The old Online/Offline Card Question Rears its head again !

Ryan101

I am a bit confused, not hard to do admittedly but here you go.

I have a Debit card (Contactless) with Halifax, and a Premier debit card with Lloyds, both these cards are offline (I think) as I can use them on the train and at pay at pump etc.

I also have a Barclays account (Normal account with cheque book etc) but the Visa Debit card (Not contactless) begins 4958 and I am told by Branch staff is a 'Connect Electronic' card, yet I can use this card on trains pay at the pump etc so it must be a offline card ?.

Yet when I use my other cards at certain retailers I just put the PIN number in and I am told to immediately remove the card, its like it never gets authorised as it is too quick, yet when using the Barclays card it takes time like it is being authorised ?.

Confused therefore if it is online or offline, I did ask branch staff but was told there is only one type of card and I have it.

reclusive46

Just ask for a contactless Barclays card. If you get one, then it'll be offline.

Ryan101

reclusive46 wrote: »

Just ask for a contactless Barclays card. If you get one, then it'll be offline.

Tried that via the call centre, got told that Barclays only have ONE type of card which is contactless, told them mines was not contactless, was again told it must be as Barclays do not issue any other type of card, I said mines was not contactless and was told it must be as Barclays only issue ONE type of card, and it just went round and round until I gave up !.

Toe-Jam

Needing an Offline Card to buy your ticket on the train is not required.
It depends on the Train Operator.

Most train operators use GPRS Hand Held terminals now that can authorise the transaction there and then.

http://www.streamline.com/accepting-card-payments/face-to-face/other-products/card-payments-on-the-move/

If you have a 4658 Card from Barclays its not offline.

System

Unless you really want the contactless function, I don't seen why you are going to all this effort?!

Banks also look at account activity if you request any new functions after opening; they may not even 'upgrade' your card if its not got regular credits.

Ryan101 wrote: »

Tried that via the call centre, got told that Barclays only have ONE type of card which is contactless, told them mines was not contactless, was again told it must be as Barclays do not issue any other type of card, I said mines was not contactless and was told it must be as Barclays only issue ONE type of card, and it just went round and round until I gave up !.

jen245

4658 - online

4659/4539 - offline contactless card

Yours is an online card

pmduk

The OP mentions their card beginning 4958, it may just be a typo or perhaps a different sequence?

dalesrider

Ryan101 wrote: »

Yet when I use my other cards at certain retailers I just put the PIN number in and I am told to immediately remove the card, its like it never gets authorised as it is too quick, yet when using the Barclays card it takes time like it is being authorised ?.
.

Maybe these retailers use the same group for their banking. So no having to link to a 3rd party.
Also remember retailers have floor limits. So if you use Barclays card for larger purchases and the others for small ones. It could simply be its over the floor limit and has go for authorisation.

reclusive46

dalesrider wrote: »

Maybe these retailers use the same group for their banking. So no having to link to a 3rd party.
Also remember retailers have floor limits. So if you use Barclays card for larger purchases and the others for small ones. It could simply be its over the floor limit and has go for authorisation.

+ Some shops use broadband lan for authorisation, whereas some shops use dial up.

System

Many now obtain authorisation for all transactions to reduce their exposure to fraud so offline/online cards are treated the same.

reclusive46 wrote: »

+ Some shops use broadband lan for authorisation, whereas some shops use dial up.