We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 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!
Will My Card be Blocked Again?
Options

Saver-upper
Posts: 2,348 Forumite


I need to fly to Australia this weekend (only booked today!).
When I went there 4 years ago,despite letting my card provider know I would be travelling,it was still "blocked" everytime I tried to make a purchase.(I can't remember,but I also may not have been able to use ATMs.)
Is there anything extra I need to do this time to avoid card being declined?
Wonder if I really need to take a great wadge of cash instead
.
When I went there 4 years ago,despite letting my card provider know I would be travelling,it was still "blocked" everytime I tried to make a purchase.(I can't remember,but I also may not have been able to use ATMs.)
Is there anything extra I need to do this time to avoid card being declined?
Wonder if I really need to take a great wadge of cash instead

SPC #36 :staradminx 8.SPC7=£751.10 SPC8=£651.04 SPC9=£843.00 SPC10=£872.76
Pinecone £301,Valued Opinions £10.50
Pinecone £301,Valued Opinions £10.50
0
Comments
-
You never know. That's why you have to have at least two spare cards or, indeed, cash.
Did you contact the provider after the card was repeatedly blocked 2-3 times?0 -
Saver-upper wrote: »I need to fly to Australia this weekend (only booked today!).
When I went there 4 years ago,despite letting my card provider know I would be travelling,it was still "blocked" everytime I tried to make a purchase.(I can't remember,but I also may not have been able to use ATMs.)
Is there anything extra I need to do this time to avoid card being declined?
Wonder if I really need to take a great wadge of cash instead.
:footie:Regular savers earn 6% interest (HSBC, First Direct, M&S)
Loans cost 2.9% per year (Nationwide) = FREE money.
0 -
Hiya
Don't know which bank you are with but I have not had any problems last three years using my credit and debit cards abroad after informing the relevant banks. I always take three anyway.
Suggest phoning the numbers on the cards tomorrow and telling them directly where and when you are going and returning rather than telling a minion in the branch.
Could you maybe transfer some money into one of your family's accounts in Australia before you go ?? I know you will have to pay a fee but at least you will ensure some funds.
Thomas Cook used to do an instant foreign money-card but I don't know if they still do. Might be worth having a look !!
I would still take some cash, but obviously you don't want to take loads, and make sure you keep it in a pocket eh
Hope all goes as well as can in the circumstances
Lx£10day.2014=3213/2015=3421/2016=3238/2017=2702/2018=498..APR=12.03/300
GrocC.2014=2162/2015=2083/2016=218/2017=1996/2018=450..APR=17.13/200
Bulk buy.......APR=233.76
GC.NSD..2015=216/2016=213/2017=229/2018=39..APR=03/15
SPC130:staradminx61..2014=1178/2015=1287/2016=4616/2017=3843
OS WL= -2/8 ......CC =00......Savings = £13,1400 -
Thank you everyone.
Sounds like it is just pot luck.
I phoned my bank (Natwest) before travelling,despite this I was unable to pay about $1500 for internal flights and holiday for my family.Phoned Natwest and they couldn't understand why there was a problem.They couldn't see any problem at their end.Didn't do anything to help.
I stopped using the card after a couple more failed attempts.'Twas getting embarrassing.I do have an account in Australia-might transfer some money into that and see if I have a card for it....
Just remembered I opened a Halifax reward account last week.I wonder if that card will arrive before I go.
Thank you for the couple of different suggestions lynnejk-going to try them all.I will also make sure notes don't work their way out of my pockets this time :eek:.Thank you for your wishes xSPC #36 :staradminx 8.SPC7=£751.10 SPC8=£651.04 SPC9=£843.00 SPC10=£872.76
Pinecone £301,Valued Opinions £10.500 -
I travel quite often and have never had a card declined abroad. Some banks ask that you tell them where you're going (first direct, Lloyds), others (like Barclaycard) do not need to be told.
I was in Spain a week or so ago and the card reader at a restaurant would not read any of my cards... I'm assuming that was their fault and not the banks. Luckily I was with someone who had cash.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.2K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards