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

learoydh

I called my credit card company (the Halifax) a week before going to the States. Unfortunately this was a waste of time as the card was declined the first time I tried to use it. I then called their customer services line (on my mobile, as the promise by the Halifax of being able to reverse charges from abroad if I needed to proved to be incorrect) who first of all checked that I had called the week before (duly confirmed) and then proceeded to say that the card would be ok to use the following day.

Unfortunately it was not and proved not to be working every other time I laughingly tried to use it. It wasn't a real problem - more of an irritation - as I had other cards and cash available but the ridiculous thing was that the other cards (a Marks and Spencer credit card and a First Direct cash card) worked perfectly despite me not having taken the time to call them to say I was going to the States (as I was only going to use my specially ordered 0% interest Halifax card, and cash).

Since returning to the UK, I have called the Halifax to complain and am still waiting (a week later) for a text message to confirm the 'inconvenience' compensation I am meant to be receiving.

Pincher

Not that I prefer Amex, but I have always had a superstition that the last card that will be blocked when you travel is American Express. Whether the merchant accepts Amex, because of the high processing fee, is another matter.


"Don't leave home without it." Give the guy that came up with that slogan a bonus. It really stuck.

REDDDRAGGON

I've never contacted HSBC and never had a problem, although only Western Europe/Serbia.

Vivelafrance

At Xmas I carefully told Nationwide I was going to France, I also gave them the exact dates. However they still blocked my card on Boxing Day, leaving us unable to get petrol on the motorway.
On my return, I complained and was told it was all done by machine and that they could do nothing about it!

brynglas

[learoydh
Calling the Halifax Credit Card Co before going abroad...
I called my credit card company (the Halifax) a week before going to the States. Unfortunately this was a waste of time as the card was declined the first time I tried to use it. I then called their customer services line (on my mobile, as the promise by the Halifax of being able to reverse charges from abroad if I needed to proved to be incorrect) who first of all checked that I had called the week before (duly confirmed) and then proceeded to say that the card would be ok to use the following day.

Unfortunately it was not and proved not to be working every other time I laughingly tried to use it. It wasn't a real problem - more of an irritation - as I had other cards and cash available but the ridiculous thing was that the other cards (a Marks and Spencer credit card and a First Direct cash card) worked perfectly despite me not having taken the time to call them to say I was going to the States (as I was only going to use my specially ordered 0% interest Halifax card, and cash).

Since returning to the UK, I have called the Halifax to complain and am still waiting (a week later) for a text message to confirm the 'inconvenience' compensation I am meant to be receiving.




QUOTE=Brynglas When I registered my card to use abroad i was clearly told that if I had problem with the card to use a landline to call the international operator and they would reverse the charges, did you not listen? You used a mobile? They also provided me with a booklet on charges for using my card abroad.[/QUOTE]

PeteDoff

In the past have, Natwest, Santander, Nationwide and others still blocked then (Ba****ds), cost Natwest a few quid but that's a different story.
Metro bank never have, I love them.

Anatidaephobia

I was always under the impression that you didn't need to inform Nationwide of holidays - but generally you were supposed to inform your bank if you were going abroad. I never have and I've never had any problems either.

Since reading this thread, I've found the section on Nationwide's website to update holidays. It took two seconds so it was quite handy! I will use that in future.

robertM_2

Ok, I had a Thomas Cook credit card for over 10 years and they always advised that I should let them know where I was going to stop them blocking foreign purchases. On atrip to Singapore / Malaysia last year, I called them from the airport and told them my whole itinerary which was noted on my account. When we got to Singapore my card was declined at the hotel and wouldnt work in an atm. No money. So, called them (cost a fortune) and spent a ridiculous amount of time answering tons of security questions to get it working again. Complained that I had only spoken to them 14 hours before, and they said they had no record of my call. So, told them to expect me to be in Malaysia in three days time. All ok until I checked into Malaysia and bang, declined again. Just to add insult to injury they called my mobile (so now im clocking up another bill) at 3 am Malaysian time and virtually insisted i answer security questions despite the time, because of suspicious activity. Again, no record of my previous call. I KNOW they are acting in my best interest, but as a frequent traveller, there comes a point where the inconvenience just isnt worth it. I'll take cash next time.

Roger1

robertM wrote: »

I'll take cash next time.

No! Check MSE's advice and look for a helpful card such as the Halifax Clarity MasterCard - no points but no f/x fee and almost free cash. Other 0% f/x cards are available.

The Thomas Cook card is/was issued by Barclays. Sounds like you have been let down by Barclays customer service. I also had issues when my TC card failed to operate in France, though not as serious as yours as I had other cards.

At that time the TC card had 0% f/x surcharge and decent points earning. They 'enhanced' the card by adding almost 3% f/x surcharge and reducing points. I 'enhanced' my credit cards and cancelled the TC card. I haven't looked back.

Biggles

JCL wrote: »

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

Sadly you can't, well not yet anyway. And it's a real pain to find a Freefone number for them.

You can certainly notify Nationwide and Norwich & Peterborough online.

Capital One definitely say not to inform them.