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

miss_edith

My mum had her Nationwide credit card refused when collecting a hire car in Germany. Luckily we were able to switch the main driver to someone else but it was still embarassing. I've also had mine refused when making an online purchase from America. The local Nationwide branch said that I need to inform them about both credit and debit cards when going abroad which I always do now. I've not been told by anyone that the debit card does not need to be notified.

nedsram_2

miss_edith wrote: »

My mum had her Nationwide credit card refused when collecting a hire car in Germany. Luckily we were able to switch the main driver to someone else but it was still embarassing. I've also had mine refused when making an online purchase from America. The local Nationwide branch said that I need to inform them about both credit and debit cards when going abroad which I always do now. I've not been told by anyone that the debit card does not need to be notified.

Last time I told Nationwide that I was going to use the cards abroad I was told not to bother, as they don't record the information. That's even though they had a category "using cards abroad" for secure messages at the time. They don't appear to have that category any more.

bigsy

It's strange how the Nationwide responses vary. This is a copy of part of a helpful secure message I got from them last month after telling them I would be using my Gold card in Italy:

"I have notated the account accordingly with the travel details you have provided. Please be aware if we suspect that there is potential fraud threat to your card it may still be possible that your card is declined until we are able to speak to you. For this reason can you provide a contact telephone number should we do need to call you while you are away.


I have some useful travel tips for you when abroad:

• Take more than one piece of plastic with you and don’t keep all cards together.

• Take contact numbers of each card issuer away with you and keep information (along with card number) separate from the card itself.

• Transactions made in the local currency will not incur any additional costs/commission charges; however cash withdrawals are still subject to Cash Advance fees.

• Take this number with you in case that you need to speak to Nationwide Credit Card services whilst you are away - +44 2476 438 996.

• Make sure you know your PIN number before you go as we will not be able to send you a reminder once you are away."

nedsram_2

bigsy wrote: »

It's strange how the Nationwide responses vary. This is a copy of part of a helpful secure message I got from them last month after telling them I would be using my Gold card in Italy:

"I have notated the account accordingly with the travel details you have provided. Please be aware if we suspect that there is potential fraud threat to your card it may still be possible that your card is declined until we are able to speak to you. For this reason can you provide a contact telephone number should we do need to call you while you are away.


I have some useful travel tips for you when abroad:

• Take more than one piece of plastic with you and don’t keep all cards together.

• Take contact numbers of each card issuer away with you and keep information (along with card number) separate from the card itself.

• Transactions made in the local currency will not incur any additional costs/commission charges; however cash withdrawals are still subject to Cash Advance fees.

• Take this number with you in case that you need to speak to Nationwide Credit Card services whilst you are away - +44 2476 438 996.

• Make sure you know your PIN number before you go as we will not be able to send you a reminder once you are away."

MoneySavingExpert has a very useful "cardsgone" tool available here:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cardsgone/

It will create a list of contact details for all of your cards. :T

dunkgwen

When my husband and I went to the USA recently our joint account cards were blocked even though I'd rung A&L to tell them we were going! To add to the nightmare my husband's card then took 3 weeks to unblock ... with A&L having us running around going to ATMs to do "unblock pin" when in fact the fault was with them - someone hadn't unticked a box to say our card wasn't being used fraudulently.

This was the last straw with A&L and we are now in the process of moving our a/c to First Direct ....

pearlypooh

dov wrote: »

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.

I tried to use my LTSB debit card at Gatwick Airport and it was blocked, lucky HSBC were kinder to my friend or I would have had just £10 emergency money with me.:mad:

pearlypooh

Had my LTSB debit card blocked before I even went through immigration.
Using "free" ATM at airport (not bank owned but currency bureau type) card was blocked.Totally embarrassing as only had £10 cash with me for emergencies/ overseas exchange. Lucky friend could loan me some cash through her HSBC account (using same machine)
LTSB advised that it was probably "random security check" and suggest next time I either advise them or take their dedicated number with me and they will unblock. Despite having date of next hols will only take details nearer the time
MY MONEY and should be able to access it without all this big brother stuff. They are the ones who have less than secure systems and we have to live with consequences of this.

smk77

Scudlink wrote: »

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.

I spoke to Nationwide the other day who told me to use it at a UK airport..i.e. get a balance check. That way they'll know that you are about to travel.

When arriving abroad, the card shouldn't get blocked..

Although, I don't actually believe this! The guy at Nationwide said a quick call would sort it out if it got blocked..

Doshwaster

If you use HSBC internet banking they have a new "Going Away" feature (just noticed it today) where you can enter your overseas trips so they have the details on record.

It says it will "significantly reduce" the chances of your card being blocked.

martinfan10000

I have a Post Office credit card and was advised that the best way to ensure your card is not blocked when travelling overseas is to make a small purchase at the airport on departure then this will show on your records. Has worked for me, haven't had a problem after doing this.