Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
How to use your banking apps safely abroad
Moneymagpie Team
3rd Dec 2025
Traveling often means stepping outside your comfort zone—especially when it comes to handling money. Using banking apps on the go is convenient, but it can leave you vulnerable to cyber threats if you’re not careful.
Fortunately, with a few simple precautions, you can safeguard your accounts and use your banking apps without stress, no matter where you are.
- Prepare before you leave
- Secure your devices and networks
- Best practices while using banking apps
- What to do if something goes wrong
Prepare before you leave
The first step in securing your banking activities abroad starts before you even pack your bags. While it was once standard practice, many major US banks no longer require you to set a travel notification, as their fraud detection systems are more advanced. But it’s wise to check your bank’s current policy on their website or app. If they still require it, definitely let them know your travel dates and destinations.
Next, make sure your phone and all relevant apps are up to date. Updates often fix security holes, so make sure you’re running the latest version of your mobile banking app and the operating system.
It’s also a good idea to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your banking app. This extra layer of protection adds a second step, like a text message code or fingerprint scan, making it much harder for anyone to get into your account.
Secure your devices and networks
When you’re abroad, you’re likely going to be using unfamiliar networks, and that’s where the risks increase. Public Wi-Fi in places like airports, cafes, or hotel lobbies are convenient but often insecure, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data. Whenever possible, avoid accessing your banking app over public Wi-Fi.
If you must use it, make sure you’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This creates a secure connection to the internet by encrypting your data, so even if someone’s trying to spy on your activity, it’s much harder for them to see what you’re doing. While it’s not perfect, a VPN is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself when using a shared network.
Don’t forget about the security of your phone itself. A strong password or biometric lock (like a fingerprint) can help prevent unauthorized access. If you lose your phone, these features give you some peace of mind, knowing that your data is harder for anyone to get into.
Best practices while using banking apps
While you’re on the road, try to limit how often you use your banking app. Constantly checking balances or making transfers can increase your chances of something going wrong. Stick to checking in once or twice a day, and only when you’re sure you’re on a secure, private network.
If you must access your bank through a web browser on your phone, always check that the website starts with ‘https://’—the ‘s’ stands for secure and indicates an encrypted connection. When using the official mobile app, ensure it’s the genuine app and rely on the security protocols built into the application.
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from emails or texts, especially if they seem odd or come from sources you don’t recognize. These could be phishing attempts trying to steal your login information.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you think something’s off with your account—maybe you notice an unfamiliar transaction or receive an alert you didn’t trigger—don’t wait. Contact your bank immediately and have them lock your card or account to prevent further damage.
You may also want to report any potential theft to local authorities, especially if you suspect your phone was compromised.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your accounts for unusual activity. Many banking apps let you set up notifications for transactions, so you’ll know right away if money has been taken without your consent.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
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