By Fox23.com News Staff
OKLAHOMA — With summer travel coming up, Arvest Bank is encouraging customers to take simple steps to protect their finances and make the most out of vacations.
According to NerdWallet’s 2026 Summer Travel Report, 84 percent of those surveyed said they plan to use a credit card to pay for vacations this year.
Arvest said 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 Rebecca Lewis, sales manager for Arvest Bank – Tulsa 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.”
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.
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) here.
You can learn more about Arvest Bank by clicking here.
