We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

Using debit card on planes

TheEffect
TheEffect Posts: 2,293 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
edited 8 May 2013 at 10:31PM in Budgeting & bank accounts
When making purchases on trains/planes, my debit cards always used to be a hit and miss whether they were accepted/declined (always had available funds). I've always used a credit card since which seems to be fine.

I've got a first direct debit card now. Is there a way of knowing beforehand whether it'll work on planes/trains (e.g. if I asked the bank, would they know?) or is it simply a try it process?

(It's slightly embarrassing when you've been given all the food/drink and your card gets declined). :p

Comments

  • reclusive46
    reclusive46 Posts: 2,698 Forumite
    TheEffect wrote: »
    When making purchases on trains/planes, my debit cards always used to be a hit and miss whether they were accepted/declined (always had available funds). I've always used a credit card since which seems to be fine.

    I've got a first direct debit card now. Is there a way of knowing beforehand whether it'll work on planes/trains (e.g. if I asked the bank, would they know?) or is it simply a try it process?

    (It's slightly embarrassing when you've been given all the food/drink and your card gets declined). :p

    It depends whether the bank has set the service code on the card to "mandatory authorisation", which basically means it has to contact the bank.

    I don't think First Direct issue mandatory auth cards, so the card should work fine anywhere, even when the card can't contact the bank.
  • TheEffect
    TheEffect Posts: 2,293 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    It depends whether the bank has set the service code on the card to "mandatory authorisation", which basically means it has to contact the bank.

    I don't think First Direct issue mandatory auth cards, so the card should work fine anywhere, even when the card can't contact the bank.


    Interesting, thanks.
  • dalesrider
    dalesrider Posts: 3,447 Forumite
    What are numbers 5 & 6 on your card.

    46 should/will be Ok.
    47 is their auth all card.
    Never ASSUME anything its makes a
    >>> A55 of U & ME <<<
  • opinions4u
    opinions4u Posts: 19,411 Forumite
    Money saving tip: don't buy anything on trains and planes. It's expensive!
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.2K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 603.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.4K Life & Family
  • 261.4K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.