MSE News: Going on holiday? Avoid the blocked card nightmare

Former_MSE_Guy

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"Millions of Britons jetting off on their summer holidays should call their card company before leaving to help prevent their plastic getting blocked. But this doesn't apply to everyone ..."

Read the full story:
Going on holiday? Avoid the blocked card nightmare

apt

Nationwide should be under the no list according to its website info - http://www.nationwide.co.uk/search/DisplayArticle.aspx?article=1483

wizk1

Isn't it always worth ringing anyway just to put your mind at rest? What's the point in going on holiday if you're going to spend the entire time worrying about your card being blocked.

Chester85

The article needs to state, there is no point in calling Nationwide at all

Nationwide themselves say don't call them and when you do (I mentioned it last year when actiivating a new card) they won't do anything

They do not make or hold notes on account due to the nature of the card and many users extensive use so you are wasting a phone call

It will maintain standard security (i.e if you spend way over normal amount then above what is considerd a holiday spend) checks but no more

wizk1

Chester85 wrote: »

The article needs to state, there is no point in calling Nationwide at all

Nationwide themselves say don't call them and when you do (I mentioned it last year when actiivating a new card) they won't do anything

They do not make or hold notes on account due to the nature of the card and many users extensive use so you are wasting a phone call

It will maintain standard security (i.e if you spend way over normal amount then above what is considerd a holiday spend) checks but no more

Banks change their policies all the time. All I'm saying, is its worth the piece of mind to "waste" a phone call.

Former_MSE_Dan

apt wrote: »

Nationwide should be under the no list according to its website info - http://www.nationwide.co.uk/search/DisplayArticle.aspx?article=1483

Thanks apt - we've changed this now. Oddly, despite it being on their site, Nationwide gave us the wrong information the first time around!

snoopstah

Any info on American Express?

Doshwaster

I travel abroad about 10 times a year and never had a problem until I landed in New York at about 10pm one night, went to the ATM to get some cash and my HSBC debit card was refused, then my HSBC credit card was refused... fortunately I had an Egg card as backup and that was accepted, otherwise I would have been penniless.

I tried calling HSBC only to find that their telephone banking wasn't 24 hours (10pm NY is 3am here - though 8 am in India:)) and I couldn't speak to anyone until the next day.

Lessons:
1) have a backup card from another bank
2) don't assume you can call your bank 24 hours a day
3) tell them you are going. It's a 2 min phone call which can save a lot of hassle

Maybe the banks' security software could be more intelligent. If you have bought an airlines ticket then it shouldn't be so surprising to see that your card is used at Heathrow then 7 hours later in New York...

dov

You could also try using the card at the airport by requesting your balance. Don't know if it helps but might make the difference.

Scudlink

Doshwaster wrote: »

If you have bought an airlines ticket then it shouldn't be so surprising to see that your card is used at Heathrow then 7 hours later in New York...

According to the advice I was given from Nationwide, this is exactly what you should not do. Apparently if you use your card in the UK and then again abroad on the same day it will automatically get blocked.

annie123

I have always called natwest and egg to inform them where I was going and for how long.
Never had any trouble with stopped cards, and natwest noticed a new transaction after I had departed from India and stopped it.
I had a message on my answer phone at home informing me what had happened, what they had done and when my new card would be with me.
It arrived 48 hours later.
Very impressed.