***HELP NEEDED*** Lloyds TSB Credit & Debit Cards in the US

pacmania1982

We are currently on holiday in the US, four days into a two week trip. I went to use my Lloyds TSB debit card in a baseball hat shop at an outlet mall just outside Philadelphia. My card was declined so I paid in cash and got on to the phone to Lloyds TSB. I had already been to my local branch prior to the trip to advise them of my travel plans. They updated my account 'enabling' me to use my cards abroad. I have the platinum account, and pay something like £30 a month for their service.

While on the phone to a Lloyds TSB representative, I explained the problem. They apologised for the problems that I was experiencing and did something to my account that supposedly allowed me to use them in shops. They also said that the store hadn't requested the payment. Fine, one shop, perhaps they hadn't got their POS configured properly. The bank assure me that there is no problems with my account. I can however use my debit card to get cash out from an ATM.

While in New York yesterday, we went to the hotel that we had booked online with the credit card. Upon check in, I was asked to swipe my card again, even though the room was paid for, for 'incidentals' - i.e. to cover anything that we might charge to the room. Declined....paid a refundable deposit of $45 and went on my way. I then went to purchase a $30 top up card for my American phone from Duane Reade, again, with my credit card. What a surprise, it was declined AGAIN, so I paid in cash and then rang Lloyds TSB again to complain and ask what on earth is going on. This person from Lloyds have advised me that the retailer needs to enter the CVV code from the back of the card. This isn't possible as the card is being swipped at a POS. I could understand one retailer having a misconfigured POS, but not three....

I had exactly the same problem the last time we were over and rented a car. I had already paid for it online and went to collect it. My credit card was swiped at the airport and promptly declined, so I used my debit card that time without issue. Now neither of my cards work.

So the problem now, is neither of my cards work out here, and we want to rent a car. We can't pay in cash as they'd want to swipe my card for a deposit, and won't accept cash.

Has anyone else traveled to the US with a Lloyds TSB credit or debit card and used them successfully in a store? If so how did you do it and what can I do to remedy my situation. I have Googled it but found only stories of US credit/debit cards used in Europe and having problems with chip and pin machines.

Any advise/help would be greatly appreciated. It is starting to put a dampner on our holiday and means that we can't do half of the things we'd planned.

zen135

Most card readers overseas also have the facility to do the card transaction using the 'chip and pin' method (as used in the UK and involves entering your pin on the card reader) in addition to the 'swipe' facility. I always ask the merchant to carry out the transaction using the 'chip and pin' method - never faced any issues.

I think this has got something to do with their fraud prevention systems kicking in when the 'swipe' method is used as this is less secure than the other method which involves authentication using your pin, which only you know.

pacmania1982

Thank you for your reply. The first merchant we tried (the hat shop) I was asked to enter my PIN code and this failed too.

malkie

Agree with you.... I work in Alaska and have Lloyds TSB debit card and credit card... The first time I was here none of them worked but like you i could take out cash from the ATM machine.. When I returned to the UK I called Lloyds and asked them to set up my cards so that they will work in the states and they do... Chip and pin does not work as US banks are not as technical as UK banking, So I have to sign for every thing in the US when I use either Debit or CC.

So like you have been doing you need to call them and have them approve it on there system. I would call them back and tell them your cards are still not working...

tomsco

I think it's something along the lines of America figured it would be too costly to invest in chip and PIN. As swiping isn't as secure as chip and PIN (chips can't be duplicated, cards can), transactions in America do run a higher risk of being declined.

Roger1

What a mess!

Given that you had the problems before and nothing seems to have improved, I'd be looking for another credit card when you come back, preferably one without Lloyds TSB's ripoff charges and surcharges for foreign use. Check http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money#howgood

Thanks for your info. It reinforces my decision not to use my Lloyds TSB Avios Duo AmEx abroad.

M_Thomson

tomsco wrote: »

I think it's something along the lines of America figured it would be too costly to invest in chip and PIN. As swiping isn't as secure as chip and PIN (chips can't be duplicated, cards can), transactions in America do run a higher risk of being declined.

Chip and Pin is on its way to the USA.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2399772,00.asp

chris-j

Cleary answer is to ditch Lloyds TSB. Appalling service. I know this does not help your immediate problem and rather than having constant rejections you are clearly going to have to take out cash, so make sure when you get back to get at least refund on withdrawal fees.