards and credit card accounts before traveling is to set up card controls. 

With Empeople Digital Banking, you can: 

• Lock and unlock your card 
• Report a card as lost or stolen 
• Set limits by merchant type, dollar amount or location 
• Customize how your card can be used 

You can also set up real-time alerts for specific transactions like ATM withdrawals, in-store purchases, and online or phone orders. These will help you spot and respond to suspicious activity immediately. 

These card controls can be especially helpful if you simply misplace a card while traveling. Instead of immediately canceling it, you can temporarily lock the card while you search your luggage, hotel room or rental car. If the card turns out to be truly lost or stolen, you can take additional steps directly from the app. 

2. Travel notice 

There is one card control tool that is especially important on vacation: the travel notice. A travel alert or notice lets your bank or credit union know you’ll be traveling, so legitimate purchases are less likely to be flagged as suspicious. This gives you the peace of mind that you can shop safely while you’re on vacation. 

To set up a travel notice in Empeople’s app, simply go to the card controls, select the travel type (domestic or international) and add the start and end dates. 

3. Fraud alert 

Fraud alerts can help you identify suspicious activity quickly, no matter where you are. Sharing your mobile number as part of your Empeople account profile automatically enrolls you.  

Once enrolled, you’ll receive notifications about potentially fraudulent transactions through text messages or automated phone calls. These alerts can help you respond faster if someone attempts to use your account without authorization. 

If fraud is detected while you’re traveling, responding quickly can help minimize disruptions to your trip and reduce the risk of unauthorized transactions and scams. 

4. Bill Pay 

The last thing most people want to think about while sitting on a beach or exploring a new city is whether the electric bill is due. 

Setting up Bill Pay within your digital banking app allows you to make or schedule any upcoming payments before your trip and can help ensure important bills continue to get paid. Paying bills this way is one of the simple digital budgeting tools that can help you avoid late fees, stay financially on track and keep your attention focused on your vacation instead of your inbox. 

5. ATM Locator 

While digital banking services reduce the need to visit branches, access to cash can still be important when traveling. 

Some small businesses, transportation providers and local vendors may not accept cards. Knowing where to find a no-fee ATM can help you avoid unnecessary fees and keep more money in your travel budget. 

The Empeople ATM locator tool  inside your mobile app can help you find nearby traditional banking branches and participating surcharge-free ATMs wherever your travels take you.  

As an added benefit, Empeople does not charge a currency conversion fee when you use debit cards outside the United States. 

6. Zelle® 

Traveling with family or friends often means splitting expenses.  

Whether you’re covering dinner, paying for event tickets or sharing transportation costs, Zelle makes transferring money simple. Because Zelle is available directly within the Empeople Digital Banking app, you can send and receive money without downloading an additional payment app. 

This way, transferring funds electronically can be fast, convenient and secure. 

What if something goes wrong? 

Even carefully planned trips can come with unexpected surprises. 

One of the most valuable travel safety tips is to prepare for problems before they happen. 

If you’re traveling internationally, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you leave. This free program helps the U.S. government contact you in an emergency and provides important travel updates about your destination. 

It’s also smart to keep important contact information readily available, including customer service numbers for your financial institution, your credit card providers and the nearest embassy or consulate. If your phone is lost or damaged, you’ll still have access to critical resources. 

Many travelers also find it helpful to bring more than one payment method. Having both debit cards and a credit card available can provide flexibility if one card is temporarily unavailable. 

When you get home 

After your vacation, take a few minutes to review your accounts. 

Check recent transactions, confirm purchases look accurate and verify that no unauthorized activity occurred while you were away. If something doesn’t look right, contact Empeople as soon as possible. 

Reviewing your accounts can also help with budgeting. Looking back at travel-related purchases may help you understand where your money went and make it easier to plan for future trips. 

If you moved money out of a savings account before your vacation, now may be a good time to replenish those funds and revisit your financial goals. 

Whether you’re relaxing on a beach, exploring a new city or navigating an unexpected travel delay, digital banking can help you stay connected to your finances. A few minutes of preparation before your trip can help simplify travel, protect your accounts and give you one less thing to worry about while you’re away.  

Enroll in Empeople Digital Banking and download from the Apple Store or Google Play.