RBS - What happens if the new debit card is sent while you're abroad

firsttimestudent

Hi,

A few weeks ago I received a letter from RBS detailing that they'll be sending me a new Visa Debit card (to replace my Maestro) over the next few weeks.

I still haven't receive it today, and trouble is, I am going abroad for 6 weeks.

RBS isn't really my main account, and for most (or in fact all) of the internet banking functions I used over the past 3 months, I did not need a card + card reader. I rarely use the card for cash withdrawals or for payments anyway.

I'm slightly concerned that I won't receive it before I leave abroad - worse still, I am concerned that RBS may use the DXMail (secure mail), and as I'm abroad for a few weeks, the card gets returned to sender. Will they then put a block on my account?

How should I approach this? Is there a way to contact RBS and ask them not to send out a new card in the meantime?

Thanks!

zppp

Debit cards are not normally sent by DX mail. I would call them and ask them to return it to the branch if you are concerned, so you can collect it at a later date.

Toe-Jam

Depending on when your going away, you can call up and tell them your current card is "lost" and you will get the new visa debit in 7-10 days and then there won't be a problem.

fozmcfc

You could always ask for it to be sent to a branch and they can call you when it arrives.

My replacement debit card from Natwest (part of RBS group), came in what they called disguised mail. It basically looked like a birthday card from my nan or something similar. Inside the hand written envelope was a plain card and inside was the debit card.

One other thing, my mums also Natwest, didn't arrive and they cancelled her maestro card still. So you might find the maestro card just suddenly stop working.

Twister84

Card replacements in such circumstances will only go to the correspondence address that the bank has on file for you - unless you have a back to branch marker on the account. This is where any mail is sent to your home branch.

Since it's 6 weeks before you go, why don't you order a card in the next few days? This will ensure that you've got a new, valid card before you leave. This may even stop the pending one from being sent out (depending on when your auto-renewed card is being sent)

Rolandtheroadie

Lost my RBS card recently and got a replacement in 2 days. As it's a replacement due to changes (i got the visa debit instead of maestro a few months ago) your current card will remain active until you use the new card. This is what will cancel your old card.

Kavanne

In my experience, when a visa card is sent out to replace your existing maestro as part of the roll out your maestro is NOT cancelled immediately. In the few cases I've seen there's been an overlap of between 4 and 12 weeks where BOTH cards are active and can be used.

stclair

My understanding is your maestro card will be cancelled automatically 45 days after your new card has issued.

Id just ring up now and ask for replacement rather than waiting for an auto re issue.