Nationwide ATM Problem

[David House]

We have had a few problems with ATMs and Nationwide cards recently. My wife's card was retained because they had issued a faulty new card just before we left the UK and the re-issued card was, of course, sent to our UK address. We had it couriered here (great service 2 days for £20 for a well stuffed A4 size letter) and sorted that out. Then my card was blocked twice. I phoned them and got it cleared. It was caused by the high level of activity. We have been withdrawing 20,000 pesos a day recently as our niece is seriously ill and has to have a second brain operation. The hospitals only accept cash! I have found machines which will give 20,000 in one hit, whilst most will now give 10,000. With Nationwide that is not an issue because they make no charge per withdrawal.
By the way I use Skype to call the UK and have found it most useful. I can call any UK landline for an unlimited time for a charge of around £4.50 per month. This enable me to call my business every day, stay in touch with family and sort out problems such as the Nationwide one. The line is super clear. I have even found a website on which you can convert 0891 type numbers to regular ones so can call them too. Finally some credit to Nationwide. They claim a 24 hour, 365 days a year service. I called them at 5.30 am UK time on Christmas day and was answered promptly and efficiently by a bright young lady who was not at all miffed at working such a rotten shift.

[joebloggs]

Finally some credit to Nationwide. They claim a 24 hour, 365 days a year service. I called them at 5.30 am UK time on Christmas day and was answered promptly and efficiently by a bright young lady who was not at all miffed at working such a rotten shift.

that's nothing, i phoned a NHS help line number a couple of years ago, looking for advice about my misses taking exams, expecting just to get a recorded message, that's why i phoned 3am in the morning (after being up til that time chatting to the misses) only for the phone to be answered by a happy sounding and helpful Scottish lady

[aromulus]

only for the phone to be answered by a happy sounding and helpful Scottish lady

So they should be, after all some of our tax money is going north of the border.... And we get naff all for that....

[somebody]

So they should be, after all some of our tax money is going north of the border.... And we get naff all for that....

The rest goes to Wales doesn't it

[aromulus]

The rest goes to Wales doesn't it

I wouldn't see anything wrong with that if it did get here....

[Plonker]

Usually when that happens the funds will bounce back into your account, the atm might have no cash in it or is simply unable to proceed with the transaction. I've had that here in the UK as well as in Manila.

I'm with HSBC and I found out by accident that I had to notify my bank 24 hours prior to going to Manila, so that my bank could put a travel marker on my debit and visa card, the travel marker unlocks the cards so it can be used in Manila or any international destination. Its one of these new security things, maybe your bank has already implimented it. So that might be the reason why she cant get money from the atm.

[David House]

Nationwide do not restrict their cards for international travel. Read their website, there is no need to advise them of your travel plans although other banks do ask that you do so. Heavy use may trigger a security block requiring a call to release it, hence my use of Skype to enable easy UK calling.