KIB’S TIPS FOR USING BANK CARDS WHILE TRAVELING:

Before traveling:

1.    You should consider updating customer information regularly through visiting a branch or calling the KIB Contact Center.

2.    You should contact your bank to inform them that you will be using your credit card during your travel abroad – and make sure that you mention the countries you intend to visit, as well as the travel duration, in order to avoid blocking the card. That is because banks might stop cards suspected of any strange activity in some countries, as a precautionary measure to protect customers.

3.    Informing your bank of your flight prior to departure reduces the chances of unusual transactions being flagged as suspicious.

4.    Check the expiration/validity date of your bank cards and make sure they cover the period of your travel.

5.    Ensure that you have sufficient credit limits available in your credit cards. Also, make sure to check your bank account balance.

6.    Make sure to download and activate the KIB Mobile application, while allowing notifications, on your mobile device to keep track of your card usage and expenses while traveling.

7.    Make sure you have access to the internet in order to benefit from your online banking services and to facilitate some banking operations.

8.    Do not tell anyone your card password or your passcode for 3D Secure.

9.  KIB has never and will never ask you for password information via email, text or phone calls. Never click on any internet link received from emails that you do not know or do not trust.

10.  Write down the bank's contact numbers and keep them with you in a safe place away from the cards. Do not write your password anywhere, but memorize it well.

11.  Make sure to activate the SMS text messaging service and the app notification service in order for you to be notified of the transactions made on your accounts and cards.

While traveling:

1.    It is preferable not to use Wi-Fi services or public computers to access the bank's website and login to bank accounts, or open any message that requires clicking on any internet link on the smartphone or computer.

2.    All cards must be kept in a safe place and not left away from you for any reason.

3.    Cards should not all be kept in one place or in your wallet. They should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent damage.

4.    Do not give your card or password to anyone. And be sure to keep your card in your hand when you are making purchases. Note that lending your card to a family member or friend, with or without your knowledge, holds you fully responsible for all transactions made on it.

5.    When using an ATM, make sure the machine is checked and there are no foreign objects or devices installed on the machine. Your password must also be protected and prevented from being accessed by fraudsters, you can use your shoulders as a barrier while entering the password to prevent intruders.

6.    Do not ask for help from anyone, even if they are wearing clothes that are similar to the bank employees or security guards, and remember not to leave the receipt on the machine after the withdrawal process.

7.    In case the card gets stuck in an ATM, please contact KIB immediately without leaving the ATM to ensure that the card is blocked by the bank.

8.    It is always preferred to pay in the local currency of the country in which you are located and not in the Kuwaiti dinar.

9.    Check the screen of the 'Point of Sale' device to confirm the amount that you will pay before entering the password.

10.  Review your receipts carefully before signing them and before entering your password, and do not leave the line for service fees (“tips' or 'total amount') blank without data, and if you do not want to put a specific amount, you must put a line on it so as not to fall victim to fraud.

11.  Uphold all your receipts and receipts of rejected transactions, and review your operations and expenses regularly through the KIB Mobile application, its notifications, or SMS text message service.

12.  Activate the mobile service (roaming service) or provide an alternative contact number for the bank to enable it to contact you when you are abroad.

13.  If your card was lost, or if you face any problem related to credit cards, contact the call center immediately on: (+965022957300), designated for international calls.

After returning from travel:

1.    We recommend that you change your password after returning from travel, through the bank's branches or the ATMs deployed by the bank.

2.    Check all statements of accounts for your cards and review all receipts carefully along with your monthly statements when you return to Kuwait, and in case of any discrepancies or suspicious transactions, you must contact the bank immediately.