FEATURED ARTICLES

Summer is the season for road trips, vacations, weekend getaways, and new adventures. Whether you’re ready for a day trip to the beach or a cross-country tour, one thing is certain: having quick and convenient access to your money will be essential.

While you’re planning where to go and what to experience, think about how you’ll manage your finances while you’re away from home. Thankfully, managing your money doesn’t have to feel like you’re planning an expedition.

Advances in technology have made it easier to stay connected to your accounts, no matter where your adventures take you. Tools dedicated to digital banking for travel are a single click away. All you need is a connection and a smart mobile device.

You may already be familiar with some mobile and online banking tools. One of the key advantages of digital banking is they can be used virtually anywhere and at any time, even while you’re away from home!

That means you can perform a variety of functions while you’re on the go, including:

• Monitoring account balances
• Reviewing recent transactions
• Confirming purchases
• Tracking your travel budget
  

Here are a few standout online banking tools you can use during your travels, as well as a few services that are available to credit union members. No matter your destination, you can feel at ease knowing your financial institution is much closer than you think!

CO-OP Shared Branch Network: Your Credit Union Is Always Nearby

Credit union members can take advantage of a nationwide network, making it easier to conduct transactions even while they’re on the road. The CO-OP Shared branch network allows you to conduct transactions across the country, giving you the traditional banking experience that you know and love.

First Florida has partnered with credit unions across the country, allowing members to conduct transactions at participating locations as if they were banking right at home. That means you can perform a variety of tasks as if you were visiting any First Florida branch, such as:

• Balance inquiries
• Deposits and withdrawals
• Loan payments
• Account transfers
• Money order purchases
• 24-hour ATMs
  

There’s nothing like having an in-person banking experience. Thanks to the CO-OP Shared Branch program, you can still have that familiar feeling even while traveling!

Need to find a participating branch close to your destination? Finding a participating location is easy!

One of the easiest ways to find a CO-OP Shared Branch is to mark it on your itinerary before you depart. Visit the locations page on our website and enter your travel destination. Then, pick “CO-OP Shared Branches” before starting your search.

The map will mark the places that participate in Shared Branching. You can save these locations to your navigation app’s GPS.

Use the Mobile Banking App To Check Accounts While Traveling

We get it: while you’re on vacation, it only makes sense to commit all your time to living in the moment. Checking your finances can feel cumbersome if you’re trying to get the most from your vacation.

If you prefer a more on-demand approach to checking your finances, try out your financial institution’s mobile banking app.

Mobile banking apps are convenient tools that allow you to stay up to date on your finances. All you need is your financial institution’s app, a smart device (like your phone or tablet), and an internet connection.

Mobile apps are useful because they use something you probably already have on you: a smart device. You can open the app at any time and have access to a digital banking experience while you’re traveling.

Some standout features of a mobile banking app include:

• Transaction history for all accounts
• Pay bills and send funds to others
• Deposit checks with mobile e-Deposit
• Text notifications for account activities
  

Managing your finances on the go is quick and easy when you use mobile banking. It allows virtually real-time tracking of your finances, including transactions and alerts. This is very useful if you prefer to keep tabs on your expenses and transfers as soon as they are made, making it easier to stay on budget during your trip.

Use Technology To Keep Finances Secure While Traveling

Whether you’re an urban explorer or a diehard camper, one thing is certain: tracking your finances is a universal experience. In an age where nearly every transaction is done digitally, it’s more important than ever to make sure your finances are secure.

Thanks to digital banking platforms, you can keep track of your money with even greater control and peace of mind. By using digital banking technology, you can take steps that ensure your finances are secure wherever you go.

Card controls are a standout feature of digital banking. We are familiar with the speed, convenience, and flexibility that debit and credit cards provide. When you use card controls with these items, it’s easier to maintain control over your accounts.

Many mobile banking apps include card control features that provide real-time functionality across your accounts.

One of the first features you’ll want to enable, especially while you’re on the move, is travel notifications. Enabling this feature lets your financial institution know you are on the move and helps reduce the risk of your card being deactivated at an inopportune time.

Card controls can also let you set transaction alerts that ping your phone whenever your cards are used. You can customize when you get such alerts. As a result, this feature helps you stay informed and reduces the likelihood of fraudulent transactions.

On top of that, if you suspect your credit or debit card has been compromised during your trip, you can deactivate your cards instantly through card controls. So, if you misplace your card or your wallet or purse gets stolen, you can stay in control at the push of a button.

Your Money Is With You Wherever You Go

Whether you’re on a weekend getaway or season-long adventure, digital banking tools make your finances even more accessible than ever before. All it takes is knowing how to access them.

CO-OP Shared Branching ensures you can go banking like usual, just as if you were visiting your credit union at home. Meanwhile, you can use a mobile banking app to keep tabs on your spending in real time.

Perhaps the greatest advantage is that these banking resources allow you to conduct transactions in a way that’s most comfortable to you. After all, you’re on vacation – you deserve to feel at ease, even while keeping track of your finances!

For more information about using shared branching or digital banking tools, we recommend visiting your nearest First Florida branch. You can also explore these services on FirstFlorida.org.