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Using RBS card overseas

Scotbot
Posts: 1,524 Forumite

Off to Spain in a week and just tried to register my trip with RBS via online banking. No problem for my credit card but can't register my debit card. Rang them to be told that they can no longer do it. However the website clearly says you can via the app.
Don't have the app and don't want it as I think they are a safety risk using over public WiFi or if your phone gets nicked. Should I get it or just rely on credit card and cash?
Don't have the app and don't want it as I think they are a safety risk using over public WiFi or if your phone gets nicked. Should I get it or just rely on credit card and cash?
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Comments
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If they don't provide any non-app means of notifying travel, then my strong suspicion would be that it's no longer necessary, despite what their website suggests - many institutions no longer ask customers to notify them of planned use overseas, as the fraud systems and algorithms in use now are far more sophisticated than they used to be, so it's not particularly significant anymore to know where the customer physically is....
Having said that, your security concerns about apps sound misplaced, but you shouldn't be forced into using them if you don't want to!0 -
It is necessary. I just recently had a transaction declined on an RBS Credit Card (luckily had another card). I enabled in the app (did even know that was an option) and now is OK. On the phone, said we now need to do this for debit and credit cards.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Credit Cards and Budgeting & Bank Accounts boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.0 -
Scotbot said:Off to Spain in a week and just tried to register my trip with RBS via online banking. No problem for my credit card but can't register my debit card. Rang them to be told that they can no longer do it. However the website clearly says you can via the app.
Don't have the app and don't want it as I think they are a safety risk using over public WiFi or if your phone gets nicked. Should I get it or just rely on credit card and cash?
But more importantly, neither the RBS debit nor their credit card are the best cards to use abroad. It's probably too late now to get yourself the better cards, but for future: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards. Although Starling Bank are very quick to apply for an account, and they send your card very quickly, too. Chase UK are even faster but as you are averse to apps, they are probably not for you.0 -
Daliah said:Scotbot said:Off to Spain in a week and just tried to register my trip with RBS via online banking. No problem for my credit card but can't register my debit card. Rang them to be told that they can no longer do it. However the website clearly says you can via the app.
Don't have the app and don't want it as I think they are a safety risk using over public WiFi or if your phone gets nicked. Should I get it or just rely on credit card and cash?0 -
You might be able to use it on a tablet. Depending on access to either Play Store or Apple app store & your tablet being upto date enough.
TBH. I would rather have it on a phone as you can then use mobile data rather than WiFi for connection.Life in the slow lane0 -
born_again said:You might be able to use it on a tablet. Depending on access to either Play Store or Apple app store & your tablet being upto date enough.
TBH. I would rather have it on a phone as you can then use mobile data rather than WiFi for connection.0 -
Scotbot said:Daliah said:Scotbot said:Off to Spain in a week and just tried to register my trip with RBS via online banking. No problem for my credit card but can't register my debit card. Rang them to be told that they can no longer do it. However the website clearly says you can via the app.
Don't have the app and don't want it as I think they are a safety risk using over public WiFi or if your phone gets nicked. Should I get it or just rely on credit card and cash?0 -
eskbanker said:If they don't provide any non-app means of notifying travel, then my strong suspicion would be that it's no longer necessary, despite what their website suggests - many institutions no longer ask customers to notify them of planned use overseas, as the fraud systems and algorithms in use now are far more sophisticated than they used to be, so it's not particularly significant anymore to know where the customer physically is....
Having said that, your security concerns about apps sound misplaced, but you shouldn't be forced into using them if you don't want to!0 -
Daliah said:Scotbot said:Off to Spain in a week and just tried to register my trip with RBS via online banking. No problem for my credit card but can't register my debit card. Rang them to be told that they can no longer do it. However the website clearly says you can via the app.
Don't have the app and don't want it as I think they are a safety risk using over public WiFi or if your phone gets nicked. Should I get it or just rely on credit card and cash?
But more importantly, neither the RBS debit nor their credit card are the best cards to use abroad. It's probably too late now to get yourself the better cards, but for future: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards. Although Starling Bank are very quick to apply for an account, and they send your card very quickly, too. Chase UK are even faster but as you are averse to apps, they are probably not for you.
Their standard credit card is identical to sister NatWest's offering - this is in the top tranche
https://www.rbs.co.uk/credit-cards/the-royal-bank-credit-card.html1 -
Deleted_User said:Daliah said:Scotbot said:Off to Spain in a week and just tried to register my trip with RBS via online banking. No problem for my credit card but can't register my debit card. Rang them to be told that they can no longer do it. However the website clearly says you can via the app.
Don't have the app and don't want it as I think they are a safety risk using over public WiFi or if your phone gets nicked. Should I get it or just rely on credit card and cash?
But more importantly, neither the RBS debit nor their credit card are the best cards to use abroad. It's probably too late now to get yourself the better cards, but for future: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards. Although Starling Bank are very quick to apply for an account, and they send your card very quickly, too. Chase UK are even faster but as you are averse to apps, they are probably not for you.
Their standard credit card is identical to sister NatWest's offering - this is in the top tranche
https://www.rbs.co.uk/credit-cards/the-royal-bank-credit-card.html0
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