Travelling soon? Check out our security banking tips

Internet Banking has made it easier to manage your banking needs when travelling, whether it's overseas or a getaway around Australia. But despite the convenience, there may be unexpected risks and security concerns that could derail your trip.

To help you keep your accounts safe so you can enjoy your holidays with peace of mind, here are some travel tips for you to consider.

Before you travel:

1. Turn on all your mobile notifications

Switching on your mobile notifications will allow us to send you real-time alerts of any changes to your account activities such as Account Deposits, Withdrawals, and even changes to your contact details. If you don’t have global roaming while you’re overseas, you won’t be able to receive our SMS codes. Call us before you leave if you don't intend on enabling global roaming for your Secure Code options.

2. Switch on St.George Mobile Banking App permissions

Ensure your mobile banking app permission for your Apple or Android^TM device is enabled so that we can immediately raise and verify account changes or transactions from unexpected locations. To enable this, go into your device's Settings, look for the St.George App in Apps, and allow permissions for all. This may be slightly different depending on the version of your device.

3. Check and confirm your contact details

Having your contact information such as your mobile phone number and email address up-to-date will help us get in touch with you quicker if we detect any unusual activities.

4. Tell us when/where you’re going overseas

As we’re always looking out for unusual activities on your account, if you notify us of your travel arrangements, we'll know not to raise any alarms if any international transactions occur in that location. You can notify us via the St.George App or Internet Banking.

5. Download the latest version of the app

Check that you have the latest version of the St.George App. This will ensure that your app is up to date with all the latest security features while you're travelling.

Download from the Play Store

Download from the App Store

6. Add your card(s) to Apple Pay, Google Pay™ or Samsung Pay™

There are various ways for you to pay using your debit or credit cards. Adding your eligible cards to your digital wallet will give you an extra level of security for transactions due to the biometric authentication (fingerprints and facial recognition) feature. This ensures only you alone can access your money. However, remember that you should only add your cards to a Digital Wallet on a device that you're in control of.

7. Check your card’s expiry and limits

Check well ahead of time that your cards are still within the validity period during the duration of your travel. Additionally, set your daily payment and withdrawal limits to an amount you’re comfortable with.

While you’re travelling:

1. Store your card(s) securely and never share your PIN

Never leave your cards unattended in public spaces or while making purchases and don't share your PIN with anyone.

2. What to do if your card is lost or stolen

In your St.George App under My Card within the Services menu, you can quickly lock, cancel, or order a new card. The Services menu also provides access to your digital card, ensuring you're never stranded without a card while you continue on your travels.

3. Avoid using public computers and unsecured WIFI connections

If you need to do any banking while you're away, always use a secure internet connection especially when you have to enter your personal and financial details such as passwords and account numbers.

4. Always use a PIN or biometrics

Whenever you can, use your PIN or biometric authentication to validate credit or debit card transactions instead of your signature. If you feel the need to change your PIN, you can do this in Internet Banking or via St.George App. You can travel with peace of mind knowing that your St.George credit cards are protected by a Fraud Money Back Guarantee, as long as you comply with the Terms and Conditions.

Remember to make these steps part of your holiday preparations the next time you plan for a getaway. If you experience any issues accessing or using your Internet Banking, give us a call on 13 33 30 or +61 2 9155 7800 from overseas.

Important information

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Android and Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your personal objectives, circumstances and needs and into account. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

Fraud Money Back Guarantee: Our St.George Fraud Money Back Guarantee ensures that you will be reimbursed for any unauthorised transactions provided that you have not contributed to the loss and contacted St.George promptly. Refer to your card’s conditions of use for full details, including when a customer will be liable.