Travelling abroad soon - how can i use banking apps to withdraw cash and monitor card spend?

Gandalf644

Ayr_Rage said:

@400ixl regarding notification of overseas use, you are incorrect.

This is the screenshot from Santander today.

Same with Natwest:

https://www.natwest.com/credit-cards/existing-customers.html#REPORT

400ixl

There is always one exception, Santander are pretty antiquated in many of the ways they work, although they also have many processes up that they no longer use.

I bet the card would work absolutely fine if you did not do that.

I know that if you speak to Natwest, they do not require you to do it anymore as a friend queried when they came with us a couple of years ago.

Ayr_Rage

@400ixl I also have Nationwide cards and their notification option only ended a couple of years ago, certainly not a decade ago as you previously posted.

400ixl

Daughter checked with Nationwide when she opened her account in 2017 and they told her they had not required any notification for years before then. So that was certainly not only a couple of years ago, but at least 7-8 years.

First Direct stopped asking for it 10 years ago, HSBC the same and Halifax.

Many may still have the pages up or old processes, but do not insist on being told for a long time and would have no effect on your ability to use the card abroad.

There is no longer any need to inform banks you are going abroad to be able to use your cards.

sausage_time

400ixl said:

...

Many may still have the pages up or old processes, but do not insist on being told for a long time and would have no effect on your ability to use the card abroad.

There is no longer any need to inform banks you are going abroad to be able to use your cards.

Sorry, that's not true.  Last year RBS declined a retail transaction (coffee - essential purchase!) in USA on my credit card because I'd neglected to declare travel.  I called them to ask why, and they directed me to the app to enter the details and dates.  All was OK after that. 

Ayr_Rage

It would therefore seem the best thing to do before travelling is to check the bank website/app and if it allows you to enter proposed travel dates and destinations then do so.

Nothing more annoying than not getting your cup of coffee for want of few inputs on a screen.

sausage_time

Ayr_Rage said:

...
Nothing more annoying than not getting your cup of coffee for want of few inputs on a screen.

I had a backup card of course!  :-)

jbrassy

I have Barclaycard Rewards and Chase as the OP mentions. I have used both abroad (including outside Europe) and never informed them I'm going away. Never had any problems with either. Neither app uses SMS texts to log in.

As someone else mentioned, Apple Pay (or Google Pay) is the most secure way to pay (in the UK or abroad).

I would also add it's better for your credit history to withdraw cash using a debit card (Chase) rather than a credit card (Barclaycard). Important if you're applying for something important like a mortgage in the next few months. 

jungleboy123

jbrassy said:

I have Barclaycard Rewards and Chase as the OP mentions. I have used both abroad (including outside Europe) and never informed them I'm going away. Never had any problems with either. Neither app uses SMS texts to log in.

As someone else mentioned, Apple Pay (or Google Pay) is the most secure way to pay (in the UK or abroad).

I would also add it's better for your credit history to withdraw cash using a debit card (Chase) rather than a credit card (Barclaycard). Important if you're applying for something important like a mortgage in the next few months. 

Perfect - thanks.

I did a £10 withdrawal on the Barclays just to test it was working - which it was. Hopefully no big holes on my credit file (haven't checked lol).

Chase is just easier, best bank ever that.... 

NoodleDoodleMan

"@400ixl regarding notification of overseas use, you are incorrect."

Santander still offer the facility online to give advance notice of card use abroad.

However, when I spoke with one of their staff a few days ago she advised it wasn't absolutely necessary to do so as card transactions were monitored regardless and could still be declined if they perceived unauthorised use.

That said, I do feel more comfortable letting them know ahead of travelling - never had any issues with Santander service.