What are your plans for the holidays? It may still be a little early to finalize where you’ll be sitting down to your Thanksgiving dinner or where you’ll be unwrapping presents this Christmas, but there is one way to make sure your holidays are not filled with unwanted surprises: call your local branch and set up travel alerts for your Dakota West Mastercard® Debit and Credit cards.
While we monitor your usage for charges that may be unexpected, we also want to be sure your card is fully accessible if you are going to be visiting family across the state, or back home from your current work location. By providing specifics of where you will be during this increased travel season, we can be sure your cards are always available when you need them.
Of course, because there is often more activity on your card, the risk of a fraudulent or unapproved transactions can be prevented when card controls and travel alerts are in place. In addition to notifying us before you hit the road, you can also take advantage of the MY Cards mobile app to set locations based on your travel, transaction alerts, and even turn your debit or credit card on and off in real time.
While many of our members may decide not to travel far this season, It's still a good idea to take control of your Dakota West cards with an extra layer of protection this holiday season. Even if you are just traveling to Fargo to see your new grandbaby or headed to Deadwood for New Year’s Eve, as soon as your plans are final, give us a call before you go. Let us help keep your cards, and your money, safe.
Meet Khadero Taylor
“No matter how zig-zag the route from my original destination, I knew I would always end up at Dakota West.”
Khadero Taylor, our new Branch Manager at our New Town location, began working with us shortly after graduating from Minot State University, but even his journey here took a few zigs and zags. Originally from Nassau, Bahamas, Khadero adapted to the environment at Dakota West even more seamlessly than he adapted to the climate change between the Caribbean and North Dakota.
Providing both front line and loan support since his arrival in New Town, Khadero loves the culture of his new home on the banks of Lake Sakakawea. “Due to the energy sector, there’s such diversity. Our membership shows that even though our branch is a local thing, we help a wide range of people in the community.” Belonging to a credit union, Khadero explains, gives people more of a sense of ownership in their financial institution.
When not at the branch, it is likely Khadero could be just about anywhere. He finds traveling, driving, and seeing new sites to be one of his favorite pursuits, but there are times when he prefers to hunker down at home, or shoot hoops at the gym. Even soaking in some peace and quiet, he admits, is not a bad way to enjoy his free time.
In a bumpy year, 2020 is certainly wrapping up on a high note for him. “This year has been a journey. I’ve learned from a lot of people throughout the organization. I like how unified we are, how we operate as a family.” Please stop by and congratulate Khadero on his new role leading our staff and serving our members in Montrail County.
Say Farewell Gift Cards
You may be thinking about purchasing a Visa® gift card this holiday season for someone on your shopping list. Dakota West currently offers Visa® gift cards available in any dollar amount, however, this offering will be ending when supplies have been sold out. With the ability to purchase gift cards directly through many online retailers and websites, we know there are other products and services we can offer to our members to serve you better.
This time of year, whether shopping online or in person, with increased spending and activity, it is important to remember smart security tips when using your Dakota West Mastercard® Debit or Credit Card, too. We keep up-to-date on ways hackers and thieves attempt to access information, and share with our membership the practices Dakota West follows to secure your identity or alert you to possible fraudulent activity. Most importantly, we always recommend to be mindful of your surroundings and your usage, check online regularly for recent transactions, and contact your local branch at 800.411.7590 if you have any questions.
Wherever you travel, whatever your plans, we want you to enjoy the holiday season, from Thanksgiving through Christmas, and into the New Year. We will be here to serve you, to keep your finances secure, and to celebrate another year having you as our members.
