Cash passport

EXSUDBURY

Acting on advice I obtained a US$ Cash Passport and despite a few initial teething problems used it successfully in the USA including topping up over the Internet.

However, my criticism relates to the treatment of "Pending Transactions". When you purchase an item the transaction (or part of it) is shown under Pending Transactions and deducted from the account balance. Though I can understand why this is done, the items remain under Pending Transactions even though after the account has been charged with the correct amount.

In my case, I purchased some goods for $75.00. Two transactions for this amount were held under Pending Transactions (and must have related to that single purchase) AND the transaction was also shown as posted to my account. The balance differed by $150 because of the two pending items.
I tried emailing the card provider but their email response only advised me to call them (free) or provide them with a number where I was available in which country.
This has put me off this particular card (Issued by Co-operative Travel) and will certainly look around for better alternatives.

I subsequently received the promised phone call in which I was advised that the Pending Transactions are held against the account for 7 to 10 days. This means that my account will be "adjusted" on the day I fly home and effectively means that I have "lost" the use of $150 on this trip. Never again will I use this facility.

sharpy2010

Thanks for the info.

What is your question though?

NiftyDigits

"Acting on advice..." Certainly not advice from here.

EXSUDBURY

I subsequently discovered that the 2 @ $75 relates to two attempts to buy petrol (gas) at 2 different garages. The first attempt was rejected because the zip code where I am staying is not the same as on my card address, so I tried again at another garage - also unsuccessful. Despite no purchase being made there are still 2 Pending Transactions on my account resulting in $150 not being available for 7-10 days. My original comment was to find out how long I would have to wait before they were no longer pending and the funds would be available. After my initial post I was contacted and given the 7:10 days detail. Now I am confused as to why I have to wait 10 days when no purchases were made. An added reason for not using this facility again.

john1002

To be fair this is how all cards work with pre authorisation transactions, be that pre paid, credit cards, debit cards etc.

I dont believe there is a card out there that you would not have this problem with regard pre authorisation, some take a day or so or others can take the full 14 days, same happens in hotels etc.

There are pre paid cards that will allow your fuel purchase and not decline due to postcode, an example of this is fairfx, or to ensure when buying fuel you go into the service station and not use the pre paid pumps.

john

reclusive46

Wouldn't bother with a prepaid or debit card in the US. Everywhere does tons of authorisations. Restaurants authorise an extra 20% for trips, stores authorise extra for what seems like no reason. Gas stations authorise for 100 USD for Visa and MC (1 USD for Amex sometimes).