UK Barclays Bank customers
This is happening to me on a regular basis now with Lloyds, the only thing that makes life slightly easier, is if you are registered for telephone banking, as this speeds up the verification process. I have to say that the call centre operators, who are obviously in India, are exceptionally polite and efficient.
When I telephoned the call centre in the UK it was an 0800 number which was free but the operator give me another number to call and said it would be better as it would get me through directly to the person I needed to speak to. The other number was an 0870 which would have cost me a fortune calling from my mobile. I told him I would hold on until he put me through which took about 15 minutes, but I didn't care as it did not cost me anything. I will make sure before I come to HH in April that I notify my Bank.
Yes, I know it's this old story again, but here's an update for Barclays customers as I've just found out this morning.
As usual, sitting here with all of 7 odd Baht in coins, rent to pay Sunday, so off to the ATM. Same, same - "refer to issuing bank".
Fortunately the wife had money on her mobile - we don't have an international connection on the land-line at home. This time I was just a bit angry as I thought and had been told that this situation was resolved a few months ago.
So, I was informed of the following. As my statements go to my parents' address in the UK (it makes it easier when I need a new debit card. They won't sent one overseas direct), my card will be automatically blocked every 3 months. The computer can't be overriden and no amount of shouting and protestations were going to change that fact. So, the relevant future date is now entered in my diary.
Also, I mooted the situation where I went, say, to Malaysia for a bit to visit friends. Would I need to let them know? "Definitely, or else the card will get blocked there immediately".
So, it's not just Big Brother in the form of UK and Thai authorities keeping track of me, it's now my bank as well
What's next, I have to tell my hairdresser back home every time I go for a piss here.
More guns
As usual, sitting here with all of 7 odd Baht in coins, rent to pay Sunday, so off to the ATM. Same, same - "refer to issuing bank".
Fortunately the wife had money on her mobile - we don't have an international connection on the land-line at home. This time I was just a bit angry as I thought and had been told that this situation was resolved a few months ago.
So, I was informed of the following. As my statements go to my parents' address in the UK (it makes it easier when I need a new debit card. They won't sent one overseas direct), my card will be automatically blocked every 3 months. The computer can't be overriden and no amount of shouting and protestations were going to change that fact. So, the relevant future date is now entered in my diary.
Also, I mooted the situation where I went, say, to Malaysia for a bit to visit friends. Would I need to let them know? "Definitely, or else the card will get blocked there immediately".
So, it's not just Big Brother in the form of UK and Thai authorities keeping track of me, it's now my bank as well
What's next, I have to tell my hairdresser back home every time I go for a piss here.
More guns
Fair comment, but:Farang wrote:'
If Barclays keep on assaulting your transom, why do persist in being their customer still?
I walked away from them and can now painlessly sit anew.
,
I've been with them for years and with a pretty good track record, that can mean a lot at some future date if I ever need them. That's the main reason.
The card's getting blocked because my statements are going to the UK. That's easily changeable, but there's a big headache down the road because they won't send a card overseas, no matter what. Over the years they've been sent automatically to the statement address and then my family forward it on. I suppose there's a chance of giving a "power of attorney", or something like it for only the card to be sent there, but it's aggravation either way. (I should look into it).
Lastly, as others have said on this thread and who do not bank with Barclays, more and more financial institutions are following Barclays path. Thailand has one of the worst records for credit and debit card fraud in the world. Unless the banks come up with a more failsafe way to use them, I don't see any point in changing bank as I reckon most will be doing the same soon anyway.
That's why I don't walk away, especially when combined with point one
Lomu shiver me timbers doth thow verily not read my posts on these heathen fiefing gits oh yea verily they will send a new debit card to your address here in thailand But abracadabara is the old key word
Try BANKING OMBUDSMAN and then at your leisure watch their attitude change and dont prat about write to the BO and you will get compensation takes a long time and is very little but you will get your card trust me
I am going back to the uk to become a nationwide cuzzztomer
Try BANKING OMBUDSMAN and then at your leisure watch their attitude change and dont prat about write to the BO and you will get compensation takes a long time and is very little but you will get your card trust me
I am going back to the uk to become a nationwide cuzzztomer
A Greatfull Guest of Thailand
Thanks for the comments.
I've tried the FO ploy before - twice - on your recommendation, Sarge. Short of writing to him/her, Barclays won't listen. "The computer can't be overriden". Also, when was the last time you had a card sent direct from the bank to you here? Just a genuine question, because they used to for me, but then abruptedly stopped some 5/6 years ago. That's why I changed the statement address. I was told in no uncertain terms today that there is no way they'll send a card abroad. ??????
Sam, yes a SO monthly would seem the way to go, but I prefer leaving my money in the UK as it can be quickly used to take care of any expenditure on my business there - namely my property. Once here, it's difficult to get out again. I know I'm only talking about small amounts, but they do make a difference to me. If and when I sell up, the situation won't be the same.
If they had internet banking in the UK that allowed me to transfer to a bank here and vice versa, then that's ideal. But I don't see it happening for a long time. I can move my money (what there is) around in the UK at the press of a button from home, but I can't move it overseas. AFAIA.
I've tried the FO ploy before - twice - on your recommendation, Sarge. Short of writing to him/her, Barclays won't listen. "The computer can't be overriden". Also, when was the last time you had a card sent direct from the bank to you here? Just a genuine question, because they used to for me, but then abruptedly stopped some 5/6 years ago. That's why I changed the statement address. I was told in no uncertain terms today that there is no way they'll send a card abroad. ??????
Sam, yes a SO monthly would seem the way to go, but I prefer leaving my money in the UK as it can be quickly used to take care of any expenditure on my business there - namely my property. Once here, it's difficult to get out again. I know I'm only talking about small amounts, but they do make a difference to me. If and when I sell up, the situation won't be the same.
If they had internet banking in the UK that allowed me to transfer to a bank here and vice versa, then that's ideal. But I don't see it happening for a long time. I can move my money (what there is) around in the UK at the press of a button from home, but I can't move it overseas. AFAIA.
Lomu, I had exactly the same problem with my Lloyds ATM being blocked again in Thailand last week. I used to be able to call their phone bank without any problems, but this time it took about 25 minutes of being put on hold and nearly 24 hours to get it unblocked.
I’m going to send them the phone bill this time although I don’t expect much response. From now on I’m going to transfer to a Thai account as this is getting beyond a joke, they offer a worldwide service that, after many years, has stopped working.
I’m going to send them the phone bill this time although I don’t expect much response. From now on I’m going to transfer to a Thai account as this is getting beyond a joke, they offer a worldwide service that, after many years, has stopped working.
I can appreciate the delay, Steve G.
At least every time I call, I'm through quickly and the card reactivated in 5 mins. I gave it 10 mins this morning and it was true.
To wait that amount of time could become desperate. I needed my beers at the time.
Barclays pointed out that the number for their fraud department, which I've posted here a long time ago, is a reverse charge number. Great, except we purposefully don't have an international connection on the land line at home and it wouldn't be much use to me if I was stuck in Nakon Nowhere without cash and trying to explain to a bank that they could make the call and the charges would be accepted. I wonder how that would go?
Anyway, the ressurection of the thread wasn't meant to be a justification of my banking practises, rather than a heads up to Barclays customers again based on what I experienced this morning. More guns
He he. I've had a few beers now and all of a sudden the world dosn't seem such a bad place.
At least every time I call, I'm through quickly and the card reactivated in 5 mins. I gave it 10 mins this morning and it was true.
To wait that amount of time could become desperate. I needed my beers at the time.
Barclays pointed out that the number for their fraud department, which I've posted here a long time ago, is a reverse charge number. Great, except we purposefully don't have an international connection on the land line at home and it wouldn't be much use to me if I was stuck in Nakon Nowhere without cash and trying to explain to a bank that they could make the call and the charges would be accepted. I wonder how that would go?
Anyway, the ressurection of the thread wasn't meant to be a justification of my banking practises, rather than a heads up to Barclays customers again based on what I experienced this morning. More guns
He he. I've had a few beers now and all of a sudden the world dosn't seem such a bad place.