Does MSE have an infatuation with Debit Cards.

AppleMatt

waqasahmed wrote: »

I've been trying to follow this thread and Im confused about online and offline cards. I assume that online cards are cards you can only use online and offline cards are cards that you can use in store as well?

Online cards need to check you have the full amount before the payment goes through. Offline cards don't.

In effect, with an offline card the bank trusts that you'll only buy things you know you can afford (or, if you're cynical/rational, thinks they'll get an unauthorised overdraft fee out of).

stclair

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=56487421&postcount=5

thatsean

Yes. Totally.

Many on here seem to attach their self worth to the kind of card they have.

Whilst I agree limited functionality cards can be a pain, I don't think anyone ever died from using a petrol station counter. There's a lot of getting over it that needs to be done on this topic I think.

reclusive46

thatsean wrote: »

Yes. Totally.

Many on here seem to attach their self worth to the kind of card they have.

Whilst I agree limited functionality cards can be a pain, I don't think anyone ever died from using a petrol station counter. There's a lot of getting over it that needs to be done on this topic I think.

Some petrol stations don't have a counter inside or are closed after 7/8pm.

thatsean

reclusive46 wrote: »

Some petrol stations don't have a counter inside or are closed after 7/8pm.

Then go to another, or buy fuel when it's open.

newfoundglory

stclair wrote: »

Is there actually anything that say banks should allow cards to be used offline?

No, but the job of a bank is to facilitate the ability for people to make payments - not to hinder them.

Clearly, the technology exists for us to not be in the situation that we are.

reclusive46

newfoundglory wrote: »

No, but the job of a bank is to facilitate the ability for people to make payments - not to hinder them.

Clearly, the technology exists for us to not be in the situation that we are.

Its not so much the that people are given online cards, its just that most banks fail to mention that to their customers. Other than RBS and Natwest.

thatsean

That's a valid point - often overlooked. If the bank said "after checking your credit file we'll off you x,y,z which does 1,2,3" then the customer could either accept and know what their product does - or decline. (and grumble about it on here anyways!)

AdamJK_2

Just as a side-note; In my experience most folk with a standard current account (not basic) would be able to have an offline card. However a lot of what I see is people who are eligible, having the online card simply because they have upgraded their account from basic, or have had their account since under 18.

The card renewal systems tend to always look to issue a direct replacement, rather than upgrade, without intervention. Only last week did I deal with a young lady who had had a signature-only card for the past 4 years (not chip & PIN) as someone had ordered the card in error for her. A simple click and the card is upgraded and a replacement issued.

Just call your bank, note call, not visit branch, and ask to speak with card services. Most banking advisers can only issue replacement not upgrade card type.

Worst case scenario they'll say no and you can then take it from there - but I must deal with 20-30 calls a day where it's just a simple error with legacy accounts and easy to resolve.

[Deleted User]

kilasuit wrote: »

I think that all cards should be online anyway.

But then I wouldn't have the fun of watching the guys in my local chinese restaurant trying to work their clunk-clunk machine when I pay with an Amex