Caxton FX Pre-paid card application issue

carlstep

Hi, just wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem with applying for a caxton fx pre-paid card like I have.

I recently completed the online application for the Caxton FX Globaltraveller card. Once submitted I got an email (automated) back saying my application was being processed and was told that caxton had taken a £10 deposit from my bank. All ok there!

The following morning I got a 2nd email. This email asked for more information, specifically some further ID (copy of passport and 1 other document) which I should send to them electronically. As I had recently moved house, I thought this could be creating a problem with my credit file and that caxton wanted to verify my identity. I was happy to send through the additional information. However, and here is the thing, within 3 minutes of receiving the 2nd email I got a 3rd email. The 3rd email said that my application was successful and that a card would be with me shortly; even though I had yet to send in the ID documents!

I rang the caxton customer services team, explained the situation above and was told to ignore the 3rd email, it was a system error and was sent to me by mistake. Now this started the alarms bells ringing for me - I'm going travelling for a number of months, possibly up to 2 yrs and I want to put up to £600 per month on the card, so I need a card provider that has robust systems and can support my need to get access to funds where-ever I am (assuming, of course, there is money loaded to the card).

Anyway, my point is, has anyone ever experienced an issue like the one above ie. being sent two contradicting emails within the space of 3 minutes by Caxtion (or any financial institution)?... are these 'mistakes' now commonplace or a rare event! Exactly, how robust are the IT systems in use by the pre-paid card providers?

Also, has anyone any suggestions for a pre-paid card to use in asia?

Regards,
Carl

NiftyDigits

Cash Passport Globe is better value.

eddddy

Hi Carl

I recently applied for a CaxtonFX card and also got a similar automated 2nd email:

"Unfortunately, we have been unable to verify your identity using our online systems, and therefore I'm sure you'll understand that we need to complete paper checks."

This surprised me - I have lived at the same address and been on the ER for 10+ years. I have successfully opened many credit card accounts, mobile phone contracts etc, with no identity verification problems. (And I've rechecked CRA details, to make sure they are correct.)

So I agree that their systems seem a little suspect.

On the plus side, when I sent scanned ID, I got a pleasant email reply from a 'real person' (not automated), and the card arrived much quicker than they estimated.

But I haven't tried to use the card yet, so I can't comment on that.

Han_naH

The Caxton team are inexperienced and even the supervisor was very young. Their emails were nonsensical and did not solve my balance problems, and it was clear they don't understand their system either.

When you log in you have many columns of data but no balance, like you would with any other financial provider. So you cannot track the debits and credits and nor can they!

I don't trust Caxton at all, they are simply too small to be handling your money reliably.

I suggest Halifax Clarity card or Santander Zero card, both of which I have. The Halifax card is cheaper than Santander for cash withdrawals, as I found the Zero card seemed to charge ongoing small interest fees for a long time after the initial ATM visit.

smalltownman

I have had no issues with my Caxton Euro Card. I use it for ATM withdrawals in Spain & France. I load it via my registerd UK bank account, either by text or internet from Spain/France and it is immediate. There are no charges at all.
When I log on to my Caxton account the current balance is shown on the first page (Euros). I then can insert dates and check all of my transactions back to day 1.

Han_naH

Wrong. These credits and debits are hidden from the transaction history.

Caxton customers are advised to track their card using Quicken or a similar method such as a spreadsheet.

Create a running balance column for your credits and debits and note the balance - for some people - will not match the front page balance from Caxton. Some customers will have a shock if they bother to add it up.

This is because not all transactions / fees are displayed.
Caxton apply an unreasonable charge for use in the UK of £1.50 so some transactions you thought were foreign were made here, or you simply didn't think and bought in the UK. E.g., you buy a bottle of water at the airport for 80p and Caxton charge you £1.50 aswell.

The provider's systems often make a small test debit to check your card then again for the correct amount. Caxton apply fees each time, because they don't know what they are doing. These debits are hidden from view - yes Caxton are not even showing you correct figures. Can you believe that?

You have to contact them and complain and they may return fees but only if you ask, and their team lack interest and experience.

I have other spurious transactions I never made and fees to match.

Piotrf

I don't share the same opinion with Lee. I have my Caxton Euro card since 2008 and I never had any problem with it. Well, not entirely true. There was once an issue with withdrawing cash from ATM whilst abroad. I spoke to customer service who told me I could withdraw from over the counter and that they would refund me the fees. Which they did.
The card is good if you bear in mind the T&C.

There are no fees whatsoever if you only use it in the Eurozone for withdrawals and purchases, and the same for loading it. Everything outside the that zone you incur in fees. And quite simply don't use it elsewhere. It does not imply a credit search on our file, although Halifax Clarity might be more competitive because of using live exchange rates.