Safe in RV

[Bob Vaughn]

I am getting to where I do not like to use one of my CARDS to make purchases at seedy looking fuel stations and stores so I am thinking of putting a safe in my rv to carry cash in. Has any one else done this or is it a dumb idea?

[530ktm]

Originally Posted by Bob Vaughn

I am getting to where I do not like to use one of my CARDS to make purchases at seedy looking fuel stations and stores so I am thinking of putting a safe in my rv to carry cash in. Has any one else done this or is it a dumb idea?

I prefer using my card and not carrying a bunch of cash. If your card gets hacked all you need to do is call and the card issuer will not hold you responsible for fraudulent purchases then send you a new card. It is easy to monitor your activities and see if anything is going on that is not correct.

[jplante4]

Just keep an eye on your card statement. The DW checks hers daily. Also, don't just leave the card in the hands of a clerk with lip and nose rings and purple spiked hair. Give them whatever they think they need to start the pump, then go back in with the credit card to pay. If they will only start the pump if they hold onto the card, drive away.

Another option is to purchase low denomination Visa/Mastercard gift cards. Carrying a boat load of cash is the last resort, especially since you've already told the world of your plans.

[Bob Vaughn]

Our CC company thought our card was compromised even thou they called us while we were still at the store. I explained that yes we had made the purchases but they cancelled the card and sent us a new one. Only thing was we were over 3000 miles and 100 days away from returning home and no address to have the replacement card sent to....so this is the reason for back up cash.....

[dvmweb]

As said, use the CC, easy to monitor online. It does sound like soon they will have a chip embedded and that will be more secure. I am also thinking of using Apple Pay. I would think that cash would be a big temptation if someone were to find out you are carrying a bunch.

I had been hacked twice in the last 3 years, and I think each time it was at a certain gas station in Florida. We could never prove it was the place. Each time I got a text message alert and then had to get a new card.


2013 FleetWood Expedition 38B

[TinCanTee]

After reading about "asset forfeiture" escapades, I am hesitant to carry large sums of money when traveling. Here is just one story:
Salisbury man escapes asset forfeiture snafu, recoups $19K | The Herald-Sun

[Bilgerat]

Bob Vaughn Hi Bob, I am NOT a Banking Expert! But what money I have "I NEED". i have accounts with Credit Unions (Military Affiliated). I have ONE Debit Card that I transfer money into for purchases on our trips. DW has one also, same bank, different account. We keep enough money in each for our expenses. If one gets compromised, or as what happened to me a few months ago, (I left it on the gas pump) . Hup Major Brain Fart!!!... We can get a replacement and move on. Yes we do carry some cash, but primarily for City/County Fairs and such things where its handy.
Well that’s what we do. Travel Safe & Be Happy...

PS: We keep the Credit Union (USAA) informed of our travel arrangements, You would be surprised how close they watch that...

[Mr_D]

I bought one at Harbor Freight but never got around to bolting it down. Took it out of the Dutch Star yesterday because the Magna has one in it.

[slanted]

I have one for my hand guns in my TT. It is bolted down in a hidden, but accessible location. I use it every trip.

[Bigd9]

Two credit cards and one debit card. If one gets hacked I start using the other one and notify the credit union. They always refund the money and send me a new card.

I went to work in New Jersey just after Hurricane Sandy and when I tried to charge the first weeks hotel room the card was rejected. I found out someone had charged $11,127.65 on the card all within 1 hour just before midnight on a Friday. The thief's knew CVS Pharmacy backed their computers up then and the computers did not contact VISA until midnight. When the computer did contact VISA the card was automatically locked. They hit 6 CVS stores in the New York area making 27 charges all within that hour. Police said it was a gang who probably bought that card number along with hundreds more, maybe months before, or maybe someone at the airport stole it by scanning my wallet as I walked pasted them! Or could be a waiter/waitress who stole the number when they took the card from my table to run the charges.

In any case, the bank/credit union can overnight the card to you no matter where you are. My card left Kentucky at 4 PM, and the next day by 2 PM I had it in New Jersey!

I hardly ever use cash, and usually have less than $20 with me!

[Red Dawg]

Also, don't just leave the card in the hands of a clerk with lip and nose rings and purple spiked hair

Profile much?

[Ranger Smith]

We use cash. Had one of our cards compromised. Carry only $200 at a time in my pocket keep a stash in the safe and pay cash for fuel. If The safe runs low I go to an ATM. This way I am always in control

[Mnflyboy]

Do not use a debit card....they are tied directly to your checking / savings accounts!!! If compromised, the unauthorized dollar amount charged will be "locked", as in, you can't use that money until your banking institution releases your liability...which can take a "few" days OR more. Use a credit card instead to keep your banking accounts out of play. Been there done that.

Jaye(mn)

[Selah2]

Some banks debit cards will not cover losses from fraudulent purchases. Make sure you know your banks policies.