Nationwide Credit Card

Blade200

Hello. I have the Nationwide member credit card that has 0% foreign transaction fees. I plan on using it when I go to America soon. Now Nationwide say they don’t need you to let them know that you are going abroad but if they spot something suspicious they will block card and phone/text you. 

My worry is I won’t be contactable. My phone will have network/data turned off and I don’t want to buy any roaming packs. Has anyone any experience on on NW CC while abroad? Did it ever get blocked?

thanks 

Bonhomie

Which card has no fees? Select?

Don't make a mountain out of a molehill, it doesn't cost anything to receive SMS. Plus there is WiFi Calling.

Otherwise; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Mobile-PAYG-Voice-Pack/dp/B09QKP2DRX/

Kor65

I’m with Nationwide and you don’t need to notify them. 

However, I tend to use my card at the airport. The roaming pack above is a good idea. however, you should be able to use Wi-Fi as well.

hugheskevi

Blade200 said:

Hello. I have the Nationwide member credit card that has 0% foreign transaction fees. I plan on using it when I go to America soon. Now Nationwide say they don’t need you to let them know that you are going abroad but if they spot something suspicious they will block card and phone/text you. 

My worry is I won’t be contactable. My phone will have network/data turned off and I don’t want to buy any roaming packs. Has anyone any experience on on NW CC while abroad? Did it ever get blocked?

thanks 

I have spent more than a year continuously travelling through 14 countries in the Americas, using 6 different accounts between my wife and myself - not once has a purchase or ATM withdrawal been stopped or queried (and due to low withdrawal limits sometimes I have made multiple maximum withdrawals every day over a few days). None of the accounts wanted notification of overseas travel. Although none of the accounts are Nationwide.

You might want to get a 3 PAYG SIM before your go, as mentioned advice, then for £10 you will have data for a month in the USA.

Or if you want a second card for travel (always good to have an alternative), Barclaycard Reward or Chase are excellent choices - Chase especially for USA as you get free ATM withdrawals from all Chase ATMs as well as 1% cashback on spending.

photome

I would get a roaming deal for the phone and also have back up cards/accounts

its not sensible to travel with only one card and no phone

Blade200

Thank you everyone for your responses and getting me to see the light of day. Getting a roaming pack or a back up card will remove any stress. Thanks 

twopenny

I have had it blocked purchasing on the way to the airport. I mistyped the pin once and it didn't give me another chance.
Unfortunately my flight left before the office opened and my phone would have been too pricy to ring from Egypt back k in the day.
It did cause problems but I used a debit card and kept my fingers crossed.

I now do total belt and braces. I ring regardless and late at night is quickest.
I have a back up card from another supplier. I ring both. I leave a purchasing trail to the flight. 

Before anyone criticises I've been welcomed and had some excellent advice when ringing to say I'm travelling from tips to what to pack by late night call centers based abroad 

sparklymarkly

You did used to have to inform Nationwide if you were going away but it’s no longer necessary.
 I did a European road trip earlier this year and used my Nationwide card in about 8 different countries with no issues.