What to do if your credit card gets BLOCKED when abroad
HOLIDAYMAKERS using a credit or debit card abroad can face huge problems if it gets blocked when using it abroad, and so should follow some simple tips to make sure they are protected.
Credit cards can be easily blocked when abroad, causing holidaymakers to be without payment methods
Many banks now offer a better deal when it comes to using credit or debit cards when abroad.
It can now be better value to use that method of paying instead of withdrawing money at astronomical fees.
Yet sometimes the unexpected happens and a card gets blocked, meaning travellers are left without any means of currency.
However, with some simple steps, they can stay protected no matter what happens.
Travellers should always inform their bank that they are going abroad, so they can add a note to your account to realise that the ‘abnormal’ activity is expected.
However some banks may still block the account, therefore it is worth taking the phone details and any additional logins in case a call needs to happen when abroad.
It is also suggested to have a credit card from a different bank to hand.
This means that if one bank has blocked all the cards for one reason, a different one may not and can continue to use this for the remainder of the trip or even withdraw some emergency money out with it.
Spending money abroad can be hindered if a card gets blocked
Branches of Western Union are in most countries, where people can wire money from anywhere in the world
Yet there are also other things that can be done that don’t require a bank card.
Branches of Western Union are in most countries, where people can wire money from anywhere in the world.
This can then be picked up with just a form of identification such as a driving licence or a passport.
This short-term fix can then help holidaymakers survive the rest of the trip or until they can contact their bank to get the rest of their cards unblocked.
Fraud fears over contactless bank card technology
If a bank gets blocked abroad, travellers can contact their bank to get it unblocked
Using a card abroad is much more affordable now depending on the bank.
The popular Monzo card has a huge wait list due to its no-fee travel policy.
For any travellers wanting to still have some currency with them, there are some easy ways to beat the system when it comes to getting the most of their money.