Traveling is to take advantage of an air change and sometimes a new working environment. But accessing your online bank accounts can become a difficult task because of banking safety systems. These restrictions, although esteem to protect your sensitive information, can cause inconvenience. Discover in this article a complete guide to anticipate, prevent and resolve these problems while sailing safely.
Whether you leave for an extended weekend or several weeks, managing your online finances is often essential. When traveling, you will need to check your sales, pay payments, transfer money or monitor your operations. However, what may seem simple from home can quickly turn into a headache abroad. For what ? Because banks apply strict rules to prevent cyber attacks and bank frauds, especially when connections come from different countries or unsecured networks. These blockages, although necessary, can cause unnecessary stress if you are not prepared.
In this article, we offer detailed advice to prevent these blockages, guarantee the protection of your personal data and react effectively in the event of a problem.
Our selection of the best VPNs of the moment:
Why do banks block your bank access abroad?
Banks permanently monitor the activity of their customers’ accounts. When a behavior is deemed unusual, it triggers restrictions. Here are the main reasons:
- Connection from an unusual location
Your bank records your usual connections: your country, your city and often even your schedules of use. If an attempted connection comes from another country, it can be interpreted as fraud.
Example : You usually connect to Paris. If your account is suddenly consulted from Thailand, the system can detect a potential risk.
2. Use of a different device or network
If you access your account from a device that you do not usually use or via public Wi-Fi (airport, hotel), your bank may temporarily suspend your access.
Attention : Public networks are frequent targets for pirates. Even a banal connection can endanger your data.
3. Unusual payments or extraordinary transactions
Banks also monitor your expenditure habits. An unusual operation, such as an important purchase or a payment in a foreign currency, can trigger an alert.
Example : If your account generally displays moderate expenses and a large transaction occurs in another country, your bank can interpret this as a sign of hacking.
4. Use of VPN
VPNs (Virtual Private Network) are very useful to protect your navigation, but they can be a problem. Indeed, some VPN servers mask your real location, which can cause a blockage if your bank detects a suspicious connection.
5.Authentication attempts failed
If you enter your password or access code incorrectly incorrectly, your account will be locked for security reasons.
Good to know: These systems are designed to protect your accounts against hackers, but they can become annoying if you have not taken the necessary precautions before your departure. |
How to prepare before traveling to avoid bank blockages?
Good preparation is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are the essential steps:
- Inform your bank of your trip
The first thing to do before leaving is to report your trips to your bank. This allows you to anticipate connections or transactions from abroad, which will not be considered suspect.
How to proceed? Go to the site or the application of your bank. Look for a “Voyages” or “Travel abroad” section. Otherwise, contact your customer service directly.
Trick : Also mention the transit countries if you go through several destinations. |
2.Check your identifiers and authentication devices
Before your departure, make sure that your bank identifiers are correct and that you have activated authentication measures:
- SMS codes,
- Dedicated mobile applications,
- Biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition).
3.Download the necessary apps
Some banks offer specific applications to secure your connections from abroad. Download them before your departure because they can be inaccessible in some countries.
4.Check your card ceilings
Before leaving, see the withdrawal and payment limits associated with your bank card. If necessary, ask for a temporary increase from your bank.
Example : Some banks limit online payments abroad to a certain amount per day.
Why and how to use a VPN to access your bank accounts during your trips?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an essential tool for travelers who wish to access their online bank accounts while protecting their personal data. Not only does it guarantee your safety on unknown or public networks, but it can also allow you to bypass certain geographic restrictions imposed by your bank.
- Access your accounts from public networks
Public Wi-Fi networks (airports, hotels, cafes, etc.) are often not very secure, making it a target of choice for cybercriminals. They use techniques such as “Man-in-the-Middle” type attacks to intercept your communications and steal your data.
2. Go around the geographic restrictions imposed by banks
Some banks restrict access to their online services from countries considered at high risk or outside their usual activity area. This can lead to blockage even if you are the legitimate holder of the account.
3. Protect your personal information
A VPN also prevents your Internet access provider (FAI) or other third -party players from collecting information on your online activities, including your consultation of bank accounts.
How to choose a VPN suitable for online banking access?
See also: Our price comparator of VPN offers
Not all VPNs are created equal. For banking use, it is crucial to choose a reliable, fast and secure service. Here are the criteria to consider:
- Servers in your country of origin: Make sure that the VPN has servers located in your country. This will bypass the geographic blockages of your bank and avoid suspicions linked to a foreign connection.
- Speed and reliability: a slow or unstable connection can interrupt your banking operations online. Opt for a VPN which guarantees a quick connection speed, especially if you use banking services via a mobile application or perform important transactions.
- Strict confidentiality policy: Choose a VPN which applies a “no-log” policy, that is to say which does not keep any data on your online activities. This guarantees total confidentiality, even vis-à-vis the VPN supplier.
- Compatibility with your devices: Check that the VPN is compatible with all your devices: smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. Some VPNs offer easy -to -use dedicated applications on Android, iOS, Windows and MacOS.
- Advanced features: Some VPNs offer specific features to even further improve your safety such as Kill Switch (automatically cut your Internet connection if the VPN is disconnected to avoid any data leak) or double encryption (double encryption for increased safety).
Our selection of the best VPNs of the moment:
The steps to use a VPN during your travels
Here is a quick guide to configure and use a VPN:
- Choose a reliable supplier: opt for recommended services such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Cyberghost.
- Download and install the VPN application: Install the application on all the devices you will use on a trip.
- Connect to an appropriate server: Select a server in your original country to avoid bank blockages.
- Activate the Kill Switch: If your VPN offers it, activate this option to avoid any accidental information leak.
- Test your connection before departure: Make sure everything is working properly before leaving your home.
Trick : If you find that your bank blocks the use of a VPN, try to change server or contact the VPN support to obtain specific tips. |
Attention : Even with a VPN, it is important to never record your bank identifiers on shared devices or consult your accounts via unofficial applications or sites.
Good practices to adopt during your trip
Once at your destination, follow these tips to access your bank accounts safely:
- Use your personal devices
Avoid connecting to your accounts from computers or public devices. These devices can be infected with malware capable of stealing your information.
2. Favor secure networks
Avoid public Wi-Fi networks as much as possible to consult your accounts. Instead, use a private network or your mobile connection.
3. Watch your transactions in real time
Take the habit of regularly checking your accounts to detect any suspicious activity. If an unusual transaction appears, report it immediately to your bank.
4. Limit your payments to foreign sites
Some websites or applications may not offer a sufficient level of security. Use recognized and reliable platforms exclusively.
What if your bank account is blocked?
Despite all your precautions, a blockage can always occur. Here are the steps to quickly solve this problem:
- Contact your bank’s customer service
Banks generally offer international assistance lines available 24/7. Keep these numbers with you before your departure.
Note: Communication costs can be raised from some countries. Use an application like WhatsApp or Skype if your bank offers these alternatives. |
2. Prepare your identification information
To resolve a blockage, you will have to provide:
- Your customer number,
- Details of the latest transactions,
- Proof of identity (passport scan, identity card).
3. Ask for a temporary release
Explain your situation to the advisor and ask for the lifting of the blocking. Some banks can also offer more sustainable solutions for frequent travelers.
To travel in peace, careful preparation is essential. Anticipate blockages, adopt good practices and secure your connections to guarantee fluid and protected access to your bank accounts.