Roberta Aguirre
Airports are full of distractions, which thieves rely on. A quick bump in a security line or a moment of inattention at the check-in counter is all it takes for someone to steal your wallet. Digital thieves also use high-tech tools like RFID (radio-frequency identification) skimmers to scan your card without your knowledge. To protect your credit card at the airport, you can use a wallet, card sleeve, or passport holder with RFID-blocking gear. You should also avoid entering credit card information or logging into banking websites on public Wi-Fi unless you're using a virtual private network (VPN).
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What You'll Learn
Use RFID-blocking gear, such as a wallet, card sleeve or passport holder
When travelling, your credit cards may be at risk from digital thieves using high-tech tools like RFID (radio-frequency identification) skimmers. Some credit and debit cards are equipped with RFID chips that enable contactless payments. This same feature can be exploited if someone with the right equipment gets close enough to scan your card without your knowledge.
Using RFID-blocking gear such as a wallet, card sleeve, or passport holder is a simple and affordable way to prevent this type of theft. These items are widely available and effective at blocking unauthorized scans. The most common materials used in the manufacture of RFID-blocking wallets and bags are carbon fiber, aluminium, and leather. A layer of carbon fiber or aluminium can protect you from contactless attacks, and that’s a key selling point for some items. You can also use RFID-blocking cards, which actively jam scanning devices and are more reliable than RFID-blocking wallets.
In a pinch, you can just wrap your credit card in tinfoil to protect against skimming attacks. According to Consumer Reports, wrapping your card or passport in a thick piece of aluminium foil works as well as most RFID protectors on the market.
While RFID-blocking gear can be an effective way to protect your cards, it is also important to take other precautions when travelling. For example, limiting the number of cards you bring reduces the risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. Ideally, take only one or two credit cards that you plan to use during your trip and keep any backup cards in your hotel safe. Additionally, public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, and cafes is rarely secure. Avoid entering credit card information or logging into banking websites while on these networks unless you’re using a virtual private network (VPN).
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Avoid public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN if you need to access the internet
When travelling, your credit cards may be at risk from digital thieves using high-tech tools like radio-frequency identification (RFID) skimmers. Public Wi-Fi at airports is rarely secure, and hackers can intercept sensitive information, including credit card numbers and login credentials. Therefore, it is important to avoid entering credit card information or logging into banking websites while using public airport Wi-Fi.
If you need to access the internet, use a virtual private network (VPN). A reliable VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your data from prying eyes on shared networks. There are several VPN software and services available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. For example, ExpressVPN offers ultra-fast speeds, reliability, and top-tier security. It has servers in 105 countries and supports P2P file sharing. It also offers the best-in-class encryption and a strict no-logs policy, with all servers running on RAM for enhanced privacy. You can connect up to eight devices simultaneously, and it offers 24/7 live customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In addition to using a VPN, there are other precautions you can take to protect your credit cards at the airport. Keep your bag in your sight as much as possible and be aware of your surroundings to prevent pickpocketing and theft. Use a crossbody bag or a waist belt to keep your valuables close to your body, and consider using RFID-blocking gear such as a wallet, card sleeve, or passport holder to prevent RFID skimming.
Before using an ATM or card reader, inspect it for any skimming devices, which may be placed over the card slot or keypad. Use ATMs located inside banks or secure buildings whenever possible, and consider using a credit card app that allows you to temporarily lock your card if it is lost or stolen.
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Keep your bag in sight at all times
Airports are crowded, busy places, and it can be all too easy to become distracted or overwhelmed. Thieves rely on this, so it's important to always stay vigilant and keep your bag in sight at all times.
Firstly, only bring the essentials with you. This will reduce the number of bags you need to keep track of. For example, you could keep your passport, phone, and any other valuables in a small bag that stays with you at all times. This will also make it easier to navigate security checks, as you won't have to worry about juggling multiple bags and items.
When you do need to put your bag down, such as when going through security, try to keep it within your sight at all times. Stay with it until it goes into the X-ray machine, go through the body scanner, and then wait for it when you come out the other side. If you need to check your bag into luggage storage, most airports have storage facilities or services where you can safely store your bags for a few hours or even several days.
If you need to use an ATM or card reader, be sure to inspect it first. Skimming devices are sometimes placed over the card slot or keypad, so gently wiggle the card reader or look for anything that seems loose, bulky, or out of place. When possible, use ATMs inside banks or secure buildings instead of freestanding machines, as these are easier for thieves to target.
Finally, be aware of your digital security as well as your physical belongings. Public Wi-Fi at airports is rarely secure, so avoid entering credit card information or logging into banking websites while connected to the airport Wi-Fi unless you're using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your data from other users on the shared network.
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Only bring one or two credit cards
Airports are crowded places, full of distractions, which thieves rely on. A quick bump in a security line or a moment of inattention at the check-in counter is all it takes for someone to steal your wallet from your bag or pocket. Limiting the number of cards you bring reduces the risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. Therefore, it is recommended to only bring one or two credit cards that you plan to use during your trip. Keep any backup cards in your hotel safe, and store a secure digital record of your card details in a password manager. This can be helpful if you need to cancel or replace a card while abroad.
Having multiple credit cards can be beneficial, as they often come with a variety of valuable benefits for cardholders, such as annual discounted companion tickets, free checked bags, and airline or hotel credits. However, when travelling, it is best to limit the number of cards you carry with you. This will reduce the impact if your wallet is lost or stolen.
Before travelling, it is a good idea to inspect your cards and understand the common ways they can be compromised. Some credit and debit cards are equipped with RFID chips that enable contactless payments. While this makes payments more convenient, it also means that someone with the right equipment could scan your card without your knowledge. Using RFID-blocking gear, such as a wallet, card sleeve, or passport holder, can prevent this type of theft.
Additionally, it is important to be cautious when using public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or cafes, as it is often unsecured. Avoid entering credit card information or logging into banking websites on these networks unless you are using a virtual private network (VPN). A reliable VPN will encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from other users on the same network.
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Before using an ATM or card reader, inspect it for skimming devices
Airports are full of distractions, which thieves rely on. A quick bump in a security line or a moment of inattention at the check-in counter is all it takes for someone to steal your wallet from your bag or pocket. It is also easy for digital thieves to use high-tech tools like RFID (radio-frequency identification) skimmers to scan your card without you knowing.
Before using an ATM or card reader, it is important to inspect it for skimming devices. Skimming devices are sometimes placed over the card slot or keypad. They are designed to steal information by reading the magnetic tape on your card. After collecting this information, thieves can create a clone of the card and use it for fraudulent purposes. To avoid this, carefully inspect the card slot for any signs of tampering, such as hinged panels, tape or glue residue, or other atypical components. Be cautious if there are any plastic fragments sticking out from under the card reader or if there is bulkiness on the card insert area. The presence of a hidden camera may be evidenced by a small depression resembling a black dot. You should also inspect the keypad for anything that seems loose, bulky, or out of place. Factory-installed keypads fit as snugly as possible, so be suspicious of any unusually large or thick buttons, or keypads that are slightly protruding over the case.
It is also a good idea to use ATMs inside banks or secure buildings instead of freestanding machines, which are easier for thieves to target.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports are full of distractions, which thieves rely on. To protect your cards from pickpockets, keep your bag in sight at all times and consider using a cross-body bag or a waist belt.
Public Wi-Fi at airports is rarely secure. Avoid entering card information or logging into banking websites unless you’re using a virtual private network (VPN). Use a reliable VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data.
Some credit and debit cards are equipped with RFID chips that enable contactless payments. Using RFID-blocking gear such as a wallet, card sleeve, or passport holder is a simple and affordable way to prevent this type of theft.
