Am abroad, MBNA block card

nlinc

I am overseas away from the EU and any roaming for phone. I have 3 MBNA credit cards all in good health and never any problem paying them. I had one card declined when I went to pay car hire (500 +euro) on chip and PIN. MBNA say I should call them personally, but calling at different times in their opening hours (8.00 - 8.00 UK time|) results in a rotating hold message which cuts the phone off after 9 very expensive minutes. On messenger MBNA deny they have a problem and will only deal with a card problem personally by phone. I am stuck !  Any ideas how I can get this resolved. The online statements show all is OK with no odd payments etc.TIA
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k3lvc

Firstly did either of the other cards work when the first was declined ? And have you tried the declined card for a smaller amount somewhere else.

I had a similar with MBNA a few years ago in Thailand - resolved quickly via phone call to MBNA.

As an aside why 3 x MBNA cards when travelling - gives a significant risk if there's an issue with their systems 

Penelopa.Pitstop

I tried to use my MBNA card in EU recently when hiring a car and security deposit was declined. I got text message to confirm that transaction was made by me and then had to wait 10 minutes to try again. Text message said, that if I don't respond to it, card will remain blocked.

Couldn't be bothered to wait 10 minutes and used different card. Those new secuirty rules are real pain and make cards useless at times. I will certainly not bother with using MBNA again to rent a car.

cymruchris

Make sure you are dialling the international number as found on their website: +44 1244 659 005

If you have a regular smart phone there are multiple apps that allow wifi to landline calling to the UK for pennies a minute.

I've personally used Viber - and added a few dollars to 'Viber out' - which lasted me quite a while - there are plenty of other options available - that way while you're on hold it's not costing you the earth. 

nlinc

Responses appreciated, thanks. But reading that which is written in a post is always advisable. So to make it clear: I am not a callow youth but have a good thatch of grey hair after a lifetime working as a professional in an expat lifestyle. (Including four overseas diplomatic missions - in each as a post conflict specialist = security of self/possessions/funds is one of my interests!)  I am not walking down some foreign high street brandishing no less than three credit cards in my hot little hand. I merely wrote I possess 3 MBNA cards, illustrating the depth of my involvement with them - and expectation of their respect for my business, and yes, I know that is a fast dying old chestnut! I have one MBNA card with me and always travel with another credit card from a totally different issuer, but obviously kept safely out of sight.

I have not tried to use it with chip and pin as I am in a place where a European having a card turned down can spark some very bad attitudes. (Remember, I have professional experience of such countries).

I also clearly wrote that I am in live contact with MBNA online via 'messenger'. So they have given me numbers to dial directly. None of which are answered. Their response is to just keep calling; and I have tried calling as their lines open in UK time, and also just before they close.

Thanks, I appreciate advice on using alternative routes to UK numbers which might be cheaper, good advice. But the fact remains that the calls are switched off by the MBNA system after they have not responded for 9 minutes - more or less exactly.

Thanks also for mirroring my experience with them particularly in relation to car hire. But I have not been sent any message or text by MBNA as a follow-up. In all, they just don't seem bothered, though I fully understand their need to have a phone conversation to check security details etc. and not give away anything in an online context.

I just don't think it worth pursuing with MNBA any more; I have a very high credit allowance but a low  balance to pay off. So I think I will do just that on my return to the UK. And not use the cards for a while. Naturally I am using the spare card from the other issuer, and making small top-ups to the good old Revolut card, and enjoying its superb exchange rates.

Time was when these banks always asked to be advised when one travelled to ensure no nasty surprises - like payments declined! I have tried to do that again before departure, but four of them just told me that they don't bother any more as they apparently have 'systems' that keep them informed. But heaven knows what that means. (3 years ago when 150 miles from home in UK I had to buy a phone in an emergency and my card was declined because I was out of my usual geographic area !  According to the bank.)

I will now try and continue to try and enjoy my holiday! Thanks all.