Travelling Soon? Here's how you can keep your cards safe

Key Takeaways

• 1. Paying with our cards has become the norm as economies go cash-free, so it is important to take precautions to keep your cards safe, especially when you’re on holiday.
• 2. Ensure that your contact details with your card issuer is updated so that they can reach out to you immediately in case of fraudulent activity.
• 3. Make use of your bank’s online mobile app so that you can access functions such as locking your card if you suspect that it’s stolen or missing.

With many countries around the world reopening their borders, many of us are starting to go abroad for vacations. When we’re overseas, bringing our cards have become the norm as economies go cash-free. Scanning our cards to pay is fast, streamlined, and convenient. However, such payment methods could raise security concerns.

For one, you could misplace your card – it happens to the best of us. Or, you could encounter a pickpocket, a card skimmer, or someone with an RFID reader who can seize your card details just by being in close proximity to you. When you’re in an unfamiliar place, such issues can seem even more inconvenient and daunting than usual, but there are steps you can take to have peace of mind when you’re on holiday.

1. Ensure that your contact details with your card issuer is updated

Before your trip, check that your information with your card issuer is current, so that they can reach out to you immediately in case of fraudulent activity.

Tip: Some banks, like Citibank Singapore, make it easy to update your contact details in a few clicks. For example, on the Citi Mobile^® App, simply click on "Profile and Settings", then your "Personal Information" to change your address, email or phone number.

2. Report your lost card

To prevent anyone else from using your lost card fraudulently, call your card issuing bank or log in to your bank’s mobile app immediately to file a report and have the card deactivated.

Tip: Prepare the necessary phone numbers (such as those of your card issuing bank or family members) beforehand, so that you will have an easier time should you lose your card, along with your other belongings. Consider saving the contact details in a shared document with your travel companions or place a hard copy in a safe place – this will also help if your card gets stolen along with your devices.

3. Lock your card temporarily

Deactivating a card completely can bring along some inconveniences. For example, you will no longer be able to use it to make purchases or withdraw cash, which may pose a problem if it is the main card you are using. You will also need to go through the card application process again.

Fortunately, some card providers today allow cardholders to lock their credit cards temporarily. For instance, mobile apps such as the Citi Mobile^® App have unique security features that enable customers to temporarily lock their credit cards – this gives you time to search for your credit card before reporting it as stolen or lost. You can also do a PIN reset for your card using the app.

To lock your card, click on “Manage” on your card on the Citi Mobile App. You may unlock your card just as easily when you need to.

4. Invest in a tamper-proof, RFID-blocking wallet

Besides pickpockets, there are also thieves who can steal digital credit card information via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) skimmers. When you’re travelling, consider using a wallet with RFID-blocking features so that you can stay safe against digital thieves as well.

5. Review your purchases every day

Even if you don’t have any suspicions that your card may have been compromised, it is a good idea to monitor your card activity – you wouldn’t want a rude shock if you indeed encounter a digital thief.

One easy way to do it is to enable alerts via your mobile app, so that you can be notified of transactions on your cards or accounts. The Citi Mobile® App, for example, can notify you instantly when money comes into your account or if transactions have been approved when you enable the Push Notification function.

Doing this will also help you keep to your budget; it can sometimes be easy to get carried away with swiping when on holiday!

6. Take steps to prevent yourself from being a victim of card fraud

While it is reassuring that there are many safety nets in place when it comes to keeping your cards safe while on holiday, prevention remains the best strategy. For example, do not leave your bags and wallets unattended (e.g. in overhead compartments of trains and coaches). You may consider storing important documents such as your passport and spare cards in your accommodation’s safe or a locked suitcase.

When you’re out and about (especially in crowded places), be wary of where you keep your wallet, and watch out for people who bump into you, as they may be trying to swipe your card with their RFID skimmers. Keep an eye on your card during the transaction, including when the service staff processes your purchase, and make sure that the card is returned to you after that.

Although traveling with cards can have some risks, the pros outweigh the cons! You can take precautions to secure your card, and minimise the inconvenience that comes along with stolen cards. Simply be prepared, be aware of your surroundings, and have a plan in place in case your cards are compromised. Then you’re all set to enjoy your trip! If you’d like to learn more about banking on the go with peace of mind, try the Citi Mobile^® App, so that you can bank securely, no matter where you are.

Learn other common fraud tactics and ways you can protect yourself with Citibank Singapore.

Read more on other travel tips, such as how to redeem a free flight with credit card air miles or the 13 best things to do in Bali.

Disclaimers

This article is for general information only and is not intended to be a forecast of future events nor a guarantee of future results and should not be relied upon as financial advice. All views and opinions are as of the date hereof, and are subject to change based on market and other conditions without notice. The article has no regard to the specific objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person. It is neither an offer nor a solicitation to purchase, nor endorsement or recommendation of any products or services mentioned therein, and the products or services mentioned may or may not be offered by Citibank Singapore Limited, its related entities and their respective directors, agents and employees (together "Citigroup").

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