Is using a Visa Electron still cheaper anywhere?

tommay

I got a basic account just to get a Visa Electron a few years ago, when easyjet and flybe had it as the card they didn't charge you to use.
Now neither of those companies do that anymore, I haven't used it for a long time and am debating whether to close the account.
Anybody know of any companies that make using a Visa Electron cheaper than using a standard Visa Debit card?

JuicyJesus

Probably not, in line with the fact that few if any banks still issue Visa Electron.

jpb77

Easyjet do not charge you for using a Visa debit now only charge for using a credit card.

Chrisblue1962

The debit card previously issued with Co-operative Bank's Cashminder account was previously an Electron debit card but according to the Co-op these card are / have been phased out...However, I've heard rumours to the contrary...:)

helzbelz_57

flybe dont charge for payments using visa debit either.

tommay

jpb77 wrote: »

Easyjet do not charge you for using a Visa debit now only charge for using a credit card.

helzbelz_57 wrote: »

flybe dont charge for payments using visa debit either.

indeed... so there is no benefit having a Visa Electron when booking with these companies anymore.
Travel Republic is the only website I have found still giving a discount for using one.
I think I shall get rid.
Thanks

JuicyJesus

Chrisblue1962 wrote: »

The debit card previously issued with Co-operative Bank's Cashminder account was previously an Electron debit card but according to the Co-op these card are / have been phased out...However, I've heard rumours to the contrary...:)

They still exist, but they are increasingly rare in the UK, as compared to overseas where they're a lot more common. IIRC only Halifax still issue then.

The only reason you'd issue an Electron is because you don't trust the customer to not use their card in a shop with a high floor limit where they don't have the funds, to the point where you won't emboss the numbers on the card so they can't use an imprinter. The ability to issue online Visa Debit cards which are functionally the same, and the fact that "click-clack" imprinters are all but extinct, means that there's no point in issuing them any more.

Solo cards are gone for much the same reason, but in that particular case the entire card scheme has literally just ceased to exist. Maestro will probably go the same way within the next few years, for the simple reason that it's just Switch rebranded to look like the European Maestro but works completely differently, thus confusing the t*ts off everyone.

Also, an aside, but next time I see somewhere online saying my card is a Visa Delta I'm going to smack them.

gwapenut

I'm going to bump this thread for a 2013 update rather than start a new thread.

My understanding / experience is that Visa Electron now only saves me money at TravelRepublic. It does not seem to any more at any of the airlines.

Can anyone comment - are there any other places where it saves fees versus a debit card? eg Other travel agents?