June 2025 Newsletter

ARTICLE: Avoid Surprises: What to know before you leave town

School is out and the official day of Summer is just around the corner. Chances are a vacation is in the works. While planning your travels, specifically out of state or the country, here are a few tips worth keeping in mind.

If you plan to use your CCU Florida debit or credit card while traveling, let us know.

Letting your financial institution know when you're traveling out of state or out of the country is important. Many banks flag transactions that happen in unexpected locations, especially far from home, as a way to protect against fraud. If travel dates aren't on file, your card could be temporarily locked to prevent potential misuse. A quick call before your trip allows a note to be added to the account and helps avoid any service interruptions while you're away. You can also fill out a Travel Alert Form in Online Banking. After you login, click on the Additional Services tab, then Travel Alert Form. Or, you can contact Member Services at 321-690-2328 or 1-800-690-2338. It is best to provide notification a week or more before traveling.

Take advantage of more than 80,000 surcharge-free ATMs across the country.

Community Credit Union of Florida offers access to 80,000 Surcharge-free ATMs nationwide — helping you save money and access your cash conveniently, wherever you are. A map of these ATMs is available here: ATM & Branch Locator. Be sure to click "Search Options" and check the box for “Surcharge-free ATMs.”

Be aware of travel scams.

Don’t let a scam ruin your getaway. Travel scams are on the rise, and falling for one could cost you money, steal your personal information, or even derail your entire trip. From fake vacation rentals and ‘free’ prize vacations to phony booking sites and unexpected international fees, scammers are getting more creative every year. Stay one step ahead—check out the FTC’s guide to common travel scams before you go: FTC Travel Scams.

Take Advantage of CCU Florida’s Security Features

A lost wallet is more than just an inconvenience—it can turn into a financial nightmare. If a thief gets hold of your credit or debit card, unauthorized charges can pile up fast, costing you time, money, and peace of mind. The good news? You can fight back. Learn your card’s security features, set up alerts, and know exactly how to freeze or cancel your card the moment it goes missing. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.

At CCU Florida, your peace of mind comes standard. Our cards are backed by powerful security features—including the SecurLOCK™ Card Control App, which lets you:

Click here to download the free SecurLOCK™ app and set up your cards before your trip.

Additionally, CCU Florida credit cards come with free travel accident insurance.

Hold your mail while out of town.

A mailbox bulging with mail is a clear sign that no one is home. Criminals can see this as an opportunity. The United States Postal Service offers a simple solution: place a hold on your mail for the duration of your trip. Once you're back, delivery resumes as normal. Learn more here: USPS Hold Mail Basics.

These tips might not be the most exciting part of trip planning—but they’re some of the most important steps to help make sure nothing gets in the way of a great vacation.

REFER-A-FRIEND: You both can earn $100*

Existing CCU Florida members can refer friends or family members to open a qualified account and both can receive a referral bonus.

*Referring members and new members will receive $100 bonus within one month of the new account 60-day anniversary date, if qualifications are met. To qualify, the new member must use CCU debit card 20 times within 60 days to make purchases or payments (ATM transactions do not count towards total), download the mobile app and sign up for eStatements, and keep the account in good standing (no NSF activity). Members 16 years old and up are eligible to refer. Excludes Business and Organizational accounts. Offer subject to change.