Travel credit card that doesn't use SMS for security.

frost29

Hi,

Does anyone know of a travel credit card that can be used abroad but doesn't use SMS for or multifactor authentication. This is when they ask for a security code sent via text message or send you text message which you need to reply to to verify it's a genuine transaction. It's really good to have security but this just doesn't work very well if you don't have access to your UK phone number.

When I go abroad, my current provider will only allow me to use SMS. Unfortunately this is no good for me as I cannot receive a signal when abroad. I can get a local SIM but the bank won't let me change numbers as they only accept UK numbers.

I can upgrade my phone contract to allow roaming abroad. It's £5 per day the cheapest contract I can find that will allow me to use my UK number abroad is £10 per month more expensive than my current one.

If anyone knows of a UK credit card provider that allows you to use multifactor authentication by email, WhatsApp or an authenticator app. That is exactly what I'm looking for but I can't find any. The only one that came close was first direct but they charge foreign transaction fees for using credit cards abroad. 

There is the option to switch to a prepaid Mastercard or Visa 's charge fees to add or remove money. 

I really wish banks would move away from SMS for multi-factor authentication but I understand why they use it.

la531983

Monzo uses the app to verify. As does Chase.

Why does it have to be a credit card and not a debit card?

frost29

Section 75 of the consumer credit act gives you purchase protection for using credit card. You don't get that with a debit card. Many hotels will put a hold on your card for checking in on a credit card that can be cleared 24 hours after payment. A debit card can take a few days.

flaneurs_lobster

Amex credit card uses their app for verification. Obviously you'll need internet access on your phone.

la531983

OK, my Natwest credit card did it through the app earlier when I bought my car insurance but I never use it abroad, so have no idea what the currency fees and rates are on it.

TadleyBaggie

Used my Starling (debit)  card numerous times abroad, never had to do any type of verification on using it.

jbrassy

Every credit / debit card will require two-factor authentication for some transactions as this is a legal requirement. However, if you're looking for a travel credit card which does not require SMS for two-factor authentication, I can personally recommend Barclaycard which will give you the option to authenticate via SMS or via the app. Therefore, you could apply for the Barclaycard Rewards credit card which does not charge fees for overseas use: https://www.barclaycard.co.uk/personal/credit-cards/barclaycard-rewards

Amex also allow two-factor authentication via the app or via email, but Amex charge fees for overseas use and is not accepted as widely as MC/Visa.

Of course, verifying by app or email still requires an internet connection abroad, which is a completely separate discussion. If you're travelling to the EU, you could get a temporary PAYG with Smarty (https://smarty.co.uk/all-plans) which allows up to 12GB of roaming for free in the EU. This would cost you £8 (for a whole month), rather than the £5 per day your current provider charges you. If you're travelling outside the EU, the best option is to either get an esim (https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/cheap-roaming-calls/) or get a local sim card when you arrive in the airport. 

Hope that all helps

la531983

frost29 said:

When I go abroad, my current provider will only allow me to use SMS. Unfortunately this is no good for me as I cannot receive a signal when abroad.

This doesnt sound right at all, Ive just recently been to Africa, kept my data off all the time and only used Wifi, yet I still got a text message through as I was still on the local carriers network (albeit not for data). What network are you with and where are you actually going?

Olinda99

you will be able to receive texts on your mobile phone provide you are connected to the local mobile network - they are free of charge to receive them

if you use the app to authenticate then you will need internet access and this can get very expensive in certain countries

sausage_time

RBS/NatWest use the app for verification, and they have some cards with good FX rates.

zagfles

What are you going to be using the card for? In person transactions like paying in a shop, hotel or restaurant? Or cardholder not present transaction like ordering stuff on the internet/over the phone? 

For in-person transactions you don't need SMSs, there's already 2 factors if required, the physical card, and the PIN.