If traveling is in your plans this fall or winter, your credit union would like to suggest a safe and low-cost option to carrying cash or credit cards - travelers checks. They are accepted the same as cash at most merchants and can be very handy for paying the larger bills associated with travel, such as hotel, fine dining, car rental, and so forth. Travelers checks also protect you in the event they are lost or stolen. Just call an 800 number (provided to you when you purchase your travelers checks), and they can usually be replaced within 24 hours and delivered direct to your hotel.

Your credit union recommends that you still carry one credit card when you travel. Most hotels and car rental agencies ask for a credit card as a "guarantee" of payment up front. But when you settle the bill, you can pay with travelers checks and avoid putting a balance on your credit card.

Travelers checks are available in varying denominations and carry a very small handling charge for their issue. They have no expiration date, so any that you may have left over can be spent the same as cash after you return from your trip. Call or stop by your credit union today to purchase your travelers checks or to get more information.