MSE News: Should you call your bank before going abroad?

JCL

Think you can let Halifax know online now which saves you a phone call.

ManAtHome

harz99 wrote: »

Of course phone them!


The poster I quoted is registered as a newbie, rather than jump on them for the tone of their post (the article does not specify Europe only so the listing is not incorrect), which IS incorrect for those of us travelling further afield, I hoped I might gently nudge them to realise that.

I think it was a valid point though - around 80% of 'brits abroad' destinations are in Europe. Surely worth a '* - outside Europe' footnote?

slinga

JCL wrote: »

Think you can let Halifax know online now which saves you a phone call.

I let Halifax know with a phone call.
I was able to use my Clarity card in supermarkets and restaurants but was unable to draw cash which was my only reason for getting the Clarity card in the first place.

DeggsyTraveller

The Post Office Credit Card needs to be advised re foreign travel via Customer Services - the number is on the card.

Over the years I have been called a number of times to verify my use abroad.

Pincher

You will never remember to tell them you are transferring in Doha and the Duty Free is pretty cheap. If you get diverted to Hanoi due to a Typhoon or mechanical failure, what happens?


Multiple wallets in case of pick-pockets. BT ChargeCard details so you can call for Help if your mobile phone is stolen/broken/battery dead. Backup, backup, backup.

Mr_Wang

I get my card blocked every year by Natwest. A quick phone call unblocks it for about a week before they block it again.

Pincher

In the old days, the cashier/merchant usually called the call centre for an authorisation code, and if the card issuer had doubts, they simply ask to speak to the card holder, and go through security over the phone.


Now they just get the computer to block your card, presumably it's cheaper. Stranding a customer overseas doesn't cost them anything.

Wammer

Pincher wrote: »

In the old days, the cashier/merchant usually called the call centre for an authorisation code, and if the card issuer had doubts, they simply ask to speak to the card holder, and go through security over the phone.

We had that happen a couple of years ago in Vegas. It was on our big shopping day when the card was getting hammered. The retailer called and had the purchase authorised, but we didn't have to speak to anyone.

Tried to use the card later in the day and it was declined. Called the Nationwide and they said there was no problem with the card and no block on it. They said it may have just been that particular merchant. Tried it somewhere else and it worked.

Pincher

Wammer wrote: »

We had that happen a couple of years ago in Vegas. It was on our big shopping day when the card was getting hammered. The retailer called and had the purchase authorised, but we didn't have to speak to anyone.

Tried to use the card later in the day and it was declined. Called the Nationwide and they said there was no problem with the card and no block on it. They said it may have just been that particular merchant. Tried it somewhere else and it worked.

Over twenty years ago, an accountant from Australia had only ONE credit card on him. Haggled his way down the street in Hong Kong for a camera. In one shop, he decided to buy some film, using his ONLY credit card, having done some haggling but not buy the camera. Later on, he finally found the price he wanted, and whipped out the card, which was promptly declined.


After several phone calls, including the card issuer back in Australia, the situation was the other shop had RESERVED most of his credit limit, so he can't use it until that's lifted. It wouldn't help even if he points a gun at the shop keeper to lift the reservation, because the Australian issuer is obliged to keep the reservation for two weeks, to give the overseas signed voucher (if any) enough time to show up!


He was going into China, so he had plenty of travellers cheques, so it wasn't too big a disaster.

Fairy-Home

menai wrote: »

I have just contacted SANTANDER, your information id incorrect. You do NOT have to notify them if using credit card in Europe.

+1 for this.

I was told that they have recently updated their systems and you no longer need to contact them if travelling within Europe. But if you are going outside of Europe then you do still need to contact them.