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PUTNAM --- With many Americans planning on traveling this summer, the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) and The Citizens National Bank want consumers to have the information they need before they hit the road so they can keep their money safe.
Bill Loving, ICBA chairman, said, “Planning ahead with your community bank, you will be able to create a plan on how to protect your money while traveling. Community bankers are relationship bankers who work together with their customers, so in the event something unfortunate does happen, they will be ready to lend a helping hand.”
Financial professionals agree that the safest and most convenient way to travel with your money is to take a small amount of cash with you. Another good idea is to carry a debit or credit card along for the trip. These cards are convenient while traveling because they are easy to carry, easy to use and often offer the lowest fees and the best exchange rates.
However, it is important that travelers still plan ahead. ICBA and The Citizens National Bank offers these tips to consumers about what they need to take care of before they take off: Let your community bank know when and where you will be traveling so that you will avoid any potential denials or fraud alerts when out-of-the-ordinary transactions are presented. This is crucial for international travel: find out what ATM or debit card fees you may be subject to around the country and abroad; make copies of all the cards you’ll be carrying. Take a copy with you and give a copy to someone you trust back home. Be sure to also include the customer service phone number; bring a list of emergency phone numbers. Be sure to get a number for your bank that you can call if you’re out of the country; many credit cards provide travel accident insurance and traveler’s assistance. Ask your community bank what special services are available through your card; check your available balances before you leave. Know the limits on how much cash you can withdraw or purchases you can make.
“It is important for you to be prepared for any event that happens whether your family is traveling near or far,” said David Conrad, president and CEO, The Citizens National Bank. “We at The Citizens National Bank are happy to help create a plan for you to protecting your money while you travel.”