Halifax has blocked my card :(

YorkshireBoy

travellerboy wrote: »

( Halifax use the expensive 0844 number by the way)

The customer services number begins 08457*, which is included in many landline packages (and some mobile packages?).

If it isn't included in yours, the find another geographic number from www.saynoto0870.com or blag your way through on the 0800 applications number.


* http://www.halifax.co.uk/contactus/callus.asp#Credit_Cards

jonesMUFCforever

OP Did you inform the Halifax that you would be going abroad?

_Andy_

WelshSun wrote: »

.

They want me to phone a number, but the problem is I am out of the country. So don't know how I can phone them.

Basic premise is the same - find a phone/Skype, dial the number and speak to them.

cos_2

Call Halifax on +44 113 242 2229. Replace the + with the country's exit code. If you're holidaying in the US the exit code is 011, therefore, you would call 011 44 113 242 2229.

Edited to add, I think every other country's exit code is 00. So, 00 44 113 242 2229 should do it, unless you are in the USA.

cos_2

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

OP Did you inform the Halifax that you would be going abroad?

Indeed, because Halifax appear to be quite strict on this. I thought I'd told them last year that my wife (joint account) was off to the USA, but she called to say her card had been stopped.

I called Halifax who said SHE should have informed them, not I :mad:

Fortunately, another credit card worked fine, and she was on holiday with my daughter, so I simply transferred cash to my daughter's account and she withdrew cash as required

To be honest, I like their security.

reclusive46

I must admit this is one thing I love about my Amex, I've never ever had a transaction blocked by them abroad. The only time my card was ever blocked was when my card magstripe data took a trip to Mexico without me and my card :P I can't say the same about some other issues. Barclaycard has only blocked one of my transactions abroad in 5 years though.

dresdendave

WelshSun wrote: »

Hi,

They want me to phone a number, but the problem is I am out of the country. So don't know how I can phone them.

OP could you let us know what country you are in. If any other MSE folk are planning on visiting the same country, at least they will be forewarned that whilst there, they will have no access to any telephone networks.

reclusive46

dresdendave wrote: »

OP could you let us know what country you are in. If any other MSE folk are planning on visiting the same country, at least they will be forewarned that whilst there, they will have no access to any telephone networks.

Maybe he's on the new Mars planet hotel complex? I heard they haven't quite got the real time telephone network up there yet.

chattychappy

reclusive46 wrote: »

I must admit this is one thing I love about my Amex, I've never ever had a transaction blocked by them abroad.

hmmm... but you do pay 2.75% per transaction?

I used Amex Plat Chargecard for a while. I don't think I ever got it blocked, but I did get unexplained declines from time-to-time whilst travelling. Amex would claim that no authorisation was attempted.

Nationwide Gold was the best one, but I stopped using it when it became loaded. Nationwide Select has been OK so far, but early days.

chattychappy

chattychappy wrote: »

Nationwide Select has been OK so far, but early days.

Spoke too soon... just had my first block on Select. Am in Taiwan. Booked a flight on the Easyjet site (about 80 euros), no problem. 30mins later tried to book a flight on the Lufthansa site (about 130 euros). Failed authorisation and automated call from Nationwide suspecting fraud.

Have called the Nationwide special number (the "from abroad" version).. "Pls stay on the line, we're be happy to help you" - I think after 41 minutes*, I think I'll let them "help me" another day and "help" PO/Santander Zero in the meantime by using their cards.

I'm fine with this stuff. But it is a useful reminder to people to have backups (and ideally a cheap way of calling back to the UK). 41 mins on my UK T-Mobile phone back to the UK at standard rates would cost £57.40....

(*not from a mobile, of course!!)