Five Easy Ways to Manage Money While You Travel

Whether you're traveling abroad or taking a weekend getaway, use these tips to manage your money safely and easily.

Update your travel plans

Before you leave for your trip, be sure to complete the Travel Plans form in Web Branch. The form asks you to list the start and end date of your trip, the states or countries where you'll be traveling and if you can be reached by phone or email. Filling out this form will help us determine legitimate credit and debit transactions while you're traveling. Visa® credit and debit cards can both be used internationally, wherever Visa cards are accepted. 

Bring multiple travel-ready cards

When traveling, it's important to have at least two cards, one debit card and one credit card, in case one gets lost or stolen. When getting cash, keep in mind that the ATM owner may assess a fee. Visa may also assess a fee for international transactions processed through their network. UW Credit Union does not impose any additional fees.

In addition, keep customer service phone numbers handy to address any issues that may arise.

Download our mobile app

No matter where you go, take your accounts with you on our mobile app. While traveling, you can manage your money on any device. In addition, to make traveling easier, the app includes a surcharge-free ATM locator using your GPS location. Download our mobile app. 

Get foreign currency

If traveling to a foreign country, make sure you get at least $100 in the local currency ahead of time, to cover any expenses that arise upon arrival, so you don’t have to stress about immediately making it to a currency exchange. This money will be useful for food, taxis or tips. UW Credit Union no longer offers foreign currency, but an internet search for “foreign currency exchange near me” will provide numerous options.   

Prepare your accounts

If you access Web Branch outside the U.S., you may encounter additional security steps designed to protect your account. We recommend you add at least one of these authentication methods before traveling to a foreign country:

• Install the Google Authenticator app
• Print a personalized VerifyU Key.

In addition, ensure all your contact information is up to date in Web Branch to be prepared in case the card issuer needs to verify any transactions that take place.

Lastly, set up Email & Text Alerts to get balance alerts or other information quickly.