Intermarche and Nationwide credit card

Just a quick note to say that we had our Nationwide credit card refused at the Intermarche in Vera over Christmas. This was despite having a £0 balance, notifying them of our travel, the dates and doing everything properly. I complained to Nationwide upon my return to be told that "the Merchant has a chip & pin terminal but chose to override it, thus resulting in a refused transaction". I must be honest, I have never seen a chip & pin pad by the tills at the Intermarche and we have used it there before with no problems. It is very embarassing to be told "computer says no" when you have had your passport checked by staff.

Latest info from Nationwide (which is contradictory to their website) is that cardholders should notify when going abraod for any length of time, including departure arrival dates. The website clearly states that you are not required to inform them if you want to use the card abroad. Lesson learned, ensure you have a bcak up card, Tesco's one worked nicely .

Mark

Mark . This happens sometimes and the bank can give no explanation . I t happened to us in the UK when we tried to draw cash at a Halifax ATM with our RBS card We then walked to our rbs branch and the card worked fine and they had no reason why . We also have a Nationwide credit card and flex account,therefore we are concerned and interested in what happened to you at Intermarche. I will telephone Nationwide.

Hi Ken

I got an apology and £20 to shut me up, but they said they have the right to decline a transaction without giving an explanation! I also heard recently on BBC breakfast news that many card companies are now rejecting overseas transactions as this is now where a majority of fraud is being carried out. More than a little annoyed, but I will be out and trying it again in a week or so. If it hapens again, there will be trouble at t' mill .

Mark

Mark,

We are over in March,please keep us informed.

                                                                                   Ken

Mark,

         I have just telephoned Nationwide and  they now have an option on their system which states notification if going abroad. I have in fact on previous visits telephoned them and they have stated that it is not required. There must have  been a change of  policy ,but they need to tell us,and again Thank-you for the feed-back.

I have just spoken to them,and they say always tell them about going abroad with your credit ,otherwise they will use judgement depending on the risk at the time.If you tell them ,no problems and no inconvienience.

The flex account no need for notification

This message was last edited by kenshaz on 2/7/2009.

Hi, today I tried to notify Nationwide of travelling to Spain, (re Flex and visa ac)I say tried as they would not take the notification as this is no longer their policy to do so. I tried to insist and the good lady went away to confer, but same results. They did check my mobile number in case they needed to contact. Best take a second card to avoid embarrassment.

I rang them on Saturday 14th and as Ken says, there is an option on the phone system to notify them. It is the policy with their credit cards, although I did bring it up before with my complaint that operators are giving out incorrect information. They replied with "thank you for notifying us, we still reserve the right to block your card if we suspect fraudulent activity".

Mark