Anyone had their First Direct card declined abroad?

studentuk1

I was in NYC for a few days and even though I let FD know before I left, my card was declined twice at an ATM (manhattan), and once in a restaurant (brooklyn).

Thankfully my Capital One CC has never been declined abroad, so I always have that as back up.

Anyone else had their FD card blocked/declined abroad even after letting them know?

reclusive46

studentuk1 wrote: »

I was in NYC for a few days and even though I let FD know before I left, my card was declined twice at an ATM (manhattan), and once in a restaurant (brooklyn).

Thankfully my Capital One CC has never been declined abroad, so I always have that as back up.

Anyone else had their FD card blocked/declined abroad even after letting them know?

Usually letting a company knows (There are some exceptions) makes no difference as all they do is write a note on the account. That makes no difference to the automated system.

studentuk1

reclusive46 wrote: »

Usually letting a company knows (There are some exceptions) makes no difference as all they do is write a note on the account. That makes no difference to the automated system.

Interesting. Some companies seem to be better at this than others. I've used my Capital One card many times when traveling and never had it blocked. Have had a text message once asking to confirm a transaction, but still it wasn't blocked.

FD didn't call/text me when they blocked my card, which was annoying.

I wouldn't even bother trying to use my old Aqua card abroad. It was often blocked in the UK, let alone using it overseas.

nearlyrich

Never had an issue with FD or Capital One abroad even if I haven't said I'm travelling if it's unusual use they have called me before now.

pimento

Yes. I had my FD VISA debit card declined in Auckland but my FD VISA credit card was accepted. A phone call sorted it out fairly fast and I had no other problems.