Contact from abroad.

Reg37

Does anyone have experience of contacting the credit card providers from abroad ? Previously with Tesco credit card when abroad it was put on hold as was my JaJa (previously post office) credit card Jaja eventually contacted me by calling me on WhatsApp and I was able to resolve the issue. Unfortunately having only been given normal telephone number for Tesco credit card (other security measures were rejected after being told to use)I was unable to unblock my card and could not use it for the rest of my trip. Does anyone know of the best card to get for contacting provider easily with WhatsApp, online, email or live chat? Was thinking of applying for the Barclaycard but say it only has an abroad landline contact number. Are you able to resolve security issues with the app? Or other means?
Thanks 

Voyager2002

I have only had negative experiences of this...

Get yourself a Curve card and take several different credit cards, so if one or two get blocked you still have others that you can use.

born_again

You can use WhatsApp to make phone calls.

DullGreyGuy

Reg37 said:

Does anyone have experience of contacting the credit card providers from abroad ? Previously with Tesco credit card when abroad it was put on hold as was my JaJa (previously post office) credit card Jaja eventually contacted me by calling me on WhatsApp and I was able to resolve the issue. Unfortunately having only been given normal telephone number for Tesco credit card (other security measures were rejected after being told to use)I was unable to unblock my card and could not use it for the rest of my trip. Does anyone know of the best card to get for contacting provider easily with WhatsApp, online, email or live chat? Was thinking of applying for the Barclaycard but say it only has an abroad landline contact number. Are you able to resolve security issues with the app? Or other means?
Thanks 

Yes, telephoned them, have used their apps, live chat etc where needed with AmEx, Virgin, Starling (debit card), Barclays, NatWest and probably others that I can't remember. 

What's your issue with phoning them? If it's the cost then set yourself up with a VOIP provider on a PAYG basis and a UK call will cost pennies from anywhere in the world you have internet. 

born_again said:

You can use WhatsApp to make phone calls.

Only to other WhatsApp users... can't use it to call a landline

Barkin

I almost never use a credit card abroad, but when I do need/want to, I toggle "abroad freeze" from on to off in the app (MBNA) and I've never had a problem. 

Doshwaster

Skype can do landlines (and mobiles) from abroad at normal rates. It's the only time I ever use Skype now.

DullGreyGuy

Doshwaster said:

Skype can do landlines (and mobiles) from abroad at normal rates. It's the only time I ever use Skype now.

Skype is just a proprietary VOIP provider. Personally prefer to use a different VOIP provider so can easily switch provider without changing hardware or software (not that I have switched in decades)  

bagand96

I'm still with one of the mobile providers that allows EU roaming and will continue that as long as it remains an option.

Other than that if I was out of options and really needed the card I'd just suck up the roaming charge. 

Voyager2002

born_again said:

You can use WhatsApp to make phone calls.

Unfortunately not. Whatsapp cannot be used to call the landlines used by most financial institutions.

Doshwaster

DullGreyGuy said:

Doshwaster said:

Skype can do landlines (and mobiles) from abroad at normal rates. It's the only time I ever use Skype now.

Skype is just a proprietary VOIP provider. Personally prefer to use a different VOIP provider so can easily switch provider without changing hardware or software (not that I have switched in decades)  

That's true and if you are a regular VOIP user then there are better/cheaper solutions but for irregular use, Skype is fine and if you have a personal Microsoft 365 subscription there will be some calling credit included.