Barclays Premier Life - No Premier card for me ?

TzarJay

Two weeks ago I switched to a Barclays Premier Life current account. During my in-branch application everything was fine, but I was told I couldn't get the Premier Visa Debit card at this time (starts in 4659) so they sent me a regular blue Visa Debit (starts 4658).

I have limited knowledge on the whole 4659, 4658, cheque guarentee, offline, online card thing. All I know is some how I did not qualify for the card and was told "in a few month i'll run you through the system again and see if you are eligible then, jut keep the account in good order".

This whole some people 4658 and others 4659 thing is really confusing me, and I cant seem to find a straight answer of how gets 58 and who gets 59. All I know is 59 Visa from Barclays is Contactless and 58 is not.

An good info on this would help me.

Thanks.

chexum

4658? 4659? The "is my Visa Debit card any good?" thread!

In short, "full-auth" cards need to contact the bank for each transaction, which may make it not work in some circumstances (most automated petrol stations). They are the modern world equivalent of "electronic" or maestro/solo cards. They are used if the bank cannot trust you, not even for a minimal overdraft - as any card usage could then make you spend money, which you don't have. This is irrespective whether you asked for any overdraft or not.