Page 18 - AAA Northampton County – AAA Now! – Summer 2016

AAA
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MEMBER SERVICES
MONEY MATTERS WHEN TRAVELING
A spending strategy for traveling abroad
You’ve probably set a budget for your upcoming trip, but have you considered how you’ll access those funds while traveling? Don’t let international payment modes catch you off-guard; use these tips to pack your wallet as carefully as you pack your suitcase.
Credit card: Travelers tend to rely on their credit cards for travel expenses because most vendors accept major credit cards. The exchange rate charged may be better as the market fluctuates, but most credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee as high as 3 percent, so check your accounts to find the best offer. This is a safe solution for major purchases like hotels and restaurants.
Cash: Even in today’s electronic world, you’ll need cash for outlets that don’t take plastic. The “chip and PIN” technology prevalent in Europe can
be an issue for magnetic-stripe card use at a self-service kiosk like train stations or vending
machines. Shop around before you leave to get the best exchange rate on currency; bringing cash covers you until you can find a proper exchange source.
Prepaid card: Wildly popular, these reloadable cards give you secure access to your funds and also help you stick to your budget. Buy prepaid cards before you leave and use them to make purchases and ATM withdrawals. Plus, they come with all of the protection of your credit card.
Alerts and back-ups: Avoid frozen accounts by notifying your bank of your travel plans. Sudden expenses that are out of character can trigger a security shut down, leaving you without access to your account. Also check the bank’s emergency procedures: How long would it take to get a replacement card if your was lost or stolen? Record the international toll-free number for your bank, and have a back-up plan to cover expenses in an emergency.
Most travel experts recommend you carry a prepaid card, a credit card, and a small amount of local currency. A little research will help you find the best options; or, simply stop by your local AAA office or visit AAA.com for all of your travel currency needs.
RELAX.
LET YOUR SAVINGS DO THE WORK.
Enjoy a great interest rate on any account or get preferred member rates
on 12-, 24- or 60-month CDs. No matter which product you choose, you’re automatically entered to win $10,000 with every Qualifying Account you open.*
HIGH-YIELD 12-, 24- OR 60-MONTH CDs • SAVINGS • MONEY MARKET ACCOUNTS
Call 1.800.347.7056 or Visit AAA.com/Deposits
*NO PURCHASE OR ACCOUNT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. or D.C., 18 years of age or older, who are members of AAA as of 4/30/16. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins 5/1/16 and ends at 11:59 PM ET on 6/30/16. You will be automatically entered into a random drawing when you open a Qualify- ing Account at www.AAA.com/deposits or by calling 1-800-347-7056. For complete details and information on how to enter without opening a Qualifying Account see Official Rules at www.AAA.com/deposits.
DISCOVER BANK
Deposit accounts offered by Discover Bank, Member FDIC ©2016 Discover Bank
ARE YOU GETTING AS MUCH INTEREST AS YOU DESERVE?
Are you leaving money on the table with your savings account? The Consumer Federation of America (CFA), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, thinks you may be. Their study of Federal Reserve Board data shows that Americans leave up to $50 billion in potential interest payments on the table every year. Here’s why:
• We make savings account choices out of habit or convenience – not with an eye to getting the best returns. Maybe we choose a bank close to home and not a bank with the best rates possible.
• We may simply not know what the interest rate and fees our bank accounts have.
• We don’t realize how a rate just a few percentage points higher – plus compound interest – can really add up.
But even a small amount of savings – at a higher rate – can add up over time. Which is why it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best rate possible
from your savings accounts.
To learn more about AAA Savings, Money Market and CD Accounts by
Discover, visit AAA.com/Deposits. Discover Bank, Member FDIC
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3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 • www.aaanc.com
SUMMER 2016
Now!