Summer Travel Tips for Keeping Your Card Working
Your debit card has measures in place to protect you from fraud, so while you’re packing for your summer vacation, make sure that checking in with MIDFLORIDA is on your to-do list.
Prior to takeoff
Log in to Online Banking, or call our Help Desk, to make sure we have the correct cell phone number on file. This is essential, because the *only* way we can verify your attempted transactions and/or release a hold is by calling the phone number tied to your account. (To view or change your number once you've logged in to Online Banking, click on Profile and then Contact Consent.)
Let us know before you go abroad
Planning international travel? Call our Help Desk and alert us of your travel dates and location(s). Just remember that due to the nature of international transactions, this notification cannot prevent all holds on your account—but it does give our staff a solid reference point in case it’s needed. Please be prepared to provide a list of all countries or ports of call that you’ll be visiting.
When in Roam
Remember that if a transaction is declined, it doesn’t necessarily mean your card is locked down. Some transactions can get declined for other reasons, such as an issue with the merchant, so the first thing to do is to try again. If your debit card was declined on the first try when you ran it as credit, try it again as a PIN-based/debit transaction. If that doesn’t work, please call us during business hours (Monday through Saturday, from 7 am to 8 pm EST) for help. If it's after hours, call 800-528-2273. If you are unable to call us due to your location, you can also submit your question via secure message in Online Banking or Mobile Banking. Please note that secure messages are answered Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm, in the order they are received.
Bring a backup
Cards can get declined when you’re traveling, but they can also end up lost or stolen. Furthermore, anti-fraud measures vary based on the type of card you’re using. So, it’s always a good idea to have a second method of payment available. While not foolproof, credit cards may be a good backup option when you don’t want to—or can’t—use your debit card.
Check your bags—and your statement
Of course, no matter which card(s) you use while traveling, be sure to monitor your statements before, during, and after you travel—and report any suspicious activity.