TRAVEL NOTIFICATIONS

Traveling can be an exciting and enriching experience, whether you’re exploring new destinations or embarking on a business trip. However, amidst the anticipation and planning, it’s easy to overlook a crucial step that can help prevent unnecessary complications during your journey: submitting a travel notification on your debit cards. While it may seem like a small detail, taking a few minutes to inform your financial institution about your travel plans can save you from potential headaches and ensure smooth financial transactions while you’re away from home.

1. Avoid unnecessary card declines: One of the most frustrating situations while traveling is having your debit card declined when you try to make a purchase or withdraw cash. Financial Institutions employ security measures to protect our members from fraudulent transactions. Unusual or unexpected card activity, such as transactions in a different country or region, can trigger these security protocols, leading to card declinations. By notifying us in advance about your travel plans, we can note your itinerary and destination, reducing the chances of false alarms and ensuring your card remains active throughout your trip.

2. Enhanced security: Traveling, especially in unfamiliar locations, can expose you to certain risks. By notifying your financial institution about your travel plans, you create an additional layer of security for your debit card. Financial institutions monitor accounts for fraudulent activity, and if we are aware of your whereabouts, we can better distinguish between genuine transactions and potential fraud. This proactive step helps safeguard your finances and protects you from unauthorized use of your card, giving you peace of mind during your travels.

Submitting a travel notification on your debit card is a simple yet critical step that should not be overlooked before embarking on your next adventure. Contact our Member Service Department at 409.963.1191 ahead of time, informing them of your travel dates, destinations, and any stopovers along the way.

In the event of a mandatory evacuation all GCU locations will close immediately.

Hurricane Season is June 1 - November 30

q Make an Evacuation Plan

Find activated evacuation routes here: DriveTexas.org or by dialing q Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

800.452.9292. Call 2-1-1 to find out if you live in an evacuation zone.

Make sure your device is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) q Register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) https://stear.tdem.texas.gov/ or call 2-1-1 if you live in an evacuation zone and:

• have a disability or medical needs and do not have a car or other vehicle to use in an evacuation.

• have a disability or medical needs and do not have friends or family to help in an evacuation.

**STEAR Registry information collected is confidential** q Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit

Learn how to build an emergency kit here: https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit q Review Your Home Insurance Policy

Print a copy and have it ready to go should you need to evacuate.

Hurricane Preparedness Online Resources

Texas Division of Emergency Management www.tdem.texas.gov

Texas Department of State Health Services www.texasready.gov

American Red Cross www.redcross.org

U.S. Department of Homeland Security www.ready.gov

Office of the Texas Governor Greg Abbott www.gov.texas.gov

In addition to physical preparations, it's as important to have a financial plan. Prepare yourself by setting up your digital wallet, gathering your important documents in a waterproof container, downloading location and weather apps, and reviewing your homeowners' insurance policy.

Check out our website for a list of resources to help you to be prepared at gecu.org/tools/