fairfx pin probs

ddt12

Beware problems with using a pin abroad for fairfx. In the U.S. if a pin was needed at a shop, etc. the transaction did not go thru on several occasions. Pin worked in A.T.M. Had to rely on credit card and now have to change currency to get money off fairfx debit card to pay credit card. Not funny. Could have been at serious risk and now have to sort the problem out. I have written to fairfx. Too late for me but hopefully they can get this sorted for other travellers.

M4RKM

The US does not have Chip and Pin. Therefore, if using a card in store in the US, and they ask, credit or debit. always say credit. You will then sign for the goods/services. I have never had an issue with a fairfx card, and used it on many many occasions for transactions, hotels, bar/restaurant bills, shops etc.

The "Debit" system for the USA is totally different, regardless if it is a UK debit card, or a prepaid card, you should always say Credit. Most places will let tourists try both methods, if the first method chosen didn't work.

I'm doubtful that your correspondence with FairFx will come to anything other than human error on your part, as it isn't their systems that have declined the transaction, it wouldn't have even got through to their systems as the US debit system is so different.

M

ddt12

If a machine asks whether a card is debit or credit and it is a debit card, then the user selects that option. If a machine requests a pin and the card has a pin, then the user provides the pin. If the system is not viable in a country, then the service should make the user aware. Human error doesn't really enter into the matter. But thanks for letting me know how to get around the system so that I can get the monney off the card in the U.S. on my next trip if necessary.

D

ferf1223

I'm never been given the option of entering a PIN in a shop in the US...maybe because we always say 'credit'.

But it's not something limited to FairFX - same thing applies when we use our bank-issued debit cards - we've had problems trying to use them as debit cards ('checking' option sometimes) in a few countries...so always just go for the credit option.

M4RKM

ddt12 - but a prepaid mastercard is neither credit nor debit. It is a prepaid card. The Mastercard logo is synonymous with Credit Cards.

It isn't getting around the system. If you had a US Issued debit card, the system works fine. No UK card would work with the US Debit system, it is a swipe and pin, not chip and pin. It's a totally different system, and your misunderstanding of the system is the issue here.

Ferf is right, always say credit and everything works, and that it isn't just FairFX, so complaining to them isn't going to help. The people you should be complaining to are the management of the outlets you had issues at because they didn't make you aware (just interpreting your words!).


M