Traveling this Summer? Planning Ahead Can Help You Keep Your Money Safe

Washington, D.C. (May 23, 2011)-With the kick off of summer less than a week away and many Americans planning to hit the road or the skies for their much-anticipated summer vacation, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the nation's more than 7,000 community banks want consumers to have the information they need before they leave home so they can keep their money safe.

"Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than losing your wallet or running out of funds, so plan ahead and talk to your community banker about how you can protect your money while traveling both domestically and abroad," said Sal Marranca, ICBA chairman and president and CEO of Cattaraugus County Bank, Little Valley, N.Y. "Since community banks are relationship bankers who work one-on-one with their customers, they can help customers be better prepared for travel emergencies. And in the event that something unfortunate does happen, they are ready and willing to help."

Financial professionals agree that the safest and most convenient way to travel with your money is to take a small amount of cash with you. It's also a good idea to carry a debit, credit or ATM card. These cards are convenient while traveling because they are easy to carry, easy to use and often offer the lowest fees and the best exchange rates. Our Reliabank ATM/Debit Card is part of the MoneyPass network where you can find thousands of surcharge-free ATM's nationwide!

However, travelers still need to plan ahead to be prepared. To help, ICBA offers these tips to consumers about what they need to take care of before they take off:

Let your community bank know when and where you will be traveling so that you will avoid any potential for fraud alerts when out-of-the-ordinary transactions are posted.

Call or stop by your community bank to find out what ATM or debit card fees you may be subject to in this country and abroad.

If you're traveling overseas, keep in mind that ATMs in many countries only accept four-digit personal identification numbers (PINs) and some countries have keyboards with numbers only, while others do not acknowledge zeros. Ask your community bank if you should create a new PIN for your account before you take your trip.

Carry a back-up card that you keep in a separate place. Families or couples may get even greater back-up coverage if each person takes a different card.

Make copies of all the cards you'll be carrying. Be sure to copy the front and back of the card. Take a copy with you and give a copy to someone you trust back home. Be sure to also include the security code for the card and the customer-service phone number.

Bring a list of emergency phone numbers, but remember, 800 numbers can only be used in the United States and Canada. Be sure to get a number for your bank that you can call if you're out of the country.

Many credit cards provide travel accident insurance and traveler's assistance. Ask your community bank what special services are available through your card.

Check your balance before you leave. Know the limits on how much you can withdraw. Save all your receipts.

"Whether your destination is overseas or closer to home, it really is better to be safe than sorry. And your community bank can help you make sure that you're safe," Marranca said.

For more information about what to do if you your card is lost or stolen or if you need additional help, visit http://usa.visa.com/personal/using_visa/travel_with_visa.html or http://www.mastercard.us/support/lost-card.html.

Summer Promo Coming Soon

Reliabank is joining forces with KXLG to offer one lucky person a $5,000 cash prize at the end of the 99 Days of Summer promotion! We are excited to be a part of this event, and had so much fun last year doing this, we couldn't imagine not being a part of it again in 2011.

Watch for the window stickers to be available all over Watertown and surrounding communities. Simply put the window decal in your car and the KXLG prize patrol will be out and about "ticketing" people throughout summer to qualify you as a contestant in the $5,000 cash drawing in September!

BONUS: Every Friday one person will get qualified and WIN a $500 gift certificate from a participating business. Qualify by listening to KXLG and when you hear your name you will have 99.1 seconds to call to become a qualifier.




RULES:

Must be 18 years old

One qualifier per household



Game Dates:

May 30th thru September 5th



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Calling All Smartphone Users: Are You Ready?

Nine out of 10 Americans have a cell phone and, according to research by The Neilsen Company, more than half of them will be using a smartphone by the end of 2011. A smartphone is actually a hand-held computer that enables users to access the Internet, run applications and make phone calls. And, for a steadily increasing number of consumers, smartphones can be used for banking.

Banking with a cell phone is reality and at Reliabank we are offering our customers the opportunity to check their balances, find the nearest ATM and soon, even pay bills with eMobile banking!

Just another way we are offering increased convenience and flexibility, especially for people who do a lot of traveling.

Whether you prefer to use text messaging or web-based browser to check your accounts, you have option and we deliver. If you are interested in Reliabank eMobile Banking simply visit our website for an online demo or log into internet banking, click on the SEVICES tab and select eMobile Banking. Easy to follow set up allows you to be banking from the palm of your hand in no time.

Check us out!

Congratulations 2011 Graduates!

We are so proud of all our graduating seniors - many things are headed your way as you step out into the "real world". One thing you won't have to worry about is keeping track of your money. Take us along  no matter where you go. With a Reliabank checking account, free internet banking, bill pay and now eMobile banking you can stay on top of your finances anytime, anywhere!

A big congrats to our local scholarship winners!
Adam Keifer, Watertown
Amber Smith, Hamlin
David Runia, Estelline
Megan Shumaker, West Central
Alaina Struwe, Estelline
Carolyn Williams, Watertown
Kaitlin Pederson, Great Plains Lutheran
Robert Raml, Watertown
Cooper Bierscheid, Watertown
Nels Isaacson, Hamlin
Vanessa Johanneson, Tea Area
Emily Krizan, West Central
Ivar Kulla, Hamlin
Tamara Giese, Selby
Erin Jankord, Castlewood
Kenneth Knopp, Estelline
Whitney Miller, Estelline
Jayda Swenson, Deuel