Why take cash?

[Jennie4647]

Thanks for checking Karen.

 

[Claire L]

I've just spoken to the Nationwide Credit Card people and they say, they will only block a card if a pin is incorrectly entered twice. Not if no chip and pin is available. So there shouldn't be any problem in the States.

Not correct as I had horrendous problems in the States and also when I got home they weren't very helpful at all. They said on three occassions that if you are asked to sign, as that is all you can do in the States then after 2 or 3 transactions without a pin being used the card is blocked. Never with any other card have I had such a problem

Claire

 

[paulh]

We use both nationwide cc and nationwide flexacount debit card.As outhers have stated you get the interbank rate for both with no commision so today for each transaction would get $1.87 for £1.00.
We use cc for the hotel car and resturants where they would not take card away from you (dont like to lose sight of cc)and most of disney parks.We use debit card for cash from atms(withdrwals if we can from publix as no fee for using machine)for tips we like to tip in cash and for places where we lose sight of cc rainforest comes to mind.Hope this welps
Paulh

 

[mattnkatsmum]

We use both nationwide cc and nationwide flexacount debit card.

So Paul, did you use your Nationwide credit card a few times without a pin and without being blocked? I'm just trying to clarify (please see the above posts). Nationwide have assured me there won't be a problem, but I don't want to run into difficulties when I'm over there.

 

[paulh]

when you buy with cc you sign and you show driving licence as some place you have to give a zip code as well, never bought with debit card.We used our pin for ATMs no problem
Paulh

 

[paulh]

Karen i wouldent wory as there are some places you dont sign or give you pin
Paulh

 

[Pootle]

I hope Claire's problems with the Nationwide cc were the exception. I visit the USA 2 or 3 times a year and have not had any worries with my cc - and I don't have a PIN yet!

We used ours during our March trip often (certainly more than twice a day most days) and without incident. I always inform Nationwide in advance I will be using my cc in the USA. Oh, and I always take another cc (just in case) but have never needed to use it.

 

[ford family]

When we are at the BWV we use the room card for all transactions and then settle the bill with a cc or dc as we leave. The dangers of using a cc in the US, theft, loss, cloning etc, are reduced in one go. Also you can keep an eye on your oustanding bill via the in house account system.
When we are elsewhere in the US we use our HSBC Premier debit card which has no exchange or atm fees.

ford family

 

[Laurafoster]

We also had problems using a Nationwide CC in the states. Pretty much every purchgase we had to stand and wait for them to ring for authorisation! Halfway through the holiday i got so fed up with it all the time i switched and used a different card. When i complained to Nationwide when i got home they said this is their new policy and to get on with it.

 

[Claire L]

We also had problems using a Nationwide CC in the states. Pretty much every purchgase we had to stand and wait for them to ring for authorisation! Halfway through the holiday i got so fed up with it all the time i switched and used a different card. When i complained to Nationwide when i got home they said this is their new policy and to get on with it.

Thought it was just me having problems as usual!!

Claire

 

[Ware Bears]

Is this a recent thing with the Nationwide CC? We used ours frequently in Disneyland Paris over Christmas, they did not have chip'n'pin set up for non- French cards at the time so we had to sign every time, and we didn't have any problems.

 

[paulh]

Is this a recent thing with the Nationwide CC? We used ours frequently in Disneyland Paris over Christmas, they did not have chip'n'pin set up for non- French cards at the time so we had to sign every time, and we didn't have any problems.

the states are not set up for our chip and pin
Paulh

 

[UKDEB]

For years we have used credit cards almost exclusively (I hate travellers' cheques despite the 'replacement if lost or stolen' policy). However, the credit card security checks are becoming more and more of an inconvenience. A few years ago, we would simply ring the credit card companies before our trips and we would have no problems. These days, it makes no difference, although we continue to make the calls in the vain hope that it might. They are, of course, just protecting themselves (cardholders are not responsible for fraudulent transactions: the credit card companies are). Once you've used your card a couple of times, they will start sending electronic messages to the vendors instructing them to seek authorisation. That, in itself, isn't a huge problem, but most of the US outlets (retail, restaurants, etc) don't do that, especailly with UK cards - their policy is simply to tell you that the transaction has been declined and ask you for another card.

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
We were in Florida last May and I used my Nationwide credit card up to four times in one day and never had a problem. I did notify them of the dates I would be out of the country.

Mick.

 

[gilld]

When we are at the BWV we use the room card for all transactions and then settle the bill with a cc or dc as we leave. The dangers of using a cc in the US, theft, loss, cloning etc, are reduced in one go. Also you can keep an eye on your oustanding bill via the in house account system.
When we are elsewhere in the US we use our HSBC Premier debit card which has no exchange or atm fees.

ford family

We do exactly the same - the HSBC Premier Account is very travel friendly.

 

[Boss Hogg]

Another good reason for at least having some cash is tipping hotel staff, I'm not sure if bell hops and parking valets take cards

 

[wayneg]

I am Yorkshire born and bred last thing I will be doing is paying someone to park a car and carry bags LOL.

 

[Boss Hogg]

I am Yorkshire born and bread last thing I will be doing is paying someone to park a car and carry bags LOL.

Well done!

 

[Pootle]

I am Yorkshire born and bread last thing I will be doing is paying someone to park a car and carry bags LOL.

A man after my husband's heart! Even the DVC perk of 'free' valet parking at the Boardwalk etc doesn't impress him because he'd be expected to tip - and you should see the luggage train he'll make before using bell services; it's an engineering wonder

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I am the same, Julie reckons we will get someone to carry our bags and park the car etc - she can think again.

Maybe it's a 'Nothern thing'?

Must admit I take all cash these days - apart from a single $20 TC that I have had about 5 years.