I can't get a Visa with Nationwide!!!

steef2004

I recently applied for a Nationwide Flex account, and they just sent me a cash card. I've called them to try to upgrade to the Visa Debit but for some reason they won't allow me to have it. They checked my credit-rating with 'Experian' and decided i'm not eligible and there's nothing they can do about it, they won't even reconsider. I've never been in any debt, and I already have a Visa with Lloyds TSB! Any suggestions/ advice??? Thanks!

KTF

I would use one of the free credit report services as mentioned in the forum to have a look at your credit file and see if there is anything unusual in there.

grumbler

Why do you want NW debit card so desperately? For spending abroad their cash card is as good as the debit card - just withdraw money from ATMs and spend. This is even more secure than using a debit card. Pay £500 into account and you can ask for upgrade in 3 months: Nationwide upgrade to a Debit Card ...

P.S. Nationide are known to be more 'choosy' than other banks/BSs ...

steef2004

Excellent thank you! The cash card doesn't even look like it would work abroad to be honest with you! There is no chip, no hologram, just looks like an old fashioned card. I would hate to arrive in Asia with a cash card that didn't work. It's a Cirrus card. What do you think??

grumbler

steef2004 wrote:

It's a Cirrus card. What do you think??

Every ATM with mastercard logo accepts Cirrus: Mastercard/Cirrus ATM Locator.

steef2004

Thanks so much, you're a lot more helpful than to cow at Nationwide was! So what would the advantage to having a Visa Debit be? Also, if you don't mind helping, will Lloyds charge me to buy things on the visa? So I could therefore have one card for getting access to cash for free, and one for hostels etc, without a charge?

Thanks :money:

KTF

The Visa Debit card from the Nationwide will allow you to purchase goods in a foreign currency without incurring a charge (which I believe Lloyds will do). You will also get the current interbank exchange rate on all cash withdrawals and (with the debit card) purchases which is the best you can get.

grumbler

steef2004 wrote:

So what would the advantage to having a Visa Debit be?

You can use debit card for cash withdrawls and purchases.

will Lloyds charge me to buy things on the visa?

Current account charges:

When you take out cash - From non-LINK cash machines in the UK and worldwide displaying the Visa sign, or over the counter at a bank or any other outlet displaying the Visa sign:
Debit Cards (including Electron) – 1.5 % of the amount with a minimum transaction charge of £2 and a maximum of £4.50. Cashpoint Cards – 1.5% of the amount (Minimum £1.50) per transaction.

When you use your debit card to buy foreign currency or traveller’s cheques - From any other banks, travel agents, Bureau de Change and other outlets displaying the Visa sign:
1.5 % of the amount with a minimum transaction charge of £2 and a maximum of £4.50.

Transactions abroad and in currencies other than sterling - Cash withdrawals and purchases:
We convert the amount to sterling using our exchange rate on the date we take the money from your account. We also include a conversion fee of 2.75%.

King_Of_Fools

To be honest, a Nationwide Visa Credit Card would be a lot more useful than the Visa Debit Card if you want to make purchases with it abroad.

KTF

King_Of_Fools wrote:

To be honest, a Nationwide Visa Credit Card would be a lot more useful than the Visa Debit Card if you want to make purchases with it abroad.

This is true as it also has no loading fee. Handy if you dont have the funds available in the bank (or want to save the funds already there for cash withdrawals).

Dont use it for taking out cash though as there is a fee for that.