With summer travel coming up, Arvest Bank encourages customers to take simple steps to protect their finances and make the most of their vacation.
According to NerdWallet’s 2026 Summer Travel Report, 84% of those surveyed said they plan to use a credit card to pay for vacations this year. With travel volume expected to reach record highs this year, staying alert is key to avoiding financial headaches while away from home.
“Summer travel should be about fun and relaxation, not worrying about card declines or security breaches,” said Lori Winesburg, sales manager of Arvest Bank – Fort Smith/River Valley region. “If you take a little time before your trip to get your accounts ready and learn how to avoid possible risks, you can travel with confidence knowing your finances are safe.”
Winesburg offered these tips for summer vacationers.
Prepare Your Cards and Accounts
Card interruptions often occur due to unexpected out-of-state or international activity. Notify your credit card company or bank if you are traveling abroad, especially if you’re leaving the country. This ensures the bank knows to expect transactions from your destination and is less likely to freeze your card for suspected fraud. If using a credit card while traveling abroad, be sure you’re familiar with any foreign transaction fees you might incur.
Leverage Digital Tools for Security
Your smartphone and other technology can help safeguard your finances when used appropriately.
● Digital wallets. Consider using digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, which offer stronger encryption protection than physical cards.
● Tap-to-pay. Use the tap-to-pay feature at gas stations to reduce the risk of card skimming at the pump.
Monitor Accounts
Monitor all your accounts regularly, including those you are not actively using.
● Enable push notifications. Set up real-time alerts for all transactions to catch unauthorized activity the moment it happens.
● Know how to “lock” your card. If a card goes missing, know how to instantly “lock” it to prevent unauthorized use.
● Report fraud immediately. If you experience fraud while on vacation, contact your credit card company or bank as soon as possible to report the fraudulent purchases. You may also want to report any scams or instances of fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
About Arvest
With more than $27 billion in assets, Arvest is a full-service bank delivering financial solutions to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Since 1961, Arvest has been committed to providing financial solutions that help communities thrive and grow. Today, the bank has more than 200 locations throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. To learn more, visit arvest.com.
