Beecher, IL (July 12, 2023)—As Americans take off for summer, First Community Bank and Trust (FCBT) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are providing advanced planning tips for consumers that can take the financial sting out of unwanted surprises during travel to maximize their enjoyment regardless of how long or how far they venture.

“Planning for the unexpected—including trip delays, lost or damaged merchandise, and last-minute expenditures can offer greater peace of mind while traveling and lessen the financial impact upon your return,” said Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President at FCBT. “Should your best-laid plans go awry, and you get into a financial situation while away, call on First Community Bank and Trust and our expert staff who are willing and able to lend a helping hand.”

ICBA and FCBT urge consumers to consider these 12 tips before they depart on their next trip:

1. Inform us of your travel plans to avoid account holds or transaction rejections when unusual transactions are presented for processing. Enter travel plans manually using My Cards in First eBanc Mobile. Learn more at www.firstcbt.bank/online-banking/my-cards.
2. Our Debit MasterCard is a chip-enabled card, which is particularly important if your travel plans take you overseas where chip technology may be a prerequisite for card acceptance.
3. Create transaction alerts for your FCBT debit card. Start by setting up alerts using First eAlerts for your FCBT Debit MasterCard. Learn more at www.firstcbt.bank/online-banking/first-ealerts. If you suspect your information has been compromised, contact us as soon as possible. For information about what to do in the event of a lost or stolen debit card, visit www.firstcbt.bank/personal-banking/debit-mastercard or Visa and MasterCard websites.
4. Bring a list of emergency phone numbers, including bank contact information when out of the country.
5. Inquire about special credit card features like travel accident insurance and traveler’s assistance.
6. Carry other cards as backups. Families or couples may get even greater backup coverage if each person takes a different card.
7. Know the limits on how much you can withdraw and save your receipts.
8. Choose an ATM or bank for your currency purchases for fewer fees and an exact conversion rate.
9. Thoroughly check any ATMs that you use. Examine the card reader for signs of tampering. When in doubt, choose another terminal.
10. Lock away valuables such as passports, backup credit cards, financial information, and extra cash.
11. Use social media with care. Posting your pictures or whereabouts during travel could leave you susceptible to home invaders.
12. Monitor charge activity. Review purchases and ATM withdrawals with your bank and credit card companies when you return home.

About First Community Bank and Trust

First Community Bank and Trust is a privately-owned bank. Established in 1916 First Community Bank and Trust has been serving Beecher, IL, Peotone, IL and the surrounding communities for over 106 years. Our commitment to providing the best banking products and services is matched only by our outstanding customer service. We offer traditional community banking services, including mortgage, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as state of the art electronic banking services.

Press Contact:
Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President
First Community Bank and Trust
(708) 946-2246

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.

With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute roughly 99 percent of all banks, employ nearly 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5.8 trillion in assets, over $4.9 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.

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