First direct not offering option of contactless free debit card

The_pc_tech

Noticed my card was getting a little rough on the edge that you put into the machine/card terminal so rang up to request a replacement and with all the stuff that's been in the press about issues with contactless cards and the big notices in supermarkets warning you to check you aren't debited twice I definitely don't want one but I am told that they can't order one without this.

Anyone know if they can block the functionality on these or any banks that will even if they have no choice but to send cards with the antenna and so on built in?

Gromitt

You can put it in an RFID blocking wallet,

Sometimes having two together will interfere with the signal.

They were not interested a few years ago, but customer feedback got them to begin introducing cards from last May.

Similarly, other banks such as Nationwide and Santander also had no intention of issuing cards but are now starting to.

Your chance of getting a non-contactless card is getting more and more difficult.

The bank can't disable the card as contactless transactions are typically done off-line, and there may be no connection with the bank when the purchase takes place.

The_pc_tech

I recently applied for a halifax reward account and that does not have contactless so might apply for a second.

The other account I have with FD has a contactless card but that stays safe in my drawer at home.

As this is my main account and the debit card I tend to take with me when I go out the contactless issue concerns me.

I'm sure it's terrific technology when you are running for a tube in The Smoke but I think there are too many flaws in it.

Gromitt

Halifax are trialling contactless so I would make it quick before they no longer offer the non-contactless version!

sabretoothtigger

Anyone know if they can block the functionality on these

You can disable it with tin foil, selotape it on or something or just keep it wrapped up till till the last second its needed

Alot of 'special' wallets just have some in the lining

Hominu

sabretoothtigger wrote: »

You can disable it with tin foil, selotape it on or something or just keep it wrapped up till till the last second its needed

Sometimes a single piece isn't enough - you need to double-up (fold in two) for each side, which can then make it difficult to get the card out (and you look crazy, taking your card out and then unwrapping it from the tin foil).

Much easier to get a non-RFID card whilst you still can. During the life of the card maybe contactless will die or another technology will replace it, or maybe it'll become more secure.

TheEffect

Maybe it's time to adapt and start accepting new technology?

Don't believe everything you read in the news. The minimal chance of something actually happening like you being charged twice at Tesco is hardly worth the hassle of tin-foil etc, when in all likelihood, if you were very unlucky and it did happen to you, the bank/Tesco would refund you anyway, so you wouldn't be at a loss.

sabretoothtigger

What is the worst case scenario anyhow, accidenally spending 200 for someone elses shopping ? I know its capped somewhere but in any case Im !!!!ed if its more then a fiver

(and you look crazy, taking your card out and then unwrapping it from the tin foil).

wear it with a tin foil hat and you can just tuck it in there, matching outfit even

tripled

Gromitt wrote: »

Halifax are trialling contactless so I would make it quick before they no longer offer the non-contactless version!

My 12 month old Halifax Reward Visa debit card is contaactless. Never realised I was part of a trial.

The_pc_tech

RFID blocking leather wallet ordered.

Don't have a problem with RFID (I have an RFID pass to get into the office and the server rooms at work) but just a concern when you get double charged.

baggers02

If you have two cards then isn't the solution to get the card out you want to pay with and not just wave your wallet around?